Tiger's Promise Read Online Free PDF Page A

suggestive smile.
    “Quite lovely,” an older man added as he came forward and introduced himself to my
     father and reacquainted himself with the king. The older man seemed kind. Perhaps
     he was offering himself as a groom.
    I’d never allowed myself to entertain the possibility that I would have a chance to
     wed someone young and handsome—a man who I could love and come to trust. For my purposes,
     an older man might be the better choice. It would likely be an easier arrangement
     to escape from. When the older gentleman looked my way, I gave him a shy smile.
    My father was busy and didn’t see, but Hajari did, and I knew there would be a reckoning
     later, but perhaps salvation could be bought with a few careful smiles and some feigned
     interest. When the king formally introduced me to the old sultan, I bravely asked
     if perhaps he might share a plate of food with me.
    He was delighted and offered his arm to escort me to the buffet tables. The king looked
     on proudly. I didn’t dare look at my father. Unfortunately my escort followed closely
     behind.
    “Don’t mind my guard, Hajari,” I said. “My father dotes on me and ensures my safety.”
    “Of course. I understand,” the well-dressed man replied. As he filled a plate for
     us, he asked, “Do you think you might enjoy living by the sea?”
    “Do you live in Mumbai?” I asked attentively.
    “No. I live in Mahabalipuram. Do you know of my city?”
    “I confess I do not.”
    “Our city is bustling with a busy port. We trade with many far-off lands, and we have
     several artisans and sculptors who make our temples and shrines beautiful. Perhaps
     you would consider a visit.”
    “She would not wish to live in a city of coarse sailors, Devanand. She belongs in
     a city of beauty. Allow me to introduce myself, my lovely. My name is Vikram Pillai.”
    “Bah, you are a merchant! Your title is purchased. My blood is royal!”
    “Your blood is old. She needs a groom who can walk without assistance.”
    “How dare you! Please disregard his outbursts, my dear. A young girl as innocent and
     as fresh as you are should not be subjected to such inappropriate disturbances.”
    “Her youth is the issue at hand. I am a much better match. And I can offer wealth.
     There is no one else with more profitable trade caravans.”
    “You might have more wealth at your disposal, but you forget that I have a fleet.
     An alliance with my kingdom would be a much wiser decision.”
    “We’ll see about that!”
    “Yes. Indeed we shall!”
    The younger man with a droopy mustache left us alone, and I felt grateful, but he
     wasn’t the first interruption or the last. A circle of men had surrounded us, each
     one clamoring for attention and offering his wealth, his lands, his titles, or, in
     some cases, his person, in exchange for my hand in marriage. It was overwhelming.
     What little I’d been able to pluck from our shared plate soon turned to ash in my
     mouth. A hand latched on to my arm and tugged me not too gently from the circle of
     men.
    “Gentlemen, my daughter will return momentarily. Please allow me a moment to speak
     with her in private.”
    My father’s grip on my arm was absolute, and there was a strange expression on his
     face. There was no doubt he was irritated by the whole situation and found the pawing
     men distasteful. At the same time, there was something behind his eyes, an unexplained
     delight that made my blood run cold.
    He nodded to a passerby and waited for us to be alone, then said quietly, “The king
     has graciously”—his words dripped with sarcasm—“invited us to stay the night. You
     will retire to the women’s wing. As soon as the king says his good-nights to his guests,
     Hajari will escort you as far as the outer doors. You will behave yourself with the
     proper decorum I expect, and in the morning, I will summon you. If I discover anything,
     anything at all, in your behavior to be what I would consider inappropriate