Blink of an Eye by Ted Dekker Page B

punishments than death. I am sorry, child. I am very sorry.”
    The sheik sighed. “The world is changing, Miriam.” He glanced at her carefully. “Perhaps after fifty years in opposition to this government, my day has come. I’m sure you’re wondering why I asked Salman to adopt you.”
    So here it was then. “I am.”
    â€œI did it for the good of Saudi Arabia. For the sake of returning the country to the true teaching of Islam, and for the sake of bringing my people, the Shia, into their rightful place within society.” He paused. “King Abdullah has ruled long enough.”
    His words stung her ears. Treason!
    â€œStrong words, I know,” he said. “As your natural father I’ve retained the right to give you in marriage. When you marry into the House of Saud and bear a son, my grandson will be filled with royal blood.”
    â€œBut my father—”
    â€œSalman? He agreed to the general plan from the beginning, though it was not for him to say whom you would marry.”
    Then the sheik told her the details of the planned coup in a quick, low voice, as if he’d rehearsed the words a thousand times. And he probably had, having hatched the plan twenty years ago!
    Her biological father had forged an alliance with her adoptive family. She was just a pawn.
    â€œYou will be married in four days’ time,” Al-Asamm said.
    â€œFour days!” She jumped to her feet.
    â€œIt’s imperative.”
    Panic pressed her chest, flushed her neck. “To whom? I have made no preparations!”
    â€œTo Khalid’s son. To Omar bin Khalid.”
    â€œOmar bin Khalid? I don’t even know him!”
    The sheik stood. “And now you expect to know the one you marry?”
    â€œI can’t marry Omar,” she snapped. “I love Samir!”
    Silence, except for her ragged breathing. He stared, mouth agape.
    â€œSamir?” he finally said. “The driver?”
    She had made a terrible mistake. For Samir’s sake she had to recover.
    She could not reveal the true depth of her love for him.
    â€œNo, you’re right. I do not. But what if I did love someone? You would still force me to marry a man I don’t love? I don’t know a single person who speaks well of Khalid bin Mishal’s family. They are animals!”
    â€œHow dare you speak such things!” The sheik’s nostrils flared. His anger snatched her back from the brink of foolishness. In her mind, she heard a door slam, saw the bolt slide through. Several years ago, a friend who’d argued about marrying was locked up until the day of the wedding.
    â€œI’m sorry. But please, I beg you, don’t do this to me!”
    â€œFathers have always given their daughters in marriage. Now you are telling me that you know better than I who is a good husband?”
    She bit her tongue.
    â€œA country is at stake!” he boomed. “We have in our hands the power to save Islam from corruption, and you think only of your fantasies?”
    Nadia stood near the corner, facing away. Her posture told Miriam that the sheik’s outburst was not a common thing. He had traded her once for peace, and he would do it again, this time for power.
    She had to buy herself some time. Four days! She shivered and found her tongue.
    â€œForgive me. I was thinking irrationally. In one day my best friend has been killed and I learn that I have a wedding in four days. I’m losing myself.” She lowered her eyes. “Of course you are right. This must be done.”
    He stared at her, composing himself. “Yes,” he finally said. “I’m sorry.”
    â€œForgive me.”
    He nodded, exhaled loudly. “This will be a historical day for Islam.” Sheik Abu Ali al-Asamm reached out and put a hand on her arm in a gesture of comfort.
    â€œThe wedding will be held in secrecy. Samir will bring you to us tomorrow, and you will be pampered