The Sheik’s Captured Princess (The Samara Royal Family Series Book 4) by Elizabeth Lennox Page A

clenched as her brother’s words hit her.  “Is that really what you think of me?” she asked, trying to control her temper.  “I’m just a stupid person who likes to shop?  I have no other brain in my head other than what shoes would go best with tomorrow’s outfit.”
    Ramzi glanced up from his desk, startled by her anger.  “What’s going on, Ciala?” he asked, his dark eyebrows coming down as he stared at his sister.  “Where’s this coming from?”
    She shook her head, frustrated and disappointed.  “You have no idea what I really want to do with my life, do you?”
    He leaned back in his enormous leather chair, looking at her with more attention this time.  “I suspected you wanted to get married and have children.”
    She couldn’t believe he’d said that!  “That would be fine if I’d been born in the 1950s.”
    Ramzi sighed deeply.  “You’re starting to sound like Mia,” he replied, rubbing his forehead. 
    Ciala’s whole body bristled with irritation at his patronizing tone and question.  “You don’t let her out enough either.  She’s feeling trapped.”
    “Stay out of it, Ciala,” he warned with enough force to get her to back down.  “I don’t know what’s going on with you today, but this is not the sister I’ve known for so long.”
    Ciala straightened up, irritated that he didn’t know who she really was.  They might have dined together for years, but her oldest brother still thought of her as a silly girl without any ambitions.  “You’re a dinosaur,” she said and spun on her heel, walking out the door. 
    Unfortunately, she ran into Rais and Turk who were heading into Ramzi’s office right at that moment. 
    “Hey, you okay?” Rais asked putting a hand on her arm to slow her down.
    Ciala looked up at her brothers and tried to calm down.  “Would you ever let Raven or Joline have a job outside of the palace?”
    “Not a chance,” Turk replied. “Her clinic is inside the palace security for a reason.”
    She was surprised at his immediately reply.  “Even if it made her happy?”
    His eyes hardened as he said, “I make her happy.”
    Rais snorted and shook his head, agreeing with Turk.  “Joline and I had this conversation before we were married.  She knew from the outset that she wouldn’t be able to work just anywhere.”
    Ciala turned to look up at both of them.  “But Raven works in the clinic right beside the palace.  That’s not inside the palace.  And Joline travels a great deal for Jesek Designs.”
    Turk shrugged at her comment regarding the placement of his wife’s medical clinic.  “Might as well be.  I’ve created a way to ensure her safety while she’s helping her patients.  It’s as good as being inside the palace walls.”
    Rais agreed.  “Joline knows the limits on her travel as well.  She can’t just pop out of the palace whenever she wants.  Normally, she arranges her travel so that it coincides with mine.”
    Ciala didn’t like their answers since it still meant they wouldn’t support her going outside the palace alone to do her research.  “I still think it’s wrong.  We’re like prisoners!” and she stormed off, unconcerned that she’d left both of her brothers looking at her strangely. 
    They walked into Ramzi’s office without knocking, ignoring the way he scowled at them.  “What did you do to Ciala?” Rais demanded before Ramzi could say a word. 
    Ramzi ignored Rais’ question, crossing his arms over his chest.  “Do you know why Jurar would be asking her to come to Drakar for research?”
    Neither Rais nor Turk liked that question.  “Why the hell would he ask for her?”
    Rais leaned forward.  “That ridiculous history stuff she’s always reading.  There are a lot of sites in Drakar but it isn’t safe enough for her.  You’re not going to let her go, are you?” he demanded.  “I mean, what do we really know about this guy?”
    Turk agreed with Rais and added in his