Scandal: His Majesty's Love-Child. Annie West

know what to do. But, though she’d been proud to act as her dad’s assistant, medicine wasn’t her dream.

      ‘How long have you been an astronomer?’

      Annalisa’s gaze jerked up from the meal she was preparing over the fire. Tahir sat in his usual place by the palm tree, reading in the fading light—one of the astronomy books she’d brought.

      The question was innocuous. But it struck her that this was the first time he’d asked anything personal. His questions were always about the desert and Qusay. She’d enjoyed their discussions and his quick intelligence. She wasn’t used to talking about herself.

      ‘I’m not an astronomer. But my father was an amateur one. I grew up looking at the stars.’

      Tahir tilted his head consideringly. ‘It’s your father who usually comes into the desert with you?’

      She busied herself lifting the pan from the fire. ‘That’s right.’ Those treks had been special, precious time out from her father’s busy practice.

      ‘But he couldn’t come this time?’

      She forced herself to concentrate on dishing up the couscous flavoured with nuts, spices and dried fruits.

      ‘My father is dead.’ It sounded bald, almost aggressive. But Annalisa found it hard to speak of him. He’d been the centre of her life, her mainstay and friend.

      ‘I’m sorry for your loss, Annalisa.’ The simple words flowed like soothing balm over raw-edged nerves, at odds with the shivery excitement evoked by the rare sound of her name on Tahir’s lips.

      ‘Thank you.’ She paused, feeling she should say more. ‘It’s been six months but still it’s hard.’