13.

Malik walked into a cafe that smelt of spices and hot confectionery. 

Answering the customary greetings- every one bowed a little whenever they saw him, he walked to a table where two sofas were. 

Sitting on one of the was Sa'mirah, who was drinking from a teacup. 

When she sighted him, she dropped the cup and frowned. 

"Abdulmalik, what brings you here?", she asked him, her tone cold. 

"What did you tell my father?", Malik asked her without preambles. 

"Nothing important. I went to have a talk with the Sheik as always", Sa'mirah replied him, meeting his gaze hotly. 

"I take it that you told my father that Genie threatened to kill you? That you told him you would kill yourself first before she tries it?"

"I did not tell the Sheik those words",she said, refusing to meet his gaze anymore. 

Malik leaned forward, his elbows resting heavily on the table. 

"I know, Sa'mirah, that you told