Page 42

KALUGAL

T he breakfast table groaned under the weight of excess food. Fresh pita bread, multiple varieties of cheese, olives, honey, jam, boiled eggs, ful medames, and enough other dishes to feed twice their number.

"Everything is so good." Jasmine helped herself to the fava beans. "Are we going to have fresh food on the flight or the same frozen meals as on the way here?"

Kalugal stifled the urge to roll his eyes. He was providing them with luxury transportation, and they were complaining about the service?

"Not the same, but still frozen. I have it delivered by a company that provides the same service to other small airlines. Perhaps I should bring Atzil with me the next time and have him prepare everything fresh on board."

Jasmine caught the sarcastic tone in his voice and lifted a placating hand. "I'm not complaining. The ready-made meals were fantastic. It's just that this is better, and I'm going to miss the variety."

"We can always replicate it back home." Kalugal poured coffee for Jacki. "I'll suggest it to Atzil. He's familiar with most of these dishes."

"Are you going to invite us?" Ell-rom asked.

Kalugal flashed him a smile. "Of course, my dear uncle."

There was no harm in reminding the prince of their familial connection.

Everyone tended to forget that Annani and Areana were half-sisters, and that Kalugal's father was the grandson of Ekin, Ahn's half-brother.

Essentially, they had the same blood running in their veins, mixed in with other enhancements.

He still didn't know what power Ell-rom was hiding under his stoic facade, but it had to be something major for Kian to keep it such a secret.

Normally, Kalugal had no problem discovering everything Kian tried to keep from him, but this time, the security and secrecy around Ell-rom's abilities were tight.

When Joseph walked in from the kitchen carrying a fresh pot of coffee, Kalugal knew he wasn't there just to refill their cups, but he played along, lifting his empty one.

"Is Hamid here yet?" he asked.

"Yes, sir." Joseph poured the fragrant brew. "Should I show him into your study?"

Kalugal frowned at Joseph, who should have known better. "I don't allow anyone in my study while I'm not there. Keep him entertained until I'm done with breakfast."

Joseph swallowed. "Yes, sir. I will invite him to wait in my office."

"Excellent. I'll see him after breakfast."

The poor man looked like he had barely slept, and his brain was not operating on all cylinders. He'd probably been up late preparing detailed notes about the house's operations for his replacement. It seemed like Joseph was under the illusion that he was leaving with them later today.

Kalugal needed to have a talk with him and explain that he had to stay for a few weeks to train Hamid. Notes were great, but they couldn't replace in-person training.

"This is incredible," Kyra said, spreading soft white cheese on her bread. "What is it?"

"Domiati," Jacki said. "It's made from buffalo milk."

As the talk around the table continued about local delicacies, Kalugal rose to his feet. "If you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to."

"Hamid's interview?" Jacki asked.

"Among other things." He bent to kiss her cheek. "It shouldn't take long."

On his way to the study, Kalugal sent a text to Joseph to bring Hamid there.

Ahmed's son looked a lot like his father and carried himself with a similar, former military manner. "Thank you for seeing me, sir." He bowed.

"Sit, please." Kalugal motioned at the two chairs in front of his desk as he took his place behind it. "Your father has been working for me for many years, and Joseph speaks highly of you."

"He is too kind, sir."

Kalugal chuckled. "Joseph is many things, but overly kind isn't one of them. He says you are trustworthy, which is top priority for me, and that you have a good head for logistics."

Hamid shifted in the chair. "I'm looking forward to proving my worth."

Kalugal smiled. "The pay is generous, but the hours are demanding while I'm in residence. If you have a family, you won't be seeing much of them during those times. When I'm not here, though, there is very little to do, and you will need to be here only a couple of hours a day."

"I understand, sir. I was hoping to make my residence here."

Kalugal tilted his head. "What about your family?"

"I don't have one yet. I hope to save up before getting married."

"Smart man." He turned to Joseph. "Do we have any staff rooms available?"

Joseph seemed taken aback by the question. "I thought Hamid would be taking over my room."

"When his training is complete, sure, but you will still need your room until he is ready to take over." Kalugal shifted his gaze to Hamid, and after a quick peek into his mind, offered him his hand. "Welcome aboard, Hamid. You can start tomorrow."

The peek into the young man’s head was just one more layer of precaution. Hamid was Ahmed’s son, and Kalugal trusted Ahmed. The man had worked for him for many years, was well-paid, and had proven himself many times over. The son wouldn’t risk his father’s position.

"Thank you, sir." The guy shook Kalugal's hand.

Joseph waited until Hamid left with repeated thanks, before asking the question that was burning in his eyes. "I thought I was leaving today for America. I'm all packed."

Kalugal cast him an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry for not making myself clear.

I need you to stay for at least a month to train Hamid.

Your job might seem easy and simple to you now, but it is anything but.

I can't entrust my household to an inexperienced man who's unfamiliar with its rhythm.

He needs to shadow you for a few days until he gets the hang of it, and then you need to look over his shoulder while he tries to step into your shoes. "

Joseph's face fell, the excitement dimming like a flame deprived of oxygen. "Are you sure that a month is needed, sir? I can probably teach Hamid everything in one week."

Kalugal leaned back in his chair. "Patience, my dear Joseph. Good things come to those who wait. Let's see first if Hamid is the right man for the job. When I return, I will evaluate his performance, and if I find it satisfactory, you'll fly back with me then."

"I... yes, sir. Of course." Joseph squared his shoulders. "That's a very sensible approach. I apologize for misunderstanding."

Kalugal felt like he'd kicked a puppy. "Don't view this as a negative reflection on my faith in you. The opposite is true. It's because I trust you that I want you to train your replacement so he can do just as good of a job."

"Thank you, sir. I understand completely, sir." Joseph managed a smile. "Shall I begin preparing a training schedule for Hamid?"

"That would be excellent, yes."