She’d told him that they wouldn’t work! Princess Shantra had explained, in very great detail, to Sheik Laithir del Hassam, Ruler of Piora, that she could never measure up to his first wife’s vivacious and exciting reputation. But did he listen to her? No! The man insisted that a match between them would work. Now she was married to the man, trying to figure out how to make him love her when he had such a fabulous first wife who had tragically died. Sheik Laithir had vowed never to marry again. After his first, disastrous marriage, he never wanted to contemplate putting himself, or the citizens of Piora through another wife like that. But then Princess Shantra stepped into his world. She was refreshing and honest, kind and creative. And she responded to his slightest touch! The lovely princess didn’t think she could measure up to his first wife? Good! She would be perfect!