After her mother's death, Jessica gows up in a foster care believing herself to be an orphan. The discovery of her mother's family in Bha'Khar, a desert kingdom far away from the States, fills her with much wonder and anxiety. As she leaves for Bha'Khar, she is surprised to find a royal jet as wel as Sheikh Kardahl, second in line to the throne, waiting for her. To Jessica's amazement, he says, "You are my betrothed, chosen by my family. You are my bride."