The Wrath and the Dawnfree.epubebooks.net/ebooks/books/the-wrath-and-the-dawn.pdf · The wrath and...
Transcript of The Wrath and the Dawnfree.epubebooks.net/ebooks/books/the-wrath-and-the-dawn.pdf · The wrath and...
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Ahdieh,Renée.Thewrathandthedawn/RenéeAhdieh.
pagescmSummary:InthisreimaginingofTheArabianNights,Shahrzadplanstoavengethedeathofherdearestfriendbyvolunteeringto
marrythemurderousboy-kingofKhorasanbutdiscoversnotallisasitseemswithinthepalace.[1.Fairytales.2.Love—Fiction.3.Murder—Fiction.]I.Title.
PZ8.A263Wr2015[Fic]—dc232014046249ISBN978-0-698-18589-0.
Version_1
ForVictor,thestoryattheheartofmine.
AndforJessica,thefirststarinmynightsky.
Ioncehadathousanddesires,Butinmyonedesiretoknowyou,
allelsemeltedaway.
Jalalal-DinRumi
Contents
TITLEPAGEMAPCOPYRIGHTDEDICATIONEPIGRAPHPROLOGUE
MEDITATIONSONGOSSAMERANDGOLDONLYONETHEVEILBETWEENTHEMOUNTAINOFADAMANTDESPINAANDTHERAJPUTDRAWWEIGHTBYTHELIGHTOFASINGLECANDLEALADDINANDTHEWONDERFULLAMPTHEBEGINNINGISTHEENDTHESHAMSHIRASILKCORDANDASUNRISEARIGHTEOUSBLAZEANDARESTLESSSPIRITWHEREYOURHEARTLONGSTOBETHEOLDMANANDTHEWELLTHEPROMISEOFTOMORROWMISBEGOTTENOATHSTHEHONOROFBETRAYALTOINFLICTADARKWOUNDABRUTALTRUTHLILACSANDARAGINGSANDSTORMMEHRDADTHEBLUEBEARDEDTHEDIEISCASTTHEFALCONANDTHETIGERTWOCROSSEDSWORDS
ADANCEONABALCONYREALIZATIONSUPONEXPLANATIONSAFLOATINGCARPETANDARISINGTIDESOMEONEWHOKNOWSASHADEOFWHATIFEELAVAOBLIVIONONEELEMENTOFASTORMBURNINGEMBERS
GLOSSARYACKNOWLEDGMENTSSPECIALEXCERPTFROMTHEROSEANDTHEDAGGER
PROLOGUE
ITWOULDNOTBEAWELCOMEDAWN.
Alreadytheskytoldthisstory,withitssadhaloofsilverbeckoningfrombeyondthehorizon.
Ayoungmanstoodalongsidehisfatherontherooftopterraceofthemarblepalace.Theywatchedthepalelightoftheearlymorningsunpushbackthedarknesswithslow,carefuldeliberation.
“Whereishe?”theyoungmanasked.Hisfatherdidnotlookhisway.“Hehasnotlefthischambersincehegave
theorder.”Theyoungmanranahandthroughhiswavyhair,exhalingallthewhile.
“Therewillberiotsinthecitystreetsforthis.”“Andyouwillputthemtorout,inshortorder.”Itwasaterseresponse,still
madetoasomberstretchoflight.“Inshortorder?Doyounotthinkamotherandfather,regardlessofbirthor
rank,willfighttoavengetheirchild?”Finally,thefatherfacedhisson.Hiseyesweredrawnandsunken,asthougha
weighttuggedatthemfromwithin.“Theywillfight.Theyshouldfight.Andyouwillensureitamountstonothing.Youwilldoyourdutytoyourking.Doyouunderstand?”
Theyoungmanpaused.“Iunderstand.”“Generalal-Khoury?”Hisfatherturnedtowardthesoldierstandingbehindthem.“Yes?”“Itisdone.”Hisfathernodded,andthesoldierleft.Again,thetwomenstaredupatthesky.Waiting.Adropofrainstruckthearidsurfacebeneaththeirfeet,disappearingintothe
tanstone.Anotherplinkedagainsttheironrailingbeforeitsliditswayintonothingness.
Soon,rainwasfallingaroundthematasteadypace.“Thereisyourproof,”thegeneralsaid,hisvoiceladenwithquietanguish.Theyoungmandidnotrespondrightaway.“Hecannotwithstandthis,Father.”“Hecan.Heisstrong.”“YouhaveneverunderstoodKhalid.Itisnotaboutstrength.Itisabout
substance.Whatfollowswilldestroyallthatremainsofhis,leavingbehindahusk—ashadowofwhatheoncewas.”
Thegeneralwinced.“DoyouthinkIwantedthisforhim?Iwoulddrowninmyownbloodtopreventthis.Butwehavenochoice.”
Theyoungmanshookhisheadandwipedtherainfrombeneathhischin.“Irefusetobelievethat.”“Jalal—”“Theremustbeanotherway.”Withthat,theyoungmanturnedfromthe
railingandvanisheddownthestaircase.Throughoutthecity,long-drywellsbegantofill.Cracked,sunbakedcisterns
shimmeredwithpoolsofhope,andthepeopleofReyawoketoanewjoy.Theyracedintothestreets,anglingtheirsmilingfacestothesky.
Notknowingtheprice.And,deepwithinthepalaceofmarbleandstone,aboyofeighteensatalone
beforeatableofpolishedebony...Listeningtotherain.Theonlylightintheroomreflectedbackinhisambereyes.Alightbesetbythedark.Hebracedhiselbowsonhiskneesandmadeacrownofhishandsabouthis
brow.Thenheshutteredhisgaze,andthewordsechoedaroundhim,fillinghisearswiththepromiseofaliferootedinthepast.
Ofalifeatoningforhissins.Onehundredlivesfortheoneyoutook.Onelifetoonedawn.Shouldyoufail
butasinglemorn,Ishalltakefromyouyourdreams.Ishalltakefromyouyourcity.AndIshalltakefromyoutheselives,athousandfold.
MEDITATIONSONGOSSAMERANDGOLD
THEYWERENOTGENTLE.ANDWHYSHOULDTHEYBE?
Afterall,theydidnotexpecthertolivepastthenextmorning.ThehandsthattuggedivorycombsthroughShahrzad’swaist-lengthhairand
scrubbedsandalwoodpasteonherbronzearmsdidsowithabrutalkindofdetachment.
Shahrzadwatchedoneyoungservantgirldustherbareshoulderswithflakesofgoldthatcaughtthelightfromthesettingsun.
Abreezegustedalongthegossamercurtainsliningthewallsofthechamber.Thesweetscentofcitrusblossomswaftedthroughthecarvedwoodenscreensleadingtotheterrace,whisperingofafreedomnowbeyondreach.Thiswasmychoice.RememberShiva.“Idon’twearnecklaces,”Shahrzadsaidwhenanothergirlbegantofastena
jewel-encrustedbehemotharoundherthroat.“Itisagiftfromthecaliph.Youmustwearit,mylady.”Shahrzadstareddownattheslightgirlinamuseddisbelief.“AndifIdon’t?
Willhekillme?”“Please,mylady,I—”Shahrzadsighed.“Isupposenowisnotthetimetomakethispoint.”“Yes,mylady.”“MynameisShahrzad.”“Iknow,mylady.”Thegirlglancedawayindiscomfortbeforeturningto
assistwithShahrzad’sgildedmantle.Asthetwoyoungwomeneasedtheweightygarmentontoherglitteringshoulders,Shahrzadstudiedthefinishedproductinthemirrorbeforeher.
Hermidnighttressesgleamedlikepolishedobsidian,andherhazeleyeswereedgedinalternatingstrokesofblackkohlandliquidgold.Atthecenterofherbrowhungateardroprubythesizeofherthumb;itsmatedangledfromathin
chainaroundherbarewaist,grazingthesilksashofhertrowsers.Themantleitselfwaspaledamaskandthreadedwithsilverandgoldinanintricatepatternthatgreweverchaoticasitflaredbyherfeet.Ilooklikeagildedpeacock.“Dotheyalllookthisridiculous?”Shahrzadasked.Again,thetwoyoungwomenavertedtheirgazeswithunease.I’msureShivadidn’tlookthisridiculous...Shahrzad’sexpressionhardened.Shivawouldhavelookedbeautiful.Beautifulandstrong.Herfingernailsdugintoherpalms;tinycrescentsofsteelyresolve.Atthesoundofaquietknockatthedoor,threeheadsturned—theircollective
breathsbated.Inspiteofhernewfoundmettle,Shahrzad’sheartbegantopound.“MayIcomein?”Thesoftvoiceofherfatherbrokethroughthesilence,
pleadingandlacedintacitapology.Shahrzadexhaledslowly...carefully.“Baba,whatareyoudoinghere?”Herwordswerepatient,yetwary.Jahandaral-Khayzuranshuffledintothechamber.Hisbeardandtemples
werestreakedwithgrey,andthemyriadcolorsinhishazeleyesshimmeredandshiftedliketheseainthemidstofastorm.
Inhishandwasasinglebuddingrose,itscenterleachedofcolor,andthetipsofitspetalstingedabeautiful,blushingmauve.
“WhereisIrsa?”Shahrzadasked,alarmseepingintohertone.Herfathersmiledsadly.“Sheisathome.Ididnotallowhertocomewithme,
thoughshefoughtandrageduntilthelastpossiblemoment.”Atleastinthishehasnotignoredmywishes.“Youshouldbewithher.Sheneedsyoutonight.Pleasedothisforme,Baba?
Doaswediscussed?”Shereachedoutandtookhisfreehand,squeezingtightly,beseechinghiminhergriptofollowtheplansshehadlaidoutinthedaysbefore.
“I—Ican’t,mychild.”Jahandarloweredhishead,asobrisinginhischest,histhinshoulderstremblingwithgrief.“Shahrzad—”
“Bestrong.ForIrsa.Ipromiseyou,everythingwillbefine.”Shahrzadraisedherpalmtohisweatheredfaceandbrushedawaythesmatteringoftearsfromhischeek.
“Icannot.Thethoughtthatthismaybeyourlastsunset—”“Itwillnotbethelast.Iwillseetomorrow’ssunset.ThisIsweartoyou.”Jahandarnodded,hismiserynowhereclosetomollified.Heheldouttherose
inhishand.“Thelastfrommygarden;ithasnotyetbloomedfully,butIwanted
togiveyouoneremembranceofhome.”Shesmiledasshereachedforit,thelovebetweenthemfarpastmere
gratitude,buthestoppedher.Whensherealizedthereason,shebegantoprotest.“No.Atleastinthis,Imightdosomethingforyou,”hemuttered,almostto
himself.Hestaredattherose,hisbrowfurrowedandhismouthdrawn.Oneservantgirlcoughedinherfistwhiletheotherlookedtothefloor.
Shahrzadwaitedpatiently.Knowingly.Therosestartedtounfurl.Itspetalstwistedopen,proddedtolifebyan
invisiblehand.Asitexpanded,adeliciousperfumefilledthespacebetweenthem,sweetandperfectforaninstant...butsoon,itbecameoverpowering.Cloying.Theedgesoftheflowerchangedfromabrilliant,deeppinktoashadowyrustintheblinkofaneye.
Andthentheflowerbegantowitheranddie.Dismayed,Jahandarwatcheditsdriedpetalswilttothewhitemarbleattheir
feet.“I—I’msorry,Shahrzad,”hecried.“Itdoesn’tmatter.Iwillneverforgethowbeautifulitwasforthatmoment,
Baba.”Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandpulledhimclose.Byhisear,inavoicesolowonlyhecouldhear,shesaid,“GotoTariq,asyoupromised.TakeIrsaandgo.”
Henodded,hiseyesshimmeringoncemore.“Iloveyou,mychild.”“AndIloveyou.Iwillkeepmypromises.Allofthem.”Overcome,Jahandarblinkeddownathiselderdaughterinsilence.Thistime,theknockatthedoordemandedattentionratherthanrequestedit.Shahrzad’sforeheadwhippedbackinitsdirection,thebloodredruby
swingingintandem.Shesquaredhershouldersandliftedherpointedchin.Jahandarstoodtotheside,coveringhisfacewithhishands,ashisdaughter
marchedforward.“I’msorry—soverysorry,”shewhisperedtohimbeforestridingacrossthe
thresholdtofollowthecontingentofguardsleadingtheprocessional.JahandarslidtohiskneesandsobbedasShahrzadturnedthecorneranddisappeared.
Withherfather’sgriefresoundingthroughthehalls,Shahrzad’sfeetrefusedtocarryherbutafewstepsdownthecavernouscorridorsofthepalace.Shehalted,herkneesshakingbeneaththethinsilkofhervoluminoussirwaltrowsers.
“Mylady?”oneoftheguardspromptedinaboredtone.“Hecanwait,”Shahrzadgasped.Theguardsexchangedglances.Herowntearsthreateningtoblazeatelltaletraildownhercheeks,Shahrzad
pressedahandtoherchest.Unwittingly,herfingertipsbrushedtheedgeofthethickgoldnecklaceclaspedaroundherthroat,festoonedwithgemsofoutlandishsizeanduntoldvariety.Itfeltheavy...stifling.Likeabejeweledfetter.Sheallowedherfingerstowraparoundtheoffendinginstrument,thinkingforamomenttoripitfromherbody.
Theragewascomforting.Afriendlyreminder.Shiva.Herdearestfriend.Herclosestconfidante.Shecurledhertoeswithintheirsandalsofbraidedbullionandthrewbackher
shouldersoncemore.Withoutaword,sheresumedhermarch.Again,theguardslookedtooneanotherforaninstant.Whentheyreachedthemassivedoubledoorsleadingintothethroneroom,
Shahrzadrealizedherheartwasracingattwiceitsnormalspeed.Thedoorsswungopenwithadistendedgroan,andshefocusedonhertarget,ignoringallelsearoundher.
AttheveryendoftheimmensespacestoodKhalidIbnal-Rashid,theCaliphofKhorasan.
TheKingofKings.Themonsterfrommynightmares.Witheverystepshetook,Shahrzadfeltthehateriseinherblood,alongwith
theclarityofpurpose.Shestaredathim,hereyesneverwavering.Hisproudcarriagestoodoutamongstthemeninhisretinue,anddetailsbegantoemergetheclosershedrewtohisside.
Hewastallandtrim,withthebuildofayoungmanproficientinwarfare.Hisdarkhairwasstraightandstyledinamannersuggestingadesirefororderinallthings.
Asshestrodeontothedais,shelookedupathim,refusingtobalk,eveninthefaceofherking.
Histhickeyebrowsraisedafraction.Theyframedeyessopaleashadeofbrowntheyappearedamberincertainflashesoflight,likethoseofatiger.Hisprofilewasanartist’sstudyinangles,andheremainedmotionlessashereturnedherwatchfulscrutiny.
Afacethatcut;agazethatpierced.Hereachedahandouttoher.Justassheextendedherpalmtograspit,sherememberedtobow.Thewrathseethedbelowthesurface,bringingaflushtohercheeks.Whenshemethiseyesagain,heblinkedonce.“Wife.”Henodded.“Myking.”
Iwilllivetoseetomorrow’ssunset.Makenomistake.IswearIwilllivetoseeasmanysunsetsasittakes.AndIwillkillyou.Withmyownhands.
ONLYONE
THEFALCONDRIFTEDTHROUGHTHEBLEARINGMID-afternoonsky,itswingsheldaloftonapassingsighofwindanditseyesscanningtheunderbrushbelow.
Atfleetingsignsofmovement,theraptortuckeditswingsagainstitsbodyandhurtledtowardthedirtinablurofblue-greyfeathersandflashingtalons.
Themassoffur,screechingandscurryingthroughtheunderbrush,hadnochanceofescape.Soon,thesoundofclatteringhoovesdrewnear,aswirlofsandcurlinginitswake.
Thetworiderspausedarespectfuldistancefromthefalconandherkill.Withthesunathisback,thefirstrider,sittingastrideagleaming,darkbayal-
Khamsastallion,extendedhisleftarmandwhistled,lowandsoft.Thefalcontwistedhisway,heryellow-rimmedeyesnarrowing.Thenshe
tooktotheaironcemoreandlandedwithhertalonsfirmlyembeddedintheleathermankalahcuffboundfromtherider’swristtohiselbow.
“Curseyou,Zoraya.Ilostanotherbet,”thesecondridergroanedtothebird.ThefalconergrinnedatRahim,hisfriendsincechildhood.“Stop
complaining.It’snotherfaultyou’reincapableoflearningasinglelesson.”“You’reluckyI’msuchafool.Whoelsewouldstomachyourcompanyforso
long,Tariq?”Tariqlaughedunderhisbreath.“Inthatcase,perhapsIshouldstoplyingto
yourmotherabouthowsmartyou’vebecome.”“Ofcourse.HaveIeverliedtoyours?”“Ingrate.Getdownandcollectherkill.”“I’mnotyourservant.Youdoit.”“Fine.Holdthis.”Tariqstretchedouthisforearm,withZorayastillwaiting
patientlyonherperch.WhenthefalconrealizedshewasbeingpassedalongtoRahim,sheruffledherfeathersandscreechedinprotest.
Rahimrearedbackwithalarm.“Thatgodforsakenbirdhatesme.”
“Becauseshe’sagoodjudgeofcharacter.”Tariqsmiled.“Withatemperfortheages,”Rahimgrumbled.“Honestly,she’sworsethan
Shazi.”“Anothergirlwithexcellenttaste.”Rahimrolledhiseyes.“Abitself-servinginthatassessment,don’tyouthink?
Consideringtheonethingtheyhaveincommonisyou.”“ReducingShahrzadal-Khayzurantosuchanotionmightbethereason
you’realwaysonthereceivingendofhertemper.Iassureyou,ZorayaandShazihaveagreatdealmoreincommonthanme.Now,stopwastingtimeandgetdownfromthatblastedroansowecangohome.”
Undercontinuedgrumblings,RahimdismountedfromhisgreyAkhal-Teke—hermaneshininglikepolishedpewterinthedesertsun.
Tariq’seyesskimmedthestretchofsandanddrybrushwoodalongthehorizon.Blisteringwavesofheatrosefromaseaofumberandadobe,ripplingintopatchesofblueandwhiteacrossthesky.
WithZoraya’scatchnowstowedintheleatherpouchaffixedtohissaddle,Rahimswungbackontohishorse,employingthegraceofayoungnoblemantrainedintheartsinceboyhood.
“Astotheearlierbetregardingthebird...”Rahimtrailedoff.TariqgroanedwhenhesawthedeterminedlookonRahim’sface.“No.”“Becauseyouknowyou’lllose.”“You’reabetterriderthanIam.”“Youhaveabetterhorse.Yourfatherisanemir.Plus,Ialreadylostonebet
today.Givemeachancetoeventhefield,”Rahiminsisted.“Howlongarewegoingtoplaythesegames?”“UntilIbeatyou.Ateveryoneofthem.”“Thenwe’llbeplayingforever,”Tariqjoked.“Bastard.”Rahimsuppressedagrinashegrippedhisreins.“Forthat,Iwon’t
eventrytoplayfair.”Hedughisheelsintothemarebeforetakingoffintheoppositedirection.
“Fool.”TariqlaughedashereleasedZorayaintothecloudsandleanedovertheneckofhisstallion.Attheclickofhistongue,thehorseshookoutitsmaneandsnorted.Tariqpulledonthereins,andtheArabianrearedontoitsmassivehoovesbeforelaunchingacrossthesand,itspowerfullegskickingupavortexofdustanddebris.
Tariq’swhiterida’billowedbehindhim,thehoodthreateningtoblowbackinspiteoftheleatherbandholdingitinplace.
Astheyroundedthefinaldune,awalledfortressoftanstoneandgreymortarrosefromthesands,itsvaultedturretscappedinspiralsofcoppertingedbythe
turquoisepatinaofage.“Theemir’ssonapproaches!”asentrycriedoutasRahimandTariqneared
thebackgates,whichswungopenwithbarelyamomenttospare.ServantsandlaborersscrambledoutoftheirpathasRahimbarreledpastthestill-screechingironwithTariqonhisheels.Abasketofpersimmonscrashedtotheground,itscontentsrollingacrosstheexpansebeforeagrousingoldmanbentforward,strugglingtocollectthewaywardorangefruit.
Oblivioustothechaostheyhadwrought,thetwoyoungnoblemenreinedintheirhorsesnearthecenterofthesprawlingcourtyard.
“Howdoesitfeel—beingbestedbyafool?”Rahimtaunted,hisdarkblueeyesbright.
OnesideofTariq’smouthrosewithamusementbeforeheswungdownfromthesaddleandknockedbackthehoodofhisrida’.Heranahandthroughhisunrulytangleofwavyhair.Grainsofsandfellintohisface,andheblinkedhardtofendofftheirattack.
ThesoundofRahim’schokedlaughterrangoutfrombehindhim.Tariqopenedhiseyes.TheservantgirlstandingbeforeTariqlookedawayinhaste,hercheeks
bloomingwithcolor.Thetraysheheldwithtwosilvertumblersofwaterbegantoshake.
“Thankyou.”Tariqsmiledashereachedforone.Herblushdeepened,andtherattlinggrewworse.Rahimlumberedcloser.Hetookhisowntumblerandnoddedtothegirl
beforeshetwistedaroundandranasfastasherlegscouldcarryher.Tariqshovedhim.Hard.“Youoaf.”“Ibelievethatpoorgirlishalfinlovewithyou.Afteranotherwretched
displayofhorsemanship,youshouldbeextragratefultothehandoffatethatdealtyouthoselooks.”
Tariqignoredhimandswiveledtotakeinthesightsofthecourtyard.Tohisright,henoticedtheelderlyservantstoopingaboveagaggleofpersimmonsscatteredacrossthegraniteathisfeet.Tariqglidedforwardandbentononekneetohelptheoldmanplacethefruitinabasket.
“Thankyou,sahib.”Themanbowedhisheadandtouchedthefingertipsofhisrighthandtohisforeheadinagestureofrespect.
Tariq’seyessoftened,theircolorsflickeringintheshade.Theirbrightsilvercentersblendedintoringsofdarkestash,withblacklashesthatfannedagainstthesoftskinofhiseyelids.Hisbrowhadanairofseveritythatfadedwiththereadyappearanceofhissmile.Aday-oldbeardshadowedthesquarelineofhisjaw,furtheraccentuatingitsfinelywroughtsymmetry.
Tariqnoddedattheelderlymanandreturnedthecustomarygesture.Abovethem,Zoraya’scryresoundedfromthesky,demandingimmediate
attention.Tariqshookhisheadinmockirritationandwhistledforher.Sheswoopeddownwithawildshriekthatclearedanotherportionofthecourtyard.Again,shelandedonTariq’soutstretchedmankalahandpreenedashecarriedhertohermewstofeedher.
“Doyounotfindthebirdabit...spoiled?”Rahimstudiedthefalconassheguzzledanentirestripofdriedmeatwithoutpausingforbreath.
“She’sthebesthunterinthekingdom.”“Nevertheless,I’mconvincedthataccursedbirdcouldgetawaywithmurder.
Isthatyourintent?”BeforeTariqcouldretort,oneofhisfather’sclosestadvisorsappearedinthe
nearbyarchwaytothevestibule.“Sahib?Theemirrequestsyourpresence.”Tariq’seyebrowsdrewtogether.“Issomethingwrong?”“AmessengerarrivedfromReynotlongago.”“Isthatall?”Rahimharrumphed.“AletterfromShazi?Hardlyworthyofa
formalaudience.”Tariqcontinuedstudyingtheadvisor,takinginthedeeplinesmarringhis
foreheadandthetightweaveofhisinterlacedfingers.“Whathappened?”Theadvisorhedged.“Please,sahib.Comewithme.”RahimfollowedTariqandtheadvisorintothecolumnedmarblevestibuleand
pasttheopen-airgallery,withitstiledfountainofmosaicglass.Sparklingwaterfellinasteadystreamfromthemouthofalionconstructedofgiltbronze.
TheyenteredthemainhalltofindNasiral-Ziyad,emirofthefourth-richeststrongholdinKhorasan,sittingwithhiswifeatalowtable.Theirdinnerlaybeforethem,untouched.
ItwasobviousTariq’smotherhadbeencrying.Hestoppedshortatthesight.“Father?”Theemirexhaledandraisedhistroubledeyestomeethisson.“Tariq,wereceivedaletterfromReythisafternoon.FromShahrzad.”“Giveittome.”Therequestwassoft.Sharp.“Itwasaddressedtome.Thereisaportionofitthatwasmeantforyou,but
the—”Tariq’smotherburstintotears.“Howcouldthishappen?”“Whathappened?”Tariqdemanded,hisvoicerising.“Givemetheletter.”“It’stoolate.There’snothingyoucando,”theemirsighed.“FirstShiva.Then,lostinhergrief,mysistertookherown—”She
shuddered.“AndnowShahrzad?Howcouldthishappen?Why?”Tariq’smother
wept.Tariqfroze.“Youknowwhy,”theemirraspedinalowtone.“It’sbecauseofShivathat
shedidthis.ForShiva.Forallofus.”Atthat,Tariq’smotherrosefromthetableandfled,hersobsgrowinglouder
witheveryfootstep.“Oh,God.Shazi.Whatdidyoudo?”Rahimwhispered.Tariqremainedmotionless,hisexpressionblankandinscrutable.Theemirstoodandmovedtowardhisson.“Son,you—”“Givemetheletter,”Tariqrepeated.Withgrimresignation,theemirrelinquishedthescroll.Shahrzad’sfamiliarscrawlswamacrossthepage,justasimperiousand
heavy-handedasusual.Tariqstoppedreadingwhenshebeganaddressinghimdirectly.Theapology.Thewordsofregretforherbetrayal.Thegratitudeforhisunderstanding.
Nomore.Hecouldn’tstandit.Notfromher.Theedgeofthescrollcrumpledinhisfist.“Thereisnothingyoucando,”theemirreiterated.“Thewedding—it’stoday.
Ifshesucceeds...ifshe—”“Don’tsayit,Father.Ibegyou.”“Itmustbesaid.Thesetruths,nomatterhowharsh,mustbesaid.Wemust
dealwiththis,asafamily.YourauntanduncleneverdealtwiththelossofShiva,andlookwhatcameoftheirdaughter’sdeath.”
Tariq’seyesclosed.“EvenifShahrzadsurvives,thereisnothingwecando.Itisfinished.We
mustacceptthis,howeverdifficultitmayseem.Iknowhowyoufeelabouther;Ifullyunderstand.Itwilltaketime.Butyouwillrealizeyoucanfindhappinesswithsomeoneelse—thatthereareotheryoungwomenintheworld.Intime,youwillsee,”theemirsaid.
“There’snoneed.”“Excuseme?”“Ialreadyunderstand.Fully.”Theemireyedhissonwithsurprise.“Iunderstandyourpoints.Allofthem.NowIneedyoutounderstandmine.I
knowthereareotherwomenintheworld.Iknowit’spossibleformetofindameasureofhappinesswithanothergirl.Giventime,Isupposeanythingmayhappen.”
Theemirnodded.“Good.It’sforthebest,Tariq.”Rahimstared,dumbfounded.
Tariqcontinued,thesilverinhiseyesflashing.“Butunderstandthis:nomatterhowmanyperfectyoungwomenyouputinmypath,thereisonlyoneShahrzad.”Atthat,hecastthescrolltothefloorandwhirledonhisheel,slamminghispalmsintothedoorstothrustthemaside.
RahimexchangedathoughtfullookwiththeemirbeforefollowingTariq.Theyretracedtheirstepsintothecourtyard,andTariqsignaledforthehorses.Rahimdidnotspeakuntilbothmountswerebroughtbeforethem.
“What’stheplan?”heaskedgently.“Doyouevenhaveone?”Tariqpaused.“Youdon’thavetocomewithme.”“Andnowwho’sthefool?AreyoutheonlyonewholovesShazi?Wholoved
Shiva?Imaynotbeblood,buttheywillalwaysbemyfamily.”Tariqturnedtohisfriend.“Thankyou,Rahim-jan.”Thetaller,lankierboysmileddownatTariq.“Don’tthankmeyet.Westill
needaplan.Tellme,whatareyougoingtodo?”Rahimhesitated.“Isthereanythingyoucando?”
Tariq’sjawtightened.“AslongastherulerofKhorasandrawsbreath,thereisalwayssomethingIcando...”Hislefthanddroppedtothehiltoftheelegantlycurvedswordathiship.
“WhatIdobest.”
THEVEILBETWEEN
SHAHRZADSATALONEINHERCHAMBER,INTHECENTERofaplatformedcushionpiledhighwithpillowscoveredinvibrantfabrics.Surroundingthebedwasathinveilofspider-silk,blowingwitheerieleisureattheslightestdisturbance.Herkneesweredrawntoherchest;herfingerswerelacedacrossherankles.
Andherhazeleyesweretrainedonthedoors.Shehadstayedinthispositionforthebetterpartofthenight.Eachtimeshe
triedtoventurefromthespot,hernervesthreatenedtoovercomeher.Whereishe?Sheexhaledloudlyandclaspedherhandseventighteraboveherfeet.Soon,thepanicshehadbeenfightingforthelasthourbegantobeardownon
herlikeahammeronanironsmith’sanvil.Whatifhedoesn’tcometoseemetonight?“Oh,God,”shemurmured,breakingthroughthestillness.ThenIliedtoeveryone.Ibrokeeverylastpromise.Shahrzadshookherhead.Herheartbeatroseinherearsaseachbreath
becamemorelabored.Idon’twanttodie.Thesemacabrethoughtsrubbedattheedgesofhercomposure,pushingher
downintothefathomlessrealmsofterror—aterrorshe’dmanagedtokeepatbay,thusfar.HowwillBabasurviveifI’mkilled?AndIrsa?Tariq.“Stopit!”Herwordsechoedintotheyawningdarkness.Foolish,butshe
neededsomething—anything—tofillthetorturoussilencewithsound,ifbutforaninstant.
Shepressedherhandstohertemplesandwilledtheterrorback...Backinsidethesteel-encasedenclosureofherheart.
Andthenthedoorsswungopenwithalowcreak.Shahrzaddroppedherpalmstothesoftcushionathersides.Aservantsteppedthrough,clutchingtapersofaloewoodandambergris,
whichgaveoffafaintperfumeandadelicatelight;afterabeat,agirlbearingatrayoffoodandwinefollowed.TheservantsplacedtheirwaresthroughouttheroomandleftwithoutaglanceinShahrzad’sdirection.
Amomentlater,theCaliphofKhorasanappearedatthethreshold.Hewaited,asifconsideringsomething,beforeenteringthechamberand
pushingthedoorsshut.Inthepaleglowemittingfromthecandles,histiger-eyesseemedevenmore
calculatingandremote.Thelinesofhisfacefellintoshadowasheturnedfromthelight,sharpeningthebladedhollowsofhisfeatures.
Animmovablecountenance.Coldandforbidding.Shahrzadthreadedherfingersbeneathherknees.“I’mtoldyourfatherservedundermineasoneofhisviziers.”Hisvoicewas
lowandunassuming.Almost...kind.“Yes,sayyidi.Hewasanadvisortoyourfather.”“Andheworksasacustodiannow.”“Yes,sayyidi.Ofancienttexts.”Hefacedher.“Quiteachangeinposition.”Shahrzadbitbackirritation.“Perhaps.Hewasn’taveryhigh-rankingvizier.”“Isee.”Youseenothing.Shereturnedhisgaze,hopingthemosaicofcolorinhereyeshidthethoughts
runningrampantbehindthem.“Whydidyouvolunteer,Shahrzadal-Khayzuran?”Shedidnotanswer.Hecontinued.“Whatcompelledyoutodosomethingsofoolish?”“Excuseme?”“Perhapsitwasthelureofmarryingaking.Orthevainhopeyoumightbe
theonetostaythecourseandwintheheartofamonster.”Hespokewithoutemotion,watchingherintently.
Shahrzad’spulsejumpedtoamartialbeat.“Idon’tsufferthosedelusions,sayyidi.”
“Thenwhydidyouvolunteer?Whyareyouwillingtothrowawayyourlifeatseventeen?”
“I’msixteen.”Shecuthereyes.“AndIdon’tseewhyitmatters.”“Answerme.”“No.”
Hepaused.“Yourealizeyoucoulddieforthat.”Thegripofherfingerstightenedalmostpainfully.“I’mnotsurprisedtohear
that,sayyidi.But,ifyoutrulywantanswers,killingmewon’thelpintheendeavor.”
Asparkofsomethingflashedacrosshisface,lingeringattheedgesofhislips.Itwasgonetooquicklytoofferanythingofsignificance.
“Isupposenot.”Hestopped,againinseemingconsideration.Shecouldseehimwithdrawing,aveilfallingovertheharshanglesofhisprofile.No.Shahrzadrosefromthebedandtookasteptowardhim.Whenheglancedbackather,shemovedcloser.“Itoldyou.Donotthinkyouwillbetheonetobreakthecycle.”Shahrzadgrittedherteeth.“AndItoldyou.Idon’tsufferdelusions.Onany
account.”Shecontinuedadvancinguntilshestoodbutanarm’slengthfromhim,her
resolveunwavering.Helockeduponherface.“Yourlifeisalreadyforfeit.Idonotexpect...
morethanthat.”Inresponse,Shahrzadreachedupandbegantounfastenthebejeweled
necklacestillhangingaboutherthroat.“No.”Hecaughtherhand.“Leaveit.”Hehesitatedbeforeshiftinghisfingerstothenapeofherneck.Atthisdisturbinglyfamiliartouch,Shahrzadfoughttheurgetopullbackin
disgustandstrikeoutathimwithallthepainandrageshepossessed.Don’tbefoolish.Therewillonlybeonechance.Don’twasteit.Thisboy-king,thismurderer...shewouldnotpermithimtodestroyanother
family.Torobanothergirlofherbestfriend—ofalifetimefilledwithmemoriesthathadbeenandneverwouldbe.
Sheraisedherchinandswallowedtherisingbile,thebittertasteremainingonhertongue.
“Whyareyouhere?”hewhispered,histiger-eyeseversearching.Acornerofhermouthroseinsardonicreply.Shebroughtherpalmtohishand.Carefully.Thensheliftedtheheavymantlefromhershouldersandletitslidetothe
floor.
•••
IrsasatastrideherdappledmareinthealleyclosesttothestructurehousingRey’smostancientandobscuretexts.Thecity’slibrarywasonceagrandedifice,columnedandswathedinjudiciouslyhewnstonesquarriedfromthefinestpitsinTirazis.Overtheyears,itsfaçadehaddarkened,anddeepcracksmarreditssurface,theworstfilledwithslipshodeffortsatrepair.Everyvisibleedgewasworn,andthegloriouslustreofyesteryearhadfadedtoamottlingofgreysandbrowns.
Whentheteamofhorsesbehindherstirredinthedensesilencebeforedawn,Irsaglancedoverhershoulderapologetically.Sheopenedhermouthtoreassuretheyoungdriver,butthebrittlenessinhervoiceforcedhertoclearherthroatbeforespeaking.
“I’msorry,”shewhisperedtotheboy,afteradiscreetcough.“Idon’tknowwhat’stakingsolong.I’msurehe’llbebackshortly.”Hermare’slefteartwitchedasIrsashiftedaroundinherseat.
“Noconcernofmine,miss.AslongasI’mpaidinfull.Butifyourfatherwishestoclearthegatesofthecitybeforedawn,weshouldleavesoon.”
Shenodded,anotherknotforminginherstomachattheboy’swords.Soon,shewouldbeleavingthecityofherchildhood—thecityshehadlived
inforfourteenyears.So,underthehavenofnight,withbarelyamoment’snotice,shehadthrowneverythingofvalueintothecoveredcartbehindher,knowingherlifewouldneverbethesame.
Oddthatnoneofthismatteredtoher.Atleast,notyet.Theonlythingshecouldthinkabout—thereasonforherscratchedthroatand
knottedstomach—wasShahrzad.Herstubborntyrantofanoldersister.Herbraveandloyalfriend.Again,hottearswelledinhereyes,evenaftershe’dswornnottosheda
singledropmore.Frustrated,sheswipedatheralreadyrawcheekswiththebackofherhand.
“Issomethingwrong,miss?”thedriverasked,histoneapproachingsympathetic.
Ofcoursesomethingwaswrong.Butiftheyweretoremainsafefrompryingeyes,hecouldneverlearnwhatitwas.Shahrzadhadbeenspecificonthispoint.“No.Nothing’swrong.Thankyouforasking.”
Theboynoddedbeforeresuminghispostureofdisinterest.Irsathoughtinsteadofthejourneybeforethem.Itwouldtakethreedaysof
hardtravelingbeforetheyreachedTaleqan,thestrongholdofTariq’sfamily.Sheshookherheadinbemusement;afterallthathadtranspired,onlyShahrzadwouldhavetheaudacitytosendthemtothehomeofherchildhoodsweetheart.
EverytimeIrsastoppedtothinkofTariqandhisfamily,hergaminefeaturesconstrictedwithworry...
Andremorse.Sheheavedawearysighandstareddownatthereins.Herspottedwhite
horseflippeditsmaneasagustofwindwhippedthroughthealley.“What’stakinghimsolong?”Irsasaidtonooneinparticular.Asifoncue,theheavywoodendoortothesideentranceofthelibrary
scrapedopen,andherfather’shoodedfigurestumbledintothenight.Hewasclutchingsomethinginhisarms,pulledtightagainsthischest.“Baba?Iseverythingallright?”“I’msosorry,dear.Everything’sfine.Wecanleavenow,”Jahandar
murmured.“Ijust...hadtomakesureallthedoorsweresecure.”“Whatisthat?”Irsaasked.“Hmm?”Jahandarmadehiswaytohishorseandreachedforhissatchel.“Whatareyouholding?”“Oh,it’snothing.JustatomeIparticularlyenjoyed.”Hewavedhishand
dismissively.“Didwecomeallthewayhereforabook,Baba?”“Justone,mychild.Justone.”“Itmustbeaspecialbook.”“Allbooksarespecial,dear.”“Whatkindofbookisit?”Jahandartuckedtheaging,leather-boundvolumeintothesatchelwithgreat
careandswungintohissaddlewithinfinitelylessconsideration.Thenhemotionedforthedrivertoproceed.
ThesmallcaravanmadeitswaydownthestillslumberingstreetsofRey.Irsadirectedhermounttowalkalongsideherfather’sblackstallion.When
Jahandargazeddownatherwithakindsmile,shereachedforhishand,seekingthesamereassurancesheoffered.
“Allwillbewell,dearestgirl,”hesaid,almostabsentmindedly.Shenodded.ItdidnotescapeIrsa’snoticethathehadfailedtoanswerherquestion.
THEMOUNTAINOFADAMANT
THEINSTANTSHAHRZADBROUGHTHERPALMTOHIS,shefeltacoolwashofdispassiontakeover.Asthoughshehadfloatedbeyondherpersonandwasnowamerewitnesstoeverythingaroundher.
Thankfully,hedidnottrytokissher.Nordidthepainlast;itwasbutafleetingmoment,lostinthewelcome
distractionofherthoughts.Hedidnotappeartoenjoyhimself,either.Whateverpleasurehederivedwasbriefandperfunctory,andShahrzadfeltastabofsatisfactionatthisrealization.
Whenitwasdone,herosefromthebedwithoutawordandpushedasidethewhisper-silkenclosingtheplatform.
Shewatchedhimdresswithneat,almostmilitaristicprecision,notingthelightsheenofsweatonhisbackandtheleanmusclesthatcoiledandflexedwiththeslightestofmovements.
Hewasstrongerthanshewas.Ofthat,therewasnodoubt.Shecouldnotbesthimphysically.ButI’mnotheretofight.I’mheretowin.Shesatupandreachedforthebeautifulshamladrapedonastoolnearby.
Shahrzadslidherarmsintothelustrousbrocadeandtiedthesilverlacesbeforemovingtojoinhim.Assheroundedtheedgeofthebed,therobe’sdelicatelyembroideredhemtwirledaboutherlikeadervishinthemidstofsama.
Thecaliphstrodetothelowtableinthecornerofthechamber,surroundedbyevenmoresumptuouscushionsandplumppillowscoveredinanarrayofjeweltones.
Hepouredhimselfsomewine,stillstandinginsilence.Shahrzadsteppedpasthimandsankontothecushionsencirclingthetable.
Thetraywasladenwithpistachios,figs,almonds,grapes,quincechutney,smallcucumbers,andanassortmentoffreshherbs.Abasketofflatbreadlay
wrappedinlinenofftotheside.Takingpainstoreturnhissubtledisregard,Shahrzadpluckedagrapefrom
thetrayandbegantoeat.Thecaliphstudiedherforatorturousinstantbeforeloweringtothecushions.
HesatanddrankwhileShahrzaddippedpiecesofbreadintothetartlysweetchutney.
Whenshecouldstomachthequietnolonger,sheliftedaslenderbrowathim.“Aren’tyougoingtoeat,sayyidi?”
Heinhaledthroughhisnose,thecornersofhiseyestighteninginthought.“Thechutneyisdelicious,”sheremarkedinanoffhandmanner.“Aren’tyouscared,Shahrzad?”heasked,soquietlyshealmostmissedit.Sheputdownthebread.“Doyouwantmetobescared,sayyidi?”“No.Iwantyoutobehonest.”Shahrzadsmiled.“ButhowwouldyouknowifIwerelying,sayyidi?”“Becauseyouarenotagiftedliar.Youonlythinkyourselftobe.”Heleaned
forwardandtookahandfulofalmondsfromthetray.Hersmilewidened.Dangerously.“Andyouarenotthatgoodatreading
people.Youonlythinkyourselftobe.”Heangledhishead,amuscletickingalonghisjaw.“Whatdoyouwant?”
Again,thewordsweresosoft,Shahrzadstrainedtomakethemout.Shedustedthecrumbsoffherhands,bidingtimetoconstructthenexttrap.“I’mtodieatsunrise.Correct?”Henoddedonce.“AndyouwishtoknowwhyIvolunteeredforthis?”shecontinued.“Well,
I’dbewillingto—”“No.Iwon’tplaygameswithyou.Idespisemanipulation.”Shahrzadsnappedherlipsshut,swallowinghernerve-riddledfury.“Perhaps
youshouldspendlesstimedespisingthegameandmoretimebuildingthepatiencenecessarytowin.”
Sheheldherbreathashisupperbodyfroze.Theknucklesinhishandsstretchedwhiteforaharrowinginstantbeforehereleasedhisgrip.
Shahrzadwatchedthetensionleavehim,aswirlofemotionscollidinginherchest,wreakinghavoconhermind.
“Bravewordsforagirlwithhourslefttolive.”Histonewasedgedinice.Shesatupstraightandtwistedherfallofdarkhairsothatithungoverone
shoulder.“Areyouinterestedintherulesofthegameornot,sayyidi?”Athissilence,shechosetobarrelahead,concealinghertremblinghandsin
thefoldsofhershamla.“I’mwillingtoansweryourquestion,sayyidi.ButbeforeIdoso,Iwonderifyouwouldbewillingtograntmeasmallrequest...”
Shetrailedoff.Ahintofcallousamusementdarkenedhiscountenance.“Areyoutryingto
barterforyourlifewithtrivia?”Shelaughed,thesounddancingaroundtheroomwiththeairyqualityof
chimes.“Mylifeisforfeit.You’vemadethatclear.Perhapsweshouldmovepastthatissueandgettothematterathand.”
“Byallmeans.”Shetookamomenttosteadyherself.“Iwanttotellyouastory.”“Excuseme?”Forthefirsttime,shesawadistinctemotionrippleacrosshis
features.Areyousurprised?Restassured,itwon’tbethelasttime,KhalidIbnal-
Rashid.“Itellyouastory.Yousitandlisten.WhenI’mfinishedwiththetale,I’ll
answeryourquestion.”Shewaitedforhisresponse.“Astory?”“Yes.Doyouagreetotheterms,sayyidi?”Heleanedbackonanelbow,withanunfathomableexpression.“Fine.Iagree.Youmaybegin.”Hepronouncedthewordslikeachallenge.AndIacceptit,youmonster.Willingly.“ThisisthetaleofAgib,apoorsailorwholosteverythinghepossessedonly
togaintheknowledgeofself-discovery.”“Ataleofmorality?Soyouaretryingtoteachmealesson.”“No,sayyidi.Iamtryingtoenticeyou.I’vebeentoldagoodstorytellercan
trapanaudiencewithasinglesentence.”“Thenyouhavefailed.”“Onlybecauseyouarebeingunnecessarilydifficult.Andalsobecauseyou
didnotletmefinish.Yousee,Agibwasathief—thebestthiefinallofBaghdad.Hecouldstealasolidgolddinarfromyourhand,rightbeforeyoureyes,andpickthepocketofthewariesttravelerwiththestealthofashadow.”
Thecaliphinclinedhisheadinconsideration.“Buthewasarrogant.And,ashisescapadesgrewevermoredaring,sodid
hisarrogance.Untiloneday,hewascaughtstealingfromawealthyemirandbarelymanagedtoescapewithhislife.Inapanic,hetorethroughthestreetsofBaghdad,seekingrefuge.Nearthedocks,hehappeneduponasmallshipabouttoleaveport.Thecaptainwasindireneedofafinalcrewmember.Certaintheemir’ssoldierswouldfindhimifheremainedinthecity,Agibvolunteeredforthejourney.”
“Better.”Atraceofasmilegracedthecaliph’slips.“I’mgladyouapprove,sayyidi.MayIcontinue?”Sheshothimapointed
grin,warringwiththeurgetosplashtheremainderofhisdrinkinhisface.Henodded.“ThefirstfewdaysonboardtheshipweredifficultforAgib.Hewasnota
seafaringmanandhadverylittleexperiencetravelinginthismanner;consequently,hewassickforlongstretchesoftime.Theothercrewmembersmockedhimopenlyandgavehimthemostmenialtaskstoaccomplish,solidifyinghisstatusasallbutuseless.TherespectAgibhadamassedasthebestthiefinBaghdadwasmeaninglessinthisworld;afterall,hecouldnotstealfromhisshipmates.Therewasnoplacetorunandhide.”
“Trulyaconundrum,”thecaliphremarked.Shahrzadignoredhisquietjab.“Oneweekouttosea,therewasaterrible
storm.Theshipwaslashedaboutonimmensewavesthatthrewitfaroffcourse.Alas,thiswasn’ttheworstcalamitytobefallthem:whenthewatersfinallystilledtwodayslater,thecaptainwasnowheretobefound.Theseahadswallowedhiminitssaltymidst.”
Shahrzadpaused.Assheleanedforwardtoselectagrape,sheshotafurtiveglanceoverthecaliph’sshouldertothedecorativescreensleadingtotheterrace.Theywerestillshadedinthecloakofnight.
“Thecrewbegantopanic.Theywerestrandedinthemiddleoftheseaandhadnowayofguidingtheshipbackoncourse.Argumentsaroseastowhichsailorwouldassumetheroleofcaptain.Consumedinthisstruggleoverpower,thecrewfailedtorealizeaspeckoflandhadappearedonthehorizon.Agibwasthefirsttopointitout.Itlookedlikeatinyislandwithamountainatitscenter.Atfirst,thecrewrejoicedatthesight.Butthenanoldersailormutteredsomethingthatignitedthepanicanew.”
Thecaliphlistened,hisambereyesfocusedsquarelyonShahrzad.“Hesaid,‘Godbewithus.ItistheMountainofAdamant.’Whenageneral
outcryranthroughtheothersatthetruthbehindthesewords,Agibaskedwhatmadethismountainsoterrifyingthatgrownmenquailedatitssight.TheoldsailorexplainedthattheMountainofAdamantpossessedadarkmagicthatpulledshipstowarditbyvirtueoftheironintheirhulls,andonceashipwasfullywithinitsgrasp,theAdamanthadsuchpowerthatallthenailswouldbedrawnoutofthevessel,therebysinkingittothebottomoftheseaandsentencingallitsoccupantstoawaterygrave.”
“Insteadofwastingtimelamentingtheirpredicament,perhapstheyshouldtrytosailintheoppositedirection,”thecaliphsuggesteddrily.
“AndthisisexactlywhatAgibadvised.Everyoarwasmanned,andimmediateactionwastakentofoilthemountain’snefariousplot,butitwastoolate.Foroncethegreatblacknessloomsinthedistance,thereislittlethatcanbe
done.Bythenthemountainalreadyhasyouinitsgrip.Sureenough,inspiteofalltheirefforts,theshipdriftedcloserandcloser,fasterandfaster,intotheshadowofAdamant.Soon,aterriblegroaningcouldbeheardfromthedepthsoftheship’shull.Itbegantoshudderandshakeasthoughtheweightoftheworldwereperchedonitsbow.Inhorror,thecrewwatchedasnailsrippedandspunfromthewoodaroundthem.Theshipstartedtobreakapartandcollapseinonitselflikeachild’splaythingunderfoot.Agibjoinedintheshriekingandthesorrowfulwailsofhisfellowcrewmenastheywerethrownintotheseaandlefttofendforthemselves.”
Shahrzadliftedherglassandreachedforthewine.Shehidhersurprisewhenthecaliphfilledhercupwithoutaword.
Theveryedgeofthescreenbehindhimwasbeginningtolighten.“Agibscrambledontothesternoftheship—thelastpartoftheboatstill
intact.Inthemelee,henoticedaheavyironpotslidingpasthiminthedirectionofthemountain.Usingthedefthandsofamasterthief,Agibsnatchedthepotandclungtoitfordearlifeashewaspitchedoverthesideandintothevastwatersofthesea.Thepotweighedhimdownterribly,andhefoughttostayafloat,searchingforsomethingtoclingto.Thesoundofhisfellowsailorsdrowningaroundhimonlymadehissearchallthemoredesperate.Whenhefoundabrokenpieceofthemainmast,heflunghisfreearmaroundit,stillclutchingthepotwithafrantickindoffierceness.”
Thecaliph’ssharpfeaturessoftenedinunderstanding.“It’squickthinkingonAgib’spart.Heishopingthepotwilldirecthimtotheisland.”
Shahrzadsmiled.“Precisely.Aftermanyhours,Agib’sinstinctsledhimtoland.HestumbledontotheshiningblackcoastlineofAdamant,exhaustedandtremblingwithfear.Hepassedoutintheshadowofthemountainanddidnotawakenformanyhours.Whendawnbroke,hestirredandbeganthesearchforfoodandwaterbeforerealizingthiswastrulyaplaceofdeathanddestruction—nolifestirredanywherearoundhim,andwaterwasasscarceashopeonthisdesolatewasteland.Hecollapsedagainstapileofrocksindespair,realizinghisdemisewas,onceagain,uponhim.Astherocksbehindhimshifted,asmallmetalchaliceslidoutfrombetweenthecracks.Itwasoldandworn,beatenaroundtheedges.”
Afaintbluelightcrepthigherupthescreen,slidingbetweenitsbeautifullycarvedslats,bringingthedesignsfromhauntingsilhouettetolife.
“Agibstudiedthechalice.Itwascakedwithsandandmud.Hestaggeredtothewater’sedgetocleanit.Whenthedirtfloatedawaybeneaththesurf,herealizedthecupwascoveredinmarkings,thelikeofwhichhehadneverseen.Heraiseditintothesunrise,butdropsofwaterstillmarredthesurface,sohe
swipedhissleeveacrossthecuptodryit...”Nowtheveryedgesofthescreenweretingedintheglowingwhiteofdawn.
Theraysoflightstreamedthroughtheslatsontothemarblefloorlikeveinsofrawgoldstretchedthinintheheatoftheearlymorningsun.
Shahrzad’sheartthreatenedtoburstfromherthroat.“Andthechalicestartedtotremble.Fromitshollowdepths,asmokethe
colorofaclearmiddayskybegantoswirlandgrowuntilitbecameaflamelessplume.Interror,AgibdroppedthechaliceandfellbackwardagainstthehardblackpebblesofAdamant’sshore.Thesmokegrewinsizeanddensityuntilashadowformedinitscenter.”
Thecaliphbentforward.“Theshadowsolidified...andbegantolaugh.”Shahrzadstopped.Dawnhadarrivedbehindthecaliph,inallitshorrifyingglory.“Whydidyoustop?”heasked.Shetwistedhereyesinthedirectionoftheterrace.Thecaliphfollowedher
gaze.“Youmayfinishthestory,”hestated.Shahrzadinhaledwithcare.“I’mafraidthat’snotpossible,sayyidi.”“Excuseme?”“Ihaveonlyjustbegunthetale.”Hiseyesnarrowedtoochreslits.“Finishthestory,Shahrzad.”“No.”Heunfoldedtohisfeetinarippleofgrace.“Sowasthisyourplanallalong?”“Whatplanwouldthatbe,sayyidi?”“Atrick.Atactictostayyourexecution...tobeginataleyouhadno
intentionoffinishing.”Hisvoicewasdeathlylow.“Ihaveeveryintentionoffinishingit—tomorrownight.Whetherornotthat
happensisentirelyuptoyou.”Shestaredupathim,clenchingherfistswithinhershamla.
“Yousaidyouunderstood;yourlifeisforfeit.Thatwasclearfromtheverybeginning.”
Shahrzadrosetoherfullheight.Shepulledbackhershouldersandliftedherelfinchin.
Whenshespoke,shematchedthebitingsoftnessinhistone.“Allourlivesareforfeit,sayyidi.Itisjustaquestionofwhen.AndIwould
likeonemoreday.”Heglaredather,thesharpcutofhisprofileevenmoremenacingwiththe
hazeofangercoloringitssurface.
Asingleknockstruckthedoorofthechamber.“Justone,”shewhispered.Thetiger-eyesrakedupanddownher,gaugingtheiradversary,weighing
theiroptions.Aheart-stoppingminutepassed.Iwillnotbeg.Anotherquietknockatthedoor.Shahrzadpacedforward,herhazelorbstrainedonthecaliph.Hetookaslowstepbackbeforestridingtothedoors.No.Please.Stop!Ashereachedforthehandle,hepausedwithoutturningtolookather.“One.”Hepronouncedthewordlikeasoundlessepithetbeforehestalked
throughthedoors.Whentheythuddedshutbehindhim,Shahrzadsanktothefloorandpressed
herflamingcheekagainstthecoolmarble.Eventhereleaseoftearsinvolvedtoomucheffort.
DESPINAANDTHERAJPUT
THETRAYSLAMMEDONTOTHETABLEWITHACLATTERandabang.Shahrzadboltedupright,sleepcakingthecornersofhereyelids.Sheswiped
atthemwithherhand.Tracesofliquidgoldandblackpowderdottedherpalmwhenshewasfinished.
“You’reverysmalltohavecausedsuchabigfuss,”amusicalvoiceintoned.“What?”Shahrzadfocusedherblearyattentiononitsowner.“Isaid,you’reverysmalltohavecausedsuchabigfuss.”Aplumpgirlnear
heragestrodetothefootofthebedandyankedasidethegossamercurtains.Shehadfairskinandthickhoneywalnuthair,piledatophercrownintypicalGrecianfashion.HereyeswerethesparklingblueoftheAegeanandwerelinedinkohlwiththepracticedhandofanexpert.Herlipswerepuckeredintoaperfectmoue,stainedpinkwithcarmineandbeeswax.Thewhitelinengarmentclungtoherroundedframeinalltherightplaces.Athicksilverbandwasloopedaroundherupperleftarm.
Shahrzadpushedasideherdrowsinessandattemptedtoconjureasemblanceofdignity.“Iheardyouthefirsttime.”
“Thenwhydidyouaskmetorepeatmyself?”“BecauseIdon’tknowwhoyouare,andIhavenoideawhyyou’rebanging
aroundmakingridiculouspronouncementsfirstthinginthemorning,”Shahrzadshotback.
Thegirllaughed.Itwasaloudandrobustsound.“IthinkI’mbeginningtounderstandwhythere’ssuchafuss.Also,it’shardly
firstthinginthemorning.It’snoon.”Thegirlmarchedtothescreensandthrewthemopentorevealamiddaysunsittinghighinaclearceruleansky.
Shahrzadcringedawayfromtheharshstreamoflight.“Ibroughtyousomefood.Youshouldeatsomething.You’resosmall,”the
girlreiterated.
“Ifailtounderstandwhymysizeisofimport.”“Becauseawaifofagirlcan’tmanageasustainedfight,muchlesssucceedin
one.AndI’dliketoseeyousucceed.”Instantlywary,Shahrzadpulledherkneesagainstherchestandshutteredher
expression.“Succeed?”“ByZeus,you’reastrangething.Yes,mylady,I’dliketoseeyousucceed.
Meaning,I’dliketoseeyoulive.I’mnotfondofwatchingyounggirlsdieatthewhimofourenigmaticruler.Areyou?”
Shahrzadstudiedherforabreathbeforeplacingherbarefeetonthecoldmarbleandrisingfromthebed.Becareful.“No.I’mnot,”shereplied.Thegirlgrinned.“You’retallerthanIthought.Stilltooskinny,butnotthe
worstI’veseen.There’sacurveortwowherethereshouldbe.I’msureyou’restunningwhenyou’redoneupwell.”
“I’msorry,whoareyou?”Shahrzaddemanded.“Despina.Yourhandmaiden...aslongasyou’resucceeding.”“Idon’tneedahandmaiden.”“I’mafraidthat’snotyourchoice.”Despina’sgrinwidened,andherblue-fire
eyessparkedatShahrzad,daringhertorisetothechallengeofsuchimpertinence.
Shahrzadpausedinconsideration.“Sohesentyouheretospyonme?”Despina’swhiteteethflashedinherface.“Yes.”“Areyouagoodspy?”“Thebest.”“Agoodspywouldhideheridentity.”“Thebestspiesdon’thaveto.”Shahrzadsmiledatthis,inspiteofherself.“You’rearrogant.”“Asareyou,myladyShahrzad.ButIdonotseethisasashortcoming.For
withoutameasureofarrogance,howcanoneattempttheimpossible?”ShahrzadsteppeddownfromtheplatformtostandbeforeDespina.Thegirlstoodhalfaheadtaller,andeverythingaboutherradiatedconfidence
andasenseofsuretyastoherplaceintheworld.Fromherartfullydrapeddresstoherimpeccablyenhancedfeatures,itwasclearDespinawasaforcetobereckonedwith.
ButhereyescaughtShahrzad’sattentionmorethananythingelse.Theywerethewatchfuleyesofahunter.Andtheymirroredherown.Shewarnedmeshewasaspy.Whydidshewarnme?
“Wouldyouliketoeatsomething?Ordoyouplantogoonahungerstrike?Ifthat’sthecase,doyourworst,forIbelieveahungerstrikewillkillaprettylittleimplikeyoulongbeforeourcaliphdoes.”
Shahrzadlaughedwryly.“That’sthebestworstcomplimentanyonehaseverpaidme.”
“You’rewelcome.”Despinaspunaroundinawhirlofwhitelinen,thescentofjessaminesaturatingtheairabouther.Shahrzadfollowedhertothetableinthecorner.Thetrayatopitwascoveredwithlavashbread,aroundofgoatcheeseenfoldedinsweetpreserves,atureenofsoup,andahalvedpomegranate,itsseedsglisteninglikegarnetsinthewarmlightspillingfromtheterrace.Anornatesilverpotofcardamomteasatoveralowburningflame.
Despinaremovedthelidfromthetureenandbegantopreparethetea,placingasparklingcrystalofrocksugarinthebottomofasmalletched-glasscup.
Asshesatonthecushions,Shahrzadreachedforapieceoflavash.ThehandmaidenpeeredthroughhereyelashesatShahrzadwhileshepoured
theteainaslenderstreamfromhighabovetheglass.“ImeantwhatIsaid;Idohopeyousucceed,mylady.”Hertonewasfilledwithquietcircumspection.
“PleasecallmeShahrzad.”“Shahrzad.”Despinagrinnedather.Shahrzadcouldnotpreventherselffromreturningthegesture.Beverycareful.
•••
Anhourlater,withDespina’shelp,Shahrzadhadbathedanddressedinanotherelaborateensembleofsilkanddamask.Aslimcircletofsilver,spangledwithpearlsandtinybluesapphires,adornedherbrow.Aroundherneckwasanotherfetter,madetomatch.Thindiamondbanglesclinkedtogetheronherleftwristwitheverymovement.
“AmIallowedtoleave?”sheasked,onceDespinahadputthefinalflourishonthekohllininghereyelids.
Despinanodded.“Youcanroammostofthepalace,aslongasyou’rewiththeRajput.”
“TheRajput?”ThecornersofDespina’seyescrinkledwithamixtureofdryhumorandpity.
“Thecaliphisapparentlysoenamored,hehasgiftedyouamemberofhispersonalbodyguard.”
Shahrzadballedherhandsintofists.“SoInecessitateaspyandaready
executioner?”“Moreorless.”Hateisnottherightwordforsuchaman.“WhoistheRajput?”Shahrzadspat.“Atonepoint,hewasknownastheScourgeofHindustan.He’sthebest
swordsmaninRey,perhapsinallofKhorasan.Adevoteeofthetalwar.There’sonlyoneotherswordsmaninReywhocomesclose,butevenhehasneverbestedtheRajput.”Well,thisinformationmightbebeneficialinthefuture.“Whoisthesecond-bestswordsmaninRey?”Despina’sbrowfurrowed.“Iexpectedbetterofyou.”“What?”“Ithoughtyouwouldmakeitapointtobeinformed.”“Forgivemeforneglectingtocarryaroundalistofthetenbestswordsmenin
Khorasan,”Shahrzadshotback.“Isupposethisinformationwouldn’tbereadilyavailabletoayounggirlwith
alibrarianforafather.Itisn’texactlypostedonwallsforpublicviewing.”“MyfatherisacuratorofancienttextsandthesmartestmanIknow.Hewas
avizierfortheformercaliph.”Shahrzadcuthereyes.“Andafterhiswife’sdeath,Iheardhelosthismindandwassubsequently
demoted.Nowhe’salibrarian.”Ican’tlosemytemper.She’sclearlytryingtobaitme.Butwhy?Shahrzadrepliedinsteadwithameasuredsilenceintendedtoreestablish
control.Shefiddledwiththeheavysilveratherthroat,despisingitsweight.“So,doyoustillwanttoknowwhothesecond-bestswordsmaninReyis?”
Despinaasked,changingtack.“Nevermind.Itdoesn’tmatter.”Despinasmiledknowingly.“Thesecond-bestswordsmaninReyisKhalid
Ibnal-Rashid.OurillustriousKingofKings.”Shahrzad’sheartsank.Giftedswordsmentendedtobestalwartstrategists.
Quicktospotsignsofsubterfuge.Andthispresentedyetanotherobstacle.Ifheeversuspectedheroftreachery,
itwouldbeevenmoredifficulttoplothisdeathandcatchhimunawares.Sheswallowedcarefully.“Again,itdoesn’tmatter.”“Iguessitshouldn’tmattertoyou.ButIthoughtyoumightwanttoknow,
nevertheless.”Whatkindofgameissheplaying?“Youthoughtwrong.”Shahrzadwalkedtothedoorsofthechamberand
tuggedonthehandles.Assoonasshecrossedthethreshold,ahulkingfigure
steppedintoview.Hisskinwasthecolorofburnishedcopper,andhetoweredoverShahrzad,withhisheadboundinanintricatelywrappedturban.Hisexposedarmswerethickwithcordedmuscle,andhisblackbeardwasneatlytrimmedtoapointjustbelowhischin.Eyesthecolorofamoonlessnightgleameddownather,starkandmerciless.
“Uh,yes.Youmustbe...I’msorry,whatisyourname?”Shahrzadstammered.
“Itoldyou;he’stheRajput,”Despinarepliedfrombehindher.“Buthemusthaveaname,”Shahrzadraspedoverhershoulder.“Ifhedoes,Idon’tknowit.”Withanirritatedsigh,Shahrzadfacedforwardandbravedthesightofher
potentialexecutioneroncemore.“I’mShahrzad.”Shemethisblackgaze.Hegloweredatherbeforemovingasidetoletherpass.Assheslippedbyhim,shenoticedthelongtalwarswordhangingfromhis
hip,shiningwithmenaceinthemiddaysun.Sothissilentbruteistheonlyswordsmanwhocanbestmyenemy...HowamItofindanyweaknessinKhalidIbnal-Rashidwithhisspiesall
aroundme,watchingmyeverymove?Sheexhaledprotractedly.Imighthaveaseriousproblem.
DRAWWEIGHT
THEORIGINALSTRUCTUREOFTHEPALACEHADBEENbuiltnearlythreehundredyearsago,byakingwithaflairforextravagance.Intheyearssince,manywingshadbeenaddedtoaugmentthebaseofmarbleandlimestone.Theybranchedoffliketributaries,windingtowardanunseendestinationfarinthedistance.
Itwouldbeeasytogetlostinsuchaplace.“HowdoIgettothecourtyards?”ShahrzadaskedDespina,aftertheyhad
wanderedtheshininghallsforhalfanhour.Despinacantedherheadtothesideinthought.“Isupposethatwouldbefine.
Nooneexpresslyforbadeyoufromgoingoutdoors.”ShahrzadresistedtheurgetoretortasDespinabacktrackeddownacorridor
totheright.TheRajputstalkedalongsideShahrzad,hispostureasrigidandimplacableashisexpression.Afterseveralminutesoftraversinginsilence,theycametoanopen-airgallerywithaseriesofarcheddoubledoorsleadingoutside.
Anattendantpushedthroughonesetofdoorstoallowthempassage,andShahrzadwalkedintoaterracedcourtyardarrangedlikecolossalstepsinadescendingstaircase.Thefirstoftheseterraceswasfilledwithfloweringtreesandanelaborateaviaryenclosedonallsidesbycarefullywroughttrelliswork.Thesturdyacaciawoodwascoveredwithathinlayerofwhitepaintandanchoredbyboltsofpolishedbronze.Lushblue-greengrassflourishedbetweenpavestonesofcoarsegranite.
Shahrzadstrodepasttheaviary,glancingatthecolorfultroveofsongbirdsflitteringwithin:nightingales,goldfinches,larks,canaries...
Aloudsquawkblastedfrombehindher.Shetwistedaroundtofindapeacockstruttingacrossthelawn,hisplumageofmalachiteandgoldfanninginthesun,catchingerrantbeamsoflight.
Shahrzadglidedcloser.Thepeacockstoppedtoglareatherbeforeloweringhisfanandscurryingaway.
Shelaughedtoherself.“Soquicktostrut.Soquicktoflee.”“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Despinaasked.Shahrzadshookherhead.“Areyoutalkingaboutmen?”Despinasnorted.Choosingnottoreply,Shahrzadpacedthelengthofthetopterraceandtook
thestonestairsleadingdowntothenexttree-linedexpanse.Thisgardenwasburstingwithwhitecitrusblossomsandgreenfigshangingheavyontheirboughs,stillawaitingtheirmomenttoripen.
Shepassedthroughthistier,pausingonlytobreatheinthescent.Despinaregardedherthoughtfully.“Whatareyoutryingtodo?”sheasked
withatraceofsuspicion.Shahrzadliftedherhandtoshieldhereyesasshefocusedonsignsof
movementinanexpanseofsandandstonebelowthem.“Ifyou’lltellmewhatitisyou’replanning,Icantakeyouthere,”Despina
offered.“I’mnotplanninganything.I’mlookingforsomething.”“Whatareyoulookingfor?”“Ahandmaidenwhodoesn’tasksomanyquestions.”Despinasnickered.Shahrzadquickenedherpaceassheflewdownthelastseriesofstairs,
makingherwaytotheintendeddestinationofsandandstone.TheRajputgruntedhisdisapprovalastheynearedtheentrance.Sohe’snotmute,afterall.Despinahuffedaudibly.“I’mprettysureyou’renotsupposedtobehere.”“YousaidIcouldgoanywhere,aslongastheRajputiswithme,”Shahrzad
remindedher.“Idon’tthinkanyoneexpectedyoutocometothetraininggrounds.”Shahrzad’skeeneyesranovertheseaofmalefaceslostintheartof
swordplay,trainingwithspearsandperfectingtheirdeadlyaimwiththeaxe-liketabarzin.He’snothere.“Areyoulookingforthecaliph?”Despinademanded.“No.”ButIassumethesecond-bestswordsmaninReywillpracticeatsomepoint
today...ifheintendstomaintainhistitle.AndIneedtolearnhisweakness,sothatImaydestroyhimwithit.“Liar.”Despinasmirked.“Actually,IcameherebecauseIwantedto—”Shahrzadglancedarounduntil
hereyesfellonsomethingsherecognizedwell.“Iwantedtolearnhowtousea
bowandarrow.”“What?”Despinaexclaimed.Feigningignorance,Shahrzadmovedtowardtherackofweapons.TheRajputraisedhisarmtoblockherpath,anoteofwarninginhisonyx
gaze.Shahrzadsteeledherselfbeforereturninghisbelligerentstare.“Wouldyou
teachmehowtoshoot?I’vealwayswantedtolearn.”Heshookhishead.Sheaffectedapout.“Nothingwillhappentome.Anyway,Iwon’tbeyour
concernaftertomorrow.Pleasegrantmethissmallrequest.”“Maybehe’snotworriedaboutyou,”Despinastatedcaustically.Shahrzadattemptedtosidestephismammothforearm.Whenhethwartedher
again,shepursedherlips.“Mustyoubesodifficult?”shesaidinharshundertone.“He’snotbeingdifficult.That’showhenormallyis,”arichmalevoice
remarkedfrombehindthem.BothDespinaandShahrzadswiveledtomeettheamusedscrutinyofayoung
manwithacurlymopofmahoganyhairandawarm,affableexpression.TheRajputstiffened.“PerhapsIcanbeofassistance?”thenewcomerofferedwithagrin.Shahrzadshothimawinsomesmile.“Ihopeso.I’m—”“Iknowwhoyouare,mylady.Bynow,everyoneinthepalaceknowswho
youare.”HisbrowneyessparkledwithmischiefashewinkedatDespina.Sheavertedhergaze,hercheekscoloring.He’squitetheflirt.“Thenyouhaveadecidedadvantageoverme,sir,”Shahrzadsaid.“I’mJalal.”Hebowedhishead,hisfingertipsbrushinghisbrow.“He’scaptainoftheguardandthesonofGeneralArefal-Khoury...the
ShahrbanofRey,”Despinaclarifiedinarotetone.“Don’tletthetitlefoolyou,mylady.I’mnooneofconsequence,evenifmy
fatheristhehighest-rankinggeneralinKhorasan.”“Well,weshareaportionofthatlamentablestatus,forIamalsonooneof
consequence,”Shahrzadsaid.“Idoubtthat,myladyShahrzad.Ihighlydoubtthat.”Jalalgrinned,bringing
furtherlighttoanalreadyeasygoingdemeanor.TheRajputgruntedagain.HislingeringirebroughtShahrzadbacktothe
matterathand.“Wouldyoubewillingtoteachmehowtouseabowandarrow,Captainal-
Khoury?”sheasked.
“Thatdependsonafewthings.ThefirstbeingthatyoudispensewiththeformalitiesandjustcallmeJalal.ThesecondbeingthatKhalidneverdiscovermypartinthistransgression.”Khalid?Hecallshimbyhisfirstname?“Icanmeetthoseterms.Gladly.Ifyou’llreturnthegesture,onbothparts.”Jalalleanedforwardconspiratorially.“Thenfollowme,Jalal.”Shahrzadlaughed.Despinaloopedherarmsoverheramplechest.“Thisisa
badidea,”shecautioned,herblueeyesflittingtoJalal’spuckishface.“Forwhom?Foryou,orforme?”Shahrzadretorted.“Becauseitseemslikea
verygoodideaformetospendthelastdayofmylifedoingthethingsI’vealwayswantedtodo.”
DespinasighedwithresignationandtrudgedbehindShahrzadandJalal.TheRajputstompedintheirshadows,hisdistasteasplainashisirritation,despitethesharplookofrebukefromthecaptainoftheguard.
JalalledShahrzadtotherackofbows.Severalquivershungfromasteelbar,theirgoose-featheredfletchingsdyedinbrightcolorsforeasyrecognition.Shahrzadpulledoutanarrowfromoneofthequivers.Itstipwasbluntedfortargetpractice.Takingspecialpainstoappearnonchalant,shebentthebackendofthearrow,eversoslightly,todeterminetheweightofitsspine.Notthatflexible.“You’veshotabowandarrowbefore?”Jalalinquired,observingherwitha
surprisingamountofkeennessforsomeonesoseeminglyblithe.“Notreally.”Sheattemptedtosounddismissive.“SocanIaskwhatyou’redoingwiththearrow,then?”“I’mmerelycurious.”Sheshruggedandputthearrowbackinitsquiver.
Thenshereachedforanotherarrowwithdifferentcoloredfletchings.Sheperformedthesametest.Muchbetter.Sheremovedthequiverofarrowsfromthebar.“Itappearsyoumightnotneedmytutelage,afterall,”Jalalcommentedinan
airytone.“No,no—”Hermindscrambledtoconcealhermisstep.“My...cousinonce
toldmeit’seasiertofirearrowswithlessspinewhenyoudon’thavealotofupperbodystrength.”
“Isee,”Jalalstateddubiously.“Andwhatdidyour...cousinhavetosayaboutbows?”
“Nothing.Thecommentonarrowswasmerelyinpassing.”Hisexpressionturnedevenmoredoubtful.“Ofcourse.Inpassing.”Hemade
aquickstudyofthedifferentbowsleaningwithintheweaponsrack.Whenhis
handpausedonatall,straightbackedbow,heglancedoverhisshoulderatShahrzad.
Shesmiledathim.Stillwatchingher,heshiftedhishandtoamuchsmallerbowwithendsthat
curvedawayfromthearcherwhenstrung.Therecurvebow.Shahrzadheldhersmile,refusingtofallpreytohisattempttobaitherwith
theweaponofherchoice.“Doyouhaveapreference?”heasked.“Whateveryouthinkisbest.”Henodded.“Ithinkthiswillworkforourpurposes.”Withaknowinggrin,he
tooktherecurvebowfromtherackandstrodeinlinewiththetargetspositionedfiftypacesaway.
Asshefollowedhim,Shahrzadgrimacedatherthoughtlessnessindisclosinganaptitudeforarchery.What’sdoneisdone.Butinthefuture,dobetter.Shereachedupandcoiledherwavyblackhairintoaknotonthenapeofher
neck.ThensheshruggedoffhercumbersomemantleandhandedittoDespina.Afaintdesertbreezecooledthebareskinatherarmsandstomach.Herfittedsilvertophadasquarenecklineandtiny,cappedsleeves.Asilksashofcobaltbluehunglowacrossherhips,itspearl-embroideredendstrailingagainsttheground.Silverslipperskickeduptuftsofsandwitheachstepshetook.
Shahrzadslungthequiverontohershoulder,andJalalhandedhertherecurvebow.
Acrowdofcuriousonlookershadbeguntogatherofftotheside.DespinaandtheRajputstoodoutfront,stillsportingtheirrespectivelooksofuneaseanddisgust.
Shahrzadplacedherfeetclosetogetherasshetuggedanarrowfromthequiverandstruggledtopositionitonthesinewedstring.
Jalalwasmarkedlyunconvinced.WhenShahrzadnockedthearrowback,thethinstripofwoodstruckagainst
thehandleofthebowasittrembledinherpurportedlyignorantgrasp.“Isthisright?”sheaskedJalal.“No.It’snot.”Hesnorted.“Butyouknowthat,don’tyou?”“Ofcoursenot.”“Areyousure?”“Areyougoingtoteachme,ornot?”shedemanded.Helaughed.“Putyourleftfootforwardsothatyourstanceisshoulder-width
apart.”
Shedidasshewastold.“Nowrelaxyourgripandloweryourelbows.Usethesightspositionedonthe
bowgriptoaim.”Shahrzadalmostsneered.Shehadn’tneededsightssinceshewasthirteen.
Tariqhadseentothat.“Onceyou’vesettledyoursights,pullthearrowbackasfarasyoucanand
releaseit.”Whensheloosedthearrow,itspuninthegeneraldirectionofthetarget
beforeitfloatedtotheground,twentypacesshyofitsdestination.ShahrzadlookedoveratJalal.Heremaineddubious.“Didyour‘cousin’explaindrawweighttoyou?”Sheshookherhead.Heexhaledbeforesteppingclosertoher.“Ichosethisbowbecauseithasa
lowerdrawweight.Isuspectthisisthereasonyouchosethatparticularquiverofarrows.Meaningthisbowandthisarrowwillworkintandemtohelpyoudrawbackwithouthavingtouseagreatdealofupperbodystrength.Whichisespeciallybeneficialforsmallerarchers,likeyou.”
“Sodrawweightisaboutsize?”“Ithinkit’smoreaboutspeedandaccuracy.Ifyoudon’thavetoexpendalot
ofenergyfiringasinglearrow,itmakesiteasiertonockanotheroneintopositionquickly.Youalsotendtobemoreaccuratewhenyou’renotstrainingyourself.”
“Itmakessense,”Shahrzadagreed.“I’msureitdoes.”Hegrinned.Sheignoredhismeaningfultoneasshereachedbackforanotherarrow.After
shefitteditintopositiononthesinewedbowstring,hereyesdartedtohisface.“Youmustknowthecaliphwell,”shebegan.Hisamusementfadedslightly.“I’veknownKhalidsincehewasalittleboy.”“Areyougoodfriends?”“No.”“Isee.”Shedrewbackthearrowfartherandreleasedit.Thistime,itsailed
muchclosertoitstarget,butstillmanagedtolandburiedinthesand.“I’molderthanheis,bytwoyears.Hisbrother,Hassan,andIgrewup
together;wewereveryclose.WhenHassandied,ItriedtoextendahandtoKhalid,but...”Heshrugged.“Henevertookit.”
Shahrzadturnedtofacehim.“I’msorry.”“Whyareyousorry?”“Itisn’teasytoloseyourbestfriend.Atleast,Ican’timagineitwouldbe.”“Thankyouforsayingso.ButKhalidlosthisolderbrother.Hisfatherdied
thefollowingyear.Andbecauseofthatterribleincidentwithhismother...hewasonlyfourteenwhenhetookthethrone.Fourteenandalone.I’msureyouhaveanideaofwhatcameafter.”Idon’tcare.Thereisnoexcuseforthemonsterhe’sbecome.He’shadfour
yearstogrowaccustomedtobeingking.Andasforwhatcameafter...WhenJalalsawthelookonShahrzad’sface,hetookastepinherdirection.“Pleaseunderstand;I’mnotmaking...excuses.”Hisvoicewasverysoft.Shahrzadtwistedawayfromhimandsnatchedanotherarrowfromthequiver
atherback.Shestoppedherselfwhensherealizedshehadfittedthearrowandnockeditinaseamlessmotionill-befittinganovice.
Jalallaughed.“I’msorry,butI’mnowconvincedI’veearnedtherighttoaskforafavor,Shahrzad.”
“Andwhydoyouthinkthat?”shesaidunderherbreath.“Becausemysilencehasaprice.”Sheblinked.“Excuseme?”Heedgedcloser.“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retryingtodotoKhalid,butyou
arethefirstpersontorattlehiminyears.Andheneedstoberattled.”Shahrzadmethissteadygaze,thearrowstillpressedtightagainstherneck.“Isthereafavorintheresomewhere?”“Khalidisnotmyfriend.Heisnotmyenemy,either.Heismyking.I
remembertheboyhewasquitefondly...kind,withabrightandinquisitivemind.Awanderingsoul.Thebrokencreatureheisnow—I’mtiredofit.Willyouhelpmefixit,Shahrzad?”
Shahrzadstaredbackinmorosesilence,wonderingwheresuchblindfaithcamefrom.Suchmisplacedfaithinaboywithamurderouspastandagirlwithtreacherousintent.
Jalalstudiedher,hissun-bronzedfaceahairsbreadthfromherown.Atthatmoment,Despinaburstfromtheshadows,herfeaturesalightwith
horror.WhenShahrzadtracedtheterrortoitssource,shefelttheairleaveherchestinasingle,sharpgasp.
Acrossthecourtyard,theCaliphofKhorasanstoodwatchingthem,hisexpressioncoolandcomposed.
Likethecalmbeforeastorm.
BYTHELIGHTOFASINGLECANDLE
ATTHESOUNDOFSHAHRZAD’SWORDLESSexclamation,Jalalglancedoverhisshoulder.Humorwashedacrosshisfeatures,mixedwithahintofdefiance.“Iguessneitherofuswillbeabletomeetourearlierterms.”
“Iguessnot.”Herhazeleyeswerelockedonheramber-eyednemesis.“ButIhopewecancontinuethisdiscussionatalatertime.”Jalalstepped
awayfromherwithamockingbow.Thecaliphcrossedtheexpanse.Hewaswearingaqamisofthefinestwhite
linenandgreysirwaltrowsers.AtaperedswordinastyleShahrzaddidnotrecognizehungfromtheblacktikkasashloopedabouthiships.Asalways,heembodiedtheantithesisofeverythingshefoundwarmandgoodintheworld.
Allmotionwithinthecourtyardhadceasedathisarrival.TohisrightwasanoldergentlemanwhosecarriageandcountenanceweredistinctlyreminiscentofJalal’s.Athisleftwasanervous-lookingman,clutchinganarmfulofscrolls.Flankinghimwasaretinueofsoldiersandbodyguards.
Foraperilousbeat,Shahrzadconsideredturningherarrowonhim.Atthisdistance,sheknewshecouldhithim.Butthearrow’stipwasblunted—meantonlyfortargetpractice.Itmightnotkillhim.Sheloweredtheweapon.It’snotworththerisk.Ashedrewnear,shewilledherhearttoceaseitsirrationalpounding.Ifshe
intendedtoconquerthismonster,shehadtofirstquellallfearsofhim.Quickly.Hestoppedseveralpacesbeforeher.AndturnedtoJalal.“Captainal-Khoury.”Hisvoicewasdeathlyquiet.“Sayyidi.”Jalaldippedhishead,touchinghisfingertipstohisbrow.“Iwas
justshowingthequeenhowtouseabowandarrow.”
“Icanseethat.Thequestioniswhy.”“BecauseIaskedhim,”Shahrzadinterrupted,muchtooloudly.Hiseyesshiftedtoherwithdispassion.Shahrzadwatchedhimtakeinher
appearance—thelackofamantle,thehaphazardknotofhair...andthequiverofarrowsdanglingfromhershoulder.
“ThenIredirectthequestiontoyou,”hesaid.Shesetherjaw,drawingonasuddenreserveofimpudence.“DoIneeda
reason?”“Iaskedforanexplanation.Notareason.”“They’rethesamething.”“Notnecessarily.”“Actually,theyare.Regardlessofyourperspectiveonthematter,Isimply
wantedtolearn,andJalalagreedtoteachme.”Asshespoke,wispsofhairbegantouncoilfromtheknotathernape.
“Jalal?”Hiseyebrowsroseatthisinformality,theonlysignofareactiontoherbolddisplay.
“Yes.Jalal.”Alockfellforwardintoherface,andsheshoveditbehindherear.
“AndwhathaveyoulearnedfromJalal?”“What?”sheexclaimed,unabletoconcealhersurpriseathisinterest.“Ifhe’sbeenteachingyouhowtoshootabowandarrow,youmusthave
somethingtoshowforit.Unlesshe’sanabysmaltutor.”Jalalstartedtolaugh.“Ifyou’llrecall,sayyidi,IbelieveIhadahandin
teachingyouwhenyouwereaboy.”“Jalal-jan,”theshahrbanraspedathisson,thelinesofconsternationfurther
weatheringhisface.“Thougharcheryhasneverbeenmystrongsuit,”thecaliphcontinued.“Yourwords,sayyidi.Notmine.”Jalalgrinned.“Jalal!That’senough,”theshahrbansaidsharply.“Heisyourking!”Jalalbowed,hisobediencestilltingedbyridicule.“Well?”ThecaliphlookedagaintoShahrzad.Shereturnedhisexpectantgaze.Then,withoutaword,Shahrzadrefittedthe
arrowtothesinew,keepingthebowathersideforamoment.Shedesperatelywantedtoshowhimhowwellshecouldshoot,to
demonstratetotheentirecontingentofonlookersthatshewasnoonetotriflewith.Shealsowantedtodojusticetothemanyyearsofpatientinstructionshe’dreceivedatTariq’sside.
Whenshe’dfirstaskedhim,asayounggirlofeleven,toteachherhowtouseabowandarrow,she’dfullyexpectedthetwelve-year-oldsonofapowerful
emirtoignoreasillychild’srequest.Yet,itwasthatsummerinthedesert,clutchingamakeshiftbowandarrow,thatshefirstfellinlovewithTariqImranal-Ziyad.Withhisrefreshingcandorandhisreadyhumor.Withthecharmofhisbeautifullydevioussmile.Granted,ithadbeennothingmorethanastarry-eyedinfatuationatthetime,butitwasfromthosepreciousmemoriesthatshedrewherstrengthwhenevershefeltdarknessdescenduponher.
Forthewonderofafirstlovecanneverbematched.Sheclosedhereyes.Tariq.No.Todayisnotthedaytomakeapoint.Shedrewinabreath.Butitisalsonotadaytoappearweak.Withhereyesstillshut,sheraisedthebowanddrewbackthearrow.Shedidnotneedtoaim.Sheknewpreciselywhereshewantedthearrowto
fly.Fromtheageofthirteen,shehadaimedpurelyoninstinct,relyingonher
abilitytogaugehersurroundingsataglance.Sheexhaledslowly.Assoonassheopenedhereyes,sheloosedthearrow.Itflewtowardthe
targetinaperfectspiral.Andstruckexactlywheresheintended.“Amazing.Despitenevertakingcaretoaim,youactuallyhitthetargetthat
time,”Jalalintoneddrily.“Inafashion.”“It’sbecauseyou’resuchagoodteacher,”sherepliedinablithemanner.Theshadowsfromapassingcloudseemedtocastasmallsmileacrossthe
caliph’slips.“Isit?”Jalalmurmured.“Inafashion.”Shegrinned.“Nevertheless,Ididhitthetarget...rather,Ihit
oneofitslegs.”“Whichwouldhavebeenaremarkableshot,haditbeenintentional.”“Butwe’vealreadyestablishedthatIdidn’taim.Regardless,IthinkIdid
fairlywell,don’tyou?”“Whatdoyouthink,sayyidi?”Jalalasked.“Doesthequeenpassyourtestof
merit?”Itwasabrazenquestiononhispart.Shahrzadfeltahintofcolorriseinher
neckasshefacedthecaliph.Hewasmerelywatchingtheminteractindetachedsilence.“Shemissedthetarget,”hestatedsimply.Shahrzad’seyesnarrowed.Whenthewaywardlockofhairfellforwardyet
again,shestabbeditbehindherearwithunduevehemence.“Perhapsmykingwouldcaretodemonstratethepropertechnique?”she
askedinacooltone.Reachingback,sheextractedanarrowandofferedit,alongsidethebow,tothecaliph.
Thatsameincomprehensibleflashofemotionflittedacrosshissharpprofile.AndShahrzadfoundherselfgrowingevermorecuriousastothethoughts
behindit.Itdoesn’tmatterwhathe’sthinking.Itwillnevermatter.Itshouldnevermatter.Hestrodeforwardandextricatedtheweaponsfromherhands.Whenhis
fingersgrazedhers,hehesitatedbeforepullingaway.Thenhistiger-eyescloudedoverandhedrewback,hisexpressionunreadable.Withoutaword,henockedthearrowintopositiononthestring.
Shahrzadwatchedhimassumehisstance.Hisleanformstruckunnervinglypreciselinesashepulledthearrowfarback,bendingtherecurvebowuntilthearchesateachendbecameallbutunnoticeable.
Heexhaledwhilehetookaim.Shahrzadresistedtheurgetosmile.Heusesthesights.Thearrowflewinatightspiraltowardthetarget,strikingnearthecenter,but
notwithinthebull’s-eye.Heloweredthebow.“Notbad,sayyidi,”Jalalsaidwithasmile.“It’sacceptable,”herepliedunderhisbreath.“Nothingtoboastabout.”ThecaliphextendedhisleftarmtoreturnthebowtoShahrzad.Herefusedto
meethereyes,andthenheturnedtoleave.“Sayyidi?”sheattempted.Hehalted,butdidnotfaceher.“Perhapsyouwouldn’tmind—”“Jalalcanteachyou.HeisfarmoreproficientthanI.”IrritationflaredinShahrzadattheassumptionshedesiredanythingfromhim.
Beyondhisdeath.“Fine,”shebitout.Hetookafewstepsbeforehestoppedagain.“Shahrzad?”“Yes?”“I’llseeyoutonight.”Shesnatchedanarrowfromthequiverandfittedittothestring.Idespisehim.Asifhecouldtrulyteachmeanythingaboutabowand
arrow...aboywhostillusessights!Tariqcouldtearhimapart.Second-best
swordsmaninRey—ha!Shetriedtoignoretheflutterofuncertaintyinherstomach.
•••
Jahandarstudiedthewallofthetentasitflappedinthecoolnightair.Helayonhisside,listening.Waiting.OncehewascertainIrsa’ssoftbreathshaddeepenedintoarestfulsleep,he
turnedwithgreatcareandliftedhisblankets.Shestirredontheothersideofthetent,andhefroze.Whensherotatedin
placesothatherbackfacedhim,heexhaledandrosetohisfeet.Withacarefulstretch,hewardedawaythewearinessofafullday’stravel.
Onefootinfrontoftheother,Jahandarpaddedhiswaytohissatchel.Assoundlesslyaspossible,heraisedthefoldandeasedthewornleather
volumefrombetweenthesleeves.Hisheartpoundedwhenhefeltthewarmthofthetomesettleagainsthischest.
Therawpowerofthepagesnowwithinhisgrasp...Heshuffledtoacornerofthetentandplacedtheancientmanuscriptatopa
trunkofclothes.Thenhelitasinglecandle.Andtookadeepbreath.Thecoverofthetomewastatteredandillegible.Theedgesweredegraded,
andarustedlockbounditscenter.Hestaredattheblackened,agedbookbeforehim.Ifhestarteddownthispath...Heclosedhiseyesandswallowed.Hethoughtofhiswifeinherfinaldays,as
shelaygaspingforbreath,beggingforamomentmorewithherchildren.PleadingforJahandartosaveherfromthewastingdisease.Hethoughtoftheinstanthefailedher,ofthehelplessnesshefeltholdingher
lifelessforminhisarms.Andofthecripplingpowerlessnessashewatchedhiselderdaughtermarch
towardamonsteronlytwosunsetsago.Whateverthecost,hewouldfixit.IfShahrzadhadmanagedtosurvivethe
dawn,hewouldworktobeworthyofsuchadaughter.Andifshehadnot...Heclenchedthespineofthebooktightbetweenhisfingers.No.Hewouldnotlethimselfcowerinthedarknessofdoubtagain.Jahandarreachedintohisnightshirtandpulledoutthelongsilverchain
hangingfromhisthroat.Danglingonitsendwasablackkey.Hebentovertheancienttomeandinsertedthekeyintothelock.Whenthevolumesprangopen,a
faintsilverlightemanatedfromthepages.Jahandarreachedforthefirstpage...Andstifledacry.Itburnedhishand.Nomatter.Hedraggedhissleeveontohisfingertipsandtriedagain.ThetextwasanearlyformofChagatai.Translatingitwouldbeapainstaking
process,evenforamanaslearnedasJahandar.Andespeciallywithsuchpressingtimeconstraints.
Again,nomatter.Hisheartthunderedashedrewthesinglecandleclosertobeginhiswork.Forhischildren,hewouldmovemountains.Hewouldnotfailagain.
ALADDINANDTHEWONDERFULLAMP
THISTIME,SHAHRZADKNEWBETTERTHANTOWAITforhim.Soitwasnosurprisewhenhefailedtomakeanappearanceuntilwellintothe
night.TheservantswhodeliveredthefoodandwinefoundnotraceofShahrzad
anywherewithinthechamber.Itwasthecaliphwhodiscoveredherstandingontheterrace,overlookingasideentrywayflankedbyfountains.
Shedidnotturnaroundwhenhearrived.Instead,sheleanedovertherailingandsmiledtoherself.
Hepausedforamomentandthenjoinedher.Acrescentmoonhunghighinthesky,reflectingbackintotheshimmering
poolsofwaterbelow.“Youcan’tseethem,butIlovehowyoucansmellthecitrusblossomsfrom
here...thesuggestionofsomethingbeautifulandalive,”shebegan.Hedidn’trespondimmediately.“You’repartialtocitrusblossoms?”“Yes.ButIpreferrosesaboveall.Myfatherhasabeautifulrosegarden.”Heturnedtoher,studyingherprofileinthemoonlight.“Ithinkafatherwho
tendstoflowersmusthaveobjectedto...this.”Shahrzadcontinuedtostareahead.“Ithinkakingwhohopestobebeloved
byhispeopleshouldn’texecutetheirdaughtersatdawn.”“WhosaidIhopedtobebelovedbymypeople?”thecaliphrepliedinastaid
monotone.Atthis,Shahrzadtwistedtomeethisgaze.“Andallthistime,Icouldhave
swornyouwereasmartman.”Shemimickedhisquietlyalooftoneasshepronouncedthisjudgment,andtheeffectofhersubtlemockerywasnotlostonhim.
Acornerofhislipstwitched.“Andallthistime...Icouldhaveswornyoudidn’twanttodie.”
Shahrzadblinked.Andthendecidedtolaugh.Thesoundcarriedovertheterrace,bubblingoutintothenight,fillingthesky
withthetinklingmusicofbells.Thecaliphwatchedher,hissparkofsurprisequicklymaskedbysomber
reflectiveness.“You’reverystrange,”Shahrzadcommented,onceherlaughterhadsubsided.“Soareyou,Shahrzadal-Khayzuran.”“AtleastIknowit.”“I’mawareofitaswell.”“ButIdon’tpunishpeopleforit.”Hesighed.“Ienvypeoplewhoseetheworldasyoudo.”“AreyouinsinuatingI’msimpleminded?”Angerseepedintoherwords.“No.Youseethingsthewayyouliveyourlife.Withoutfear.”“That’snottrue.I’mafraidofalotofthings.”Hecastherasearchingglance.“Whatareyouafraidof?”Justthen,asifthenighthadforetoldthemoment,aviciousbreezeraked
acrosstheterrace,whippingthroughShahrzad’slongblackhair.Tendrilsflewintoherface,obscuringherfeatures.
“I’mafraidofdying,”sheannouncedoverthewind.AndI’mafraidoflosingtoyou.Hestaredatherasthegustdieddown...asitfinishedtoyingwith
Shahrzad’stresses,windingthemtoandfro.Whenthelastvestigesdisappeared,thatsameerrantlockfromearlierinthe
daystillhunginhereyes.Shestartedtoreachforit—Buthecaughtherhandinoneofhisownandbrushedthecurlbehindherear,
gently.Theflutteringinherstomachreturnedwithavengeance.“Tellmewhyyou’rehere.”Itsoundedentreatinginhislowvoice.I’mheretowin.“Promisemeyouwon’tkillme,”shebreathedback.“Ican’tdothat.”“Thenthere’snothingmoretosay.”
•••
Aswiththefirstnight,Shahrzadwasamazedbyherabilitytodetachfromreality.
Andagain,sheremainedstrangelygratefulheneveroncetriedtokissher.Grateful...yetsomewhatperplexed.ShehadkissedTariqbefore—stolenembracesintheshadowsofvaulted
turrets.Theillicitnatureoftheseencountershadalwaysthrilledher.Atanytime,aservantcouldhavefoundthem;orworse,Rahimcouldhavecaughtthemkissing...andhewouldhaveneedledShahrzadmercilessly,ashe’ddonefromthemomenthe’dcrownedhimselfthebrothershe’dneverhad.
So,whilesheappreciatednothavingtokissamurderer,itdidappearoddforhernewhusbandtorefrainfromthisparticularact,especiallywhenitseemedagreatdeallessintimatethan...otherthings.
Shahrzadfoundherselfwantingtoaskwhy.Andhercuriositygrewbythehour.Stopit.Itdoesn’tmatter.Insteadofrisingtodressashedid,Shahrzadlingeredonthebedandgrabbed
alargecushionthecolorofbrightcarnelian.Shepulleditagainstherchestandwrappedherslenderarmsarounditscenter.
Heturnedtofaceherwhenshedidnotjoinhimbythetable.“I’mnothungry,”shestated.Heinhaled,andshewatchedhisshouldersmoveintimewithhisbreath.Thenhereturnedtothefootofthebedsothattheywerepositionedon
oppositeends,asfarfromeachotheraspossible.Sostrange.Shahrzadrolledonhersideandburrowedintothemassofsilkenpillows.Her
bronzeanklesdangledoffthebed.Theedgesofthecaliph’sambereyestightened,eversoslightly.“Wouldyoulikemetocontinuethestory?”shesaid.“Sayyidi?”“Ialmostthoughtyouwereabovetheuseofhonorificsnow.”“Pardon?”“HaveyouforgottenwhoIam,Shahrzad?”Sheblinked.“No...sayyidi.”“Sothenalackofdecorumjustcomeswithyoursenseofcomfort.”“Inasmuchasbitterapathydoesyours.”Again,hisshouldersroseandfell.“Tellme,whydoyoufinditpermissibleto
talktomelikethis?”“Becausesomeonehasto,”sherepliedwithouthesitation.“Andyouthinkitshouldbeyou?”“Ithinkitshouldbesomeonewhoisn’tafraidofyou.And,thoughIdo
feel...anxiousinyourpresence,themoreIseeofeverythingaroundme,thelessIhavereasontofearyou.”
Assoonasshesaidthewordsaloud,shewasstartledtorealizetheirtruth.Inthesingledayshe’dbeenhiswife,she’dseenremarkablylittleofthebloodthirstymonstershe’dexpected.
Thistime,itwasmuchmorethanamereflashofsurprisethatetcheditswayacrosshisface.Hisastonishmentburgeonedintodismaybeforeitmeltedbackintothelandscapeofemptinessthatforevershroudedhisfeatures.
“Youknownothing,”hecountered.Shahrzadalmostlaughedatthis.“You’reright.Iknownothing.Wouldyou
caretoeducateme,sayyidi?”Itwasaquiettaunt...apoisonedglassofwine,meanttointoxicateand
exsanguinate.Meanttocompelhimintoexposinghisweakness.Please.Givemetheropefromwhichtohangyou.“FinishthestoryofAgib,Shahrzad.”Themomentwaslost.Fornow.Shesmiledathimfromacrossthebed.“Theshadowformingwithintheblue
plumeofsmokesolidified...andbegantolaugh.”Thecaliph’sshouldersrelaxed.Heeasedforward.“Agibscrambledbackfarther,histerrormounting.Thelaughtergrewuntilit
echoedacrosstheblacksandofAdamant’sshore.Agibcoveredhisfacewithtremblinghands.And,fromthedepthsoftheshadow,afigureemerged.Hewasbald,withsharplytaperedearsadornedingold.HisskinwasblanchedwhiteandcoveredwithraisedmarkingsinalanguageAgibdidnotrecognize.Whenthefigureopenedhismouthtospeak,Agibsawthateveryoneofhisteethwasfiledtoarazor-sharppoint.”
Shahrzadbunchedapillowbelowherneckandcrossedherankles.Whenthecaliph’sgazeflickereddownherbarelegs,hereyeswidenedinawareness,andheglancedaway.
Ignoringtherisingwarmthinherneck,shecontinued.“Agibwassurehewasabouttodie.Heclaspedhishandsbeforehimandclosedhiseyes,offeringasilentpleaforaquickandpainlessendtoaworthlesslife.SowhenthecreaturespoketoAgibinavoicethatshooktheverygroundtheystoodupon,hiswordswerethelastthingsAgibexpectedtohear,foramultitudeofreasons.Thecreaturesaid,‘Whatquestiondoesmymasterwishtoaskofme?’AndAgibjustsatthere,speechless.Thecreaturerepeatedhimself.Agibsputtered,almostinaudibly,‘Question?Whatkindofquestionsdoyouspeakof,Ocreatureofthecup?’Thecreaturelaughedagainandreplied,‘Thatwasthefirstofmymaster’sthreequestions.Heispermittedthree,andonlythree.Afterthis,hehastwo
questionsremaining.ThequestionsIspeakofarethequestionsthemasteroftheBronzeChalicemayposetotheAll-KnowingGenieoftheBronzeChalice.Ipossesstheanswerstoquestions—past,present,andfuture.Choosethemwisely,foronceyouaskthree,youareamasternomore.’”
Atthis,thecaliphsmiledtohimself.“Agibpitchedtohisfeet,stillreelingindisbelief.Butthesharpmindofa
thiefwasbeginningtotakecontrol,andhequicklyrealizedhisfoolishnesshadalreadycosthimonepreciousquestion.Sohestoppedhimselffromspeakingoutofturnandsuccumbingtoyetanothertrickbytheclevergeniebeforehim.Heformulatedhisnextquestioncarefullyinhismindbeforeposingit.Thenheasked,‘GenieoftheBronzeChalice,yourmasterwishestoknowtheexactwaytoescapethisislandsoastoreachhishomelandwithoutanyfurtherharmbefallinghisperson.’ThegeniegrinnedwickedlybeforebowingbeforeAgib.Withanodtowardthemountain,thegeniesaid,‘BuriedatthetopofAdamantliesaboatwithboltsofbrass.Dragittotheshoreandsailinthedirectionofthethirdbrighteststarinthenightsky.Aftertwentydaysandnights,youwillreachyourhomeland.’Hiseyeswary,Agibproddedfurther.‘Myquestiondemandedthatnofurtherharmbefallmypersonforthedurationofthisjourney.Nowhereinyouranswerdidyouaddressfoodorwater.’Thegeniecackledoncemore.‘Mymasterlearnsfasterthanmost.Ishalldirectyoutoahiddenspringnearthewesternmostpointoftheisland.And,asforfood,Isuggestyoudryenoughfishforthejourney.’”
“Thatseemsratherconvenient,”thecaliphinterjected.“Thegeniecannotbetrusted.”
“Theyrarelycanbe,inmyopinion,sayyidi.”Shahrzadgrinned.“Overthenextfewdays,Agibfollowedthegenie’sinstructions.Hebroughttheboattotheshoreandfilleditwithsuppliesforthejourney.Onthethirdnight,bythelightofafullmoon,hesetsail,withtheBronzeChalicesafelystowedinapouchathisfeet.Fortendays,hetraveledwithoutevent.Hebegantobelievehisjourneymightendwell...thatluckmightbeonhisside,afterall.Hopingagainsthope,hestartedtodreamofwhattoaskashisfinalquestion.Wherecouldheobtainalltherichesintheworld?HowcouldhewintheloveofthemostbeautifulwomaninBaghdad?”
Shahrzadpausedforeffect.“Andthen...theboatstartedtocreak.Brinywaterbeganseepingintothe
seams.Aghast,Agibdiscoveredthebrassboltswerecrackingattheedges,allowingtheseatoflowinthroughthejoints.Inapanic,hetriedtobailthewateroutoftheboatwithhisbarehands.Whenherealizedthefutilityofhisefforts,hegrabbedthechaliceandrubbeditssurface.Thegenieappearedandsat
calmlyontheboat’slistingbow.‘Wearesinking!’Agibshoutedatthegenie.‘YouassuredmeIwouldreachmyhomelandwithoutanyharmbefallingmyperson!’ThegeniemerelystaredatAgib,withoutaseemingcareintheworld.‘Youmayaskmeaquestion,Master,’hereplied.Agibglancedaboutfrantically,wonderingifnowwasthetimetousehislast,andmostprecious,question.Justthenonthehorizon,Agibsawthemastofanotherboat—amuchlargervessel.Hestoodupandwavedhishands,shoutingforitsattention.Whenitshiftedinhisdirection,Agibyelledwithtriumph,andthegeniesmirkedbeforevanishingbackintohischalice.Agibboardedthevessel,tremblingwithgratitude,hisclothestatteredandhissun-stainedfacehiddenbeneathascragglybeard.But,lo...”
Thecaliph’seyebrowslifted.“Whentheownerofthevesselemergedfrombelowdecks,Agibwashorrified
todiscoveritwasnoneotherthantheemir...theverymanwhosesoldiershadchasedhimoutofBaghdadanddrivenhimtotakethiswretchedvoyageinthefirstplace.Foraninstant,Agibconsideredplungingheadfirstintothesea,but,whentheemirsmiledwarmlyathimandwelcomedhimaboardtheship,Agibrealizedhisdisheveledappearancemadehimallbutunrecognizable.Sohebrokebreadattheemir’stable,sharinginhisfoodanddrinkasthoughhewereunawareofhispatron’sidentity.Theeldergentlemanwasaconsummatehost,refillingAgib’scupwithhisownhandandregalinghimwithtalesofhismanyseafaringadventures.Astheeveningworeon,Agiblearnedtheemirhadsetsailseveralweeksagoinsearchofanislandwithamysteriousmountainatitscenter.Hiddenonthisislandwasachalicewiththemysticalpowertoansweranyquestionintheworld—past,present,andfuture.”
Thecaliphleanedbackonhiselbow,hiseyeswarm.“Atthisnews,Agibstilled.For,ofcourse,theemircouldbespeakingofnone
otherthantheverychalicelyinginAgib’spouch.Feigningcompleteignorance,Agibaskedtheemirwhyhehaddecidedtotakeonsuchadangerousmission,especiallyinthetwilightyearsofhislife.Theemir’seyessaddened.Heconfessedtherewasonereason,andonereasonalone,forhimtotaketotheseainsearchoftheblackmountainanditshiddenchalice.Severalweeksago,somethingveryprecioushadbeenstolenfromhim—aringthathadbelongedtohisdeadwife.Itwasallthatremainedofher,andheconsideredithismostprizedpossession.InthestreetsofBaghdad,agiftedthiefhadslippedthetrinketfromtheemir’sownhandanddisappearedintothecrowdwiththestealthofashadow.Eversincethatafternoon,theemirhadbeenhauntedatnightbytheghostofhisdeadwife,andheknewhehadtorecoverthatring,whateverthecost.Ifhecouldaskthechalicewhereitwas,hecouldappeasehiswife’sspirit
andrestorehonortothememoryoftheirlove.”“Sohisquestiontoanall-knowinggeniewouldbeaboutameretrinketof
love?”thecaliphinterjected.“Ameretrinket?Loveisaforceuntoitself,sayyidi.Forlove,peopleconsider
theunthinkable...andoftenachievetheimpossible.Iwouldnotsneeratitspower.”
Thecaliphheldhergaze.“Iamnotsneeringatitspower.Iamlamentingitsroleinthisstory.”
“Youaresaddenedbylove’simportanceintheemir’slife?”Hepaused.“Iamfrustratedbyitsimportanceinallourlives.”Shahrzad’slipsformedasadsmile.“That’sunderstandable.Ifabit
predictable.”Heinclinedhishead.“Again,youpresumetoknowagreatdealforadayand
twonights,myqueen.”Shahrzadavertedhereyesandtoyedwiththecorneroftheredpillowinher
arms.Shefeltaflushinhercheeks.Myqueen?Athersilence,hestirredwithdiscomfort.“You’reright,”Shahrzadmurmured.“Ishouldnothavesaidthat.”Heinhaledthroughhisnose.Anoddstillnessseemedtostretchovertheroom.“AndIshouldnothaveinterruptedyou.I’msorry,”hewhispered.Shahrzadwoundthescarletfringeofthepillowtightbetweenherfingers.“Pleasecontinue,”hesaid.Shelookedupathimandnodded.“Agiblistenedtothistalewithagrowingsenseofunease.Obviously,hewas
theperpetratorofthetheft.Theringinquestionhadbeendiscardedinhispanickedattempttofleetheemir’ssoldiers.Hehadnointentionofturningoverthechalicebeforehehadachancetodeterminewhathisall-importantfinalquestionwouldbe.AndiftheemirdiscoveredAgibhadthechalice,hewouldlikelykillhimtoprocureit.Evenmoreimminentwasthedangerthatsomeonewouldrecognizethethiefresponsiblefortheemir’sheartache.Agibresolvedtostayclosebytheman’ssidefortheremainderofthejourneyanduseeverymeansavailabletoconcealhisidentity.”
Shahrzadsatupcarefullywhenshenoticedafaintlightstreamingthroughtheedgeofthescreensleadingtotheterrace.Anditbeginsagain.“Forthenextfewmonths,theshipsailedthewatersinsearchofthe
MountainofAdamant,withAgibmanagingtokeepthemsafelyoffcourse.In
thattime,helearnedagreatdealfromtheemirabouthismanyexperiencesand,ultimately,abouthislife.Hegrewtoadmiretheemir,andtheemirsoonsawinAgibanintelligentyoungmanwithawideaptitudeforknowledgeandacourageousheart.Agibbecameacapablesailor.Herealizedmencouldrespecthimforbeingmorethanjustathief—theycouldrespecthimforbeingamanofhonoruponwhomtheycouldrely.Alas,timedidnotstandontheirside.Theagingemirgrewsick,andtheywereforcedtoturnbacktoport.Soon,itbecameclearhewasdying.Everydaybecamethatmuchmoreprecious.Agibwatchedinhorrorashismentor,ashisfriend,beganwastingawaybeforehisveryeyes.Hethoughtaboutaskingthegenieiftherewasawaytosavehim,butheknewitwasbeyondtherealmofpossibility.”
Thedawncreptupthescreenwithahauntingpallor.“Assoonastheboatdocked,Agibknewwhathehadtodo.Hefledfromthe
boatwithnothingbutthechaliceinhand.Onceheclearedthedocks,hescrubbedatthechalice’sedgeanddemandedthegenietellhimwherehecouldfindthering.ThegenielaugheduproariouslywhenherealizedAgibwaswastinghisfinalwishonsuchaquestion,buttoldAgibtheringwasonthepinkyfingerofoneofthemostnotoriousmercenariesinBaghdad.Agibwastednotimeseekinghimout.Thefightthatensuedovertheringwasbloodyandbrutal.Agibwasforcedtoturnoverhisentiretroveofspoilsinexchangeforsafepassagethroughthedenofcutthroats.Hiseyesblackenedandhisbodybruised,hereturnedtotheshipwithnothingbuttheringinhand.”
Dawnhadarrived,inallitswhite-goldsplendor.AndShahrzadwascertainthecaliphwasawareofit.Sheblazedahead,undeterred.“Theemirlaygaspingforbreath.Whenhesaw
Agib,hereachedforhim.Agibkneltathisbedsideandplacedtheringonhisfinger.Throughbloodshoteyes,theemirtookinAgib’sbruises.‘Myson,’herasped,‘Ithankyou.Fromthebottomofmyheart.’Agibbegantoweep.Hestartedtoconfesshisidentity,buttheemirstoppedhim.‘Iknewwhoyouwerethemomentyoucameaboardmyship.Promisemethat,fortherestofyourlife,youwillnotstealfromyourfellowman.Butthatyouwillworkalongsidehimtobetterthelivesofthosearoundyou.’Agibnoddedandweptharder.Andthen,clutchingAgib’shand,theemirdiedwithapeacefulsmileonhisface.Afterward,Agibdiscoveredtheemirhadwilledhisentireestatetohim,passingalonghistitleasthoughAgibweretrulyhisson.Agibsoonchoseawife,andtheweddingofthenewemirwasacelebrationthelikeofwhichBaghdadhadnotseeninmanyyears.”
Shahrzadstopped,hereyesflittingtothesunlightstreamingfromtheterrace.“Areyoufinished?”thecaliphaskedsoftly.
Sheshookherhead.“Attheweddingofthenewemirwasaguestfromafarawayland—a
magicianfromAfricainsearchofamagiclamp.Butintruth,hewasnotreallylookingforthelamp.Hewaslookingforayoungboy.AyoungboynamedAladdin.”
Amusclerippledalongthecaliph’sjaw.“Thisisanewstory.”“No,it’snot.It’spartofthesamestory.”Aknocksoundedatthedoor.Shahrzadrosefromthebedandgrabbedhershamla.Withshakinghands,she
tieditaboutherwaist.“Shahrzad—”“Yousee,Aladdinwasanexcellentgambler...atricksterofthehighest
pedigree.Hisfatherbeforehimwas—”“Shahrzad.”“It’snotadifferentstory,sayyidi,”shesaidinacalm,quiettone,fistingher
handsagainstthefabricofherrobetohidetheirtreachery.Heunfurledtohisfeetasanotherknockstruckatthedoor,thisonemore
insistentthanthelast.“Comein,”thecaliphinstructed.WhenfoursoldiersandtheShahrbanofReyenteredherbedchamber,
Shahrzadfeltthefloorbeneathherbegintosway.Shelockedherkneesandstoodramrodstraighttopreventherbodyfrombetrayinganysignofweakness.WhyisJalal’sfatherhere?“Generalal-Khoury.Issomethingwrong?”thecaliphasked.Theshahrbanbowedbeforehisking,ahandtohisbrow.“No,sayyidi.”He
hesitated.“But...itismorning.”HiseyesdartedinShahrzad’sdirection.Hepaled,refusingtomeethergaze.Hecan’t...he...doeshewanttokillme?Whywouldhewantmetodie?Whenthecaliphmadenomovetostophim,theshahrbanmotionedtothe
guardswithhishead.TheystrodetoShahrzad’sside.Andherheart...herheartflewintoherthroat.No!Aguardreachedforherarm.Whenhishandclosedaroundherwrist,
Shahrzadsawthecaliph’sfeaturestighten.Sheyankedherarmfromtheguard’sgrasp,asthoughitwereaflameheldtoonearherflesh.
“Don’ttouchme!”sheyelled.Whenanotherguardseizedhershoulder,sheslappedhishandoutoftheway.“Areyoudeaf?Howdareyoutouchme?DoyouknowwhoIam?”Anoteof
panicenteredhervoice.Notknowingwhatelsetodo,shelockeduponherenemy.Thetiger-eyeswere...torn.Wary.Andthen?Calm.“Generalal-Khoury?”“Yes,sayyidi.”“I’dliketointroduceyoutotheMountainofAdamant.”TheshahrbanstaredbackandforthbetweenthecaliphandShahrzad.“But,sayyidi...Idon’tunderstand.Youcannot—”Thecaliphswiveledtofacetheshahrban.“You’reright,General.Youdonot
understand.Andyoumayneverunderstand.Regardless,I’dliketointroduceyoutotheMountainofAdamant...”
ThecaliphglancedbackatShahrzad,aghostofasmileplayingacrosshislips.
“Myqueen.”
THEBEGINNINGISTHEEND
TARIQ’SRIDA’WASCOVEREDINATHICKLAYEROFdust.Sandclungtoeveryexposedpartofhisskin.Hisdarkbaystallionwassleekwithsweat,andwhitefoamwasbeginningtocollectaroundtheironbitatitsmouth.
Rahim’sgrumblingsgrewlouderwitheachpassinghour.ButTariqcouldseethecitygatesofReyloomingonthehorizon.Andherefusedtostop.“Byallthatisholy,canweeaseourpaceforaspell?”Rahimyelledforthe
fifthtimeinasmanyminutes.“Goahead.Easeyourpace.Andthentumblefromyoursaddle.Youshould
bequiteafeastforthecrows,”Tariqshotback.“We’vebeenridingwithfireatourbacksfortwodaysstraight!”“And,asaresult,we’renearlythere.”Rahimslowedhishorsetoacanter,rubbingthesweatfromhisbrow.“Don’t
misunderstandme;I’mjustasconcernedaboutShaziasyouare.Butwhatusewillyoubetoanyone,halfstarvedandneardead?”
“WecansleepunderacloudofperfumeoncewereachUncleReza’shouse,”Tariqreplied.“WejusthavetogettoRey.Ihaveto—”Hespurredhishorsefaster.
“Itwilldoyounogoodtoworryso.Ifanyonecanbeattheodds,it’sShazi.”TariqreinedinhisArabiantomatchpacewithRahim.“Shenevershould
havehadtotry.”“Thisisnotyourfault.”“Doyouthinkthisisaboutguilt?”Tariqexploded.“Idon’tknow.AllIknowisthatyoufeelaresponsibilitytofixit.AndIfeel
aresponsibilitytoyou.AndtoShazi.”“I’msorry,”Tariqsaid.“Ihavenorighttoyellatyou.ButIwouldhavedone
anythingtopreventthis.Thethoughtofher—”
“Stop.Don’tpunishyourself.”Theyrodeinsilenceforafewminutes.“Idofeelguilty,”Tariqadmitted.“Iknow.”“IfeltguiltywhenShivadied,too.”“Why?”“BecauseIdidn’tknowwhattosaytoShaziafterthedeathofherbestfriend.
Afterthedeathofmycousin.Ididn’tknowwhattosaytoanyone.Mymotherwasacompletedisaster.Myaunt—well,Idon’tthinktherewasanythinganyonecouldhavedonetopreventherdeath,intheend.AndShahrzad...wasjustsoquiet.”
“Thataloneunnervedme,”Rahimrecalledinaruefultone.“Ishouldhaveknownthen.Ishouldhaveseen.”“Wouldthatyouwereaseerofthefuture,TariqImranal-Ziyad,”Rahim
sighed.“Wouldthatweallwere.Insteadofbeingauselessthirdson,I’dbearichmaninthearmsofabeautifulwife...withcurvesfordaysandlegsforleagues.”
“I’mnotjoking,Rahim.Ishouldhaverealizedshewoulddosomethinglikethis.”
“I’mnotjoking,either.”Rahimfrowned.“Youcan’tforeseethefuture.Andthere’snothingyoucandoaboutthepast.”
“You’rewrong.Icanlearnfromit...”Tariqdughisheelsintohisstallion’sflanks,andthehorseshotforward,paintingadarksmudgeacrossthesand.“AndIcanmakesureitneverhappensagain!”
•••
ItwasmidmorningwhenTariqandRahimdismountedfromtheirhorsesinthemiddleofRezabin-Latief’selegantcompound,deepintheheartofRey.Agleamingovalfountainofmazarine-glazedtilegracedthecenterofthecourtyard,andterra-cottastonescutinanelaboratehexagonalfashionlinedthesurroundings.Greenvinescreptupeachofthecolumnedarches.Atthebaseofeveryarchweresmallflowerbedsfilledwithviolets,hyacinths,daffodils,andlilies.Torchesofsmeltedbronzeandironadornedthewalls,awaitingnightfallforthechancetoshowcasetheirfacetedgrandeur.
Andyet,forallthehome’sbeauty,therewasanauraofsadnesstothespace.Asenseoftremendouslossnoamountofsplendorcouldeverfill.TariqplacedZorayaonhermakeshiftmewsinthefarcornerofthecourtyard.
Shesquawkedwithdiscomfortathernewsurroundingsandtheunfamiliarperch,butquietedassoonasTariqbegantofeedher.
Rahimcrossedhisarms,andacloudofdustpuffedoutaroundhim.“ThedamnedbirdisfedbeforeIam?Whereisthejusticeinthis?”
“Ah,Rahim-jan...Icanseelittlehaschangedoverthepastfewyears.”Tariqturnedatthesoundofthisfamiliarvoice.Standingbeneaththecurtainofvinesinanearbyarchwaywashisuncle.Bothyoungmensteppedforwardandloweredtheirheads,pressingtheir
fingertipstotheirbrowsinasignofrespect.Rezabin-Latiefwalkedintothesunwithasadsmileonhisface.Thedark
haironhisheadhadthinnedoutevenmoresincethelasttimeTariqhadseenhim,andhisneatlytrimmedmustachewaspepperedwithagooddealmoregreyaswell.ThelinesathiseyesandmouththatTariqhadalwaysassociatedwithhumorhaddeepenedtoreflectsomethingdecidedlyincongruous—
Thesmileofasoulhauntedbyspecters.Allapartofthemasqueradeputonbyagrief-strickenmanwhosecherished
seventeen-year-olddaughterhaddiedonemorning...onlytobefollowedbyhiswife,threedayslater.
Awifewhocouldn’tbeartoliveinaworldwithoutheronlychild.“Uncle.”Tariqputouthishand.Rezagraspeditwarmly.“Youmadeitherequitequickly,Tariq-jan.Iwasnot
expectingyouuntiltomorrow.”“WhathappenedtoShazi?Isshe...alive?”Rezanodded.“Then—”Reza’ssadsmileturnedfaintlyproud.“Bynow,thewholecityknowsabout
ourShahrzad...”Rahimpacedcloser,andTariq’semptyfistclenchedathisside.“Theonlyyoungqueentosurvivenotone,buttwosunrisesinthepalace,”
Rezacontinued.“Iknewit,”Rahimsaid.“OnlyShazi.”Tariq’sshouldersrelaxedforthefirsttimeintwodays.“How?”“Nooneknows,”Rezareplied.“Thecityisrifewithspeculation.Namely,
thatthecaliphmustbeinlovewithhisnewbride.ButIamnotofthesamemind.Amurderersuchasthisisnotcapableof—”Hestoppedshort,hismouthdrawninsuddenfury.
Tariqleanedover,claspinghisuncle’shandtighter.“Ihavetogetheroutofthere,”hesaid.“Willyouhelpme?”
Rezastaredbackathishandsomenephew.Atthedeterminedlinesandtheset
jaw.“Whatareyouplanningtodo?”“I’mgoingtoripouthisheart.”RezagrippedTariq’spalmhardenoughtohurtit.“Whatyou’resuggesting—
it’streason.”“Iknow.”“And,tosucceed,you’dhavetobreakintothepalaceor...orstartawar.”“Yes.”“Youcan’tdothisalone,Tariq-jan.”TariqheldReza’sgazeinsilence.“Areyoupreparedtostartawarforher?Regardlessofwhetherornotshe...
continuestosurvive?”Rezaaskedinagentletone.Tariqgrimaced.“Hedeservestodieforwhathe’sdonetoourfamily.Iwon’t
permithimtotakeanythingelsefromme...orfromanyoneelse,forthatmatter.It’stimeforustotakesomethingfromhim.Andifitmeansseizinghiskingdominordertodoit—”Tariqtookadeepbreath.“Willyouhelpme,Uncle?”
Rezabin-Latieflookedaroundathisbeautifulcourtyard.Ghoststormentedhimineverycorner.Hisdaughter’slaughterliltedintothesky.Hiswife’stouchslippedthroughhisfingerslikeahandfulofsand.
Hecouldneverletthemgo.Theirmemories,nomatterhowfadedandbroken,weretheonlythingshehadleft.Theonlythingsworthfightingfor.
RezaglancedbackattheEmirNasiral-Ziyad’sson—thesuccessortothefourth-largeststrongholdinKhorasan.Withalineageofroyalty.
TariqImranal-Ziyad—achancetorightawrong...Andmakehismemorieswholeagain.“Comewithme.”
THESHAMSHIR
GETUP.”
Shahrzadmoanedanddrewthepillowoverherfaceinresponse.“Getup.Now.”“Goaway,”Shahrzadgrumbled.Atthat,thepillowwasunceremoniouslysnatchedfromhergraspand
slammedagainsthercheekwithaforcethatshockedher.Shesatupright,sheeroutrageeclipsingherexhaustion.“Areyouderanged?”sheshouted.“Itoldyoutogetup,”Despinarepliedinamatter-of-facttone.Notknowingwhatelsetodo,shepeltedthepillowbackatDespina’shead.Despinacaughtitwithalaugh.“Getup,Shahrzad,BratCaliphaofKhorasan,
QueenofQueens.I’vebeenwaitingallmorningforyou,andwehavesomeplacetogo.”
WhenShahrzadfinallyrosefromthebed,shesawyetagainthatDespinawasflawlesslygarbedinanotherdrapedgarmentandpolisheduntileveryfacetofherpaleskinwasartfullyrenderedinthelightflowingfromtheterrace.
“Wheredidyoulearn—that?”Shahrzadaskedwithbegrudgingadmiration.Despinapositionedherhandsonherhipsandpeakedaneyebrow.“Theclothes,thehair,the—that.”Shahrzadrakedherfingersthroughher
tangledmaneassheclarified.“AthomeinthecityofThebes.Mymothertaughtme.Shewasoneofthe
mostfamousbeautiesinallofCadmeia.PerhapsinalloftheGreekIsles.”“Oh.”ShahrzadstudiedDespina’sglossycurlsandthenproceededtotoss
backthesnarledmessinherhands.“Iwouldn’t.”Despinasmirked.“Wouldn’twhat?”“Attempttobaitmeintocomplimentingyou.”
“Excuseme?”Shahrzadsputtered.“I’veencounteredyourkindmanytimesbefore—theeffortlesslylovelyones;
thegreensylphsoftheworld.Theyflailabout,withoutconcernfortheircharms,buttheysufferthesamedesiretobelikedthatwealldo.Justbecauseyoudon’tknowhowtomakethebestofyourmanygiftsdoesnotmeantheygounnoticed,Shahrzad.ButIcouldteachyou,ifyoulike.Althoughitseemsyoudon’tneedmyhelp.”Despinawinked.“Obviously,thecaliphappreciatesyourcharmsastheyare.”
“Well,he’snotaveryparticularman.Howmanywiveshashehadinthepastthreemonthsalone?Sixty?Seventy-five?”Shahrzadretorted.
Despinaquirkedhermouth.“Buthehasn’tgonetoseethematnight.”“What?”“Usually,they’rechosenatrandom,hemarriesthem,and...well,youknow
whathappensthenextmorning.”“Don’tlietome,Despina.”“I’mnot.Youwerethefirstbridehesoughtoutafterthewedding.”Idon’tbelieveher.“Incaseyouwerewondering,Iwasn’tsupposedtotellyouthat,”Despina
admitted.“Thenwhydidyou?”“Idon’tknow.”Sheshrugged.“MaybeIjustwantyoutolikeme.”Shahrzadgaveheralong,hardlook.“Ifyouwantmetolikeyou,helpme
figureoutwhattowear.Also,where’sthefood?I’mstarving.”Despinagrinned.“Ialreadylaidoutalongqamisandmatchingtrowsers.Get
dressed,andwecanleave.”“ButIhaven’tbathed!Whereareyoutakingme?”“Doyouhavetospoileverything?”“Wherearewegoing?”Shahrzadinsisted.“Tellmenow.”“Fine!”Despinaexhaled.“I’lltellyouwhileyou’regettingdressed.”She
shovedtheclothingatShahrzadanddirectedherbehindtheprivacyscreens.“So,”Despinabegan,“lastwinter,thecaliphwenttoDamascustovisitthe
MalikofAssyriaand,whilehewasthere,hesawthemalik’snewbathhouse...it’sthishugepoolofwatertheykeepwarmwiththesespecialheatedstones.Thesteamissupposedtodowondersforyourskin.Anyway,thecaliphhadonebuilthere,inthepalace!Theyjustfinishedit!”
“And?”“Obviously,I’mtakingyouthere.”Despinarolledhereyes.“Obviously.Ijustdon’tunderstandwhythisissuchcauseforexcitement.”“Becauseit’samazing.Andnew.Andyouwillbeoneofthefirstonestotry
it.”“Sohewantstoboilmetodeath?”Shahrzadsaidacerbically.Despinasnickered.“I’mready.”Shahrzademergedfrombehindthescreenscladinsimplepale
greenlinenwithmatchingjadeearringsandpointedgoldslippers.Sheplaitedherhairinasinglebraiddownherbackandstrodetothedoorofthechamber.
TheRajputwasnowheretobefound.“Whereishe?”Shahrzadasked.“Oh.Hewasdismissedfortheday.”“What?Why?”“Becausewe’regoingtothebathhouse.Hecan’tverywellaccompanyus
there,canhe?”Shahrzadpursedherlips.“No.But...”AsDespinapulledthedoorsshut,Shahrzadsawherchewonhercarmine-
stainedlowerlip.Asthoughshewereconcealingsomething.“Despina.WhereistheRajput?”“Itoldyou.Dismissed.”“That’sfine.Butwheredoeshegowhenhe’sdismissed?”“HowshouldIknow?”“Youknoweverything.”“Idon’tknowthis,Shahrzad.”Whyisshelyingtome?IthoughtIwasn’tallowedtogoanywherewithout
theRajput.Whereisshereallytakingme?“I’mnotgoinganywhereuntilyoutellmewheremybodyguardis.”“ByZeus,youareanuisance,Shahrzadal-Khayzuran!”Despinacried.“It’sgoodyouknowthat.Itwillsaveyoutime.Now,answermyquestion.”“No.”“Answerme,youwretchedTheban!”“No,youhorse’sass!”Shahrzad’smouthfellagape.“Listentome:wecaneitherstandinthe
hallwaysofthepalaceandshoutateachother,oryoucanletmehavemywaynowandspareyourselfthetrouble.WhenIwastwelve,mybestfriendandIwerefalselyaccusedofstealinganecklace.Theshopkeeper’sfourteen-year-oldsonsaidhewouldletusgoforakisseach.Ibrokehisnose,andmybestfriendshovedhiminatroughofwater.Whenwewereconfrontedbyhisfather,wedeniedtheentireincident,andIhadtositoutsideourdoorforawholenight.Itwasthebestsleepofmylife.”
“Andyourpointis?”
“Ineverlose,noramIafraidtospillblood.”Despinastareddownather.“Fine!TheRajputis—he’sinatournament.The
menarehavingaswordsmanshiptournamentthisafternoon.”AcalculatinggleamenteredShahrzad’shazeleyes.“See!ThisispreciselywhyIdidn’twanttotellyou!”Despinagroaned.“And
youcan’tgo,anyway.Ifthecaliphseesyouthere,he’ll—”“Ishefightinginthetournament?”“Ofcourse.”Thenthereisnowayyou’regoingtostopme.“Hewon’tdoanythingtome,”Shahrzadannounced,thoughhervoicewas
lacedwithuncertainty.“Ican’tsaythesameformyself,”Despinaretorted.“Fine.Isthereawaytowatchitsonooneknowswe’rethere?”“Canwepleasejustgotothebathhouse?”Despinapleaded.“Ofcourse.Afterthetournament.”“HolyHera.I’mgoingtodieasyourhandmaiden.”
•••
“Thisis,byfar,themostasininethingI’veeverdoneinthesixyearsI’velivedatthepalace,”Despinasaidquietly,astheycrouchedbehindawalloftanstone.Thelatticeworkatitstopaffordedthemavantagepointfromwhichtoseethesand-filledexpansebelow.
“Youcanblameme,”Shahrzadbreathedback.“Oh,Iwill.Makenomistake.”“Haveyoueverseenoneofthesetournaments?”“No.They’renotmeantforanaudience.”“Whyisthat?”“I’mnotsure.Maybebecause—”Despinagaspedasthefirstsoldierstepped
ontothesand.“Thatmightbethereason,”Shahrzadjokedwithaslighthitchinhervoice.Hewascladinnothingbutsirwaltrowsersandaburgundytikkasash.
Barefoot.Noqamis.Norida’.Hisbarechestglowedwithsweatinthehotafternoonsun.Insilence,hewithdrewalargescimitarfromhislefthip.Itsbladewasnarrowatthehiltandwidenedasitcurvedoutwardbeforetaperingtoalethalpoint.
Thesoldierraisedthescimitarhigh.“Whereishisopponent?”Shahrzadasked.
“HowshouldIknow?”Thesoldierbeganswinginghisbladeintheair,performinganextendeddrill.
Hedancedacrossthesand,thesilverswordcuttingarcafterarcthroughthebrightbluesky.
Whenhewasfinished,cheersandwhistlesofapprovalemanatedfromthesidelines.
“Theymuststartwithdrillsbeforetheylaunchintofighting,”Despinadecided.
“EverthesmartTheban.”“IfIpushyouover,you’lllookdecidedlyunqueenlike.”Severalmoresoldiersshowcasedtheirdrillingtechniquesbeforeahulking
formmaterializedinthesand.Hisshoulderswereimmense,andeverymuscleappearedtostrainbeneathhiscopperskin.
“MyGod,”Shahrzadsaid.“Hecouldcrushmyskullwithhisbarehands.”Despinasnickered.WhentheRajputdrewhistalwarintothesun,hepausedforaneerie
moment,theswordpoisedabovehishead.Let’sseewhatitmeanstobethebestswordsmaninRey.ThesecondhebroughtthebladedownwasthelasttimeShahrzad
rememberedseeingitfortheentiredurationoftheRajput’sdemonstration.Theslendertalwarwhippedthroughthebreeze,curlingoveritsmaster’sarmastheRajputstretchedanddoveintothesand.
Then,neartheendofthedrill,heliftedhisfreehandtohismouth...Andblewoverhisopenpalm.Astreamoffireextendedontothesword.Thetalwarwasablaze.Hewhirleditoverhishead,slicingthescreamingdragonofaweapon
downward.Withafinalthrustintothesand,heextinguishedtheflames.Thesoldiersraisedanearsplittingchorusonthesidelines.ShahrzadandDespinastaredatoneanotherinsharedamazement.“I—I...”Shahrzadattempted.“Iknow,”Despinafinished.Lostintheirwordlessconversation,ittookbothgirlssometimetorecognize
thenextfigurestridingontothesand.WhenShahrzadlookeddown,shewasdismayedbytheinstanttighteningsensationinherchest.Sheknittedherbrowandpressedherlipsintoaline.
Thecaliph’sshouldersweretanandlean;eachofthemusclesinhistrimtorsoshone,definedandwellarticulatedintheafternoonsun.
Despinasighed.“Despiteeverything,IhavetoadmitI’vealwaysfoundhim
quitehandsome.Suchashame.”Again,Shahrzadfeltthestrangereactionspikewithinhercore.“Yes.Itisashame,”shespat.“There’snoneedtobeangryatmeforadmiringhim.Trustthathe’sthelast
manI’deverhavedesignson.Idon’tenjoygamblingwithmyownlife.”“Iwasn’tangryatyou!”Shahrzadprotested.“Idon’tcareifyouoranyone
elseadmireshim!”Despina’seyesdancedwithamusement.Andthenthecaliphdrewhissword.Itwasauniqueweapon.Notaswideasascimitar,norassharplycurved.The
bladewasthin,anditspointtaperedtoamoresevereanglethanalltheotherswordsShahrzadhadseensofar.
“Doyouknowthenameofthatweapon?”sheasked.“It’scalledashamshir.”Asthecaliphbeganhisdrill,Shahrzadfoundherselfgrippingthetopofthe
wall,seekingabettervantagepoint.LiketheRajput,heslashedandarcedsoquicklyitwasalmostimpossibleto
discernthelocationoftheblade.ButwheretheRajput’ssuperiorstrengthgrantedhimtheabilitytoradiatemenacewithoutshiftingamuscle,thecaliph’sfarmoreagileformunderscoredthesubtlegrace—thecunninginstincts—behindeverymotion.
Halfwaythroughthedrill,heplacedbothhandsonthehiltofhisshamshirandtwistedthehandleapart.
Theswordsplitintwo,andhebeganswingingoneineitherhand.Thebladestorethroughtheairlikeadustdevilinthedesert,whistlingabouthisheadashemadehiswayacrossthesand.
ShahrzadheardDespinacatchherbreath.Thetwinshamshirsrainedashowerofsparksashestruckthemagainsteach
otherandbroughtthedrilltoanendwithaswordpositionedineachhandathissides.
Again,ariotouscheerrangthroughthethrongofsoldiersstandingwitnesstothespectacle.Whateverone’spersonalfeelingsaboutthecaliph,itcouldnotbedeniedhewasamasterfulswordsman.
Norwasheakingsolelyreliantontheprotectionofothers.Hewouldnotbeaneasymantokill.Andthispresentsaseriouschallenge.“Well,doesthatsatisfyyourcuriosity?”Despinaasked.“Yes,mylady.Doesit?”Agruffvoiceannounceditspresencebehindthem.Bothgirlsscrambledtotheirfeet,stilltryingtoremainunseenbythesoldiers
below.ThecolordrainedfromShahrzad’sface.TheShahrbanofReywasstandingacrosstheway,hisfaceamaskoffalse
composure,andhiseyesfilledwith...frustration.“Generalal-Khoury.”Shahrzadbrushedthedebrisfromherhandsandher
clothes.Hecontinuedstudyingher,somekindofwarragingbehindhiseyes.Whenthebattlewasover,itwasobviousShahrzadhadlost.“Whatareyoudoinghere,mylady?”“Iwas...curious.”“Isee.AndmayIaskwhogaveyoupermissiontobehere,mylady?”Atthis,Shahrzad’sindignationrose.HemightbetheShahrbanofReyanda
gooddealolderthanshe,butshehaddonenothingtowarrantsuchdisrespect.Shewashisqueen,afterall—notachildtobescoldedformisbehaving.
Shestrodeforward.“Ididnotseekpermissionfromanyone,Generalal-Khoury.NorshallIseekpermissionfromanyoneinthefuture.Foranything.”
Heinhaledcarefully,hisbrowneyes,solikeJalal’sandyetsodissimilar,narrowinginvectively.“I’mafraidwecan’tallowyoutobehavethus,mylady.Yousee,itismyjobtoprotectthekingandthiskingdom.Andyou—youconflictwithmyjob.I’msorry.Ican’tletyoucontinuetodothis.”Doeshe—doesheknow?“Ithankyou,Generalal-Khoury.”“Excuseme,mylady?”“It’sneverbeenaquestionofwhoisgoingtoletmebehaveacertainway;
it’salwaysbeenaquestionofwhoisgoingtostopme.Ithankyouforansweringit.”
Theoldergentlemanleanedbackontohisheelsforamoment,staringdownattheimpudentgirlwiththeflashingcolorsinherhazeleyesandthesmallhandspositionedonherhips.
“Iamsorry,mylady.Sorrierthanyouwilleverknow.Butthreatsagainstthecaliph...mustbeeliminated.”
“Iamnotathreat,Generalal-Khoury.”“AndIintendtomakesureitstaysthatway.”Oh,God.Howdoesheknow?
ASILKCORDANDASUNRISE
THESHAHRBANOFREYSUSPECTSIMIGHTHARMtheking.ShahrzadlistenedtoDespina’sincessantchatterastheyspenttherestofthe
afternoonlounginginthewarmwatersofthepalace’snewestaddition,commentingwhereitwasappropriateandjestingwhereitwasnot.
Buthermindrefusedtoallowheramoment’srespite.Whatifhesayssomethingtothecaliph?Howmuchdoesheknow?Howdidhefindout?Now,manyhourslater,shesatonherbedinadarkenedchamber...Backatthebeginning.Staringatdoorsandfendingawaydemons.Shewasdressedinwidesilktrowsersandafittedtopstainedadeepviolet
color,withthickstrapsthatbandedovereachshoulder.Thenecklaceandthinchainatherwaistcontainedamethystssurroundedbytiny,palepinkdiamonds.Atherearsandalongherbrowwerelargeteardropsofpurpleandgold.Herwaist-lengthhairhunginshiningwavesdownherback.
Shahrzadwilledthedoorstoopenwiththeforceofherunflinchingstare.Metbythesamestoicsilenceasalways,sherosefromthebedandbeganpacing.He’susuallyherebynow.Unwillingandincapableofleavingherfateinthehandsofothers,shewalked
tothedoorsandpulledoneopen.TheRajputturnedinplace,hishandrestingonthehiltofhistalwar.Shahrzadfeltthefearleechitswayontoherheart...feltittugatthecorners
ofhereyesandmouth.“Doyou—doyouknowif...”shetried.Shegrittedherteeth.“Ishecoming?”sheasked.TheRajputmerelystareddownather,alethalstatueofmuscleandmenace.“Canyoutellmewhereheis?”shedemanded,thetenorofhervoiceclearly
tryingtocompensateforherwaningcourage.Atthis,Shahrzadsawthetiniestflickerofaresponseinhisdark-as-night
gaze.Pity?He...pitiesme?Sheslammedthedoorshutandleanedagainstit,hercheststartingtoheave.No.Shestifledasob.Enough.That’senough.Shahrzadstooduprightandwalked,withherheadhigh,tothebed.Shefell
backontothesilkenpillows,hereyesstilltrainedonthedoors.“He’llcome,”shesaidintothedarkness.Iknowit.Assheclungtothislastthreadofhope,twowordskeptresonatinginher
mind,tauntingher...plaguingherwithameaningsheshouldnotsee.Thesetwowordsfromaboywhowaslessthannothing.Thesetwowordsthatgaveherthewilltofightoffthedemons:Myqueen.
•••
ThegroanofthedoorsopeningbroughtShahrzadoutofarestlesshalfsleep.Andthelightofpuredawnstreamingthroughthewoodenscreensshotherto
herfeet.Standingatthethresholdwerefoursoldiers.Shahrzadstraightenedherrumpledclothingandclearedherthroat.“Isitnotcustomarytoknockfirst?”Theyalllookedpastherwithoutanswering.Theireyesboreanairofgrim
detachment.Shahrzadclaspedherhandsbehindherback,forcingherselftostandup
straight.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Withoutaword,thesoldierinfrontsteppedintotheroomandmovedtoward
Shahrzad,stilllookingtoaspotbeyondher...Asthoughshehadceasedtoexist.Herheart.Herheart.“Iaskedyouaquestion!”Thesoldiertookholdofhershoulder.WhenShahrzadreacheduptosmack
hishandaway,hetrappedherwristandgraspedtightly.
“Don’t—touchme!”Thesoldiernoddedtohissubordinates,andanothergrim-faceddragoon
seizedherbythearm.Thebloodflewthroughherbody,soaringonamixtureofterrorandrage.“Stop!”Theybegantodragherfromtheroom.Whenshetriedtowrenchfreeandkickatthem,theymerelyliftedheroffthe
floorasthoughsheweretrussed-upgame,caughtforsport.“Whereisthecaliph?”shecried.Stop!Donotbeg.“Iwanttospeaktothecaliph!”Notasingleoneofthesoldiersevenpausedtoglanceather.“Listentome!”shescreamed.“Please!”Theycontinuedhalfcarrying,halfdraggingherstrugglingformdownthe
marblehallsofthepalace.Theservantstheypassedavertedtheirgazes.Theyallknew.Justasthesoldiersknew.Therewasnothingtosee.ItwasthenShahrzadrealizedtheinescapabletruth.Shewasnothing.Shemeantnothing.Tothesoldiers.Totheservants.Shestoppedstruggling.Sheraisedherhead.Andpressedherlipstightlytogether.BabaandIrsa.Shiva...andTariq.Shemeantsomethingtothem.Andshewouldnotdisgracetheirmemoryof
herbymakingascene.Herfailurewasdisgraceenough.AsthesoldierspushedopenthedoorsintothedawnandShahrzadsawher
deathbeforeher,itwasthislastthoughtthatthrustitsfinalweightuponher,breakingthedam.Shiva.Silenttearsstreameddownherface,unchecked.“Letgoofme,”sherasped.“Iwon’trun.”Thethreesoldierslookedtothefirst.Afterawordlessconversation,they
placedShahrzadonherbarefeet.Thegreygranitepavestonesfeltcooltothetouch,thewarmraysnothaving
seepedintotheirgrittysurfaceyet.Thegrassoneithersidewasbluefromthesilverlightofanearlymorningsun.
Foramoment,Shahrzadconsideredstoopingtorunherhandsthroughit.Onelasttime.Theyfiledtoacoveredalcove,whereanothersoldierandanolderwoman
stoodwaiting.Inthewoman’shandwasalongpieceofwhitelinen,flutteringinanall-but-deadbreeze.
Ashroud.Andinthesoldier’shand...Asinglestretchofsilkcord.Thetearscontinuedtheirfinaltrekdownherface,butShahrzadrefusedto
utterasound.Shesteppedtothesoldier.Hisarmswerethickandburly.Ihopeitwillbequick.Withoutaword,sheturnedaround.“I’msorry.”Hewhisperedsosoftlyitmighthavebeenthewind.Startledbyhiskindness,shealmostlookedbackatherwould-bemurderer.“Thankyou.”Anabsolution.Heliftedherhair,gently,andbroughtthedarkwavesoverherhead—aveil,
shieldingherfromthenamelesswitnesses.Theoneswhoalreadyrefusedtoseeher.Thesilkcordfeltsosoftatherthroat,atfirst.Suchanelegantwaytodie.Shivadiedthisway.ThethoughtthatShivadiedlikethis,surroundedbypeoplewhosawnothing,
madethetearsflowharder.Shahrzadgasped,andthecordtightened.“Baba,”shebreathed.Itcinchedtighter...andshecouldn’tstopherhandsfromflyingtoher
throat.Irsa.I’msosorry.Pleaseforgiveme.Asherfingersbattledagainstherpride’sdirective,thesoldierliftedherfrom
thegroundbyherneck,pullingthecordashedid.“Tariq,”shechoked.Herchestwasfallinginonitself.Silverstarsringedtheedgesofhervision.Thepaininherchestgrew.Thesilverstarswererimmedinblacknow.Andherneckwasonfire.Shiva.Thetearsandthepainallbutblindingher,sheforcedopenhereyesonemore
time,toacurtainofdarkhair;toawaterfallofblackinkspillingacrossthelastpageofherlife.No.I’mnotnothing.Iwasloved.
Then,fromthedistantreachesofhermind,sheheardacommotion...Andthecordwasreleased.Shefelltotheground,herbodystrikingthegranite,hard.Sheerwilltoliveforcedairdownherthroat,despitetheburningagonyof
eachbreath.Andsomeonegraspedherbytheshouldersandtookherintohisarms.Ashervisionstruggledtoclear,theonlythingsshesawweretheambereyes
ofherenemy,closetoherown.Then,withthelastdramofstrengthshepossessed—Shestruckhimacrosstheface.Anotherman’shandseizedherforearm,yankingitbacksohardshefelt
somethingpop.Shahrzadscreamed,aharshandanguishedcry.Forthefirsttime,sheheardthecaliphraisehisvoice.Itwasfollowedbythesoundofafistagainstflesh.“Shahrzad.”Jalalgrabbedher,envelopingherinhisembrace.Shecollapsed
againsthim,hereyesswollenshutbytears,andtheburningsensationsinherarmandthroatalmostunbearable.
“Jalal,”shegasped.“Delam.”Hestrokedthehairoutofhereyes,comfortingher,bringingher
backfromaplaceofnothingness.Thenheglancedbehindhim,tothesoundofcontinuingcommotion.Toachorusofwhimpersandfury.“Stopit,Khalid!”heyelled.“It’sdone.Wehavetogetherinside.”“Khalid?”Shahrzadmurmured.Jalalsmiledruefully.“Don’thatehimtoomuch,delam...”ShahrzadburiedherfaceinJalal’sshirtasheliftedherfromtheground.“Afterall,everystoryhasastory.”
•••
Hourslater,ShahrzadsatontheedgeofherbedwithDespina.Atherthroatwasaringofpurplebruises.Herarmhadbeenpushedbackinto
placewithasickeningsoundthatmadehercringeinremembrance.Afterward,withDespina’sassistance,she’dbathedcarefullyandchangedintocomfortableclothes.
Theentiretime,Shahrzadhadnotutteredasingleword.DespinaliftedanivorycombtountangleShahrzad’sstill-damphair.“Please
saysomething.”Shahrzadclosedhereyes.“I’msorryIwasn’tinmyroom.”Despina’sgazeflickedtowardthesmall
doorbytheentrance,leadingtoherchamber.“I’msorryIdidn’tknow...theywerecomingforyou.Youhaveeveryrightnottotrustme,butpleasetalktome.”
“There’snothingtosay.”“Obviously,thereis.Youmightfeelbetterifyoutalkedaboutit.”“Iwon’t.”“Youdon’tknowthat.”Yes,Ido.ShahrzaddidnotwanttotalktoDespina.Shewantedhersister’ssoothing
voiceandherfather’svolumeofpoetry.ShewantedShiva’sbrightsmileandinfectiouslaugh.
Shewantedherownbedandanightwhenshecouldsleepwithoutthefearofdawn.
AndshewantedTariq.Shewantedtofallintohisarmsandfeelthelaughterrumbleinhischestwhenshesaidsomethingverywrongthatsoundedexactlyright.Perhapsitwasweakness,butsheneededsomeonetotaketheweightoffhershouldersforamoment.Toeasetheburden,asTariqhaddonethedayhermotherdied,whenhe’dfoundhersittingaloneintherosegardenbehindherhouse,crying.
Thatday,he’dheldbothherhandsinhisandsaidnothing.Justdrawnherpainaway,withthesimplestrengthofhistouch.
Tariqcoulddothatagain.Hewouldgladlydothat.Forher.Despinawasastranger.Astrangershecouldn’ttrustinaworldthatjusttried
tokillher.“Idon’twanttotalkaboutit,Despina.”DespinanoddedslowlyanddraggedthecombthroughShahrzad’shair.The
tensionagainstherneckhurt,butShahrzadsaidnothing.Therewasaknockatthedoor.“MayIopenit?”Despinaasked.Shahrzadraisedanindifferentshoulder,andDespinaplacedthecombin
Shahrzad’slapbeforeshemadeherwaytothedoubledoors.Whatcantheydotomenow?Whenshelookedpastthethreshold,herheartcrashedintoherstomach.TheCaliphofKhorasanshadowedherdoorway.Withoutaword,Despinaexitedtheroom,pullingthedoorsshutbehindher.
Shahrzadstayedattheedgeofthebed,fidgetingwiththecombinherlap,staringdownherking.
Ashedrewcloser,shesawthemarkacrosshisfacewhereshe’dstruckhim.Itcoloredhisskinadeeperbronze,withatingeofpurpleathisjawbone.Hiseyesweredrawnandtired,asthoughhehadnotsleptinalongwhile.Theknucklesalonghisrightfistwereredandraw.
Hereturnedherscrutiny,takinginthebruisesatherneck,thehollowsbeneathhereyes,andthewarypostureofherspine.
“Howisyourarm?”Hisvoicewasevenandcharacteristicallylow.“Ithurts.”“Agreatdeal?”“I’msureitwon’tkillme.”Itwasapointedjab,andShahrzadsawitstrikeachord,hiscareful
composurefallingforaninstant.Hestrodetothefootofthebedandsatbesideher.Sheshifteduncomfortablyathisproximity.
“Shahrzad—”“Whatdoyouwant?”Hepaused.“TomakeamendsforwhatI’vedone.”Shahrzadexpelledacausticbreathandlookedhimintheeye.“Youwillneverbeabletomakeamendsforwhatyou’vedone.”Hestudiedher.“Thatmaybethefirsttrulyhonestthingyou’veeversaidto
me.”Shelaughedbitterly.“Itoldyou,youaren’tthatgiftedatreadingpeople.I
mayhaveliedonceortwiceinmyday,butIhaveneverliedtoyou.”Itwasthetruth.Hischestroseandfellinsteadyconsideration.Thenhereachedupand
brushedasideherhair.Withgreatcare,hetouchedtheslendercolumnofherthroat.
Unnervedbytheobviousconcernonhisface,Shahrzaddrewback.“Thathurts,too.”Shepushedhishandsaway.Flustered,shesnatchedthecombfromherlapsoshecouldfinishuntangling
herhair—Andgrimacedwithpain.Herarm.“Doyouneedhelp?”heasked.“No.Idonot.”Hesighed.“I—”“IfIneedhelp,I’llwaitforDespina.Inanycase,Idonotneedyourhelp.”
Whenshemovedtostand,hecaughtherwaistandpulledherbackagainsthim.
“Please,Shahrzad.”Hespokeintoherstill-damphair.“Letmemakeamends.”
Thehammeringinherchestgrewashewrappedhisotherarmaroundher,holdingherclose.Don’t.“Therearenoexcusesforwhathappenedthismorning.Iwantyouto—”“Wherewereyou?”Shahrzadtriedtocontrolthetremorinhervoice.“NotwhereIshouldhavebeen.”“Thismorningandlastnight.”Hisbreathfannedonherskinashebenttowardherear.“Thismorning,Iwas
notwhereIshouldhavebeen.Lastnight,IwasnotwhereIwantedtobe.”Shahrzadtiltedherfaceupward,andhereyesgrewwideatwhatshesaw.Hishandstightenedatherwaist.Heloweredhisheadandpressedhisbrowto
hers,histouchassoftandgentleasawhisper.“MyMountainofAdamant.”Shefeltherselfleaningintohim,bowingintohiscaress.Hesmelledof
sandalwoodandsunlight.Strangethatshe’dnevernoticedbefore—thatinherdesiretodistanceherselffromhim,shehadnotdetectedsomethingsosimpleandyetsomarkedasascent.
Sheinhaled,lettingthecleanfragranceclearherthoughts.Asheplacedhispalmagainstthesideofherface,Shahrzadrealized
somethinghorrifying.Shewantedtokisshim.No.Itwasonethingtoreturnhiskiss;she’dbeenpreparedforthat.Butitwas
anotherthingentirelytowanthiskiss...anotherthingentirelytodesirehisaffections.TomeltintothearmsofShiva’skilleratthefirstsignofadversity.Weak.Shesatupindisgust,destroyingthemomentinasingleaction.“Ifyouwant
tomakeamends,Iwillthinkofaway.”Anditwillnotinvolveyoutouchingme.Hewithdrewhishands.“Good.”“Arethereanyrules?”“Doeseverythinghavetobeagame?”hesaidinthebarestshredofa
whisper.“Arethererules,sayyidi?”“TheonlyruleisthatIhavetobeabletograntyourrequest.”“You’retheCaliphofKhorasan.TheKingofKings.Istherearequestyou
cannotgrant?”
Hisfacedarkened.“Iamjustaman,Shahrzad.”Shestoodupandfacedhim.“Thenbeamanwhomakesamends.Youtried
tohavemekilledthismorning.ConsideryourselfluckyIhavenottriedtoreturnthefavor.”Yet.Herosetohisfeet,morethanaheadtallerthanShahrzad.Theveilof
dispassionhadreturned,anditdeepenedthelines,asalways.“I’msorry.”“Pitiful.Butastart,nevertheless.”Histiger-eyessoftened,almostimperceptibly.Hebowedhishead.Thenhe
madehiswaytothedoor.“Shahrzad?”“Yes,sayyidi?”“I’mleavingforAmardhathisafternoon.”Shahrzadwaited.“I’llbegoneforaweek.Noonewillbotheryou.Jalalwillbeinchargeof
yoursecurity.Shouldyouneedanything,gotohim.”Shenodded.Hestoppedhimselfoncemore.“ImeantwhatIsaidtoGeneralal-Khourythe
dayIintroducedyou.”Thedayhecalledmehisqueen.“Youhaveastrangewayofshowingit.”Hepaused.“Itwon’thappenagain.”“Seethatitdoesn’t.”“Myqueen.”Hebowedagainbeforeheleft,hisfingertipstohisbrow.Shahrzadclosedhereyestight,fallingagainstthebedassoonasthedoors
shutbehindhim.Shiva,whatdoIdonow?
ARIGHTEOUSBLAZEANDARESTLESSSPIRIT
THEHALF-MOONOVERREYWASAMILKYCOLOR,framedbyathinhazeofclouds.AlongtheborderofRezabin-Latief’selegantcourtyard,thetorchesblazedin
theirsconces,throwingoffshadowsthatdancedwithabandonagainstthewallsoftanstone.Themuskyscentofsmokeandambergrishungheavyintheair.
“Ifeelhumanagain,”Rahimannouncedashecrossedthecourtyardandtookaseatatthelowtablebeforehim.
Rezasmiledwarmly.“Youlookagreatdealmorerested,Rahim-jan.”“Iwaspromisedacloudofperfume,andIwasnotdisappointed,Reza-
effendi.”Tariqjoinedthemamomentlater,sittingacrossfromRahimintheopen-air
gallery.Soon,plattersoffoodwerebroughtbeforethem—steaming,butterybasmati
ricewithbrightorangesaffronstainingitscenter,surroundedbylambinasavorysauceofdates,caramelizedonions,andtangybarberries;skewersofmarinatedchickenandroastedtomatoes,servedalongsidechilledyogurtandcucumbers;freshherbsandlavashbread,withroundsofgoatcheeseandslicedredradishessplashingbrilliantcolorsagainstapolishedwoodbackdrop.
Thearomaofthefoodmingledwiththefragranceofthetapers,saturatingthesenseswithspicesanddecadence.
“Thisalmostmakesmeforgetthelastthreedays,”Rahimsaid.“Almost.”“Didyousleepwell,Tariq-jan?”Rezaasked.“Aswellascanbeexpected,Uncle.”“Don’tsoundsofrustrated,”Rahimgrumbled.“You’vebarelyresteda
momentsincereceivingShazi’sletter.Doyouthinkyou’reinvincible?Thatyouliveoffnothingbutfreshdewandcoldfury?”
Tariqglaredathisfriendbeforegrabbingaskewerofchicken.“He’sright.Iknowyouareeagertodiscussourplans,butit’simportantto
takecareofyourselffirst.”Rezaglancedoverhisshoulder.“Thankyou.Pleaseleaveus,”hedirectedhisservants.Oncetheyweregone,heservedhimselfaportionofbasmatiriceandlambstew.
“Whileyouwererestingthisafternoon,Imadeafewinquiries,”Rezabeganinalowvoice.“First,IwillselleverythingIhavehere.Wewillneedmoneyandmobility.Followingthis,wewillneedthesupportofotherswithmoneyandmobility.AmIcorrectinassumingyourfatherdoesnotshareourpointofview?”
“Myfatherwillnotwanttobeapartofthis,”Tariqrepliedwithresignation.“Itislikelyhewillforswearallinvolvement,ifputtoquestion.”
Rezanodded,seeminglyunfazed.“Thenthispresentsuswithournextproblem.Ifyourfatherdoesnotwishtobelinkedtothisendeavor,youcannotbrandishyourfamily’snameaboutfreelywithoutriskingtheirlivesand,possibly,thelivesofShahrzad’sfamilyaswell.Thesamegoesforyou,Rahim;theal-DinWaladnameisanoldone,andyourelderbrotherswillnottakekindlytoyoujeopardizingtheirfamilies.Youmustconcealyouridentities.”
Tariqconsideredthis.“You’reright,Uncle.”“Iamofthesamemind,buthowarewetogarnersupportifnooneknows
whoweare?”Rahiminterjected.“Whatwillinspirethemtofollow?”“Leavethattome,”Rezacontinued.“Iwasoneoftheforemostmerchantsof
Reyfordecades,andIunderstandthenotionofacommodity.Somethingisrareanddesirablewhenitismadetoseemso.”
“I’mnotsureIunderstandwhatyoumean,Uncle,”Tariqsaid.ThelightfromthetorchesblazedinReza’seyes.“Iwillmakeyouwhatthey
wanttosee.Youneedonlybewhatyoualreadyare—strongyoungmenandgiftedwarriors.”
Tariq’sforeheadcreased,hisgazeuncertain.“Butthatstilldoesn’texplainhowweintendtopersuadeotherstofollowaleaderlesscause.”
“Itwillnotbeleaderless.Youwillbeitsleader,Tariq-jan.Youwillgivethiscauseavoice.Thelackofavoiceisthereasontheriotsinthecitystreetsarequelledtimeandagain.Yourvoicemustbeonethatresonates,thatdemandsweseewhattrulyliesattheheartofourkingdom:aboy-kingwhodoesnotdeservetoruleKhorasan.Aboy-kingwhomustbedestroyed,atallcost.”
Rahimpoundedhispalmagainstthetableinapproval.“Sowemeantoorganizeaforceandstormthecity?Thatismygreatest
hope,butissuchafeatevenpossible?”Tariqasked.Rezatookasipofwine.“Itwillworkifwebuildonourbeliefsandmake
themareality.Yourhopewillbeourtinder,andmyrighteousness,ourblaze.”Tariqlookedtohisuncleoncemore.“Wheredowebegin?”
Rezapushedhisplateaside.“Returnhome.IneedtimetoclearmyaffairsinReyanddeterminewhomightbewillingtoassistwithourcause.TheEmirofKarajwilllikelyprovidesomeformofaid...hiswife’scousinsufferedthesamefateasShivaafewweeksago.OnceIaminthepositiontodoso,Iwillsendforyou.”
“WhataboutShazi?Iwon’tleaveReyuntil—”“ThecaliphleftforthecityofAmardhathisafternoon.Hedoesnot—”
TracesofhiddenragesettledaroundReza’smouth.“Hedoesnotmurderhisbridesunlesshe’sinRey,presumablytowitnessthespectacle.Shewillbesafeforatleastaweek.”
Tariqpausedforabeatbeforenodding.“Then,afterwecollectIrsaandJahandar-effendi,RahimandIwillreturnhomeandawaityourmissive.”
“JahandarandIrsa?Didyounotknow?TheyleftReythenightofthewedding.Noonehasseenorheardfromthemsince.”
“Gone?Butwherecouldthey—”“Iassumedtheyweregoingtoyou,Tariq-jan.Didyounotreceivealetter
fromthem?”“Shazi’sletter.Didshenotmakementionofherfamilyinit?”Rahimasked.“Idon’tknow.Ineverfinishedreadingit.”“Ofcoursenot.”Rahimharrumphed.Rezagazedthoughtfullyathisnephew.“Inthefuture,youmustbemore
deliberateinyouractions.Taketimebeforemakingdecisions.Itwillbeofgreatbenefittoyou.”
Tariqinhaledthroughhisnose.“Yes.I’lldobetter,Uncle.”“You’vealwaysdonebetter,Tariq-jan.WhichiswhyIknowwewill
succeed.”“Thankyou.Fortakingonsuchatasksowillingly.”“Iamtheonewhoshouldbegratefultobothofyou.Ithasbeenalongtime
sinceI’vefelthopesparkwithinme.”Thethreemenrosefromthetableandmovedfartherintothecourtyard,
whereZorayaremainedperchedonhermakeshiftmews,patientlyawaitingTariq.Hedonnedhismankalahcuffandwhistledforher.Shesoaredtohisoutstretchedarm,revelinginhisattention.Then,withaflickofhisrighthand,TariqdirectedZorayaintotheskysoshecouldhunt.Sheshriekedonce,hercryfillingthecourtyard,beforesheascendedintothehazydarkness.
TheshadowofherbodyinflightdrewacrossTariq’sface,maskinghisfeaturesfromthetorchlightforaninstant.
Rezasmiledtohimself.Somethingtofightfor.
Andsomethingtouse.
•••
Thefollowingmorning,Rahimwasjarredawakebythesoundofmetalthumpingintothewoodjustoutsidehisopenwindow.Herolledfromhisbedandlumberedtothesill.
“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”hegrumbledtoTariq.“Whatdoesitlooklike?”Tariqliftedtherecurvebowandnockedanarrowto
thesinew.“Weneedtoleave.”Rahimglancedupatthesky.Thesunhadyettocrestabovethehorizon;it
wasnothingbutajaggedribbonoflightalongtheeasternrooftopsofRey.“Didyouevensleep?”Rahimyawned.Tariqletthearrowfly.ItthuddedintothewoodbesideRahim’shead.Rahimdidnotflinch.“Wasthattrulynecessary?”“Getyourthings.Beforemyunclereturnsandinsistsweeatwithhim.”“Wheredidhego?”“Idon’tknow.Heleftwhileitwasstilldarkoutside.”Tariqfittedanother
arrowtothestringandtookaim.“Whyarewevanishinglikethievesinthenight?”Tariqshothimalooktoskewerastone.“BecauseIdon’twanthimtoknow
whatwe’redoing.”“Oh?Whatarewedoing?”“Youandyourinfernalquestions!”Tariqloosedthearrow.Itcoiledinatight
spiralandthunkedintothewood,perfectlygroupedalongsidesevenotherarrowswithmatchingfletchings.
“AllhailTariq,sonofNasir,EmirofTaleqan.Congratulations.Youcanshootanarrow,”Rahimsaidinaflattone.
Tariqsworeunderhisbreathandstartedforthewindow.“IknewInevershouldhave—”
“Calmdown.”Rahimscratchedathisscalp.“I’llgetmythings.Butcanyoutellmethereasonforsuchsecrecy?”
Tariqstoppedneartheopenwindowandtookasteadyingbreath.“You’restartingtoworryme,”Rahimcontinued.“Iknowyou’reconcerned
aboutShazi,butReza-effendisaidweshouldwaituntil—”“No.Iwon’twait.Ican’twait.”Rahimpinchedthebridgeofhisnose.“Whatareyouplanningtodo?”“Something.Anything.”
“Westilldon’thaveaplan.AndReza-effendisaidtowait.Weshouldwait.”Tariqleanedashoulderintothetanstonewall.“I’vebeenthinking.”“I’mlistening,”Rahimsighed.“Despitemywiserinclinations.”“TheBadawitribesalongtheborderofKhorasanandParthia...they’ve
notoriouslyclaimednoallegiancetoeitherkingdom.Whatifweofferedthemareasontochangetheirposition?”
“Whatkindofreason?”“Thereasonanymanfightsforacause.Purpose.”“Soundsvaguelypoetic,”Rahimrejoined.“You’regoingtoneedmorethan
that.”“Land.Therightstoland.Theorganizationtheyneedtodemandthose
rights.”Rahimshiftedhislipstoonesideincontemplation.“Interesting.Butthey’re
nomadicbynature.Whywouldtheyhaveanyinterestinland?”“Someofthemmaynot.Butthey’vefoughtagainsteachotheroverthe
centuries,andsaveaninfluxofgold,landisthequickestwaytogainpowerandinfluence.Perhapsoneoftheirleadersmighttakeaninterestinfightingalongsideus.Theymaybenotoriouslyruthless,butthey’realsosomeofthebesthorsemenI’veeverencountered.Iseenothingbutanadvantageforbothparties.”
Rahimhedged.“Itsoundsdangerous.”“It’sworthspeakingtothem.Theworstthatcanhappenisarefusal.”“Actually,theworstthatcanhappenisthattheyslityourthroat.”“Yes.”AseriesofverticallinesformedalongthebridgeofTariq’snose.
“Thereisthat.Butitwasnotonmyagendatoinsultthem,intheprocess.”“Well,ifanyonecantalktheirwayoutofabeheading,it’syou.”“Ithankyou,Rahim.Asalways,yourabidingconfidenceinmecastsany
possibilityofdoubtastray.”Rahimcounteredwithalopsidedgrin.“Actually,ifanyonecantalktheirway
outofabeheading,it’sShazi.Thankfully,someofthatcharismamanagedtoruboffonyou.”
“Itwasnevercharisma.Itwasunmatchednerve,”Tariqsaidinamusedremembrance.
“Perhapsyou’reright.Icouldseeherdaringacobratostrike,swearinghervenomwouldkillfirst.”
Tariqsmiled.“Andshewouldwin.”“Ofthat,thereisnodoubt.Infact,I’malmostcertainsheterrorizedthe
mightyCaliphofKhorasanuntilhewasnothingbutamewlingkitten,coweringinthecorner.Whoknows—wemightbedeposingheroneday.”
Tariqsomberedimmediatelyatthementionoftheirking.“No.Heisnotamantorescindanykindofpowerwithease.”
“Andhowwouldyouknowthis?”“Ijustknowit,”Tariqsnapped.“Hemurderedmycousin.Andnowhehas
Shahrzad.Thisisamanwithnothingbutevilinhisblood.TheonlythingtoconsiderwhenitcomestoKhalidIbnal-RashidishowmanytimesIwishhecoulddieatmyhands.Andhowunfortunateitisthattheanswerisonlyonce.”
“Idespisehim,too.Withthefireofathousandsuns,Idespisehim.Butitisalwaysagoodideatoknowyourenemy,Tariq.”
“Don’tmistakemyvehemenceforfoolishness.IintendtolearneverythingIcanabouthim.Butthatwillneverhappenlockedinthewallsofmyfamily’sfortress.Withthatinmind,I’mgoingintothedeserttoseekouttheBadawi.”Tariq’sfacewassetwithdetermination.“Alone.”
“Alone?”“Yes.Alone.IneedyoutogotoTaleqanincasemyunclesendsword.I’ll
dispatchZorayaeverytwodayswithmylocation.”“You’dleavemewithyourparents?”“Youcouldalwaysgohome.”“Tomybrothersandtheirscreamingchildren?”Rahimscoffed.“Tothe
constantattemptstomarrymeofftoacousin’sfriend’suglysister?Ithinknot.Besides,Ioweyouthismuchforalltheseyearsoffriendship.AndIoweShazievenmore.”
Tariqlaughedsoftly.“Ithankyou,Rahim-jan.AsIalwaysshould,yetseldomdo.”
“You’rewelcome,youselfishbastard.Inanycase,Icanlookforwardtoonegoodthingcomingfromallthissecretplotting.”
“Andthatwouldbe?”“Afullnightofsleep...withoutbeingshotatforit.”
•••
ThefirstmorningShahrzadawokeinthepalacewithoutfearingthedawnwasastrangeone.
Herheartclenchedreflexivelyatthelight,andthenrelaxedwhensheheardthesoundofDespinabustlingabouttheroom.Shebreatheddeeplyandsettledbackintothepillows,allowingherbodytobaskinthisnewfoundease.
“MaybeheshouldjuststayinAmardha,”Shahrzadmumbledtonoone.“Iwasabouttowakeyouup,”Despinareplied.“Yourfoodisgettingcold.”
Shahrzadpaused.Thenmadeadecision.Honeycatchesmorefliesthanvinegar.“Thankyouforusingyourbetterjudgment.Andnotresortingtoyourusual
churlishness,”Shahrzadteased.“Churlishness?You’renotexactlypleasantinthemorning.”Shahrzadgrinnedbeforerisingtoherfeet.Shepushedasidethethinsilk
surroundingthebedandstrodetothetable,wherehercustomarytrayoffoodsatwaiting.WhensheglancedoveratDespina,shewassurprisedtoseeherhandmaiden’sfacewasnotasglowingandperfectasusual.Herskinwaswan,andherforeheadappearedstrained.
“What’swrong?”Shahrzadasked.Despinashookherhead.“I’mfine.Justabitpiqued.”“Piqued?Youlookill.”“No.I’llbefine.”“Doyouneedtorest?”“I’mfine,Shahrzad.Truly.”Despinaraisedthelidfromthetureenofsoup
anddroppedacrystalofrocksugarintothebottomofasmalletched-glasscup.Thensheliftedtheornatesilverpotfromitsrestingplaceabovealow-burningcandle.Assheraisedithighabovetheglasscupandbegantopour,herhandtrembled,andthestreamofteasplashedbackfrominsidethecupbeforehittingtheteapot.
“I’msorry,”Despinamumbled.“You’repermittedtomakemistakes,onoccasion.”Shahrzadsmiledimpishly.“Allevidencetothecontrary,”sheshotbackunderherbreath.“WhendidIevermakesuchoutrageousdemands?”ThelinesonDespina’sbrowdeepened.“Despina.What’swrong?”“Nothing!”She’slying.Again.Shahrzadcuthereyesandtoreapieceoflavashinhalf.“I’msorry.”Despinafinishedpouringthetea.“Whatwereyousayingabout
Amardha?”“Iwasjustcommentingonthecaliph’srecentjourney.Doyouknowwhyhe
wentthere?”“He’smostlikelyvisitingtheSultanofParthia—hisuncle.”“Isee.Doeshevisithimoften?”Shahrzadbeganeatinghersoup.Despinashookherhead.“No.Theyarenotexactly...friendly.Thesultanis
nothisunclebyblood.He’sthebrotheroftheformercaliph’sfirstwife.Andhedespisedourcaliph’smother.”
Interesting.“Why?”Despinashrugged.“Isupposeit’sforthelogicalreasonanymanwouldhate
hisdeadsister’sreplacement.Inaddition,ourcaliph’smotherwasbeautiful,smart,andvivacious.Byallaccounts,thefirstwifewas...not.”
“Thenwhywouldthecaliphvisitthesultan?”“I’mnotsure.Isupposeit’sfordiplomaticreasons.Youshouldaskhimwhen
hereturns.”“Hewon’ttellme.”Despinagaveherahalfgrin.“I’mgladyou’retalkingtomeagain.”“Stayingsilentisn’tagoodoptionforsomeonelikeme.”“Awisedecision.Forsomeonelikeyou.”“Ijustsaidthat.”“Iknow.”Shahrzadsnorted.Shereachedforherglassoftea.Justthenshenoticedan
unusualsmatteringofsmall,darkspotsonthesideofthesilverteapot.Shegraspedthehandleanddrewitcloser,hereyebrowstuftingtogether.Withalinennapkin,sherubbedatoneoftheareasofdiscoloration.
Itdidnotclearaway.Shahrzadpursedherlips.Sheliftedhercupofteaandpouredadropofitscontentsontothepot.As
soonastheliquidhittheshiningsurface,thesilverchangedcolor.Black.Likedeath.“Despina?”Shahrzadbeganinaneventone.“Yes?”“Ithinkthere’ssomethingwrongwithmytea.”
WHEREYOURHEARTLONGSTOBE
SOMEONEHADTRIEDTOPOISONHER.
Anditwasnotthetea,asShahrzadhadfirstsuspected.Itwasthesugar.Jalalwasfurious.Whenheconfrontedallthosewithaccesstoherfood,eachpersonstaunchly
proclaimedinnocence.Aswascustomarywhenservinganymemberoftheroyalfamily,thecookhadtastedalltheitemsonShahrzad’straybeforesendingittoherroom,andnumerousindividualshadattestedtothisfact.
Thoughnoonehadthoughttotastethesugar.Unsurprisingly,Shahrzaddidnoteatanythingelsetherestoftheday.Andnowayoungservantgirlaccompaniedeverytrayoffoodbroughtto
Shahrzad’sroom.Agirlwhosesolepurposeinlifewastotastethequeen’sfoodanddrinkonelasttimebeforeitenteredhermouth.
Ayounggirlwhomustmeansomethingtosomeone.ItdisgustedShahrzad.Asdidtheknowledgethathertimefeelingsafe—thosefleetingmoments
withouttheweightofherimpendingdoomhoveringaboutherlikeadarkspecter—hadbeentakenawayfromherbeforeshe’dhadatruechancetoenjoyit.
Buttheworstpartwasthatsheknewnow,beyondtheshadowofadoubt,thatshecouldnottrustherhandmaiden.
Afterall,Despinawasthelastpersonwhohadhandledhertrayoffood.Theonewhohadpreparedthatfatalcupoftea.Forsomereason,thisfactdisheartenedShahrzadmorethananythingelse.
ShehadnottrustedDespinabefore,butsomepartofherhadwantedto.Had
hopedthat,oneday,shecouldbearealfriend,despiteeverything.Thathopewasshattered.AnditmadeShahrzadangry.Threenightsofmostlyuninterruptedsleephadnotdulledtheanger.Thisafternoon,Shahrzadhadelectedtowanderoneofthemanyterraced
courtyardsinsearchofaperfectrose.Thebanalityofthistaskaddedafeelingofuselessnesstoheralreadyirritateddisposition.
Shewanderedpastanotherfloweringhedge,hereyessquintedagainstthesun,andherforeheadcreasedwithfrustration.
“Ifyou’lltellmewhatyou’relookingfor,Icanhelp,”Despinaoffered.“No.Youcan’t.”“My,butyou’reinamood.”“Youreallycan’thelpme.There’sanarttoaperfectrose.Thescent.The
color.Thearrangementofthepetals.Myfatherevenarguesthatonetoomanypetalscanruintheentireflower...candisturbthewayitgrows.”
“AndIwouldarguetheprettiestflowersaretheonesthatseemalittleimperfect.”
“See?Youcan’thelpme,”Shahrzadgroused.JustthenshefeltDespinastiffenbyherside.“What’swrong?”Shahrzadasked.“Cap—Captainal-Khouryiscomingdownthestairs.”Herflushspreadfrom
throattohairline.“So?Whyareyounervous?”Despinahesitated.“Eversincetheincidentwiththetea,I’vefelt
uncomfortablearoundhim.”“Isee.”Shahrzadpursedherlips,fightingtocontaintheaccusations.AsJalalsteppedintoview,Despinatookspecialpainstoscramblebehindthe
Rajput,outofsight.JalalcurvedalanguideyebrowinherdirectionandthenturnedtoShahrzad.
“Howareyouthisafternoon,Shahrzad?”Hebowedwithaneasygrin,hisgold-trimmedcloakspillingoveroneshoulderandahandrestingcasuallyonthehiltofhisscimitar.
“Alive.”Hethrewbackhisheadandlaughed.“I’mgladtoseeit.Areyouinthemidst
ofsomethingimportant?”“Ofcourse.Ihaveapossiblecoupintheworks.ThenIintendtodrawup
plansforanewformoftradeinvolvingelephantsatseaandsailsofspunsilk.Wouldyoucaretojoinme?”
Hesmiled.“Onlyinthecoup.Therestsoundsabitcommonplace,ifyouask
me.”Shahrzadlaughed.“No,ofcourseI’mnotdoinganythingimportant.I’m
firmlyentrenchedinthemundane.Pleaserescueme.”“Actually,Iwaswonderingifyoucoulddosomething...queenlyforme.”“Queenly?Whatdoyoumean?”“Wehaveanunexpectedvisitor.Iwaswonderingifyoucouldreceivehim,in
thecaliph’sabsence.”“Whoisit?”“He’s—ascholar,sotospeak.HewasKhalid’sfirsttutor,aswellasthe
lifelongtutorofKhalid’smother.HehasnotseenKhalidsincehewasalittleboy.Iknowhemeantagreatdealtohismother,andIwouldhatetosendhimalongwithoutreceivinghimformally.”Hewinked.
Shahrzadcouldnothelpbutsmile.“Additionally,Iassumethevisitmaysatisfysome...lingeringcuriosities.”
Jalalgrinnedknowingly.“Why,Captainal-Khoury,youmakeitsoundso...intriguing.”Helaughed.“Soareyoucoming,Shahrzad?”Shenodded,herhazeleyessparkling.“Ihavetowarnyou,he’sabit—odd,”Jalalstatedashebeganretracinghis
steps,withShahrzadandhertinyretinueintow.“Howso?”“He’sarelicofdayspast.Verydevotedtotheancientarts.ButIthinkyou’ll
likehim,andIknowhe’llbeverypleasedtomeetyou.”“What’shisname?”“MusaZaragoza.”“That’saveryunusualname,”Shahrzadsaid.“He’sMoorish.”“Ah,Isee.Well,I’lldomybest.”“Iknowyouwill.”Theycontinuedupthenumerousflightsofstairsandintothecoolmarble
hallways.Jalalledthemtoalargeroomwithadomedceilingfivetimestheheightofaman.Itswallsweretiledandcoveredwithpainstakinglycarvedreliefs,depictingbattlesceneslongforgottenofwarriorsbrandishingtheirweaponsandvanquishingtheirfoes.
Inthecornerstoodaverytallmandrapedingarmentsofvibrantfabric.Hisdeepbluerida’felltothefloor,anditshoodwaswoundabouthishead,securedbyacircletofleatherandgold.Thickmankalahcuffswerewrappedaroundbothwrists,andhisbeautifuldarkskinremindedShahrzadofthefinestMedjooldate.
Whenheturnedtofaceher,hesmiledsowidelyhisteethseemedtoglow
white,likepearlssetagainstebony.JalalandDespinaleftheratthedoor,andtheRajputstoodinsidenearby,his
swordattheready.Shahrzadreturnedherguest’ssmileandwalkedtowardhim.WhatdoIsay?“Welcome!”shebegan.“Iam—Shahrzad.”Heglidedtoherinaswirlofcolors,hishandsoutstretched.“AndIamMusa.Whataprivilegetomeetyou.”Itwasanintensevoice,like
honeyandsmoke.Shahrzadtookhishands.Standingsoclosetohim,sherealizedhewas
actuallyagreatdealolderthanheappeared.Hiseyebrowswerepepperedwithwhite,andthefinelinesetchedabouthisfaceindicatedapropensityfordeepthoughtandapredilectionforamusement.Ashegraspedherhands,Shahrzadsawsomethingregisterinhisrichbrowneyes,butitcameandwentinaflash.
“Thankyousomuch,Musa-effendi.Iamsosorrymy—thecaliphisnotheretogreetyou.”
Heshookhishead.“Itismyfaultforcominghereunannounced.IwashopingtoseehimasIwaspassingthrough,but,alas,itappearsImustsaveourreunionforanotherjourney.”
“Pleasesit.”Shahrzadgesturedtowardthecushionssurroundingthelowtabletoherright,andtheytooktheirplacesacrossfromeachother.“Wouldyoucareforsomethingtoeat?”
“No,no.Icannotstay.Again,thiswasnotmeanttobeanythingbutashortvisit.Idonotwishtoimposeonanyone.”
“Itisnotanimposition,inanyway.Iwouldnothavesuchanesteemedguestleavethepalacehungry.”Shahrzadgrinned.
Helaughed.Thesoundseemedtoleapfromwalltowall.“AndhowdoyouknowIamesteemed?Wereyounottoldthetruth?”His
mouthtwitchedwithhumor.“Andwhatisthetruth,Musa-effendi?”“ThatthelasttimeIwasinthispalace,Iwasthrownoutonmyheels,with
nothingbuttheclothesonmyback.”Shahrzadcontrolledherexpression.Shetookadeepbreathandfoldedher
handsinherlap.“Well,itseemsweoweyouatleastameal,then,sir.”Hislaughterburstfromhismouthoncemore,evenbolderthanbefore.“Thankthestarsforyou,mylovelychild.Whatlightyoumustbringtomy
poorKhalid.”Lightmaynotbetheappropriateword.Sheofferedhimasmallsmileinresponse.
“AsIfeared,thisisnotaharmoniousmarriage,”Musasaidgently.“Isthereanyhopeforone?”
“Intruth,itistoosoontotell.Wehaveonlybeenmarriedafewdays.Andmarriagetothecaliphis—somewhatdifficult.”
“SoI’veheard.”Hisvoicewasknowingandsad.“Anddoyouwishforaharmoniousmarriagewithhim?”
Shahrzadshifteduncomfortablyinherseat.Forsomereason,lyingtothisstrangelygarbedmanwiththerichlaughandtheprobingeyesseemed...wrong.
“Ilongforamarriagebasedonloveandmutualrespect,Musa-effendi.Whetheritispossiblewiththecaliphremainstobeseen.”
“Ah,sohonest.Khalidvaluessuchhonestyaboveallelse.Hecravesit.Evenasasmallchild,hesoughtthetruthwithakindoffervorI’verarelyencounteredinanyindividual.Doyouknowthisabouthim?”
“Iknowverylittleabouthispast.”Henodded.“Tellme,beyondtherumors,whatkindofmanhasLeila’sson
become?”Shahrzadpausedandstudiedthekindfaceofthestrangeracrossfromher.IfIanswerhisquestions,willheanswermine?“Aquietone.Asmartone.”“ThesethingsIcouldfindoutonthestreetsofRey.Iwanttoknowthethings
youknow.Thethingsacleveryounggirlhasdeduced,eveninsuchashorttime.”
Shahrzadchewedonherlowerlipforamoment.“Ajoylessone.Acalculatingone.Abitterone...”shewhispered.Shethoughtofhisrawfistandthepunishingfury.“Anangryone.”“Itwasnotalwaysthus.”Musasighed.“Hewassuchakindboy.”“I’vebeentold.Butitisdifficulttobelieve.”“Understandably.”Hepaused.“Willyoupermitmetoshareastorywithyou,
mylovelyShahrzad?AboutthenightIwasthrownoutonmyheels?”“Ofcourse,Musa-effendi.”“Itisasadstory.”“Iimagineanystorythatendsinsuchamannerwouldbe.”Musasatbackinremembrancebeforehebegan.“IwasthetutorforKhalid’smother,Leila.AndLeilawasajoy.Beautiful
andtalented.Aloverofbooksandpoetry.WhenshemarriedKhalid’sfatherandbecamehissecondwife,shewasyoung—onlyfifteenyearsold.IcamealongwithhertoRey,atherinsistence.Shewasveryheadstrong.Unfortunately,itwas
notaneasymarriage.Herhusbandwasagooddealolderthanshe,andhehadclearlylovedhisfirstwifeverymuch.Leiladidnotappreciatetheconstantcomparisons.Itriedhardtoreininhertantrumsandboutsofdespair,butthedisparitybetweentheminageandinterestswasoftentimestoodifficulttobreach.Itwasnoone’sfault,really.Khalid’sfatherwasquitesetinhisways.AndLeilawasaspiritedyoungwoman.”
Hestopped,hisfeaturesgrowingsad.“AfterKhalidwasborn,Ihopedeverythingwouldchange.Ihadneverseena
moredevotedmother.Leilakissedhisfeetandsangtohimasaninfant.Whenhewasolder,shetoldhimstorieseverynightbeforehewenttosleep.AndKhalidlovedhermorethananything.”
Musaclosedhiseyesforamoment,andShahrzadtookacarefulbreath.Hismothertoldhimstoriesatnight.“IwastherethenightKhalid’sfatherlearnedofLeila’sbetrayal...whenhe
discoveredshehadbeencarryingonanaffairwithamemberofthepalaceguard.”
Histenorbecamelowandgrave.“HedraggedLeilathroughthehallsofthepalacebyherhair.Shewas
screamingathim,callinghimhorriblenames.Itriedtohelpher,buthissoldierspreventedmefromdoingso.Intheatrium,hecalledforKhalid.LeilakepttellingKhalideverythingwouldbefine.Thatshelovedhim.Thathewasherworld.”
Shahrzad’shandscurledintofists.“Andthere,infrontofhersix-year-oldson,Khalid’sfatherslitLeila’sthroat.
WhenKhalidstartedtocry,hisfatheryelledathim.Iwillneverforgetwhathesaid.‘Awomanisfaithful,orsheisdead.Thereisnoin-between.’Afterthat,Iwasthrownoutofthepalace,withnothingbuttheclothesonmyback.Ishouldhavefoughtharder.ForLeila’ssake.ForKhalid’ssake.ButIwasweak.Afraid.Later,IheardwhathadbecomeofLeila’sson.AndIalwaysregrettedit.Fromthebottomofmysoul,Iregrettedit.”
SomethinghadriseninShahrzad’schest,formingabarrierthatpreventedherfromspeaking.Sheswallowedhard.Notknowingwhatelsetodo,shereachedacrossthetableandtookMusa’shand.Hewrappedhersmallhandsinbothofhis,andtheysatinthismannerforatime.
Andthen,withcarefulrespect,Shahrzadattemptedtobreakthesilence.“Musa-effendi...Ifeelcertainyoushouldnotholdyourselfresponsiblefor
anythingthattranspired,notthatnightoranyofthenightsafter.Iamyoung,and,therefore,Iknowmywordsonlycarryacertainweightwiththeworld,butIdoknowenoughtorealizeyoucannotcontroltheactionsofothers.Youcanonly
controlwhatyoudowithyourselfafterward.”Hisgriponherhandtightened.“Suchwisewords.DoesKhalidknowwhata
treasureyouare,mydeareststar?”Shahrzad’seyesfurnishedhimwiththesmileherlipscouldnot.Musashookhishead.“Hehassufferedagreatdeal.Ittroublesmeimmensely
toknowheinflictssufferingonothersasaresult.AnditvexesmebecausethesearenottheactionsoftheboyIknew.Butasyouareyoung,Iamold,andinmyage,wisdombecomeslessofabirthrightandmoreofanexpectation.Inmylife,theonethingIhavelearnedaboveallisthatnoindividualcanreachtheheightoftheirpotentialwithouttheloveofothers.Wearenotmeanttobealone,Shahrzad.Themoreapersonpushesothersaway,thecleareritbecomesheisinneedoflovethemost.”Icouldneverlovesuchaman...suchamonster.Shahrzadstartedtowithdrawherhandfromhis.Butheheldontoit.“Tellme,”hepressed.“Howlonghaveyoupossessedthegift?”Takenaback,Shahrzadmerelystaredathim,herhazeleyesblank.Musareturnedhergaze,hiswarmeyessearching.“Thenyouareunaware.Itliesdormantinyourblood,”hesaidtohimself.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”shedemanded.“Perhapsaparent?”hecontinued.“Doesyourmotherorfatherpossess
any...uniqueabilities?”RealizationdawnedonShahrzad.“Myfather.Hecandocertainthings.Very
smallthings.Buthe’sneverbeenadeptatcontrollingit.”Musanodded.“Ifeveryouwishtolearnabouttheseabilities,sendwordto
me.Iwouldbehappytosharemyknowledgewithyou.Iamnotextremelyproficient,butI’velearnedto...controlit.”Hegrinnedslowly.Ashespoke,Shahrzadsawtheflamedancinginthenearbylampflickeroutandsparkbacktolife,unbidden.
“AndIcouldlearntodothis?”shewhispered.“Intruth,Idonotknow.Itisimpossibletogaugeanindividual’sabilities.I
onlyknowwhatIknewthemomentIfirstheldyourhandsinmygrasp:thatyouandIshareacommonbond.Andnowthatbondextendsbeyondthismeretwistoffate.Ibeseechyou,mystar...pleaseseepastthedarkness.ThereispotentialforboundlessgoodintheboyIknew.Trustthatthemanyouseenowisashadowofwhatliesbeneath.Ifyouwould,givehimthelovethatwillenablehimtoseeitforhimself.Toalostsoul,suchatreasureisworthitsweightingold.Worthitsweightindreams.”Ashespoke,Musaleanedovertheirstill-claspedhands,abrightsmileofaffectionlightinghisfeatures.
“Thankyou,Musa-effendi.Forthewisdom,thestory,andsomuchmore.”“Thankyou,mystar.”Hereleasedherhandandstoodfromthetable.“Willyounotstayforameal?”Shahrzadaskedagain.Heshookhishead.“Imustbeonmyway.ButIpromisetovisitagainvery
soon.Ishallnotletsomanyyearspassbythistime.AndIwillclingtothehopethat,whenIseeyounext,itwillbewithKhalidatyourside.Atyoursideandthebetterforit.”
AstrangetwingeofguiltknifedthroughShahrzad’sstomach.Musamadehiswaytothesatchelofbelongingshehadleftinthecorner.He
liftedthepackfromthefloorandpaused,asifinconsideration.Thenhereachedinsideandwithdrewathreadbare,moth-eatenrugrolledtightlyinabundleandboundbyahempcord.
“Agiftforyou,dearestShahrzad.”“Thankyou,Musa-effendi.”Whatanoddgift.“Keepitwithyoualways.Itisaveryspecialcarpet.Whenyouarelost,it
willhelpyoufindyourway,”hesaid,withaknowingglintinhiseyes.Shahrzadtooktheparcelandhelditagainstherchest.Musareachedoverandplacedhiswarmpalmonhercheek.“Letittakeyouwhereyourheartlongstobe.”
THEOLDMANANDTHEWELL
THEDESERTSUNBOREDOWNONTARIQWITHTHEheatofabrazenfire.Itrippledoffthedunes,distortinghisvisionandsearingthesky.
Hewrappedthehoodofhisrida’tightacrosshisface,securingtheleatherbandlowonhisbrow.Whorlsofsandcurledaroundthelegsofhisstallion,trailingaglitteringhazewiththeriseandfallofeachmassivehoof.
Zorayacircledabove,hercriesgrowinglouderwitheachpassinghour.Asthesunstartedtoset,theyapproachedtheborderofKhorasanandParthia,
andTariqbegansearchingforaplacetorest.HeknewtheBadawitribeswerenearby,buthedidnotwanttoruntheriskofencroachingontheirterritorywithoutafullnight’srest,ashehadnotsleptwellsinceleavingReyalmostfourdaysago.Inthemorning,hewoulddeviseawaytospeakwithalocalsoastodeterminethecurrentstateofaffairsintheregion.
Inthedistance,hespottedasmallsettlementofsun-weatheredbuildingssituatedaroundadecrepitstonewell.Thehorseshoeofcrackedmudhouseswascappedbycavingroofsandappearedallbutabandoned.Anelderlymanstoodatthewell’sedge¸removinganimalskinsfromacrossthebacksoftwoagingcamels.
TariqspurredhisdarkbayArabianforward,tuggingoncemoreonthehoodofhiswhiterida’.
Whenhenearedthewell,theelderlymanglancedoverhisshoulder.ThenhegrinnedupatTariq.Hewasdressedinsimpleclothesofspunbrownlinen,andhisthickbeard
wasstippledwithsilver.Aprominentgapseparatedhistwofrontteeth,andhishookednosewasbrokenacrossthebridge.Hishandsweregnarledfromageanduse.
“Afinehorse.”Henodded,stillgrinning.Tariqnoddedinreturn.
Theelderlymanreachedashakinghandforthebucketabovethewell...Andpromptlyknockeditdown.Thebucketstruckthemurkycavernsofthehollow,ricochetingwitheachhit,
untilitsplashedintothewaterwithatauntingsound.Tariqexhaledloudly.Theelderlymangroaned,rippinghisrida’fromhisheadandstompinghis
feetinthedirt.Hebeganwringinghishands,thedismayonhisfaceasplainastheday.
Tariqobservedthismelodramaticperformanceuntilhecouldstomachitnolonger,andthendismountedfromhisstallionwithamoribundsigh.
“Doyouhavesomerope?”heaskedtheelderlymanasheremovedthehoodfromhisface.
“Yes,sahib.”Themanbowed,overandover.“Thatisnotnecessary;Iamnotyoursahib.”“Thesahibhasafinehorse.Afinesword.Heismostdefinitelyasahib.”Tariqsighedagain.“Givemetherope,andIwillclimbdownforthebucket.”“Oh,thankyou,sahib.Youaremostgenerous.”“Notgenerous.Justthirsty.”Tariqsmiledwryly.Hetooktheropefromthe
manandsecuredittothepostoverthewell.Thenhepausedinconsideration.“Don’ttrytostealmyhorse.He’satemperamentalbeast,andyouwon’tgetfar.”
TheelderlymanshookhisheadwithsuchfervorthatTariqthoughtitmightcausehiminjury.“Iwouldnotdosuchathing,sahib!”
Hisintensityputtoquestionhisintent.Tariqstudiedthemanbeforeextendinghisleftarmandwhistlingtotheskies.
Zorayacamehurtlingfromthecloudsinamassoffeathersandwickedtalons.Theelderlymanliftedatremblingforearmtohisface,wardingawaytheraptor’spiercingmenace.
“Shelikestostartwiththeeyes,”Tariqsaidinaflattone,asZorayaspreadherwingsabovehisleathermankalahandglaredattheman.
“Iwillnotdoanythingdisgraceful,sahib!”“Good.Doyoulivearoundhere?”“IamOmaroftheBadawi.”Tariqconsideredthemanoncemore.“OmaroftheBadawi,I’dliketomakea
dealwithyou.”“Adeal,sahib?”“Yes.I’llretrievethebucketfromthewellandassistyouinfillingtheskins
withwater.Inreturn,I’dlikesomeinformationonyourtribeanditssheikh.”Omarscratchedathisbeard.“Whydoesthenamelesssahibwantinformation
onmytribe?”
“Don’tworry;Idonotwishthemill.IhaveagreatdealofrespectfortheBadawi.Myfatherpurchasedthishorsefromatribesmanseveralyearsago,andhealwayssaidthedesertwanderersareamongthebesthorsemenintheworld.”
“Among?”Omarsmiledwidely.“Wearethebest,sahib.Withoutadoubt.”Tariqofferedhimatentativegrin.“Dowehaveadeal?”“Ibelieveso,sahib;however,mayIaskonelastquestion?”Tariqnodded.“WhatisthepurposebehindyouseekingouttheBadawi?”Tariqthoughtforamoment.Thiselderlymanwas,atbest,aservant.Most
likely,arelicsenttocollectwateronadailybasissoastomaintainanappearanceofusefulnessinhisoldage.Givinghiminformationseemedratherharmless.
“Ihaveabusinesspropositiontomake.”“Business?”Omarcackled.“WiththeBadawi?Whywouldarichyoung
sahibneedadesertwanderer’shelp?”“Iansweredyourquestion.Dowehaveadeal?”Omar’sdarkeyestwinkled.“Yes,yes,sahib.Wedo.”TariqdirectedZorayatoaperchatopthewell,andthenturnedtohishorseto
removehisrecurvebow.Helashedthequivertohisbackandslungthesinewacrosshischest,forhewasnotfoolenoughtoleavebehindaweapon.Finally,hetuggedontheropetomakesureitwassolidlyrootedbeforepositioninghimselfonthestoneandmortarbrim.
Thewellwasaswideasamanandtwotimeshisheight,soitwasnotanespeciallydifficulttasktoeasehiswaydownandgrabthewoodenbucketfloatingonthewater’ssurface.Inshortorder,Tariqclimbedbackupthestonehollowandoutintotheorangeduskofadesertsunset.
HepassedthebuckettoOmar.“Isuggesttyingaropetothehandle,forthesakeoffutureease.”
Omarlaughed.“Awisesuggestion!”Thetwomenbegantheprocessoffillingtheanimalskinswithwaterand
securingthemtothecamelswaitingnearby.“So,”Tariqcommenced,“whichBadawitribedoyouridewith?”Omargrinned.“Iridewiththeal-Sadiqfamily.”“I’veheardthatnamebefore.”“Manysayitisagreatfamily.Fromalonglineofpowerfuldesert
wanderers.”“Whoisyoursheikh?”“Asixth-generationsonoftheal-Sadiqline.Somewouldarguehe’sabit
strange.HestudiedinDamascusforatimebeforereturningtothedesert.”
“AndwhatdidhestudyinDamascus?”“Swordmaking.Hemasteredthecraftofironandsteel,sahib.”“Whatpossessedhimtolearnthistrade?”Omarshrugged.“Hebelievessuchknowledgegiveshimanedgeoverhis
enemies.”Tariqnoddedpensively.“Hesoundslikeaninterestingman.”“Asareyou,sahib.ButIammostcurious;whatisthenatureofyour
businesswiththeBadawi?”Tariqhedged.“Itispersonal.”“Personal?”Omarlaughed.“Thenyouaretryingtooverthrowafamily
memberor...wintheheartofawoman.”“What?”“Whyelsewouldarichyoungsahibhavebusinessofapersonalnaturewith
theBadawi?Sowhichisit?Isyourfatheradespicabledespotoflore?Areyoutheheroyourpeoplelongtoserve?”
TariqglareddownatOmar.“Ah!Sothenyouaretryingtowintheheartofabeautifulyoungwoman.”Tariqturnedtohishorse.“Shemustbeverybeautiful,”Omarmused.“Tobringahandsomesahibwith
afalconandafineal-KhamsathisfarintotheSeaofSand.”“Ithasnothingtodowiththat,”Tariqmuttered.“Thensheisnotbeautiful?”Tariqwhirledaround.“Ithasnothingtodowithherbeauty.”“Soitisaboutagirl!”Omarcrowed.Glowering,Tariqgrabbedthereinsofhisstallionandswungintothesaddle.“DonotbeoffendedbyoldOmar,sahib!Ididnotmeantopresstheissue.I
amjustcuriousatheart,andmycurioushearthasquiteafondnessforlovestories.Please!Ifyoufollowme,Iwouldbehappytointroduceyoutothesheikh.”
“Andwhywouldyoudothat?”“Forthesakeofmycuriousheart,”Omarrepliedwitharidiculoussmilethat
emphasizedthedarkgapbetweenhiscrookedteeth.Tariqpausedindeliberation.Theoldservantcouldbelyingtohim,butthis
couldalsobehisbestchancetomeetwithasheikhfromoneofthemostcelebratedoftheBadawitribes.
Itwasworththerisk.“Iwillfollowyoutoyourcamp.”Tariqadjustedthequiverofarrowsonhis
back,forgoodmeasure.Omarnodded,straighteninghisrida’.“Iwillbesuretotellthesheikhofyour
helpfulnessatthewelltoday.”“Thankyou.”“Ofcourse,sahib!Iamnothingifnothonorable.”TariqfollowedOmaratawarydistanceasOmarguidedthetwocamelsback
intothedesert.Omarrodethesmallercamelatasteadypace,lookingoverhisshouldereverysooftentogiveTariqareassuringgrin.
Theskydarkenedtoblue-black,andthebrighteststarsbegantoflickerabove,winkingwhiteattheedges.Afterridingforhalfanhour,alargeenclaveoftentssurroundedbyaringoftorchesmaterializedintheseaofrisingdunes.
Omarledthecamelsdirectlyintothecenter,whistlingcheerfullytohimself.Ashepassed,severalmenstoppedtonodathim,andOmarbowedback,withahandtohisbrow.Hedismountedfromthecamelbeforealarge,patchworkedtentinthemiddleoftheencampment.Theinstanthissandaledfeethittheground,apatteringoffootstepsburstfromtheshadowstotheside.
Tinyburnishedarmsgrabbedathislegsandbattledforhisembrace.“BabaAziz!Whyareyousolate?”severalchildrencriedindiscordant
harmony.Tariq’seyesnarrowed.Theflapofthetentopened,andanelderlywomanwithabeautifulbraidof
mutedcopperstrodeintothemoonlight.“Omar-jan,wherehaveyoubeen?Yourgrandchildrenarehungry,andyourdaughtersareirritated,asaresult.”
Omarsmiledindulgently.“I’vebroughtaguest.Canwemakeroomforonemore?”
SheshothereyesheavenwardbeforeshiftingtoTariq.“Andwhoareyou,youngman?”
“Heisournamelesssahib.Andmycuriousheartlongstohearhisstory.Ibelieveitisagoodone,Aisha.Aboutloveanditsmanystruggles,”Omaransweredwithawink.
Sheshookherhead.“Well,bringhiminside.”TariqcontinuedstaringatOmar,hissuspicionsrapidlyreachingalogical
conclusion.Hedismountedfromhishorse.“Youarenotaservant,”hesaid.OmarturnedbacktoTariq.Again,hisgap-toothedgrintookoverhis
weatheredface.“DidIsayIwas?”TariqheldOmar’sgaze.Theguiseofasillyoldmanhadvanishedinthe
lambenttorchlight.Initsplacewasalookofwisdomandmirth.Alookofcunningintelligence.“Forgivethemisunderstanding,”Omarcontinued.Tariqsnortedindisbelief.“Therewasnomisunderstanding.Isawprecisely
whatyouwantedmetosee.”Omarlaughedloudly.“Orperhapsyousawexactlywhatyouwantedtosee.”Tariqknockedbackhisrida’andsteppedforward.“MynameisTariq.”Omar’sbushyeyebrowsroseinapproval.“AndIamOmaral-Sadiq,thesixthsheikhofmyline...”Heputhiswrinkledpalmoutbeforehim,andTariqgraspedit.“Welcometomyhome.”
THEPROMISEOFTOMORROW
TWODAYSAFTERTHECALIPHRETURNEDFROMAmardha,Shahrzadwasreadytoputherplantoaction.
Enoughwasenough.ItdidnotmatterthatMusa-effendihadhintedaboutatragicpast.Itdidnotmatterthatthisworldwasfarfromassimpleasshemighthave
thought.Anditabsolutelydidnotmatterthatherheartwas...misbehaving.Shehadcometothepalacewithaclearpurpose.TheCaliphofKhorasanhadtodie.Andsheknewjusthowtodoit.
•••
Shesatacrossfromhiminherchamberthatnight,eatinggrapeswhilehedrankwine.
Bidingtimeforthemomenttostrike.“You’reveryquiet,”heremarked.“Andyoulookverytired.”“ThejourneyfromAmardhawasnotaneasyone.”Shepeeredacrossthetableintohistiger-eyes.Thehollowsbeneaththem
werepronounced,andhisbladedfeaturesseemedevenmoreseverewithsuchclearlinesoffatigueattheiredges.“Butyoucamebackovertwodaysago.”
“Ihaven’tsleptwellsinceIreturned.”“WouldyourathernotcontinueAladdin’stale?Perhapsyoushouldsleep,”
Shahrzadsuggested.“No.That’snotwhatIwant.Atall.”
Shelookedaway,unabletoholdhispiercinggaze.“MayIaskyousomething,sayyidi?”
“Youmaydoasyouplease.AndIwillbehaveinasimilarfashion.”“WhydidyougotoAmardha?”Hiseyebrowsdrewtogether.“IheardJalalarrangedforyoutomeetMusa
Zaragoza.Undoubtedly,youlearnedinterestingfactsaboutmychildhoodwhilehewashere.Iassumeyouknowaboutmymothernow?”
“Hetoldmeabouther,yes.”“TheSultanofParthiaandIhaveatacitagreement.Everysixmonthsorso,I
gotoseehimandmakeveiledthreats,posturinglikeapeacockinashowofforcemeanttodissuadehimfromsuggestingIamnottherightfulheirtotheCaliphateofKhorasan.”
“Excuseme?”Shahrzadsputtered.Thecaliphcontinued.“It’slogical,really.Heopenlycallsmymothera
whore.Andeveryonequestionsmyparentage.Thenhe’sabletorallysupportandwagewarforthecaliphate.Only,helacksthestrengthandthenumberstotakeastand.AndIintendtokeepitthatway.”
“He—wouldcallyourmotherawhore?”“Itshouldn’tshockyou.Myfathersaidasmuchtome.Manytimes.”Shahrzadtookacarefulbreath.“Didyourfatheralsoquestionwhetherornot
youwerehisson?”Thecaliphraisedthecupofwinetohislipsandtookalongsip.“Again,itshouldn’tshockyou.”Shealmostwishedshehadmisheardhiswords.Whatkindoflovelesschildhooddidhehave?“Andthisisnormaltoyou?”Hesethiscupdownonthetable.“IsupposeIhaveaskewedunderstanding
oftheword.”“Doyouwantmetopityyou,sayyidi?”“Doyouwanttopityme,Shahrzad?”“No.Idonot.”“Thendon’t.”Frustrated,shesnatchedhiscupfromthetableanddrankwhatremainedof
itscontents.Acornerofhislipsroseeversoslightly.Thewineburned;sheclearedherthroatandsetthegobletbeforeher.“Bythe
way,I’vedecidedhowyoucanmakeamends.Ifyou’restillwilling,ofcourse.”Heleanedbackintothecushions,waiting.Shetookadeepbreath,preparingtospringhertrap.“Rememberlastnight,
whenAladdinsawtheprincessindisguise,roamingthecitystreets?”Thecaliphnodded.“Youtoldmeyouenviedthefreedomtheprincessexperiencedinhercity,
withoutthemantleofroyaltyabouthershoulders.Iwanttodothat.Withyou,”shefinished.
Hestilled,hiseyesscanningherface.“YouwantmetogooutintoReywithoutbodyguards?”
“Yes.”“Withjustyou?”“Yes.”Hepaused.“When?”“Tomorrownight.”“Why?”Hedidn’trefuseoutright.“Fortheadventure,”shegoadedhim.Hecuthisgaze.Calculating.“Andyouareindebtedtome,”shepressed.Please.Don’tdenymethischance.“Iagree.Iamindebtedtoyou.Iaccept.”Shahrzadbeamed.Hiseyeswidenedatthebrightnessofhersmile.And,tohergreatsurprise,heofferedheroneinreturn.Itlookedforeignonhisusuallycoldandangularface.Foreign,yetwondrouslystriking.Thetighteninginherchest...wouldhavetobeignored.Atallcost.
•••
Theystoodinasmallalleynexttotheentranceofthesouk.Theskyabovewaspurpledbydusk,andthemixtureofspices,sweat,andlivestockfilledthespringairwiththeheadyperfumeoflife,inallitsabundance.
Shahrzadpulledherdarkgreycloaktightabouther.Thecrystalofpoisonedsugarshehadstolenawayinherpocketfeltlikeitwouldcatchflameatathought.
Thecaliph’skeenochreeyestookinthescenearoundthem.Hisblackrida’wasboundacrosshisbrowbyaslimcircletofmatchingleather.
“HaveyoubeentoRey’ssoukbefore?”shewhispered.“No.”“Stayclose.It’sverymuchlikealabyrinth.Eachyearitgrowsbigger,its
corridorssnakingaboutwithoutrhymeorreason.”“AndhereIhadeveryintentionofleavingyoubehindtoexploreonmy
own,”hemurmured.“Areyoutryingtobefunny,sayyidi?”Hisbrowfurrowed.“Youcan’tusethatwordhere,Shahrzad.”Afairpoint.Especiallyconsideringtheriotsagainsthiminthecitystreets.“You’reright...Khalid.”Heexpelledaquickbreath.“AndwhatshouldIcallyou?”“Excuseme?”“Whatdoyourfriendscallyou?”Shehesitated.WhyamItryingtoprotectasillynicknameRahimgavemewhenIwasten?“Shazi.”Asuggestionofasmileplayedacrosshislips.“Shazi.Itsuitsyou.”Sherolledhereyes.“Comewithme.”Withthat,Shahrzadleftthesafetyoftheshadowsanddartedoutintothe
bustlingcrowdsofRey’smostactiveoutdoormarket.TheCaliphofKhorasanfollowedcloselybehindastheypassedunderthearchwayandintotheswelteringmazeofpeopleandgoods.
Totheirrightwerevendorsplyingfoodwares—sugareddatesandotherdriedfruits,anassortmentofnutsinwater-stainedwoodbarrels,mountainsofspicespiledhighinvividhues—andtotheirleftwerevendorsofspuncloth,dyedfabric,andskeinsofyarnidlinginafaintbreeze,theircolorslikeabannercutfromarainbow.Manysalesmenpouncedonthecouple,tryingtocoaxthemtotasteapistachioorsampleadeliciousdriedapricot.Atfirst,Khalidtensedateveryonewhoapproachedthem,butsoonhefellintotheleisurelygaitofanordinarypatronwanderingaroundthesoukonawarmspringevening.
UntilayoungmanleaptfrombehindaposttowrapShahrzadinaboltofbrightorangesilk.“Sobeautiful!”hesighed.“Youmustbuythis.Itsuitsyouso.”
“Ithinknot.”Sheshookherhead,pushinghishandsaway.Hepulledhercloseragainsthim.“HaveIseenyoubefore,miss?Iwouldnot
forgetsuchbeauty.”“No,youhavenot,”Khalidsaidinalowtone.Theyoungmansmirkedbackathim.“Iamnothavingaconversationwith
you.IamhavingaconversationwiththemostbeautifulgirlIhaveseeninalongtime.”
“No.Youarehavingaconversationwithmywife.Andyouarequiteclosetohavingthelastconversationofyourlife.”Hisvoicewasascoldastheedgeofadagger.
Shahrzadglaredattheyoungman.“Andifyouwanttosellmefabric,beingalecherousbastardisnotthewaytogoaboutdoingit.”Sheshovedagainsthischest,hard.
“Daughterofawhore,”hemuttered.Khalidfroze,hisknucklesturningaperilousshadeofwhite.Shahrzadgrabbedhisarmanddraggedhimaway.Shecouldseethemuscles
tickingalonghisjaw.“Youknow,youhavequiteatemper,”sheremarkedaftertheyhadcleared
somedistance.Hesaidnothing.“Khalid?”“Isthatkindofdisrespect...normal?”Shahrzadliftedashoulder.“It’snotnormal.Butit’snotunexpected.It’sthe
curseofbeingawoman,”shejokedinamorosemanner.“It’sobscene.Hedeservestobeflogged.”Saysthekingwhomurdersabrideeverymorning.Theycontinuedstrollingthroughthesouk,andShahrzadwassurprisedto
notethatKhalidnowwalkedfirmlyinhershadow,withhishandgrazingherlowerback.Hiseyes,whichwereusuallyvigilant,appearedevenmorewatchfulthanbefore.
Shesighedtoherself.Henoticeseverything.ThiswillbeevenmoredifficultthanIthought.Shahrzadledhimthroughamazeofsmallalleyways,pastvendorsofoiland
importedvinegar,rugsandfinelamps,perfumesandothercosmetics,untilshecametoathoroughfarefilledwithpurveyorsoffoodanddrink.Shedirectedhimtoasmall,crowdedestablishmentwithoutdoorseating.
“Whatarewedoinghere?”Khaliddemandedquietlyasshepushedhimintoachairbyanavailabletablenearthefront.
“I’llberightback.”Shesmiledathisirritationassheweavedherwaythroughthecrowd.
Whenshereturnedashorttimelaterwithtwocupsandapitcherofwine,thecornersofhiseyesconstricted.
“Theyarefamousfortheirsweetwine,”Shahrzadexplained.Hecrossedhisarms.
Shahrzadgrinnedknowingly.“Youdon’ttrustme?”Shepouredsomewineintoacupanddrankfromitfirstbeforehandingittohim.
“Wheredidyougetthemoney?”Hetookthecupfromher.Sherolledhereyes.“Istoleit.FromtheperfidiousSultanofParthia.”Ashe
raisedthecuptohislips,shesawhimsmile.“Doyoulikeit?”Hetiltedhisheadinconsideration.“It’sdifferent.”Thenhereachedoverand
filledtheothercupforher.Theysatforatimeincomfortablesilence,takinginthesightsandsoundsof
thesouk,drinkingwineandenjoyingtheraucousconversationsofthoseinvariousstatesofinebriationaroundthem.
“So,”sheinterjectedinaconversationaltone.“Whyareyouhavingdifficultysleeping?”
Herquestionseemedtocatchhimoffguard.Hestaredatherovertherimofhiscup.“Doyouhavenightmares?”sheprobed.Heinhaledcarefully.“No.”“Whatwasyourlastdream?”“Idon’tremember.”“Howcomeyoudon’tremember?”“Doyourememberyourlastdream?”Shahrzadcantedherlipstothesideinthought.“Yes.”“Tellmewhatitwasabout.”“It’sabitastrange.”“Mostdreamsare.”“Iwasinagrassyfieldwith...mybestfriend.Weweretwirling.Iwas
holdingherhands.Wewerespinningslowly,atfirst.Andthenfasterandfaster.Sofastitfeltlikewewereflying.Butitdidn’tseemdangerousatall.It’sstrangenowthatitdidn’tseemdangerous,butIguessthat’sthewayofdreams.Irememberhearingherlaughter.Shehasthemostbeautifullaugh.Likealarkonacrispmorning.”Shahrzadsmiledtoherselfinmemory.
Khalidstayedsilentforamoment.“Youhaveabeautifullaugh.Likethepromiseoftomorrow.”Hesaidit
gently,withthepoiseofanafterthought.AndShahrzad’shearthurtledaboutinresponse,roaringforattention.Shiva,Isweartoyou,Iwillignoretheficklelittlebeast.Sherefusedtolookathimasshedrankfromhercupandremainedproudof
herselfforthisdisplayoffortitude,untilshefelthisentirebodygorigidacrossfromher.
Asandaledfootcamecrashingtoastopontheemptyseatnearby.
“Ifitisn’tthebeautifulgirlwiththebarbedtongue,”avoiceslurredfromabove.
Whenshegazedupward,hereyesthinnedindisgust.“Apparently,thisistoopopularavenue,”Khalidsaid,thetensionbanding
acrosshisfeatures.“Forlecherousbastardsandkingsofoldalike,”Shahrzadretortedunderher
breath.“What?”theyoungmandrawled,thewineclearlyimpairinghis
comprehension.“Nevermind.Whatdoyouwant?”Shahrzadaskedwithasparkof
annoyance.Theyoungmanleereddownather.“PerhapsImayhavebeenabitforward
earlier.ButI’dliketosharearecentobservation.Thisonehere?”HegesturedtowardKhalidwithhisthumb.“Heseemsentirelytoogrumpyforagirllikeyou.Ithinkyou’remuchbettersuitedforamanwithcharm.Suchasmyself.”
Atthis,Khalidmadeamotiontostand.Shahrzadplacedherpalmagainsthischest,herflashingeyesneverwaveringfromtheyoungman’sglazedstare.
“Youseemtohaveforgotten—inarathershorttime,Imightadd—thatyoucalledmymotherawhore.InwhatworlddoyouthinkIwouldpreferyoutoanyman,grumpyornot?”
Hegrinnedather,hisfriendsbehindhimlaughingathertemerity.“Don’ttakeittoheart,beautifulgirl.WhatifItoldyoumymotherreallywas
awhore?Wouldthatmakeitbetter?Inanycase,Ihappentohaveagreatappreciationforwomenofthatilk.”Hewinkedather.
Thelaughterbehindhimgrewlouder.Again,ShahrzadfeltthefurybeneathherpalmasshepressedagainstKhalid,
keepinghiminhisseatwithnothingmorethantheforceofherwill.Shenodded.“Ican’tsayI’msurprised.Asforme?IbelieveI’llleavethisset
ofgoodsontherack,aswell.Ihavenointerestin...tinycucumbers.”Atthis,Khalid’sheadtwistedtohers,hiseyesregisteringshock.Andthe
edgeofhislipstwitching.Thesilencearoundthemwasdeafeningforapainfulbeat.Thenawildchorusofamusementfilledtheair.Theyoungman’sfriendsslappedtheirkneesandpoundedoneanother’s
backsastheyguffawedathisexpense.HisfaceturnedseveralshadesofredoncehecomprehendedthefullbreadthofShahrzad’sinsult.
“You—”Helungedforher.Shahrzadboltedoutoftheway.Khalidgrabbedthemanbythefrontofhisqamisandhurledhimintohis
passeloffriends.“Khalid!”Shahrzadshouted.Oncetheyoungmanmanagedtoscrambletohisfeet,Khalidrearedbackand
struckhiminthejawsohardhestaggeredintoatableofdangerous-lookingmen,heavilyengrossedintheirdicematch,withthebettingatanall-timehigh.Thecoinsandtheastragalidicecrashedtothegroundasthetableshudderedundertheyoungman’sweight.
Thegamblersroaredwithrageastheyshottotheirfeet,everythingaroundthemfallingtoshambles.
Andtheirpreciousgamedestroyedbeyondrepair.AlleyesturnedonKhalid.“HolyHera,”Shahrzadmoaned.Withgrimresignation,hereachedforhisshamshir.“No,youidiot!”Shahrzadgasped.“Run!”Shegrabbedhishandandspunin
theoppositedirection,thebloodpummelingthroughherbody.“Getoutoftheway!”shecriedastheydodgedpastavendor’scart,her
sandaledfeetflyingabovethedirt.Thesoundoftheirpursuersonlyspurredherfaster,especiallywithKhalid’sbroaderstridespropellingthemalongthenarrowthoroughfareofthesouk.
Whenheyankedherdownasmallsidealleyway,shepulledhimback.“Doyouevenknowwhereyou’regoing?”shedemanded.“Foronceinyourlife,stoptalkingandlisten.”“Howdare—”Hewrappedhisrightarmaroundherandpressedtheirbodiestogetherin
betweenashadowedalcove.Thenheshovedhisindexfingerontoherlips.Shahrzadlistenedastheirpursuersranpastthealleyway,stillshoutingand
carryingoninadrunkenhaze.Whenthesoundsfadedaway,heremovedhisfingerfromherlips.
Butitwastoolate.BecauseShahrzadcouldfeelhisheartbeatingfaster.Justlikehers.“Youweresaying?”Hewassoclose,hiswordsweremorebreaththansound.“How—howdareyousaythattome?”shewhispered.Hiseyesglitteredwithsomethingakintoamusement.“HowdareIimplyyoucausedthismess?”“Me?Thisisnotmyfault!Thisisyourfault!”“Mine?”“Youandyourtemper,Khalid!”“No.Youandyourmouth,Shazi.”
“Wrong,youwretchedlout!”“See?Thatmouth.”Hereachedupandgrazedhisthumbacrossherlips.
“That—magnificentmouth.”Hertraitorheartthuddedagainsthis,andwhenshepeeredupathimthrough
hereyelashes,hishandatthesmallofherbackpulledherimpossiblycloser.Don’tkissme,Khalid.Please...don’t.“They’rehere!I’vefoundthem!”Khalidgraspedherhandinhis,andtheytookoffdownthealleywayonce
again.“Wecan’tkeeprunning,”hesaidoverhisshoulder.“Wemighthavetostand
andfight,eventually.”“Iknow,”shehuffedback.Ineedaweapon.Ineedabow.Shebeganscanningeveryoneinsightforaquiverorapossiblebowleft
strewnagainstthesideofabuilding,butallshesawwastheoccasionalshimmerofasword.Inthedistance,shenoticedaburlymanwithahuge,straightbackedbowacrosshisbody,butsheknewtherewaslittlechanceofgettingitfromhimquickly.Anditwasevenlesslikelythatshecoulddrawanarrowonsuchalargebow.
Itseemedafutileexercise.Untilshefinallysawayoungboyplayingwithhisfriendsinabackalley.Withamakeshiftbowandaquiverofexactlythreearrowslashedtohis
shoulder.ShahrzadtuggedonKhalid’sarm,yankinghimfartherintothealleyway.She
crouchedbeforetheboy,liftingthehoodofhercloak.“Canyougivemeyourbowandarrows?”sheaskedbreathlessly.“What?”herepliedinsurprise.“Here.”Shahrzadofferedhimthefivegolddinarsinhercloak.Averitable
fortuneintheeyesoftheboy.“Areyoucrazy,lady?”theboysaid,hismouthagape.“Willyougivethemtome?”Shahrzadpleaded.Hepassedtheweaponstoherwithoutaword.Sheplacedthemoneyinhis
dirtyhandsandthrewthequiveroverhershoulder.Khalidobservedthisexchange,hiseyestightandhismouthdrawn.“Doyouknowthem,miss?”TheboyglancedbehindShahrzad.Khalidwhirledaround,unsheathinghisshamshirinasinglemetallicraspand
knockingtheblackrida’fromhisbrow.“Getoutofhere,”Shahrzadsaidtotheboyandhisfriends.Theboynoddedandtookoff,hisfriendsscamperingalongsidehim.
Somehow,thegroupofmenShahrzadandKhalidhadmanagedtooffendnumberedseven.Ofthisseven,threeshowedsignsofobviousinjury,whiletheotherfourappearedatalossofpridemorethananythingelse.Notcountingmoney,ofcourse.
Andmoneycountedforalot.AtthesightofKhalidwithhisswordattheready,severalofthemwithdrew
theirownpiecemealweapons.Withoutaword,Khalidadvanced.“Gentlemen!”Shahrzadcuthimoff.“Thisseemsabit—premature.Ibelieve
thiswholesituationcanbeattributedtoamisunderstanding.Pleaseacceptmysincereapologiesforourpartinthematter.Intruth,thisisbetweenmyselfandthe...gentlemanwiththequestionablemannersfromearlier.”
“Myquestionablemanners?Why,youshrewishbitch!”Theyoungmansteppedforward.
“That’senough!”Khalidraisedhisshamshirintothemoonlight,itssilveredgeglisteningwithmenace.
Poisedtokill.“Stop!”Shahrzad’stonevergedondesperation.“Isaid,that’senough,Shazi.I’veheardenough,”Khalidsaidwithdeadly
inflection.“Yes.Lethimdoashepleases,Shazi.Seventoone?Ilikeourodds,”the
imbecilecontinued.Youhavenoideawhatyou’resaying.Thesecond-bestswordsmaninReywill
cutyoudown,onebyone.Withouthesitation.Thentheimbecileliftedhisrustedscimitarfromitssheath.Atthat,Shahrzadnockedanarrowtothesinewandloosedit,allinoneswift
motion.Itflewinaperfectspiral,despitethebow’shumbleoriginsandthearrow’smud-stainedfletchings.
Anditpiercedcleanthroughtheimbecile’swrist.Hehowledinagony,droppingthescimitartothegroundwitharesounding
clang.Beforeanyonehadachancetoreact,Shahrzadhadfittedandnockedanother
arrowontothestring.Asshepulledittight,shefeltsomethinggiveinthesinew.Oh,God.Nevertheless,shestalkedpastKhalid,thearrowheldinpositionagainstthe
sideofherneck.“Thisiswhereallofyouweresorelymistaken.Itwasneverseventoone.
AndIstronglysuggestthesevenofyoutaketoyourheelsandreturnhome.Becausethenextonewhodrawsaweapon—thenextonewhotakesasinglestep
forward—willfindanarrowthroughhiseye.AndIcanassureyoumyfriendisevenlessforgiving.”
Atthesightofmovementtoherleft,Shahrzadswiveledquickly,hergriponthebowtightening.Again,thesinewunraveledbyherear.
“Don’ttestme.Youmeannothingtome.”Herkneesshook,buthervoicewasascoolasastonebeneaththewater.“Thisisnotworthit,”oneofthegamblersmuttered.Hesheathedhisweapon
andleftthealley.Soon,otherstookhislead,untiltheonlyonesremainingweretheoriginaltroublemakerandhistrioofmiscreants.
“Ibelieveyou’vehadenough,sir.”Shahrzad’sfingerswerestillwrappedaroundthebowandarrow.
Hegraspedhisarrow-skeweredwristashisfriendsexitedthealley.Hisfacewascontortedwithfuryandtheanguishofamanbestedinallways.Tearsofpaintrickleddownhischeeks,andaglimmerofcrimsonstainedhisforearm.
Grittinghisteethagainstthesting,hesnarled,“Haveacare,grumpy.Beforesheruinsyou,too.”Heleft,chokingonhiswounds.
Shahrzaddidnotlowerthebowuntilthealleywascompletelyclear.Whensheturnedaround,Khalidwasstandingtherewithhisshamshirathis
side—Hisexpressiondevoidofemotion.“Thatdayinthecourtyard,”hebegan.“Youdidn’tmissthetarget.”Shahrzadtookadeepbreath.“No.Ididn’t.”Henodded.Thenhesheathedhissword.Doitnow.He’sunarmed.Thisisperfect.Evenbetterthanyouroriginalplan
toplyhimwithwineandeventuallypoisonhim.“Shazi.”Doit.GetjusticeforShiva—justiceforallthosegirlswhodiedasnothing,
withoutcauseorexplanation.“Yes?”Loosethearrow.Hetookasteptowardher.Hisgazesweptdownherbody,searingwhereverit
touched.Endthis.EndthisandgotoBaba.ToIrsa.ToTariq.Shahrzadtensedhergripontheweaponstillnockedatherside.Sheinhaled,
preparingtofire...andthefrayedsinewcameundoneatoneend.Suchaworthlesscoward.“Youare—remarkable.Everyday,IthinkIamgoingtobesurprisedbyhow
remarkableyouare,butIamnot.Becausethisiswhatitmeanstobeyou.Itmeansknowingnobounds.Beinglimitlessinallthatyoudo.”
Witheachword,hebrokepasteverybarrier,everywall.AndShahrzad’swillfoughthim,screamedasilentscream,whileherheartwelcomedtheintrusionasasongbirdwelcomesthedawn.
Asthedyingfindgraceinanansweredprayer.Sheclosedhereyes,clenchingtheuselessbowandarrow.Shiva.Whensheopenedthemagain,hewasstandingbeforeher.“Ididn’tlikeitwhenyoucalledmeyourfriend,”hesaid,alightinhisamber
eyes.Heraisedbothpalmstoeithersideofherface,anglingherchinupward.“Doyouprefer‘myking’or‘sayyidi’?”shechokedindrydisgust.Heleanedforward,hisbrowalmostbrushingagainsthers.“IpreferKhalid.”Shahrzadswallowed.“Whatareyoudoingtome,youplagueofagirl?”hewhispered.“IfI’maplague,thenyoushouldkeepyourdistance,unlessyouplanon
beingdestroyed.”Theweaponsstillinhergrasp,sheshovedagainsthischest.“No.”Hishandsdroppedtoherwaist.“Destroyme.”Thebowandarrowclatteredtothegroundashebroughthismouthtohers.Andtherewasnoturningback.Shewasdrowninginsandalwoodandsunlight.Timeceasedtobemorethan
anotion.Herlipswerehersonemoment.Andthentheywerehis.Thetasteofhimonhertonguewaslikesun-warmedhoney.Likecoolwaterslidingdownherparchedthroat.Likethepromiseofallhertomorrowsinasinglesigh.Whenshewoundherfingersinhishairtodrawherbodyagainsthis,hestilledforbreath,andsheknew,asheknew,thattheywerelost.Lostforever.
Inthiskiss.Thiskissthatwouldchangeeverything.
MISBEGOTTENOATHS
SHEWANTEDTOLETGOOFHISHAND.BUTSHEdidn’t.Histouchburnedherskin.Theshame.Thebetrayal.Thedesire.HowcouldIwastesuchaperfectopportunity?WhydidIhesitate?Sheknewshewasnottoblamefortheuselessbow.Nonetheless,theself-
recriminationscouldnotbesilenced.Themomenttheysteppedintothepalacecourtyard,Shahrzadtriedtopull
away.Khalidmerelytightenedhisgrip.Acontingentofguardsstoodattheready,preparedtoreceivethecaliphupon
hisarrival.TheShahrbanofReystareddownattheirinterlacedfingersandturnedhisbrowneyestoShahrzadinpainedaccusation.
Shereturnednothingbutdefiance.“Sayyidi.”HegaveKhalidamincingbow.“Generalal-Khoury.Itislate.Ididnotexpecttoseeyouuntilmorning.”Theshahrbanfrowned.“Myking’swhereaboutsremaineduncertain.As
such,Icannotstandaboutidly,waitingforthedawn.”Shahrzadalmostlaughed.“Yourvigilanceisappreciated,”Khalidreplied.HegruntedinresponseashisgazeshiftedagaintoShahrzad.“I’msureithas
beenataxingevening,sayyidi.Iwouldbehappytoescortthequeentoherchamber.”
“Thatisnotnecessary.Iwilltakehertheremyself.ThenIwouldliketospeaktoyouintheantechamber.”
Theshahrbannodded.“Iwillawaityourarrival,sayyidi.”KhalidcontinueddownthedarkenedhallwayswithShahrzadathisside,
surroundedbytheirretinueofbodyguards.Here,inthepalace’scoollyforebodingpassagesofmarbleandstone,shewitnessedhisfeaturesretreattoaplacefarinthedistance.Aplacenoonewaspermittedtofollow.
Theonlyinklingshehad—theonlyhintshewasstillpartofhisreality—washerhandwoundinhis.
Andshedidnotcareforitatall.Itshouldnotmatter.Heshouldnotmatter.Again,sheslackenedhergrasp.Oncemore,hesimplyreinforcedhis.TheRajputwaswaitingoutsideherchamber.HenoddedtoKhalidwiththe
brusquenessofafriendasoneoftheguardsheldopenthedoors.Assoonastheyshutbehindthem,Khalidreleasedherhand.Shahrzadturnedtohim,uncertain.“WhydoesGeneralal-Khourydislike
me?”sheasked,point-blank.Khalid’sgazeleveledtohers.“Heseesathreat.”“Whydoesheseeathreat?”“Becausehedoesn’tunderstandyou.”“Doesheneedtounderstandme?BecauseIdon’tunderstandhim.”Khalidinhaledthroughhisnose.“Soareyoureadytoanswermyquestions,
then?”Verywell.I,too,havequestions.“Whatquestions?”“I’llansweryourquestionswhenyou’rereadytoanswermine.”“Khalid—”Heleanedforwardandpressedakisstoherbrow.“Sleepwell,Shazi.”His
handskimmedtoherwaist,asifseekingpermission.Shahrzaddrewaquickbreath.Thisismadness.Hemakesmeweak.Hemakesmeforget.Ishouldpushhimaway.Yetshewantedsomuchtocurveagainsthim.Toloseherselfinhoneyand
sunlight,andforgeteverythingbutthewayitfelttobeheldinsuchatantalizingtrapofherownmaking.
“Thankyou—fortheadventure,”hesaid.“You’rewelcome.”Hetoyedwithasmile.Aninvitation.Buttheyokeofbetrayalhungabouther,weighingonhereveryaction.
Shamingherforevenconsideringamomentinhisarms,andinsistingshenotsuccumboncemoretothewishesofafickleheart.HowcanIdesirehim?AfterhekilledShiva?Afterhekilledsomanyyoung
girls,withoutexplanation?
What’swrongwithme?Asshestaredupathiminobviousdeliberation,hetookawaythechoice,as
quicklyashehadofferedit.“Goodnight,Shahrzad.”Sheexhaled,withtheworstkindofrelief.“Goodnight,Khalid.”Shahrzadwatchedthedoorsastheyshutbehindhim.Ifgivenanotherchance,wouldItaketheshot?CanIdowhatneedstobe
done?Herfistscurledathersides.Imaynotbeabletokillhimoutright,butImustdowhatneedstobedone.Iwilllearnwhyhekilledallhisbrides.AndIwillpunishhimforit.
•••
Hestoodoutsideherdoors.Torn.Itwasafamiliarstanceforhimoflate.Hedespisedit.KhalidignoredtheRajput’sknowinggrinashebeganhistrektowardhis
chamber.Asusual,thebodyguard’ssenseofhumorwasill-timedandill-bred.EachstepKhalidtookechoeddownthecorridorsofshadowandstone.The
callousgraniteandblue-veinedagateofhispalacehadprovidedlittlebutarefugeforthescreamsofghosts.
Ahavenfornightmares...UntilShahrzad.Atrueplagueofagirl.Andyetaqueenineverysenseoftheword.Hisqueen.Heleftthesoldiersoutsidetheantechamberleadingintohisprivaterooms.Generalal-Khourywaswaitingforhim,sittingbeforeanebonytablewith
twobronzelampscastinghalosofgoldandasilverpotofteaglisteningatopalow-burningflame.
TheshahrbanrosetohisfeetasKhalidenteredtheantechamber.“Sayyidi.”“Pleasesit.”Khalidtookpositiononthecushionsdirectlyopposite.“I
apologizeforthehour,butIhaveanimportantmattertodiscusswithyou.Assuch,I’lldispensewiththeformalities.”
“Ofcourse,sayyidi.”
“Thestandingorderregardingthequeen—wasInotclearbeforeIleftlastweek?”
Theshahrban’sharriedfeaturesgrewevenmoreagitated.“Sayyidi—”“Therewillbenofurtherattemptsonherlife.”“But,sayyidi—”“No.Nomoreunderhandedschemes.Nomorepoisonedsugar.Furthermore,
Iwilltreatanyefforttosubvertthisorderasadirectattemptonmyownlife.Doyouunderstand,General?”
“Sayyidi!”“Iaskedyouaquestion,Generalal-Khoury.”Theshahrbanbristledforaninstant.“AndIcannotanswerit.”“UncleAref!”Khalid’suncharacteristicoutbursthungaboutthespace,lingeringwiththe
tensionofmanyunspokenthings.“Shewillbeyourundoing.”“Thatismydecision.”“Andsoyouwouldundermineallthathasbeendone?Nomatterhow
unconscionableouractionshavebeen,wearenearlyatanendnow.Please.Iimploreyou.Reconsiderthis.Sheisjustonegirl.Whatisshetoyou?Wecannottrusther,Khalid-jan.Hasshetoldyouwhyshevolunteered?Hassheconfessedhermotivations?Whoisthischild?Ibegofyou.Youcannotwithstandthis.Donotallowthisbrazenyounggirltobecomeasourceofruination.”
Khalidgazedacrossthetableathisuncle.“I’vemademydecision.”Theshahrban’sfacefaltered.“Please.Ifyou—doyouloveher?Tellmeyou
donotlovethischild,Khalid-jan.”“Itisnotaboutlove.”“Thenwhy?Youdonothavetotakepartinthematter.Merelystepaside.
Ceaseallcontactwithher,asyoudidthatnight,andIwillhandlethesunrise.”“No.Itried,UncleAref.Thatmorning...”Khalidwincedinremembrance.Theshahrban’seyesnarrowed.“Yetyoudonotloveher?”“You’reawareofmythoughtsonthematter.”“Thenwhatdoyouwantfromthisinsolentyounggirl,Khalid-jan?”“Somethingmore.”“Andwhatiftherainsceaseagain?”Khalidpaused.“IwilldowhatisrightforthepeopleofRey.”Theshahrbanheavedaworld-wearysigh.“Youwillnotbeabletowithstand
it.Evennow,Icanseethetollitistakingonyou.”“Again.Mydecision.”“Andyourenemieswillcelebrateasitdestroysyoufromwithin,aswellas
fromwithout.”Khalidleanedforwardandbracedhisforeheadonhispalms.“ThenItrust
youwillseetoittheyneverfindout.”Hespoketothefloor,hisfaithinhisuncleimplicit.
Theshahrbannoddedbeforeplacinghishandsonthemarbleandpushingtohisfeet.Ashelookedbackattheexhaustedfigureofhisking,theshahrban’sfeaturessaddenedoncemore.
“Sayyidi?Pleaseforgivethislastquestion.ButImustknow—issheworththisrisk?”
Khalidraisedhishead,hiseyesreflectingafieryorangeintheflickeringlamplight.“Intruth?Idon’tknow...”
Theshahrban’sshoulderssagged.“ButIdoknowIcan’trememberthelasttimeIwantedsomethingsomuch,”
hefinishedinaquietvoice.ItwasthecarefulsmileKhalidofferedhisunclethatfinallyconvincedthe
shahrban—thefirstrealsmilehehadseenonhisnephew’sfaceinyears.“Khalid-jan.Iwillprotectyourqueen.ForaslongasIcan.”“Thankyou.”“Sayyidi.”Theshahrbanstartedtobow.“Generalal-Khoury?”“Yes?”“Pleasesendinthefaqirafteryouleave.”“Yes,sayyidi.”“And,ifIcouldaskonelastthing...”“Ofcourse.”“Haveyoumadeanyprogressindeterminingthewhereaboutsofthequeen’s
family?”“No,sayyidi.Wearestillsearching.”Khalidrakedhisfingersthroughhisblackhair,touslingitssmoothsurface.
“Continuethesearch.Betirelessinyourefforts.”“Yes,sayyidi.”Withahandtohisbrow,theshahrbanexitedtheantechamber.Khalidremovedthedarkrida’fromhisshouldersandplaceditinhislap.He
knewitwaslikelyShahrzadhadsentherfamilyawayorthattheyhadfledvoluntarily,leavingbehindastoreofunansweredquestions.Andhefoundthetimingtoocoincidentalforittobeunrelatedtotheirmarriage.
Ifhecouldfindherfamily,perhapshecouldobtaintheanswershesodesired.Butwouldhewanttheseanswersoncetheywerewithinhisgrasp?Somanyissuesalreadyplaguedhim.Hecouldaskher.
Askherwhereshehadsentherfamily.Whatshewashidingfromhim.Whysheinsistedontormentinghim.Butthethoughtthatshemightlietohim—thatthoseeyes,withtheir
unpredictableonslaughtofcolors,flashingblueoneinstantandgreenthenext,onlytopainthisworldgoldwiththebrightsoundofherlaughter—thatthoseeyesmightendeavortoconcealthetruth,painedhimmorethanhecaredtoadmit.
Becausehehadliedtoheronlyonce.Heballedanedgeofthedustycloakinhisfistandheaveditintothecorner.
Hiseyelidsfeltheavy,andhisvisionwasstartingtoblur.Nowthelongerhegazedatthings,theharderitwastofocus.Thepoundinginhisforeheadwasgrowingworse.
Aknockatthedoortotheantechamberstirredhimfromhisthoughts.“Comein.”Aghostlyfigure,garbedsolelyinwhite,cutthroughthedarknessintothe
lamplight.Hislongbeardtraileddownhischest.“Sayyidi.”Khalidsighed.“Itisworse?”thefaqiraskedashetookinKhalid’shaggardmien.“Thesame.”“Itappearsworse,sayyidi.”“Thenitisgoodyouarehere.”Khalid’seyesflashedinwarning.Thefaqirexhaledslowly.“I’vetoldyou.Icannotstaveofftheeffectsforever.
Icanonlyensureitwillnotkillyou.Eventually,themadnesswillensue,sayyidi.Youcannotfightit.”
“Iunderstand.”“Sayyidi,Imustimploreyou.Nomatterhowrepugnant,staythepriorcourse.
Thisoption...willnotendwell.”“Yourcounselisnoted.Andappreciated,”Khalidsaidinalowtone.Thefaqirnodded.Khalidbowedhishead.ThefaqirraisedbothhispalmstoKhalid’stemples,
leavingjustenoughspaceforsilktopass,thenclosedhiseyes.Theairintheantechamberstilled.Theflamesinthelampsgrewtallandlean.Whenthefaqir’seyesopenedoncemore,theyglowedwiththelightofafullmoon.Betweenhishands,awarmred-orangefireburstspreadupandaroundtheentiretyofKhalid’sbrow.Thecirclepulsedyellow,thenwhite,spiralingupwardallthewhile,beforeitretractedbackintothefaqir’sclawedhands.
Oncethemagichadfadedbacktotherealmofitsorigins,thefaqirdroppedhishands.
Khalidraisedhishead.Thepoundingwaslessprofound,ifstillpresent,andhiseyelidswerenotasheavyasbefore.“Thankyou.”
“SoontherewillcomeatimewhenIwillnotdeservesuchwords,sayyidi.”“Youwillalwaysdeservesuchwords,nomatterwhathappens.”Thefaqir’sfrustrationfurthermarredhisfeatures.“Wouldthatallof
KhorasancouldseethekingIsee,sayyidi.”“Theywouldnotbemuchimpressed.ForIdidbringallofthisuponmyself,
didInot?And,asaconsequence,theyhavehadtoenduretheunthinkable.”Thefaqirbowedwithhisfingertipstohisbrow,thenfloatedtothedoor.Beforeexiting,heturned.“Howlongshouldamanpayforhismistakes,
sayyidi?”Khaliddidnothesitate.“Untilalldebtsareforgiven.”
THEHONOROFBETRAYAL
WHENSHAHRZADAWOKETHENEXTMORNING,sunlightstreamedthroughtheopenedscreensleadingtotheterrace.Afresharrangementofcitrusblossomslayonasmallstoolnexttotheraisedplatform.
Atthesightofthewhiteflowersbyherbed,herfirstthoughtwasofKhalid.Shestretchedherarms,tryingherbesttoignorethepangofguiltthatensued.
“Doyoulikethem?”Despinaasked.“Ithoughtyoumight.”Shahrzadraisedherheadfromthepillow.“What?”“Youhavearatherstrangepreoccupationwithflowers,soIaskedthemto
bringsometoyourroom.”“Oh.Thankyou.”Despinasnorted.“Youdon’tsoundgrateful.Yousounddisappointed.”Shahrzadrolledover.Sherosefromthebedandslippedintohershamla.Ihatethatshenoticeseverything.AlmostasmuchasIhateherforbeing
right.AsShahrzadsteppedfromtheplatform,Despinaremovedthelidfromthe
tureenofsoup.AndShahrzadheardherstifleagaspintheprocess.“What’swrong?”Shahrzadtookaseatonthecushionsbeforethelowtable.“Nothing,”Despinasqueaked.Shahrzadgazedatherhandmaiden,andherheartlurched.Despina’sbrowwasbeadedwithsweat.Herusuallyflawlesscoloringof
delicateivoryandblushingcoralwasdecidedlygreenandsallow.Tensiondarkenedeverycrease.Hergracefulfingerstremblednexttoherbeautifullydrapeddressoflilaclinen.
ShelookedexactlyasshehadthedayShahrzad’steahadbeenpoisoned.“Whereistheservantwhotastesmyfood?”Shahrzad’svoicewaveredatthe
endofherquestion.
“Shejustleft.”Itwasaterseresponse,pushedforthfromunwillinglips.Shahrzadnodded.“Fine.I’llaskyouoncemore,Despina.What’swrong?”Despinashookherhead,backingawayfromthetable.“Nothing.Nothing’swrong,Shahrzad.”Shahrzadstoodup,janglingtheedgeofthetray.“Don’tmakemedothis!”“Dowhat?”“Whydoyoulookscared?”“I’mnotscared!”“Comehere.”Despinahesitatedbeforestridingbacktothetable.Asshestoodalongside
Shahrzad,hertremblingworsened,andshepressedhermouthintoasingle,brightpinkline.
Shahrzad’sheartbreakbegananew.“Sitdown.”“What?”Thewordpassedthroughclenchedteeth.“Sitdown,Despina!”“I—no.”“No?”“I—can’t,Shahrzad!”Sheshuffledawayfromthetable,raisingahandtoher
lips.“Howcouldyou?”Shahrzadwhispered.“What?”Despinagasped.“Stoplyingtome!”SheseizedDespinabythewristanddraggedhercloser.
“Why?”TheflatofDespina’shandremainedclampedoverhermouthassheglanced
atthetrayoffoodbelow.“Answerme!”Shahrzadwailed.“Howcouldyoudothis?”Despinashookherhead,thebeadsofsweatdrippingfromherbrow.“Despina!”Then,witharetchingsound,Despinasnatchedthelidofthesouptureenand
beganvomitingintoit.Shahrzadstoodthereinshock,hereyeshugeasshewatchedherhandmaiden
sinktothefloorinamiserableheap,clutchingthesilverlidinbothhands.OnceDespina’ssufferinghadlessenedtodryheaving,shepeeredupat
Shahrzadthroughtear-stainedlashes.“You—areamiserablebrat,Shahrzadal-Khayzuran,”shechoked.Atfirst,Shahrzadcouldthinkofnowaytostringtogetheracoherent
response.“I—you’re—Despina,areyou...”Shahrzadtrailedoff.Thensheclearedherthroat.“Well,areyou?”
Despinarosetoherknees,blottingherforeheadonherarm.Shesighedin
defeat.“Itrulydespiseyourightnow.”“Hatemeordon’thateme.Butanswermyfailedattemptataquestion.”Despinaexpelledapainedbreath.“Yes.”Shahrzadfellbackagainstthecushionsindisbelief.“HolyHera.”Despinalaughedhoarsely.“Imustsay,youdonningtheguiseofafriendis
quitetheheartwarmingsight.EspeciallyinlightofthefactyouthoughtIwastryingtopoisonyou.”
“Well,whatelsewasIsupposedtothink?Especiallyafterlastweek’sincidentwiththetea.Isupposeyouweresickthatday,too?”
Thehandmaidensighedagain.“Despina,”Shahrzadsaid,“whoisthefather?”“Now,thatquestionIwon’tanswer.”“What?Whynot?”“BecauseyoushareabedwiththeCaliphofKhorasan.”“Ah,thewebofsecretsgrowsthickereveryday!”Shahrzadretorted.“Sois
hethefather?”“No!”“Thenwhydoesthatmatter?”Despinasatbackonherheels.“BecauseIcan’ttrustthatyouwon’ttellhim.”“What?Idon’ttellhimanything.”“Youdon’tneedto.Youreyessearchforhimthemomenttheyleavethis
room.”“Theydonot!”Shahrzadscreeched.“ByZeus,myears.”Despinaclutchedthesideofherhead.“Don’tyell.Ibeg
ofyou.”“Iwon’ttellKhalid.Iswear.”“Khalid?”TheedgesofDespina’slipscurvedupward.“Iknowyou’re
tenaciousinyourendeavors,BratCalipha,butIwouldgiveuponthisone.You’reboundtobedisappointedwhenyourattemptsatpersuasionprovefutileonme...”
Shahrzadfrowned.“Afterall,IamnottheKingofKings.”“Enough!”Shahrzadflushed.“Tellmewhoitis.”“I’mverysorry,Shahrzad,butIamnottellingyou.Isimplycan’t.”“Youcan’t?”Shahrzadmulledovertheword.“Thenhemustbesomeoneof
import.”“Don’tpushthematter.”Despina’svoicewastight.“Iwonder...”ShahrzaddisregardedDespina’slookofwarningand
drummedherfingersalongherchin.“Itcan’tbetheRajputoranyoftheotherpalaceguards.Therewouldbenoreasonforsomeoneasboldasyoutoconcealthat.”
“Shahrzad—”“So,”Shahrzadcontinued,“itmustbeeithertheShahrbanofRey,whichis
preposterous,or...”Herexpressionsmoothedinsuddenunderstanding.“Jalal.”Despinaburstintolaughter.“Thecaptainoftheguard?EvenI’mnotthat
bold.Whatmakesyou—”“Actually,youarethatbold.”Shahrzadpushedbackthetrayoffoodand
restedherelbowsonthebeveledledgeofthelowtable.“Andthisexplainsyouroddbehaviorwheneveryou’rearoundhim.”
“You’rebeingridiculous.”Despinalaughedagain,thesoundtrillingeverhigher,hereyesburningwithabluelight.
Shahrzadgrinnedslowly.“IknowI’mright.”Despinagloweredatherinsullensilence.“Youneedn’tworry.”Shahrzadproppedherchinontheheelofherpalm.
“Yoursecretissafe.Youcantrustme.”“Trustyou?”Despinasputtered.“I’dsoonertrustasieve.”“That’s—ratherunfair.”“Isit?Youdon’ttrustme.”“OfcourseIdon’ttrustyou.You’reaself-admittedspy,andI’venearlydied
twiceonyourwatch.”Shahrzadstaredatherpointedly.Despinablinked.“Don’tbedramatic.”“Dramatic?NeedIremindyouaboutthetea?”“Youstillthinkthatwasme?”“Thenwhowasit?”Shahrzaddemanded.“Ifyouwantmetotrustyou,tell
mewhowasresponsible.”“Itwasn’tthecaliph,ifthat’swhyyou’reasking.Hewas...quitefurious
whenhefoundoutaboutit.”“Wasittheshahrban?”Despinasaidnothing,butfailedtoconcealacringeofaffirmation.“I’mnotsurprised,”Shahrzadcontinued.“Isuspectedasmuch.”“Didyou?PerhapsyoushouldbethespyandIthecalipha.”“Perhaps.ButIbelieveyourpregnancybyanothermanmaypresenta
hindrancetothat,”Shahrzadsaidinadrolltone.“DoesJalalknowaboutthebaby?Ifso,heshouldmarryyou.Orfacemyfury.Thechoiceishis.”
“Hedoesn’tknow.AndIdon’tintendtotellhim.”Despinastoodupandstraightenedthefoldsofherdress.“BecauseIdon’tthinkheneedstoknow.”
“Well,thatissimplyridiculous.”
Despinahookedastrandofgoldenbrownhairbehindanear.“Maybeitis.But,fornow,Ichoosetobelieveitisnot.”
Shahrzadwatchedinpainedsilencewhileherhandmaidenbegancleaningupthemessasifnothinghadoccurred.Asifaworldofchaoshadnotbeenunleashedonlymomentsbefore.
Likeacanaryinagildedcage,Despinaflittedabout,stunningandresilient.Trapped.“Youshouldrest,”Shahrzaddirected.Despinafaltered,midstep.“What?”“You’repregnant.Youdon’thavetohideitfrommeanymore.Sit.Rest.”Despina’seyesswamcrystallineforaninstantbeforetheyflashedbackto
blue.“Idon’tneedtorest.”“Iinsist.”“Truly,it’snot—”“Restthismorning.I’llgowiththeRajputtopracticeshootinginthetraining
grounds.Cometherewhenyoufeelbetter.”Shahrzadbeganpreparingacupoftea.“Doyouthinksometeawouldhelpyourstomach?”
“Icanmakethetea,”Despinawhispered.“SocanI.”Despinapaused,staringdownatthefigureofthesmallgirlwiththelong
maneofsleep-rifledhair.“Shahrzad?”“Yes?”“Youarenotatallwhatonewouldexpect.”“Isthatsupposedtobeacompliment?”Shahrzadgrinnedoverhershoulder.“Absolutely.Ithinkit’skeptyoualive.”“ThenI’mverygratefulforit.”“AsamI.”Despinasmiled.“Mostgrateful.”
•••
Awildcheerrangoutfromthesidelinesasthearrowstrucktheeaveontheoppositesideofthecourtyardwithasolidthud.Theshoutsofthesoldiersrolledintoachorusoflaughterthatroseintoacloud-filledsky.
Askytingedwiththescentofimpendingrain.ShahrzadsmiledatJalal.Hisshouldersshookwithsoundlessmirth.Heranhisfreehandthroughhis
curlybrownhairandshruggedathismen.“Youcannotdisputethat,Captainal-Khoury,”Shahrzadannounced.
“Indeed.Icannot,mylady.”Hebowed,hisfingertipstohisforehead.“Yourarrowstruckthetarget.Mine...didnot.Nameyourprice.”
Shahrzadthoughtforamoment.Herquestionhadtobeagoodone.Ithadtobeworthdiscardinganyattempttoconcealherskillwithabow.Italsohadtobewordedinajudiciousmanner.Hewasgiftedatdeflectingresponsesandofferingeloquentnonanswers.
“Whyareyoupermittedtocallthecaliphbyhisfirstname?”Jalalshiftedtheyewofhislongbowfrompalmtopalm.Evercareful.Ever
calculating.“Khalidismycousin.Myfathermarriedhisfather’ssister.”Shahrzadhaddifficultysuppressingherreaction.Thiswasthemost
informationshehadobtainedtheentiremorning.Jalalgrinnedwithadangerousgleaminhislightbrowngaze.“Choosethenexttarget,Shahrzad.”Shescannedthecourtyard.“Thetopmostbranchofthetreetotheright,
beyondtheroofline.”Hewaggedhiseyebrows,appreciatingthechallenge,ashepulledanarrow
fromhisquiverandnockedittothestring.Whenhedrewitback,theedgesoftheunyieldinglongbowbarelyshifted.
Jalalwasanexcellentarcher.NotasgiftedasTariq,butpreciseandsharpinhismovements.Heloosedthearrow.Itflewinaspiralandsailedabovetherooflinebeforeitstruckthetopmostbranch,causingtheentiretreetoshudderfromtheforceofitsimpact.
Themenbegantocheerinapproval.Shahrzadfittedanarrowtotherecurvebow.Sheclosedhereyesasshe
nockedittightagainstthesinew.Exhaling,shepulledthearrowback.Theinstantsheopenedhereyes,shereleasedthestring.Thearrowsoared
throughtheair,whistlingpastthebranches...Embeddingjustbelowherintendedtarget.Shahrzadfrowned.Thesoldiersraisedanothercryoftriumph.Again,Jalalbowed,thistimewith
hishandsoutstretchedathissides.“Oh,don’tgloat,”Shahrzadscolded.“It’squiteunbecoming.”“Ihavenevergloated.Notadayinmylife.”“Ifindthatratherdifficulttobelieve.”“Gloatingisforweakermen.”“Thenstopsmilinglikesuchafool.”Jalallaughed,raisinghisarmstothesky.“Butit’sgoingtorain,Shahrzad.
AndI’mafoolfortherain.”“Justcollectyourprize,Captainal-Khoury,”Shahrzadgrumbled,foldingher
armsacrossherchest,lettingherrecurvebowdanglebyherfeet.“Don’tbesofrustratedwithme.I’vebeenquitefairinmyquestions.”Sherolledhereyes.“Infact,”hecontinued,“thiswillbemyfirsttrulyunfairquestionoftheday.”Shahrzad’sposturereactedtohiswordsbeforeherfeaturesdid.Jalaltookastepforward,balancinghislongbowacrosshisshoulders.
“Whereisyourfamily,mylady?”hesaidinalowvoice.They’relookingformyfamily...asIexpected.Shesmiledupathim.“Safe.”“That’snotananswer.”“Inaplaceofsandandstone.”“That’salsonotananswer.Everythingismadeofsandandstone.”“Youcannotforceabetteransweroutofme,Jalal.Thesearemyanswers.If
youdislikethem,wecanceasewithourgame.”Hiseyesmovedacrossherfacewithanoddmixtureofreadydiscernment
andplayfuldiversion.Yet,inthatinstant,shesawmoreofhisfatherinhimthanshehadeverseenthusfar.Andsheunderstood.
Thiswasnotmerelyhisoccupation.Jalalal-Khourywasprotectinghisfamily.Tohim,familyalwayscamefirst.
Andshewasnotfamily.“No,”hecountered,“butIwouldliketoaskanotherquestioninlieuofthe
last.Sinceyouranswerwasquiteunsatisfactory,IfeelitonlyappropriateIbepermittedanotherquestion.”
“Excuseme?”“Ipromisetograntyouthesameright,shouldtheoccasionariseonyour
end.”“Jalal—”“Whydoyoualwayscloseyoureyesbeforeyouaim?”“Because...”Shahrzadhesitated.“I—”Whatistheharm?“Ilearnedtoshootinaplacewherethesunplayedtricksonthemind.You
couldnotrelyonitifyouwantedtoaimwell.Soyouhadtopracticeuntilyouweregoodenoughthatyouonlyneededitslightfortheblinkofaneye.”
Jalalbracedbothpalmsontheyewofhislongbow.Aslowgrinspreadacrosshissun-drenchedface.
ItunnervedShahrzad.Andmadeherwanttoprovokehim.“Thatwasmuchbetter,”hesaidloudly.“Youknow,noteverythinghastobe
sodifficult,Shahrzad.”“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“ExactlywhatIsaid.Nexttime,justanswerthequestion.”“Weshallsee.Choosethenexttarget,Jalal.”Hisgringrewevenwider.“Yes,mylady.”Hestudiedthecourtyard.Thenhe
pointedtoaslenderpillarwithatabarzinaxeembeddedinitsside.“Thewinneristhearcherwiththearrowclosesttotheaxeblade.”
Itwasbyfarthemostdifficultshot.Thetabarzin’swoodenhandlewasquitenarrowbytheblade,anditwaswedgedintothepillaratanoddanglethatallbutobscureditfromview.Tomakemattersworse,theimpendingstormhadnowaddedawindfactorthatwouldputtorouteventhemostgiftedofarchers.
Asthewinnerofthelastmatch,Jalalwasgiventhefirstshot.Hewaitedfortheguststocalmasmuchaspossiblebeforehepositionedthearrowtothestringandletitfly.Itspiraledtowardthetabarzinandmanagedtostrikethewoodofthehandle.
Animpressiveachievement.Shahrzadpulledanarrowfromthequiveratherback.Shefittedittothe
sinewandnockedittight.Closinghereyes,sheletthebreezeblowagainstherface,calculatingitstrajectory.Herfingerscurledaroundthewhite-featheredfletchings.
Sheopenedhereyesandpinpointedthesmallstretchofwoodfixedbeforethegleamingaxeblade.
Thensheloosedthearrow.Itsailedthroughthewind,overthesand...andthuddedintothehandle,a
merehairsbreadthfromthemetal.Thesoldiersshoutedincollectivedisbelief.Jalalbeganlaughing.“MyGod.PerhapsIshouldtrymyhandatnotaiming.”Shahrzadmimickedhispreviousbow,herarmsoutstretchedathersides.Hislaughtergrew.“Well,you’veearnedthisnextquestion,mylady.Doyour
worst.”Yes.IbelieveIwill.It’stimeIlearnedthetruth.Shestrodeforward.“WhatistherealreasonallofKhalid’sbridesmustdie?”Itwaspositedinaghostofawhisper.OnlyJalalcouldhaveheardit.Butitwasasthoughshehadshouteditfromtherooftops.Jalal’samusementvanished,dousedbyanurgentgravityshehadneverseen
onhisfacebefore.“Thisgameisover.”Shahrzadpursedherlips.“Whyisityougettodecidetherulesonallfronts?”“It’sover,Shahrzad,”hesaid,confiscatingtherecurvebowfromhergrasp.“Atleastgivemetherighttoaskanotherquestion.”“No.”
“Youpromisedmethatright!”“I’msorry,butIcannothonorthatpromise.”“Excuseme?”“I’msorry.”Hestalkedtotheweaponsrackandrestoredboththelongbow
andtherecurvebowtotheirrespectiveplaces.“Jalal!”Shahrzadracedinhisfootsteps.“Youcan’t—”HenoddedtotheRajput,whobeganmakinghiswayovertoShahrzad.Outraged,Shahrzadsnatchedascimitarfromanearbyweaponsrack.“Jalalal-Khoury!”Whenhestillrefusedtoacknowledgeher,Shahrzadraisedtheswordintothe
lightwithbothhands,andtheRajputshiftedcloser.“Howdareyoudismissme,youhorse’sass!”sheyelled.Atthat,Jalalturnedaround,hisstrideoff-kilter.Sheswungtheheavyblade
inasloppyarcmeanttogoadhimintotakingherseriously.Hedodgedherandreachedreflexivelyforthescimitarathiship.“Whatthe
hellareyoudoing,Shahrzad?”“Doyouthinkyoucangetawaywithtreatingmeinsuchamanner?”“Putdownthesword,”hesaidinanuncharacteristicallysterntone.“No.”“Youhavenobusinesshandlingabladelikethat.Putitdown.”“No!”Whensheswungitagaininanotherhaphazardslice,Jalalwasforcedto
deflectitwithhisownblade.TheRajputgruntedloudlyandwithdrewhistalwar,shovingJalalawayfromherwithasinglepushofhispalm.
“Stopit!”ShahrzadsaidtotheRajput.“Idon’tneedyourhelp.”TheRajputsneereddownatherwithobviousdisdain.“Areyou,ishe—laughingatme?”Shahrzadaskedincredulously.“Iimagineso,”Jalalreplied.“Unbelievable.What’sfunny?”“Iwouldassumeit’sboththesightofyouwieldingaswordinsuchan
abysmalmannerandthepresumptionyouwouldn’tneedhishelpwhendoingso.”
ShahrzadspuntofacetheRajput.“Well,sir,ifyou’rereallyinthebusinessofhelpingme,then,insteadoflaughingatmyineptitude,dosomethingaboutit!”
TheRajputmerelycontinuedsneeringather.“He’snotgoingtohelpyou,Shahrzad,”Jalalsaid,seamlesslyresurrectinghis
smugfaçade.“I’dventureaguessthatnotmanysoldiersouthere,savemyself,wouldtaketheriskofgettingwithinanarm’slengthofyou.”
“Andwhyisthat?”
“Well,bynoweverysoldierinReyknowswhathappenedtothelastguardwhodaredtoputhishandsonthequeen.SoifIwereyou,I’dgiveuponcajolingtheRajputintogivingyoulessonsonswordplay.Eventhoughyoudidaskhimsonicely,”Jalaljokeddrily.
“Did...”Shahrzadfrowned.“Whathappenedtotheguard?”Jalalshrugged.“Abevyofbrokenbones.Yourhusbandisnotaforgiving
man.”Wonderful.Yetanotherattributeofnote.“Sopleaseputdowntheswordandgobacktothepalace,mylady,”Jalal
finishedinafirmtone.“Don’tyoudaredismissme,Jalalal—”AndShahrzad’srantdiedonherlips,
beforeitevenstarted.Shewantedtoturnaround.Becausesheknew,instinctively,thathewasthere.Therewasnological
explanationforit,butshefelthispresencebehindher,likethesubtlechangeintheseasons.Ashiftinthewind.Thiswasnotnecessarilyawelcomechange.Shedidnotsufferthatkindofdelusion.Notyet.
Buteventhemomentwhentheleavesfallfromtheirboughs—eventhatmoment—hasabeautytoit.Agloryofitsown.
Andthischange?Thischangemadehershoulderstenseandherstomachspin.
Itwasreal...andterrifying.“Thismomentcouldnotbeanymoreperfect,”Jalalmuttered,glancingtohis
left.StillShahrzaddidnotturnaround.Sheclenchedthescimitartightinboth
hands,andtheRajputsteppedevencloser,histalwarglintingwithasilentwarning.
“ByZeus,Shahrzad!”Despinacried.“IsthiswhathappenswhenIleaveyoualone?Yougetintoaswordfightwiththecaptainoftheguard?”
Atthat,Shahrzadtwistedherheadtotheright.DespinastoodbyKhalidwithalookofworryanddismayonherprettyface.Khalidwasasinscrutableasever.Ascoldasalways.Shahrzadwishedshecouldendithereandnow,withtheslashofasword.
ShewishedshecouldgrabKhalidbytheshouldersandshakeasemblanceoflifeontohisfrozencountenance.
Instead,Shahrzadcontinuedwiththepretense—theoneshegavetotheworld,andtheoneshegavetoherself.
“Well?”Despinasaid.
Khalid’seyesflickedtothehandmaiden.“Iapologize,sayyidi.Ididnotmeantoaddressthequeensoinformally.”
Despinabowedinhaste,herhandtoherbrow.“Youdon’thavetoapologize,Despina.IdidnotgetintoafightwithJalal.
We’remerelytradingafew...lessons.Apparently,Iamnotthatgiftedwithasword.Thereare,infact,limitationstomygreatness,”Shahrzadjested.
“Thankthegods,”Despinamumbled.“Limitationsplagueusall,Shahrzad.”Jalalgrinned,seizinguponthis
opportunityforlevity.“Don’ttakeittoheart.”Shewrinkledhernoseathim,plunkingthescimitartotheground.“Whatlimitations?”Khalidaskedquietly.Thesoundofhisvoicesliddownherback,bringingtomindcoolwaterand
sun-warmedhoney.Shegrittedherteeth.“Forone,Ican’tseemtowieldasword.Andthatseemstobeabasicpremiseofswordsmanship.”
Khalidwatchedherasshespoke.“Pickitup,”hedirected.Shahrzadlookedathim.Heblinked,andhisfeaturessoftened.Sheraisedthe
scimitarinbothhands.Then,tohersurprise,Khalidbackedawayandunsheathedhisshamshir.
“Trytohitme,”hesaid.“Areyouserious?”Hewaitedinpatientsilence.Sheswungtheswordinaclumsyswipe.Khalidparrieditwitheaseandgrabbedherwrist.“Thatwasawful,”hesaid,
pullingherintohim.“Again.”“Canyouoffersomedirection?”shedemanded.“Widenyourstance.Don’tthrowyourentirebodyintothemovement.Only
yourupperbody.”Shesunkintoalowerstance,herbrowlinedwithirritation.Oncemore,she
curvedthescimitarathim,andheblockedit,graspingherbythewaistandbringingtheflatoftheshamshiragainstherthroat.
Inherear,hewhispered,“Dobetterthanthis,Shazi.Myqueeniswithoutlimitations.Boundlessinallthatshedoes.Showthem.”
Herpulseracedathiswarmth.Inthewordsandtheactions.Thenearnessofhim.
Shebrokeawayandraisedthescimitar.“Smallermovements.Quicker.Lighter,”Khalidcommanded.“Idon’twantto
seeyouactbeforeyoudo.”Shahrzadlashedoutwiththesword.Khalidparriedtheblow.
TheRajputgrunted,crossinghismammotharms.AfterShahrzadcutthescimitarinKhalid’sdirectionafewmoretimes,she
wasshockedwhentheRajputsteppedforwardandkickedatherbackfoot,nudgingitintoanewalignment.Thenheliftedhisbeardedchinwithajerk.He...wantsmetokeepmyheadup?Khalidstoodby,watching.“Like—this?”ShahrzadaskedtheRajput.Heclearedhisthroatandmovedback.WhenShahrzadlookedatKhalidagain,hiseyeswerealightwithanemotion
sherecognized.Pride.Andthemomentfeltsoterrifyinglyrealthatthethoughtofanything
destroyingitcinchedtheairfromherbody...Likeasilkcordaroundherneck.
TOINFLICTADARKWOUND
SHAHRZADPICKEDUPTHEVIALOFSCENTEDROSEWATERandpulledouttheglassstopper.Theperfumesmelledheadyandsweet—likeabouquetofagingblossomsalongsideavatofslowlymeltingsugar.Intoxicatingandmysterious.
Perhapstoomuchso.Itdidn’tsmelllikeher.Shesighedandputdownthevial.Followingherimpromptuswordlesson,ShahrzadandDespinahadreturned
toherchamberfordinner.ThenherhandmaidenhadretiredtohersmallroombyShahrzad’schamber,mistakenlyleavingbehindafewcosmeticsnearthemirrorinthecorner.Shahrzadhadwanderedpastthisarrangementseveraltimesoverthecourseofthelastfewhours.
Considering.Situatedbythevialwasatinypotofpolishedivory.Shahrzadtwistedopen
thelidtodiscoveramixtureofcarmineandbeeswax.Shedippedherindexfingerintotheshiningpasteanddaubeditontoherlowerlip.Itfeltstickyandstrangeonherskinassheattemptedtomimicthealluringpoutshealwaysadmiredonherhandmaiden.Shestaredbackatherreflection.Ilookridiculous.Shahrzadrubbedawaythestickinesswithherpalm.Itstainedherhandpink.WhatamIdoing?Shepacedtowardtheraisedplatformofherbed.Noneofthiswasright.Shewasnotheretospendtimetroublingaboutherappearance.Such
childishnesswasbeneathher.Shehadcometothepalacewithasinglemindedpurpose:todiscoverherenemy’sweaknessanddestroyhimwithit.
Howcouldshelosesightofeverythingoveramerekiss?Overameremomentinadarkalleybythesouk.
Amomentthatreplayedinhermindwithstaggeringfrequency.Shahrzadinhaledandtightenedthesilverlacesofhershamla.Shecouldnot
—wouldnot—strayfromherpurpose.Howhadthisevenhappened?It’sbecausehe’snotthemonsterIthoughthewas.Therewassomuchmorebelowthesurface,andshehadtoknowwhatlayat
therootofitall.WhydidGeneralal-Khourytrytopoisonher?AndwhydidShivahavetodie?ShahrzadnolongerbelievedthetalesrunningthroughthestreetsofRey.
KhalidIbnal-Rashidwasnotamadmanfromalineofmurderingmadmen,hell-bentonsenselessbrutality.
Hewasaboywithsecrets.SecretsShahrzadhadtoknow.Itwasnolongerenoughforhertostandathis
sideandplayalongwiththedanceoficeandstone.Towatchhimfadeintothedistance,barricadedinaroomnoonewaspermittedtoenter.
Shewasgoingtobreakdownthedoor.Andstealallofhissecrets.Shahrzadwalkedtothepileofcushionsontopofherbedandcoiledintoits
center.Theleastshecoulddowaspretendshewasnotwaitingforhim.Thatshewasworthyofbetter.Didshereallycareabouthim?Forthisacknowledgmentwouldmeangiving
teethtothemostdangerousrealizationofall—Caringabouthimmeanthehadrealpoweroverher.Thatheheldswayover
herheart.Shahrzadsighed,hatingherweakheartmorewitheachpassingbreath.Ifshe
hadtofailsoabominablyinhertaskatthesouk,thenattheveryleast,herheartshouldnothavebeensocomplicitinherfailure.Wherewastheresolute,steel-encasedenclosureshehadconstructedforherself,notsolongago?
HerminddriftedbacktothenightbeforethesoldiershadcomeforShiva.Theyhadstayeduptogether,justthetwoofthem,huddledintheblue
darknesswithasinglecandle.Insteadofcryingoverwhatwouldneverbeorwailingtothestarsforwhatwastocome,Shivahadinsistedtheylaughforwhattheystillhad.Sothey’dsatinhercourtyardunderasliveredmoon,gigglingatyearsofsharedmemories.
ThisiswhatShahrzadhaddoneforShiva.WhatShivahaddoneforShahrzad.Thatmorning,whenShahrzadhadlefthersothatShivacouldspendherlast
daywithherfamily,ShivahadsmiledatShahrzadandsaid,withasimplehug,
“Iwillseeyouoneday,mydearestlove.Andwewillsmileandlaughagain.”Suchstrength.Forsuchbetrayal.Shahrzadseizedapillowandcurledherfistsintothesilk.Shiva.WhatdoIdo?I—can’tfindthehateanymore.Helpmefindit.WhenI
seehisface...whenIhearhisvoice.HowcanIdothistoyou?HowcanIloveyousomuchand—
Thedoorstothechamberopenedwithacreak.Shahrzadsatup,expectingtoseetheusualservantswiththeirnightlywares.
Khalidstoodatthethreshold.Alone.“Wereyousleeping?”heasked.“No.”Hesteppedinsideandpulledthedoorsshutbehindhim.“Areyoutired?”“No.”Shahrzad’sfingerstightenedagainstthesilk.Heremainedbythedoors.Sherosefromthecushionsandstraightenedhershamla.Itspunaboutheras
shemovedpastthegossamerveilatthefootofthebed.“DoyouwantmetofinishthetaleofAladdin?”“No.”Khalidstrodefromthedoorstostandbeforeher.Helooked...exhausted.“Didyounotsleep?”sheasked.“Youshouldsleep.”“Ishould.”Theairbetweenthemswirledwiththeintensityoftheunsaid.“Khalid—”“Itrainedtoday.”“Yes.Foralittlewhile.”Henodded,hisambereyescatchingfireonathought.Shahrzadblinked.“Areyouafoolfortherain,likeJalal?”“No.I’m—justafool.”Why?Tellmewhy.Sheliftedherrighthand,slowly,tohisface.Heclosedhiseyes.Whenheopenedthemagain,heplacedhispalmsoneithersideofherneck.Howcouldaboywithlegionsofsecretsbehindwallsoficeandstoneburn
herwithnothingmorethanhistouch?Hetrailedhisrighthandthroughherhair,overhershoulder,anddownher
back.Hisleftthumblingeredonherneck,brushingacrossthehollowatitsbase.I—Iwon’tstopfighting,Shiva.Iwilldiscoverthetruthandseekjusticefor
you.ShestaredupatKhalid.Waiting.“Whatareyoudoing?”shewhispered.“Exercisingrestraint.”“Why?”“BecauseIfailedtodosointhesouk.”“Doesthatmatter?”“Yes,itdoes,”hesaidquietly.“Doyouwantthis?”Shahrzadpaused.“We’vedonethisbefore.”“It’snotthesame.Itwon’tbethesame.”Thebloodflewthroughherbody,ignitedbyhiswords.Hepressedhislipsbeneathherearlobe.Histonguelingeredforaninstanton
herskin.“Doyouwantthis?”herepeatedinherear.Shahrzadsteeledherself,fightingbackanonsetoftremblinglimbs.“WhydoyouthinkI’mstandinghere,youidiot?”Thensheseizedhischininherhandsandslantedhermouthtohis.Whatbeganasaplayfulkisssoonchangedintosomethingmoreinkeeping
withtheprurientthoughtsthathadfilledthespaceonlymomentsbefore.Shahrzad’sfingerscurledintoKhalid’ssofthairashislipscurvedoverhers.
Heenvelopedherinanembracethattookherbarefeetfromthemarble.Theveiltorefromitsmooringastheyfellbackontothecushionswithcompletedisregardforsuchtrappingsasgossamer.
Herhandsdraggedthehemofhisqamisoverhishead.Themusclesofhistorsocoiledathertouch,andtheairintheroomgrewevermorestifling,evermoretangible.Whenhislipsmovedtoherneckandhispalmsslidacrossherstomachtothelacesofhershamla,sheknewhewasright.
Thiswouldnotbethesame.Forthiswasuntrammeledneed;thiswasabodyofwaterandasoulofash.Thelacesofhershamlawerefree.Ifthisprogressedmuchfurther,itwould
bepointlesstoevenconsidersuchathingasthought.Shehadtoasknow,beforetheflamesconsumedher.
“Tellme,”shegasped,herfingersgrippinghisshoulders.“Anything.”Herheartsoared,andtheguiltclutchedatit.“Whydidtheyhavetodie?”Hestilledinherarmsforaninterminablebeat.ThenKhalidliftedhimselffromherandstareddownatShahrzad,hisface
frozeninhorror.Hesawtheconflictinhereyes.Shesawtheterrorinhis.
Withoutaword,herosefromthebedandmadehiswaytothedoors.Ashisfingersgraspedthehandle,hepaused.“Neverdothattomeagain.”Itwaslowandharsh.Filledwithunmitigatedpain.Heslammedthedoorshutbehindhim.Thedeprivationofhimwaspalpable.Apartofheralmostreveledinit—the
reminderthatthiswasallaresultofvastsufferingathishands.Theotherpartlongedtochaseafterhim.Forsheknewitwaspossibletoconquerhimifshedid.
Shahrzadburiedherfaceinthecushionsandbegantosob.Atlast,shehaddiscoveredarealweakness.Itwasher.AndIwilluseit;IwillfindoutwhyShivahadtodie.Evenifitkillsme.
•••
ThecorridorsofTaleqanwereassilentasthegrave.Asdarkasthemostsinisterofintentions.Jahandarclimbedthestairs,clutchingthebundleinhisleftarmtight.The
torchinhisrighthandwaveredwitheverycautiousstep,castingshadowsalongtheunevenstonewalls.
Hisheartpounding,hepushedthewoodendoortohisroomajarandleanedintoituntilitshudderedclosedwithanechoingthud.
Whenhewascertainnoonehadheardhimmovingabout,hebreathedasighofreliefbeforesettingthebundleatophisdeskandbarringthedoor.
Thenheremovedthedaggerfrombeneathhiscloak.Itwasasimpleblade.Insignificantatfirstglance.Awoodenhandlewith
commonplacecarvings.Slightlyhookedandforgedofdarkiron.Quiteunremarkable,really.Jahandarclosedhiseyesandclenchedthedaggerinhispalm.Itwastime.Aftermorethantwoweeksofpainstakingstudyandtedious
translation,themomentwasuponhim.Tonight,hewouldlearnifthebookhadchosenhim.Tonight,hewoulddiscoverifhewasworthyofitspower.Again,hewalkedtothebundleonhisdesk.Heunwrappedthelinen.Nestledinitscenterwasasleepinghareofsofttanfur.Hisfirsttest.
Jahandarswallowed.Hedidnotwantthecreaturetosuffer.Itseemedwhollyunfairtotakethelife
ofsuchahelplessthinginsuchagruesomemanner.Butitcouldnotbehelped.Hehadtodowhatwasnecessary.Forhischildren.Forhimself.Heraisedthedaggerinhisrighthandanddrewitacrosshisleftpalmina
single,quickmotion.Alineofbloodappearedinitswake.Hedrippedthecrimsonliquidontothedarkblade.
Assoonashisbloodcoatedthedagger’sedge,themetalbegantoglowawhite-hotblue.
Jahandar’seyesgleamed.Nowthecyclehadtobecompleted.Heinhaledthroughhisnose,silentlybeseechingthesleepingharefor
forgiveness.Thenhedrewtheluminousbladeacrossitsthroat.Jahandarwatchedthesmallcreature’sbrightbloodspillontothedagger,and
themetalturnedfromaglowingbluetoafieryred.Themagicrosefromthebladeintotheair,fillingthechamberwithaneerie
rubicundlight.Finally,hetouchedthedaggertohispalm.Powerflowedintotheopenwound,rawandfrightening.Itsearedasit
pummeledthroughhisbody,heatinghimtohisverybones.Hiseyesflashedonce,andthedarkbladefelltothefloor.
Whenhisvisioncleared,everythingaroundhimappearedsharperthanbefore.Thefatigueofonlyamomentagowasbutadistantmemory.Hestoodtaller.Breatheddeeper.
Feltinvincible.Hebenttothefloorandretrievedthedagger,wipingitssurfaceonthebundle
oflinennexttothemotionlessbodyofthetinyhare.Jahandarpausedinthought.Thenhewavedhishandoverthebloodycarcass.Anditdisappearedinaburstofcoollight.
ABRUTALTRUTH
SHAHRZADDIDNOTSLEEPWELLTHATNIGHT.
HerdreamswerefilledwithvisionsofShiva’ssmilingfaceandthesoundofdoorsslammingshutinablackvoid.Voicesfilledwithpainandbetrayalechoedinherears.
Onceshepriedopenhereyestothemorninglight,sherolledoverandshovedherfaceintoacushion,feelingthebitterexhaustionsettlebetweenhershoulders.
Despina’smerrylaughterliltedaroundher,clearasabellandjustasannoying.
Shahrzadgroaned.“Doyouwanttosleepmore?”“No,”Shahrzadsaidintoherpillow.“Thatwon’thelp.”“Areyousure?Becauseitlooksasthoughyouhadarather...unrestrained
evening.”“What?”Shahrzadliftedherheadfromthesilkinconfusion.Despina’shighlyamusedgazewasfixedonthegossamerveiltornfromits
mooring,lyinginaforgottenpilebesidetheplatform.AflushbloomedonShahrzad’scheeks.“Welldone,”Despinateased.“It’snotwhatitlookslike.”“Areyouquitecertain?Becauseiftheqamisonyourbedbelongstoanother
man,youhavejustbecomeevenmoreinterestingthanyoualreadywere.”“That’senough,Despina.”Shahrzad’svoicewasfilledwithwarning.Despinastoodakimbo,herperfecteyebrowshighonherforehead.“What
happened?”“Nothing.”“I’msorry,butthissituationandthatresponsedonotfollow.”Collectingthe
foldsofherskirtinonehand,Despinamarchedtotheplatformandploppedontotheedgeofthebed.“What’swrong?Tellme.”
Shahrzadsighedatherhandmaiden’scursedpersistence.“Everything.”“Canyoubemorespecific?Afterall,secretsareinfinitelymoreusefulwhen
they’reshared,”Despinasaidinateasingtone.“TellthattoKhalid,”Shahrzadgrumbled.“Ashissupposedspy,hemight
actuallylistentoyou.”Despina’sexpressionsoftenedinunderstanding.“TheCaliphofKhorasan
hasn’tlistenedtoanyoneforaverylongtime.”“Norwillhebelikelyto.Notafterlastnight.”Despinakickedoffhersandalsandsatcross-leggedonthebed.“Wewomen
areasadlot,aren’twe?”“Whatdoyoumean?”“Strongenoughtotakeontheworldwithourbarehands,yetwepermit
ridiculousboystomakefoolsofus.”“Iamnotafool.”“No,you’renot.Notyet.”Despinagrinned.“Butit’sinevitable.Whenyou
meettheonewhomakesyousmileasyou’veneversmiledbefore,cryasyou’venevercriedbefore...thereisnothingtodobutfall.”
“I—”Shahrzadchewedonherlowerlip.“Youcanspeakfreely,Shahrzad.Whatyousaywillnotpassthesewalls.”Shahrzadremainedsilent.Despinaedgedcloser.“WhenIwasalittlegirlinThebes,Irememberasking
mymotherwhatheavenwas.Shereplied,‘Aheartwherelovedwells.’Ofcourse,Ithendemandedtoknowwhatconstitutedhell.Shelookedmestraightintheeyeandsaid,‘Aheartabsentlove.’”DespinastudiedShahrzadasshespoke.
ShahrzadreturnedDespina’sscrutinywhiletoyingwiththesilverlacesofhershamla.“Yourmothersoundsquitewise.”
“Shewas.”Shahrzadchosehernextwordswithcare.“MayIaskwhathappenedtoher?”“Shefellinlovewiththewrongman.Hepromisedhertheworldandthen
leftherwithnothingbutthechildinherbelly.”“I’mtrulysorry,Despina.”“I’mnot.Shediedyoung,butshediedhappy,andamanlikethatisincapable
ofmakingawomanhappy.Richmendon’tknowhowtosacrificeforlove,becausethey’veneverhadto.”Despina’slaststatementwasmarkedinitsharshness.
“Isthatit?”Shahrzadsaidgently.“AreyouworriedJalalwilldothesame?”
“Idon’tknow.He’sunfailinglyloyaltohisfamily,butIhaveyettoseehimespousesuchloyaltytothemanyyoungwomenwho’velosttheirheartstohim.”Despina’sblueeyestightenedatthecorners.“I’vealwaysbelievedamaniswhathedoes,notwhatotherssay.ButJalalal-Khourydoesverylittletorefutewhatotherssay.”
“Suchbehaviorappearstobeafamilytrait.”“Yes.Itdoes.”“Idon’t—”Shahrzadcaughtherselfbeforeturningapleadingeyetoher
handmaiden.“Doyouknow,Despina?Ifyoudo,pleasetellme.WhyisKhalidkillingallofhisbrides?”
Despinastareddownatthediscardedskeinofspider-silkbythebed.“Idon’tknow.”
“Thenwhatdoyouknow?Pleasetellme.”“I’velivedinthispalaceforsixyears,andI’vealwaysfoundKhalidIbnal-
Rashidquitealoof,yetstrangelyhonorable.Untiltheeventsofthesepastfewmonths,hehasnevergivenmeoccasiontoquestionhischaracter.”
“Buthowcanyoucontinuetoserveakingwhokillsyoungwomenwithoutexplanation?”
“Icametothiskingdomasaslave;Idon’thavetheluxuryofchoosingwhomIserve,”Despinaretorteddrily.“TheCaliphofKhorasanmayverywellbeamonster,buttomehe’salwaysbeenatroubledkingwithgoodintentions.”
“Goodintentions?”Shahrzadspat.“Tellthattothefamiliesofthegirlshemurdered.Tellthattothosewholovedthem.”
Despinaflinched,andShahrzadlookedaway,risingfromthebedinarushtoconcealherpain.
“Shahrzad—”“Leavemealone.”Despinagrabbedherwrist.“Ifyoucareabouthimat—”“Idon’t.”“Stoplying,youmiserablebrat.”Shahrzadwrenchedherarmfree,glaringatDespinabeforeturningtoleavein
aswirloflustrousbrocade.“Youcareabouthim,”Despinainsisted.“Andsincesecretsmattersomuchto
you,I’lldivulgeone.”Shahrzadhaltedinhertracks.“Youaresafe,Shahrzadal-Khayzuran.Nothingwillhappentoyou.ForI
haveitonhighauthoritythatanyattempttoharmyouwillbetreatedasadirectattemptonthelifeofourking.”
Shahrzad’sstomachclenched.
“Doyouunderstand,BratCalipha?”Despinacontinued.Shahrzadglancedoverhershoulderatherhandmaiden,instalwartsilence.Despinasighed.“Onpainofdeath...youareasimportanttohimashisown
life.”
LILACSANDARAGINGSANDSTORM
JALALSLIDTHEREPORTACROSSTHETABLEANDdrummedhisfingersagainsttheedgeofthestainedwood.
“Doyouhavesomeplaceyouneedtobe,Captainal-Khoury?”Khaliddidnotlookupfromhiswork.
“No.Notatthemoment.”Jalalcontinuedtappinghisrighthandonthecarvedmahogany¸staring
intentlyatKhalid’sface.“Itappears—”“Iwishyouwouldconfideinme,Khalid.”Khalid’sgazeflickeredtoJalal,givingawaylessthannothing.“Andwhatbroughtonthissuddendesireforcloseness?”“Itrainedyesterday.Youmusthaveagreatdealonyourmind.”KhalidstudiedJalalwithdeliberatecomposure.“Thereisusuallyagreatdeal
onmymind.”“Andwhatoftherain?”Khalidputdownthescrollinhishand.“Rainismerelyoneelementofa
storm—generallyahintofthingstocome.”“Asalways,youaretheperfectportraitofbleak.”“Asalways,youaretheperfectportraitofnothing.”Jalalsmiledinaslowarc.“RegardingShahrzad—”“IamnotdiscussingShahrzadwithyou.”Thetiger-eyesfiredonceinan
otherwisecoolcountenance.“Shemusthaverattledyoulastnight,withavengeance.Welldone,mylady.”“That’senough,Jalal.”“Don’tbeundulyvexed,cousin.Itrainedyesterday.Youdon’thavetofeel
guiltyanymore,ontopofeverythingelse.ThepeopleofReyarenotsufferingunnecessarilyonyouraccount.OrShahrzad’s,forthatmatter.”
“Enough!”Atthat,alltracesofJalal’ssmugnessvanished.Linesofconsternation
appearedacrosshisforehead.“See?Iwishyouwouldconfideinme.Youareclearlytroubled.Perhapsevenafraid.Donotliveinfear,Khalid-jan,forthatisnotalife.”
“Iamnotafraid.Iamtired,andyouarepresumptuous.Thereisquiteadifference.”Khalidturnedbacktothestackofscrollsbeforehim.“Itappearstheriotsinthecitysquarehavecompletelyceased?”
“Ofcoursethey’veceased.Wearenolongerexecutingtheirdaughterswithoutexplanation,”Jalalmutteredoffhand.
WhenKhalidfailedtorespond,JalalglancedoverandsawKhalidglaringathim,withhislefthandclenchedinawhite-knuckledfist.
“Mustyoualwaysbesuchanunapologeticbastard?”Khalidexactedinadeathlywhisper.
“Befair.I’monlylikethatwhenitsuitsapurpose.Ihavebeenknowntoapologizewhenthesituationwarrantsit.”
“Idoubtyougraspthenotion.”“Youarenottheonlyonewhosuffersinthis.Admittedly,youbearthebrunt,
butyouarenotalone.Andyoutakeonfarmorethannecessary.Letmehelp.Iwouldgladlyassumesomeofyourburden.ThatiswhatI’vebeentryingtotellyou.”
Khalidshovedasidethescrollsandstrodetothewindowtohisright.Amarbledarchframedamiddayskyabove.Inthegardenbelow,lilacsbloomed,andtheircleanscentmingledonthebreeze,blowingbackintothealcove,rustlingthepagesstrewnonhisdesk.
Tauntinghim.Heshutteredhisgaze.Thesightofshiningblacktressesacrossjewel-toned
silkandhalf-liddedhazeleyesflashedbackathim.Khalidlatchedthescreensshut,butthearomaofthepalepurpleblossomslingered,muchtohischagrin.
JalaltooknoteofKhalid’sirritation.“Soyouhaveanaversiontosunlightandflowersnow?”
“Justthatparticularflower.”“Andwhathasthatflowerdonetoyou?”Khalidremainedresolutelysilent,andJalal’seyeswidenedinunderstanding.“Tellthegardenerstoremoveit,”Jalalsuggestedafteratime,leaningback
againstthecushions.“No.”
Smilingtohimself,Jalallacedhisfingersacrosshisstomachandstaredatthemosaickedalcoveabove.“Khalid?”
“Areyoustillhere?”“I’mwaitingforyoutoconfideinme.”KhalidtwistedhisheadtoJalalandexpelledafrustratedbreath.“Icanwaitallday.Asyousocheerfullynoted,thecityriotshaveceased...
forthetimebeing.”Jalalcrossedhisfeetattheankles.“Fine.I’llleave.”Khalidwalkedtothedoorsandthrustthemaside.Jalalfollowedinhisfootsteps,likeashadowwithadubiousagenda.When
Jalalbeganwhistlingtothedomedceilingofblue-veinedagate,themusclesinKhalid’sjawflexed.
“We’reblood,sayyidi.Iameverybitasstubbornasyou.Itwouldbehooveyoutoconfideinmebecause,soonerorlater,you’llfeelcompelledtoridyourselfofmyenduringnuisance.”
Aftertheystrodeafewmorepacesdownthepolishedcorridors,KhalidglancedatJalal.“Salim...wishestovisitReyonhiswaybacktoAmardhaintwoweeks’time.”
Jalalfrozemidstep.“That—jahkesh?”heswore.“Why?”“Itshouldbeobvious.”“Toyou.Wouldyoucaretoelaborate?”“Shahrzad.”Jalalpausedandthenlaughedwithpalpablescorn.“Ofcourse.TheJahkesh
ofParthiawantstomeetKhorasan’snewcalipha.”“AndhewillundoubtedlybringYasmine.”“Marg-bahrSalimAliel-Sharif.”Jalaldrewhisindexfingeracrosshisthroat
asawarningtotheirimpendingguest.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”“YourfatherthinksIshouldsendShahrzadawaywhileSalimishere.”Jalalsnorted.“Youdisagree?”Khalidasked.“Yes.Verymuch.”Khalidstoppedwalking.“Why?”Jalalswiveledtofacehim.“Because,ifthejahkeshwantstoseethefutureof
Khorasan,IcanthinkofnothingbetterthanthesightofyouwithShahrzadal-Khayzuran.Thestrengthsheinstillsinyou.Theutterrightnessofitall.”
KhalidstudiedJalal’sfieryexpression.“Youseemquiteconvinced.”“Iam.Asyoushouldbe,sayyidi.Trustme.Andtrustinthis.”“Intherightnessofitall?”Alookofacerbicamusementsettledacross
Khalid’sface.“Yes.Inherandinyou.”
“Tworatherunreliablepeople,Jalal.”“Idisagree.Shahrzadisaremarkablyreliablegirl.Brashandunpredictable,
yes,butsteadfastinherconvictions.It’strueyouaretaxingandratherbleak,butyou’vealwaysbeenreliablyso.”Jalalgrinned.
“SoyouwouldhavemethrowShazitothewolves?”“Shazi?”Jalal’sgrinwidened.“Honestly,Ipitythewolves.”“Beseriousforonce.”“Iam.Infact,Iwouldtaketheenterpriseastepfurther.Inviteallyour
bannermentoRey—everylastemir.Letthemseethatyouarenotyourfather.Youarenottherumorsthathavebeenplaguingyouoflate.Youareakingworthyoftheirallegiance...withaqueenfulloffireandpromise.”
TheedgesofKhalid’smouthturnedupward,eversoslightly.“MyGod.Areyousmiling,Khalid-jan?”Jalalteasedinanincredulousvoice.“Perhaps.”Thetwoyoungmencontinuedmakingtheirwaydownthehallwaysuntil
theypassedintothemaincorridor,wheretheywerejoinedbyKhalid’snormalretinueofbodyguards.Astheyenteredtheopen-airgallery,Khalidstoppedshort,hisfeaturesdarkeningattheprospectbeforehim.
Shahrzadwascrossingtowardtheseriesofdoubledoorsleadingtothegardens,withDespinaathersideandtheRajputtrailingbehindher.
WhenshesawKhalid,shepausedandpivotedonherslipperedheel,glidinginhisdirection.
Shecaptivatedhiminthewayshealwaysdid,withunguardedbeautyandunassuminggrace.Herhairrippledbehindherinshimmeringwavesofebony,andherpointedchinwasturnedhighandproudintheraysofsunstreamingfromabove.Thelightgoldofhermantlecloakedthedeepemeraldofthesilkbeneathit.Wovenintothemyriadcolorsofhereyes,Khalidsawthesamemixtureofreticenceanddefianceasalways.
Butnowtherewassomethingelse.Anewemotionhecouldnotplace.ShewrinkledhernoseattheRajput’sloomingpresence,andthepower
behindthissimplegesturepulledKhalidtoherside,likesweetwineandthesoundofbrightlaughter.
Asshedrewcloser,thememoryoflastnightwashedoverhim.Thefeelofherinhisarms.Thescentoflilacinherhair.Thefutilityofallelse,savehislipsagainsthers.Ofhiswill...crumbling.“Tellme.”“Anything.”Sheopenedhermouthtosaysomething,astrangelyuncertainlookmarring
herlovelyfeatures...AndKhalidblewpasther,withoutaglanceinherdirection.Jalalfollowedhim,wordlessly.Oncetheywereoutofearshot,hegrabbedhis
cousin’sshoulder.“Whatareyoudoing?”Khalidknockedhishandaside.“Khalid!”Hisgazemutinous,Khalidcontinuedstridingdownthecorridor.“Areyouafool?”Jalalpersisted.“Didyounotseeherface?Youwounded
her!”Khalidwhirledaround,seizingthefrontofJalal’sqamis.“Itoldyouonce,Captainal-Khoury:IwillnotdiscussShahrzadwithyou.”“Tohellwiththat,sayyidi!Ifyoucontinuedownthispath,therewon’tbe
muchtodiscuss.Haveyounotlearnedyourlessonyet,cousin?”JalalbenttowardKhalid,hisbrowneyesharboringacoldfury.“WasAvanotenough?”hewhisperedinacrueltone.Atthat,KhalidshovedJalalbackandpunchedhimonceinthejaw.His
bodyguardsscrambledtoKhalid’ssideasJalalslidacrossthemarblefloorandwipedathisbloodiedlowerlipbeforesneeringupathisking.
“Getoutofmysight,Jalal,”Khalidseethed.“Suchawizenedoldmaninsomanyways.Andsuchalittleboyinsomany
others.”“Youknownothingaboutme.”“Iknowverylittle,andIstillknowmorethanyou,Khalid-jan.Iknowloveis
fragile.Andlovingsomeonelikeyouisnearimpossible.Likeholdingsomethingshatteredthrougharagingsandstorm.Ifyouwanthertoloveyou,shelterherfromthatstorm...”
Jalalrosetohisfeet,straighteningtheinsigniaoftheRoyalGuardathisshoulder.“Andmakecertainthatstormisn’tyou.”
MEHRDADTHEBLUEBEARDED
SHAHRZADPACEDBEFOREHERBEDTHATNIGHT,wearingapathinthecoolwhitestonebeneathherfeet.Everystepwasawarbetweenwrathandresentment,betweenpainandpetulance.
Betweentheunmitigatedhurtatbeingsummarilydismissedandtheunadulteratedfurythatitmatteredsogreatlytoher.Howdarehedothattome?Herstrideslengthenedasshetwistedherhairoveroneshoulder.Shehadnot
evenbotheredtochangeoutofherclothesfromearlierthatday.Hermantlewasstrewnacrossthefloorinapileofdiscardeddamask.Theemeraldsirwaltrowsersandfittedtopwerenotascomfortableashernightclothesandshamla,butshecouldnotbebotheredwithsuchthingsrightnow.Shahrzadyankedthebandofbrilliantgreenstonesfromherbrowandheaveditacrosstheroom.Strandsofhairtuggedfreealongwiththegems,andshesworeapainedoathatherownstupiditybeforecollapsingtothemarbleinaheapofiratemisery.Whydidhetreatmelikethat?Hedidn’thavetohurtme.I—didn’tmeantohurthim.Allday,shehadhiddenthesethoughtsfromDespina.Concealedthese
worriesfromtheworld.Butnow,aloneinthedesolategreysofherbedchamber,shecouldnolongerhidethesethingsfromherself.Beyondtheconcernsshehadforthewayhehadscornedhersocoldlyinfrontofeveryonewasthenaggingtruthhehaddonesobecausehefeltbetrayed.Becausehefeltwoundedbyheractionsfromthenightbefore.
Andshedidnotknowhowtofixitandreturntohisgoodgraces.Shehadtriedtoday.Shahrzadhadwantedtoapologize.Hadwantedtotell
himshehadnotmeanttotakeadvantageofthesituation.How,inhindsight,itappearedworsethansheintended.
Hemusthavethoughtshewasincontrol.
Shahrzadlaughedtoherselfbitterlyassheleanedherforeheadagainstthegreensilkonherknee.Control?Themerethoughtwasludicrous.Howcouldhenotknowasmuch?Andnow
hewaspunishingherforit.Likeanangryboydeniedaccesstoaplaything.Howdarehe?InfrontofDespina.InfrontofJalal.Hehadembarrassedher.Treatedherasthoughshewerenothing.Asthoughshemeritedasilkcordatsunrise.Herthroattightenedinmemory.Shiva.“Howdareyou!”shecriedouttothedarkness.Twocouldplayatthisgame.She,too,couldrageathimlikeasmallchild
deprivedofsweets.Andthen,maybe,shewouldnotfeelquiteasmiserableandaloneasshehadallday.Asbroken.
Aslosttohimasshewas.Shahrzadpushedtoherfeetandadjustedthethinchainofgoldaroundher
waist.Danglingfromitscenterwasaseriesofemeraldsanddiamondsthatmatchedthenecklaceatherthroatandthebanglesonherleftwrist.Sheshookoutherhairandmadeherwaytothelowtableinthecorner.
Sheliftedthelidfromthetrayandbeganeatingsomejewelriceandsaffronchicken.Inbetweenbitesoffreshherbsandcoolyogurt,shedrankteaandnibbledonpistachiocakessweetenedwithhoney.Everythingwascold,andshechewedfromhabitratherthanenjoyment,butsheknewshewouldregretitlaterifshewenttobedhungryaswellasangry.
Halfwaythroughherhalfheartedmeal,thedoorstoherchambersopened.Shahrzadpausedbutdidnotturnaround.Instead,sheresumedeating.She
pouredherselfanothercupoflukewarmteawiththesteadyhandoffeignedindifference.
Again,shefelthispresencebehindher.Thesameshiftinthewind.Thesamemaddeningglory.Shahrzadtoreintoapieceofflatbreadwithviciousprecision.“Shahrzad?”Sheignoredhim,despiteherheart’ssuddenclamoring.Khalidstrodetotheothersideofthetableandsatdownonthecushionswith
soundlessgrace.Still,Shahrzaddidnotlookupfromhertray.Shewastearingthepieceof
flatbreadintotinybitssheproceededtopileinaheapbeforeher.“Shazi.”
“Don’t.”Heremainedstill,awaitingclarification.“Don’tpretendwithme.”“I’mnotpretending,”Khalidsaidquietly.Shahrzadthrewdowntherestoftheflatbreadandmethisgazewithstinging
circumspection.Hiseyeswereringedindeeplinesoffatigue.Hisjawwasset,andhisposturewasrigid.Hedoesn’tlooksorryforhurtingme.SomethingknifedinShahrzad’schest,behindherheart.Buthewillbe.“Shahrzad—”“Youoncelamentedthefactthatthecharactersinmystoriesplacesomuch
valueonlove.”Khalidreturnedherpenetratingstareinsilence.“Whyisthat?”shecontinued.“Whatisyouraversiontothesentiment?”Hiseyesflickedacrossherfacebeforeresponding.“It’snotanaversion.It’s
merelyanobservation.Thatwordisusedtoooftenformytaste.SoIattributeittothings,ratherthantopeople.”
“Excuseme?”Khalidexhaledcarefully.“Peoplefallinandoutoflovewiththerisingand
settingofthesun.Ratherlikeaboywholovesthecolorgreenoneday,onlytodiscoveronthemorrowthathetrulyprefersblue.”
Shahrzadlaughed,andthesoundwaslemontoherwound.“Soyouintendtogothroughlifeneverlovinganyone?Just...things?”
“No.I’mlookingforsomethingmore.”“Morethanlove?”“Yes.”“Isitnotarroganttothinkyoudeservemore,KhalidIbnal-Rashid?”“Isitsoarroganttowantsomethingthatdoesn’tchangewiththewind?That
doesn’tcrumbleatthefirstsignofadversity?”“Youwantsomethingthatdoesn’texist.Afigmentofyourimagination.”“No.Iwantsomeonewhoseesbeneaththesurface—someonewhocompletes
thebalance.Anequal.”“Andhowwillyouknowwhenyou’vefoundthiselusivesomeone?”
Shahrzadretorted.“Isuspectshewillbelikeair.Likeknowinghowtobreathe.”Heregardedher
withthestillnessofahawkashesaidthesewords,andShahrzad’sthroatwentdry.
“Poetry,”shewhispered.“Notreality.”
“Mymotherusedtosaythatamanwhocan’tappreciatepoetrylacksasoul.”“Inthatrespect,I’minclinedtoagree.”“Shewasreferringtomyfather,”heintoneddrily.“Asoullessman,ifever
therewasone.I’mtoldIresemblehimgreatly.”Shahrzadstudiedthetinymountainofbreadbeforeher.Iwillnotfeelsorryforyou.Youdonotdeservemypity.Guardingherselfagainstarisingtideofemotion,shelookedupagain,
resoluteinhernextcourseofaction.“I—”“Ihurtyoutoday.”Hespokesoftly,inavoiceofsoothingwaterover
scorchedsteel.“Itdoesn’tmatter.”Hercheeksflushed.“Itmatterstome.”Shahrzadexhaledinahuffofderision.“Thenyoushouldn’thavedoneit.”“Yes.”Shahrzadstaredatthecut-glassanglesofhisprofile.Evennow,his
handsomefacegavenohintthatherpainaffectedhiminanyway.Theboyoficeandstone...Whodashedherheartagainstajaggedshore,onlytowalkawaywithoutso
muchasaglance.Iwillnotlethimwin.ForShiva’ssake.Formysake.Iwilllearnthetruth.EvenifIhavetodestroyhimtogetit.“Areyoudone?”sheaskedunderherbreath.Hepaused.“Yes.”“Ihaveastoryforyou.”“Anewone?”Shenodded.“Wouldyouliketohearit?”Khalidinhaledcautiouslyandthenleanedanelbowontothecushions.Shahrzadtookanothersipofcardamomteaandeasedbackagainstthepileof
vibrantsilkonherside.“TherewasonceayounggirlnamedTala.Shewasthedaughterofawealthy
manwholosteverythinginaslewofpoorbusinessdecisions,followedbythetragicdeathofamost-belovedwife.Miredinhisgrief,Tala’sfatherfoundsolaceinmusicandartandcouldoftenbefoundwhilingawaythehourswithapaintbrushinonehandandhisfavoritesanturintheother.”
Shahrzadbrushedacurlofblackhairoffherface.“Atfirst,Talatriedtounderstandhisneedtodistracthimselffromthe
heartbreakofhislosses,butitbecameincreasinglydifficulttoignorewhatitallmeantfortheirfamily.WhatitmeantforTala.Because,eventhoughsheloved
herfatherdearlyandbelievedinhisgoodnesswitheveryfiberofherbeing,sheknewthathecouldnotprovideforthem.ThatshecouldnottrusthimtosustainalifeforTalaandherlittlebrother.”
Khalid’sforeheadcreasedatShahrzad’ssomberexpression.“SoTalabegansearchingforahusband.Sheknewshecouldnothopeto
makeagreatmatch,givenherfamily’sunfortunatecircumstances,butsoonsheheardtellofawealthymerchantinneedofabride.Hewasolderandhadbeenmarriedseveraltimesbefore,butnoonewassurewhathadbecomeofhisearlierwives.Andthismadeyoungwomenratherwaryofmakingamatchwithhim.Additionally,hehadaverylongbeardofindigoblack...soblackthat,inthelight,itgaveoffaworrisometingeofblue.Thishadaffordedhimaratherunfortunatemoniker.HewasknownasMehrdadtheBluebearded.”
Shahrzadsatupandremovedheremeraldnecklace,placingitalongsidethesilverpotoftea.Khalidobservedherinsilence.
“Evenwiththesereservations,TalasetaboutarrangingthematchwithMehrdad.Shewassixteenandratherpretty.Intelligentandvivacious.Mehrdadwaspleased,eventhoughshehadlittletooffer,besidesherself.Heronlystipulationwasthathecareforherfamily.Heagreedwithouthesitation,andtheywerepromptlymarried.Sheleftherhomeandmovedintohisimpressivewalledresidenceontheothersideofthecity.Atfirst,everythingseemednormal,perhapsevenideal.Mehrdadwasrespectfulandfelicitousasahusband.AndheappearedquitecontentwithTala.Hegaveherreadyaccesstothemanyroomsinhishomeandshoweredherwithgiftsofnewclothesandjewelry,perfumeandart—beautifulthingsTalahadonlydreamedofseeing,letaloneowning.”
ShahrzadlockedeyeswithKhalid,clenchingherhandsinthefinesilkofhertrowsers.
“Afteratime,Mehrdadmadeplanstotravelforhiswork.HehandedTalaaringofkeystotheirhomeandbadehertakechargeoftheresidenceinhisabsence.Heentrustedherwiththedailytasksandgaveherfreeaccesstoallthatwashis,saveonething,andonethingalone.Ontheringofkeys,hedesignatedthesmallestandhelditbeforeher.Hetoldheritwasthekeytoalockedroominthecellar,andbarredherfromenteringthatroomforanyreason.Hemadeherswear,onpainofdeath,thatshewouldobeythisdirective.Talapromisedshewouldnotgonearthisroom,andaftershemadeitclearsheunderstoodthegravityofthesituation,Mehrdadhandedherthekeysandtookleave,promisingtoreturninonemonth.”
Shahrzaddrainedtheremnantsofthecoldteafromthebottomoftheetchedglasscup.Thedregswereoversweet,mixedwiththelastoftherocksugar.It
swirledinhermouth—thegritofbittercardamomandcrystallizedmettle.Herhandtrembledwithnervesasshesetdownthetinycup.“Foratime,Talarelishedthisopportunitytohavefreereinoversucha
magnificenthome.Theservantstreatedherwithdeference,andshehostedfriendsandfamilymembersforwonderfulmealspreparedwithadelicatehand,servedunderastarrysky.Eachroomofherhusband’shomeenchantedher.Inhistravels,hehadamassedthingsofbeautyandwonderthatbroughtherimaginationtonewworlds.Andyet,witheachpassingday,thatroominthecellar...begantognawather.Plagueher.Calltoher.”
Khalidshiftedforwardinhisseat,hisfeaturestightening.“Oneday,againstherbetterjudgment,shestrodebyit.Shesworeshehearda
voiceinside,cryingout.Shetriedtoignoreit.Butitcriedoutagain:‘Tala!’Tala’sheartpounded.Shereachedfortheringofkeysinapanic.ThensherememberedMehrdad’sdirectiveandfledupthestairs.Thatnight,shecouldnotsleep.Thenextday,Talawentbackdowntothecellar.Again,sheheardavoicebeseechingherfromwithinthatroom.‘Tala!’itcried.‘Please!’Thistime,sheknew,beyondtheshadowofadoubt.Itwasthevoiceofayounggirl.Talacouldnotignoreit.Shefumbledfortheringofkeysatherwaist.Theyfelloncetothestoneflooratherfeet.Whenshefinallymanagedtoselecttherightkey,herfingersshooksobadlyshestruggledtofititintothelock.”
Shahrzadswallowed,herthroatparched.Khalidwatchedherclosely,everymusclestrainedwithheightenedawareness.“Yourhusbandisnotaforgivingman.”Herpulsethundered,butShahrzadforgedahead.Unwavering.Youwillnottreatmelikethis.Youwillnotdashmyheartagainstashore.Andwalkaway.“ThetumblersclickedwithasoundthatmadeTalajumpinherskin...and
shesteppedforwardintoutterdarkness.Thefirstthingshenoticedwasthesmell—ironandoldmetal,likearustedsword.Thecellarwaswarmandhumid.Thenherfootslidinsomething,andarushofrotanddecaysailedbackather.”
“Shahrzad,”Khalidwarnedinalowtone.Shahrzadbarreledforward,heedless.“WhenTala’seyesadjustedtothe
darknessandshelookeddown,shesawherfootwascakedinblood.Hangingaroundher...werebodies.Thebodiesofyoungwomen.TheywereMehrdad’s—”
“Shahrzad!”Shahrzad’sheartbeatresoundedinherearsasKhalidshottohisfeet,hisface
amaskofanguishedfury.Hetoweredoverher,hischestheaving.Thenheturnedtothedoor.
No!ShahrzadracedbehindKhalid,strugglingtokeepupwithhispowerfulgait.
Ashereachedforthehandle,shelaunchedherselfathim,wrappingherarmsaroundhiswaist.
“Please!”shecried.Hedidnotrespond.Shepressedherfaceintohisbackandthetearsbegantoflow,embarrassing
andunbidden.“Givemethekey,”shegasped.“Letmeseebehindthedoor.YouarenotMehrdad.Showme.”
Whenheputhishandsonherwriststofreehimself,shemerelyclaspedtighter,refusingtoletgo.
“Givemethekey,Khalid-jan.”Hervoicebroke.Shefelthisbodytenseatthetermofendearment.Then,afteranendless
momentofrackedsilence,Khalidexhaledandhisshoulderssaggedindefeat.Shahrzadlacedherfingerstohischest.“Youhurtmelastnight,Shahrzad,”hesaidquietly.“Iknow.”“Agreatdeal.”Shenoddedagainstthelinenofhisqamis.“Yetyouhavesaidnothingaboutit,”hecontinued.“Iwantedto.Imeantto.Butthenyouweresohateful.”“Thereisavastdifferencebetweenmeaningtodosomethingandactually
doingit.”Shenoddedagain.Hesighedandswiveledinherarmstolookather.“You’reright.Iwashatefultoyou.”Heraisedhispalmstoherfaceandwipedawayhertears.“I’msorryIhurtyou,”Shahrzadsaid,hereyesluminous.Khalidslidahandbehindherneckandrestedhischinatopherhead.“AsamI,joonam,”hewhispered.“Soverysorry.”
THEDIEISCAST
JAHANDARSTOODBENEATHTHESHADEOFTHEmarbledvestibuleatTaleqanwithhisthumbsloopedthroughhiswrinkledtikkasash.HewatchedRahimal-DinWaladdismountfromhisgleamingAkhal-Tekeandnodatseverallaborerscarryingbushelsofgraintowardthekitchens.Theworkersreturnedsmilesandexchangedafewpleasantrieswiththeyoungnoblemanbeforepartingways.
AssoonasRahimturnedtowalkinhisdirection,JahandarscrambledfrombehindthepolishedstonepillarandintoRahim’spath.
“Rahim-jan!”Jahandarclearedhisthroatwithacoughandagasp.Rahimtookastartledstepback.“Jahandar-effendi.It’sgoodtoseeyou.”“Isit?”Jahandarofferedhimamangledattemptatagrin.“Thankyoufornot
sayingwhatyoumustbethinkingaboutme.”Rahimforcedhismouthintoapatienthalfsmile.“Thiscannotbeeasyfor
you.”“Itisnot.ButIamdoingmuchbetternow.”Rahimnodded.“I’mgladtohearit.AndI’msureIrsawillbehappyaswell.”Jahandarclearedhisthroatagain,lookingaway.Rahim’seyescastasuddenchillofjudgment.“SinceyouarrivedfromRey,
Irsahasspentmostdaysinthefarcornerbythefountain,paintingorreadingfromabook.Ibelieveit’soneyougaveher.”
“Ofcourse.Thebookontea,”Jahandarremarkedabsentmindedly.Rahimbowedhisheadinacurtgesture.Whenhebeganstridingdownthe
vestibuleoncemore,Jahandarhelduphispalmstostallhim.“Whyareyourhandsburned?”Rahimaskedwithalarm,glancingat
Jahandar’sblisteredfingers.Jahandarshookhishead,flickingawayRahim’sdistresslikeabothersome
gnat.“ImishandledalampwhileIwastranslatingatext.Don’tworryyourself,Rahim-jan.Ialreadypreparedasalveinmyroom.”
Rahimfrowned.“Pleasebecareful,Jahandar-effendi.Shaziwillrailatmeifsomethinghappenstoyouwhileyou’rehereatTaleqan.AndifShahrzadisunhappy,Tariqwillbefurious.Dealingwithhellionsoftheirilkfallsratherlowonmylistofthingstoenjoy.Likescorpionsandquicksand.”
Jahandarsighedpiteously,scuffinghisfeet.“Youmustfindmequitepatheticasafather,doyounot?”
“Youloveyourchildren.Thatisobvious.ButIcannotspeaktowhatitmeanstobeagoodfather.”
“You’vealwaysbeensogood,Rahim-jan.SuchawonderfulfriendtoTariqandtomyShahrzad.”JahandarstudiedRahiminanunusuallyintensemanner.
Rahim’sfeaturesstiffened,discomfortsettlingbetweenthelines.“Thankyou.”
Anawkwardsilencefellbetweenthetwomen.AndJahandarknewitwastimetotakeaction.Foranewkindoftestwasat
hand.Thekindhehadalwaysdreaded,eversincehewasaboy.Soheforcedbacktheneedlingpartofhimthatwantedtoshuffleawaytothesafetyoftheshadows.Thoselastremainingtracesthatbabbledfromloftycornersremindedhimhewasnotafighter.
Justanoldmanwithabook.Jahandar’sjawsquaredunderhiswispybeard.“IknowIhaveverylittleright
toaskanythingofanyone,Rahimal-DinWalad.Butasafather,Ihavenochoice.”
Rahimwaited,drawinginacarefulbreath.“IknowTariqleftTaleqanbecauseofShahrzad,”Jahandarcontinued.“There
isnowayformetoknowwhathehasplanned,butIwillnotsitinadarkenedroomwhileotherstakechargeofrescuingmychild.Ididnotdoasafathershouldhaveattheonset;Ididnotstopher.Butwhateverneedstobedonenow,trustthatIwilldoit.Icannotfightasyoucan.Iamnotfearlessandstrong.IamnotTariq.ButIamShahrzad’sfather,andIwoulddoanythingforher.Pleasedonotdismissme.Pleaseallowmetobepartofyourplans.Findaplaceformeinthem.”
RahimlistenedtoJahandarwithquietconsideration.“I’msorry,butthisisnotmydecisiontomake,Jahandar-effendi.”
“I—Iunderstand.”“ButIwilltakeyoutoseeTariqwhenthetimecomes.”Jahandarnodded,apeculiar,martiallightenteringhisgaze.“Thankyou.
Thankyou,Rahim-jan.”NowRahim’ssmilewasgenuine.HeputahandonJahandar’sshoulder.Then
hebowedhisheadandliftedhisfingertipstohisbrow.
Jahandarremainedinthearchwayofthevestibule,pleasedbyhissuccess—thepassingofthistest.
Helookeddownathispalms.Thenewestblistersformedoverthescarsofthelast,andtheysmartedattheslightesttouch.Searedwiththepromiseofpaintocome.Hisskinwashardandcrustedbeneathhisnails,andhecouldnolongersacrificethesleevesofhisremaininggarmentstothisendeavor.
Itwastime.Jahandarstaredacrossthecourtyardattheentrancetothekitchens.Amereharewouldnotdo.Notthistime.Heneededmore.Alwaysmore.
THEFALCONANDTHETIGER
SHAHRZADSTOODATTHEMARBLERAILINGOFHERbalcony,overlookingthepoolsofwaterbelow.Amiddaysunreflectedbackintheirglisteningsurfaces,ripplingwitheachpassingbreeze.
ButthiswasnotofparticularinteresttoShahrzad.Thearrivingguestswerefarmorefascinating.Itwasaveritablemenagerieoftheabsurd.Onenervous-lookingyoungmanenteredthecourtyardwithabevyof
attendants,eachwaitingtoremoveaparticulararticleofhisclothing.Firstoneleathermankalah.Thenanother.Thenhisrida’.Thenhisboots,whichwerequicklyreplacedbyapairofpristinesandals.Eachoftheservantsstashedawaythegarmentsinmethodicalorderbeforetheyoungmanventuredasinglestepfromhissteed.
Anotherman—thesizeofthreemenputtogether—swayedatopanelephantsportinghookedtusks,itsgreytrunktrailingacrossthegrittygranitepavestonesbelow.Thismanhadanoiledmustachewithendsthattwitchedattheslightestmovement,andeachofhisfingersdisplayedimmenseringsofadifferentgemstone,glitteringwithabandonintheraysofthesun.
Shahrzadrestedherchininherpalmandstifledagiggle.AnothernoblemangallopedthroughtheentranceonacreatureShahrzadhad
neverseenbefore.Itresembledahorseinsizeandbuild,yetitscoatwascoveredinthestrangestpatternofblackandwhitestripes.Theanimalstompeditshoovesandsnorted,flingingitsnecktoandfro.AssoonasShahrzadsawit,shegaspedandcalledDespinatoherside.
DespinashookherheadasshestoodnexttoShahrzad.“Youreallyshouldn’tbeouthere.”
“Whynot?”Shahrzadwavedaflippanthand.“It’sperfectlysafe.Allweaponsaresurrenderedatthepalacegate.”
“IwishIcouldmakeyouunderstand.You’renotagirlonalark,watchinganamusingdisplay.You’retheirqueen.”
“TheycameherebecauseofthatwretchedsultanfromParthia,notbecauseofme.”Shahrzadleanedfartherovertherailing.“Despina,didyouseethatimbecileonthecamel?Theonewiththebrassbellsandthefingerinhisnose?”
Despina’seyescloudedover.AndShahrzadignoredthelinescreasingherhandmaiden’sforehead.Ignoredthembecausesheneededalightheartedmoment.Neededitenough
toappearfoolish,justforaninstant,soshewouldnothavetodealwiththerealityofherlifeinapalaceofpolishedmarble,withflashinggemsatherthroatandashimmeringpoolofwateratherfeet.
Inamarriagerifewithgrowingtension...Withahusbandwhowouldnottouchher.Norventurenearher,muchless
sharehissecrets.Shahrzadclenchedherteeth.Eversincethatnighttwoweeksago,whenshe’dtoldthetaleofTalaand
Mehrdad,Khalidhadcometohavedinnerwithhereacheveningandhearanewstory.Hewouldlistenatadistance,engageherinstiltedconversation,andsharepithyobservationshe’dmadethroughouttheday.
Thenhewoulddepart,andshewouldnotseehimuntilthefollowingnight.“Yourhusbandisnotaforgivingman.”Shahrzadgrippedthestonerailinginbothhands,thebloodleachingfromher
fingertips.“Whoareallthesefools,anyway?”ShetriedtosmileatDespina.Despina’slipspuckeredintoamoue.“Mostofthemarethecaliph’s
bannermen.AgeneralinvitationwasissuedtoeveryemirofKhorasan.”AbubbleofaircaughtatthetopofShahrzad’sthroat.Shetwistedawayfrom
therailingtolookatherhandmaiden.“What?”shewhispered.Despinacantedherheadtooneside.“Itoldyou.Youneverlisten.This
gatheringisnotjustfortheSultanofParthia.Thecaliphwantstointroduceyouashisqueen.Heinvitedeverynoblemaninthekingdomtoshareinthespectacle.Tomeetyou.”
AknotofpanicstartedtogatherinthepitofShahrzad’sstomach.Tariqwouldn’t.Hemaybeanobleman,buthe’snotanemir.Notyet.Hewouldn’tdare.Despina’songoinglecturedissolvedintoamuteddininShahrzad’sears.Untilafamiliar,screamingcryechoedfromabove.Shahrzadballedherhandsintofistsandspunbacktotherailing,pleadingto
theheavensthat—
No.Clatteringacrossthegranitepavestonesonadarkbayal-Khamsawasher
firstlove.TariqImranal-Ziyad.“My,my,my,”Despinabreathed.HadTariqnotreinedinhisstallionatthatmomentandwhistledtotheskies,
hestillwouldhavedrawnattention.Evendust-wornandbedraggled,hecutanimposingfigure.Broad-shouldered,withskinofthedesertandeyesofsilverandash,hewasthekindofboywhoturnedheadsandnevernoticed.Thefaintshadowofhairthatdarkenedhisjawservedonlytoaccentuatefeatureshewnfromstonebythehandofamastersculptor.
WhenZorayacameplummetingfromthecloudstolandonhisoutstretchedmankalah,Tariqglancedup.
AndsawShahrzad.Hislookwasatouch.Shahrzad’sheartbegantopound,thefearrising.Takinghold.Butitwasnothingcomparedtothepanicthatgrippedher,thatscreameda
soundlessscreamatthesceneunfoldingbeforeher...WhenKhalidrodeintothecourtyardatopablackArabian—Astone’sthrowfromherfirstlove.
•••
Shahrzadhaddisappearedfromthebalcony.Itwasjustaswell.For,asmuchasTariqwantedtodrinkinthesightofher,nowwasnotthe
timefordistraction,evenoneaswelcomeasshe.Histargethadarrived.KhalidIbnal-Rashid.MurdererofShiva.HusbandofShahrzad.Tariqgrippedthereinsinhisfreehand.ThemonsterrodepastTariqonamagnificentblackArabian.Hisdarkrida’
billowedinhiswake.AvisceralhatredcoiledinTariq’schest.Whenthemonsterstoppedinthemiddleofthecourtyardandpulledbackthehoodofhiscloak,Tariq’swrathflowedtohisfists.
Andheenvisionedthemsmashingagainstthemonster’schillyregalnessuntilnothingremainedbutbloodandbitsofbone.
Totherightofthemonsterwasayoungmanwithanarrogantgrin,curly
brownhair,andacuirasswiththestandardoftheRoyalGuardembossedonitsbreastplate.Tohisleftwasanoldermanwithagoldengriffinstitchedonhiscloak,signifyinghisstatusastheShahrbanofRey.
Asthenoiseinthecourtyarddieddown,themonsterbegantospeak.“WelcometoRey.”Hisvoicewassurprisinglyunassuming.“Itrustyourjourneysweresafeanduneventful.Itisanhonortohostyouon
thisoccasion,andIthankyouforalwaysstrivingtoembody—inallthedayspast,present,andfuture—thegreatnessofKhorasantothosewhowouldtakenotice.”
Apolitecheerrosefromtheedgesofthecourtyard.“Again,Iwelcomeyoutomyhome.Ihavetheferventhopethatwhenyou
leaveit,youwillhavecometocareforitasmuchasIdo.Itisthecityofmychildhood.”Themonsterpaused.“Andthecityofmyqueen.”
Atthis,thechorusofapprovalgrew,mingledwithacleartenorofcuriosity.Thearrogantboytothemonster’srightsmirkedappreciatively,whiletheshahrbansighedwithseemingresignation.
IttookallTariq’swillpowertolookawayandnotdrawundueattention.Thehatewastoopalpable.Itroiledoffhiminmurderouswaves.
Deathwastooeasyforthismonster.HedaredtoflauntShahrzad,asifshewereaprizehehadwon?Zorayaflappedherwingsfromherperchonhismankalah,awareofhisfury.
Tariqraisedahandtosootheherwhileheobservedthemonsterexitingthecourtyard,hisgold-cladretinueclamoringinhisshadow.
Tariqwasnotimpressedbytheshow.Rahimwasafarbetterrider.TheCaliphofKhorasanwasanabove-average
horseman,atbest.Forallhisdourblackandsternexpressions,allthewhisperedrumorsoftrickswordsandcoldbrutality,hedidnotappearworthyofgenuinefear.Heappearedboredwithlife.Boredandinneedofanap.
Tariqsneeredtohimself,hisloathingmingledwithanewfounddistaste.Monster?Hardly.Merelyaboy-king.Andadeadone,atthat.
TWOCROSSEDSWORDS
ANOTHERMOMENTOFTHIS,ANDSHAHRZADwouldscream.Sittinghere,idlingaboutinherroom,whilesomewhereinthepalace,a
recklessboywithafalconandaquick-temperedkingwithtwoswords—“Holdstill!”Despinacommanded.SheclutchedShahrzad’schininherleft
hand.Thensheliftedthetiny,three-hairedbrushtoShahrzad’seyelidoncemore.Shahrzadgrittedherteeth.“Youareanutternightmare,”Despinagrumbled.Whenshewasfinished,she
pulledbackandnoddedwithsatisfactionatherwork.“CanIleavenow?”Shahrzadblewalockofglossyblackhairoutofherface.“Suchabrat.Wouldyouatleastdomethecourtesyoffeigningadramof
appreciationforallmyefforts?”DespinagrabbedShahrzad’swristandhauledherbeforethemirrorinthefarcornerofthechamber.
“Despina,I’mgoingtobelatefor—”“Justhavealook,Shahrzadal-Khayzuran.”WhenShahrzadglancedintothepolishedsilver,herhazeleyesnearly
doubledinsize.Nothingaboutherappearanceseemednormal.Despinahadturnedtraditiononitself.ShehaddressedShahrzadinsirwal
trowsersofluminousblacksilkwithamatchingfittedtop,andchosentoeschewthetypicalmantleofmutedgoldorsilver.Tonight,Shahrzad’ssleevelessmantlewasthesameceruleanblueasDespina’seyes.Itmatchedtheglitteringsapphiresswingingfromherearlobes.InsteadofplacingabandofstonesacrossShahrzad’sbrow,Despinahadwoventinystrandsofobsidianbeadsthroughoutherhair.Theycaughtatwaywardbeamsoflight,makingeachcurlflashlikeshadowincarnate.
Forthefinaltouch,DespinahadpaintedathicklineofblackkohlabovethetopportionofShahrzad’seyelashes.Shehadflickedthelinesfarpasteachouter
corner,givingtheillusionofcat’seyes.Theentireeffectwas...arresting,tosaytheleast.“No—necklace?”Shahrzadstuttered.“No.Youdon’tlikethem.Oryoudoagoodjobofpretendingyoudon’t.”“Myarmsarebare.”“Yes.”Shahrzadranherfingersacrosstheshiningbluefabricofhermantle.Black
diamondbanglesclinkedtogetheronherleftwrist.“Tonightisanighttoturnheads.Makethemrememberyou.Makesurethey
neverforget.YouaretheCaliphaofKhorasan,andyouhavetheearofaking.”DespinaputherhandonShahrzad’sshoulderandgrinnedattheirsharedreflection.“Moreimportant,youhavehisheart.”Shebentforwardandloweredhervoice.“And,mostimportant,youareafearsomethingtobeholdinyourownright.”
Shahrzadsmiled,butitcamefromaplaceofunexpecteddespondency.Foronce,you’rewrongaboutseveralthings.ShereachedupandclaspedDespina’shand.“Thankyou.I’msorryIwasso
distractedonthebalconyearlier.Ididn’trealizethe...importanceofthegatheringuntilthatmoment.It’snotanexcuseforbeingsowretchedallafternoon,but—”
Despinalaughed,anditwasabalmtoShahrzad’snerves.“I’musedtoit.Justhandleyourselfwithaplombtonight,andallisforgiven.”
Shahrzadnoddedandwalkedtothedoorofherchamber.TheRajputwaswaitingbeyondthethresholdtoescortherthroughthevaultedmarblecorridors.Whenhelookeddownather,hismoonlesseyesconstrictedforaninstant,andshethoughtshesawsomethingresemblingamityintheirdepths.Thenhedirectedherdownthelabyrinthinehallways.
Astheyroundedthefinalcorner,Shahrzadpausedmidstep.Khalidstoodbeforeasetofmassive,gilt-frameddoubledoorsthreetimeshis
height.Theywereguardedoneithersidebycreaturescarvedfromstone,withthebodyofabull,thewingsofaneagle,andtheheadofaman.
Heturnedwhenheheardtheirfootsteps,andShahrzad’sbreathwasgonebeforeshecouldcatchit.
Thelinenofhisoff-whiteqamiswassofinelyspunthatitreflectedafaintsheenfromthetorchesliningthecorridor.Theirfiresgavelifetothecarvedhollowsofhisfeatures.Thehiltofhisswordwasloopedthroughthecrimsontikkasashwoundacrosshiships.Hismantlewasarichbrownthatenhancedtheamberofhiseyes,makingthemappearevenmoreintense,evenmorefluid.Evenmoreillusory.
Andtheseeyeswerehers.Fromthemomentheturnedandsawher.Shahrzadslowedherpaceasshenearedhim,herfearfadingintoastrange
sortofcalm.Sheattemptedasmile.Hereachedouthishand.Whenshetookit,shenoticedathickbandofmutedgoldonthethirdfinger
ofhisrighthand.Embossedonitssurfaceweretwocrossedswords.Shahrzadranherthumboverit.
“It’smystandard,”Khalidexplained.“They’re—”“Twinshamshirs.”“Yes.”Shelookedup,worriedhewouldwonderhowsheknew.Buthewasunfazed.“ThegeneraltoldyouIsawthetournament?”sheaskedflatly.“Ofcourse.”Acornerofhislipstwitched.Shahrzadexhaledinahuff.“Ofcourse.”Helacedhisfingersthroughhers.“Youlookbeautiful.”“Sodoyou.”“Areyouready?”“Areyou?”Atthis,Khalidsmiled.Heraisedherhandtohislipsandkissedit.“Thankyou,Shazi.Forstandingatmyside.”Shenodded,wordsfailingher.ThenKhalidstrodeforwardandtheRajputpushedopenoneofthehuge
doors.ThewarmthofKhalid’shandledShahrzadontotheupperlandingofanimmensetwo-waystaircaseshapedlikeopenarms.Foraninstant,shehesitated,thinkingtheyweresupposedtogotheirseparateways,butKhalidgraspedherpalmtightandstarteddownthestairswithShahrzadbesidehim.Overhershoulder,shecaughtaglimpseofbluedamasktrailingbehindherlikegentlyrollingwavesacrossaseaofhewnmarble.
Whentheypausedatthebaseofthestaircase,Shahrzadgaspedinwonderforthesecondtimethatevening.
TheroyalaudiencehallofthepalaceatReywasundoubtedlythelargestroomshehadeverseeninherlife.Thefloorwasimmense,alternatingstonesofblackandwhite,patterneddiagonallyasfarastheeyecouldsee.Beautifulreliefsdepictinghumanbullschargingintobattleandwingedwomenwithlongtressesflowinginthewindadornedthewalls,whichstretchedhighintotheair.SohighthatShahrzadhadtolengthenhernecktoseetheverytopsofthecarvedcolumnsbearingtheponderousweightoftheceiling.Fashionednearthebaseof
eachofthesecolumnsweretwo-headedlionswithirontorchesprotrudingfromtheirroaringmouths.
Inthecenterofthisvastspacewasathree-sided,raiseddaiswithaseriesoflowtablessituateduponitssurface.Sumptuousfabricandrichlyappointedcushionslitteredthedaiswithvibrantcolorandlushtexture.Freshrosepetalsanddriedjessaminewerestrewnacrossthesilkandfringeddamask,perfumingtheairwithasweetlyintoxicatingscentthatbeckonedtoanyonewhowanderedby.
Theirguestsweremillingabout,awaitingtheirarrival.Tariq.Thefearreturnedinarush.ShecouldsenseKhalidwatchingher.Hesqueezedherhand,offeringhis
gentlereassuranceinonesimplegesture.Shahrzadglancedbackathimwithawaveringsmile.“Ifitpleasesouresteemedguests...”asonorousvoiceechoedfromabove.Everyheadintheroomswiveledtheirway.“TheCaliphofKhorasan,KhalidIbnal-Rashid...andtheCaliphaof
Khorasan,Shahrzadal-Khayzuran.”Alleyesturnedtowardher,bodiestwisting,neckscraningforabettervantage
point.Fromtheedgeofhergaze,shefinallysawapairofsilvereyesflashtoherface,glideoverherresplendentform...thenbacktoherhand,stillinterwoveninKhalid’ssteadywarmth.
Thenthesilvereyesvanishedintothecrowd.Leavingbehindpanic.Please.Nothere.Donothing.Saynothing.Shebrieflyrecalledtheskirmishinthesoukafewweeksago.Thedrunkenmenwiththeirpiecemealarms...Andthecloakedcaliphwithhisdeadlyshamshir.IfyouthreatenKhalid,he’llkillyou,Tariq.Withoutasecondthought.Khalidstrodeontothedaisandtookhisplacebeforethecenterstretchof
tables.Shahrzadreleasedhispalmandsattohisright,hermindajumbledmassofthoughts.Ican’tlookforTariq.Ican’tdoanything.Itwillonlymakemattersworse.Whatcouldhebeplanning?“Isthisseatavailable?”JalalgrinneddownatShahrzad.Shelookedup,blinkinghard.“Thatdepends.Isitforyou?”Hesatdownnexttoher.“Ididnotgiveyouper—”“Goodevening,sayyidi,”Jalalsaidinaloudtone.
ShahrzadwrinkledhernoseatJalal.“Don’tdothat,mylady.Youruinyourfacewhenyoudothat,”heteased.“Goodevening,Jalal.AndIdisagree,”Khalidretortedunderhisbreath.Jalallaughedheartily.“Myapologies,then.Ifyouwouldpermitmethis
indulgenceinitsplace,sayyidi:Idobelieveeverymanhereiscurrentlyreassessinghisnotionofbeauty.”Despinawasright.Heissuchaconsummateflirt.“Stopit.”Shahrzadflushed,glaringatJalal’sarrogantmien.“Now,that...ruinsnothing,”Jalalsaid.“Atlast,weagreeonsomething.”KhalidspoketoJalal,thoughhiseyes
lingeredonShahrzad.AndJalalleanedbackintothecushionswithasatisfiedsmile,hishandslaced
acrosshisstomach.“Ifitpleasesouresteemedguests...”theannouncerintonedoncemore.Again,allheadsturnedtothesetofopen-armedstaircases.“TheSultanofParthia,SalimAliel-Sharif.”WhenJalalrosetohisfeetwithagrumbledoath,Shahrzadplacedherpalms
onthedaistofollowsuit.ButKhalidimmediatelyreachedhishandouttostopher.Shahrzadmethisgaze,andheshookhisheadveryslightly,hiseyes
narrowingattheedges.Histhumbtrailedalongtheundersideofherforearm,andtheknotinherstomachpulledtight.Thenheletgo,hisfeaturesblankoncemore.
Astheseaoffacespartedbeforethem,ShahrzadtookherfirstglimpseofthemanwhowishedtolordoverKhalidwithaccusationsofillegitimacy.TheunclewhohadtreatedKhalid’smotherwithsuchdisdain.
Thesultanwhowoulddoanythingforthechancetogainakingdom.SalimAliel-Sharifwasanattractivemanwithastrongjaw,nicelygreying
hair,andameticulousmustache.Hewastrimandappearedingoodhealth,withadeceptivelywarmsetofdarkbrowneyes.Hischarcoal-coloredmantlewasexquisitelyembroideredatitscollarandhem,andthescimitarathishiphadaburnishedhiltofsolidgoldwithanemeraldthesizeofachild’sfistembeddedinitsbase.
HestrodeontothedaiswiththeconfidenceofamanabsentworryandtookaseatintheemptyspacebyKhalid.
AtSalim’sarrival,therestoftheguestsbeganfilteringtothetables.ShahrzadfinallydaredtorunhereyesacrosstheroomandwasdistressedtodiscoverthatTariqwasseatedquiteclose,wellwithinearshot.Whentheirglancesmet,hishandsomefaceeasedintoperilousfamiliarity—awashinthememoryofstolen
embraces—andShahrzadimmediatelylookedaway.Stopit!Pleasedon’tdothis,Tariq.IfKhalidseesyoulookingatme...you
don’tunderstand.Henoticeseverything.Andyouareriskingyourlife.“Khalid-jan!”theSultanofParthiabeganinaspuriouslypleasantvoice,
puttinghiswolfishwhiteteethonfulldisplay.“Areyounotgoingtointroducemetoyournewwife?”
AsSalimspoke,theshahrbansatdownnexttohim,shieldedbyhisusualarmorofcircumspection.
Khalid’spiercinggazeturnedtoSalim.Thenhesmiledslowly,withsuchpatentfalsenessthatitschillblewbacklikeanicygaleonamountaintop.
“Ofcourse,UncleSalim.Itwouldbeaprivilegetointroduceyou.”Khalidshiftedtooneside.“Shahrzad,thisismyunclebymarriage,SalimAliel-Sharif.UncleSalim,thisismywife,Shahrzad.”
SalimregardedherwithaneagerfriendlinessShahrzadfounddisarming.Hebeamedatherwithnosmallamountofcharisma.
“It’sapleasuretomeetyou,mylord.”Shahrzadofferedhimareadysmile.Shebowedherheadandtouchedherfingertipstoherbrow.
“Byallthatisholy,Khalid-jan—sheisavision.”ThoughSalimlookedather,headdressedKhalid,treatingShahrzadaslittlemorethanatapestryhangingonhisnephew’swall.Itrankledher.
Shahrzadheldfirmtohersmile.“Avisionwitheyesandears,mylord.”Khalidcontinuedstaringahead,buttheicesetaroundhisfeaturesthawedat
herretort.Salim’seyeswidened,andsomethingflaredforaninstantintheirpoolsof
contrivedwarmth.Helaughed,andthesoundwasjustascharmingashisvoice.Justasoverdone.“Stunningandsilver-tongued.Whataninterestingcombination!IcanseeIwillhavequiteatimegettingtoknowyou,myladyShahrzad.”
“Quiteatime,”Shahrzadagreed.“Ilookforwardtoit,mylord.”Thoughhissmilewaveredforlessthananinstant,therewasnomistakingit;
shewasirritatinghim.“AsdoI,”hereplied.Eachwordwaslikeaspearsoakedinsweetwater.“Ifitpleasesouresteemedguests,”theannouncerboomedfromabove,
“dinnerisserved!”Tworowsofservantsdescendedtheopen-armedstaircases,bearingsteaming
traysabovetheirheads.Theymarchedinunisonuntiltheyarrivedbeforethedais,settingplatesoffoodinfrontofeachguest—aromaticricewithfreshdill
andsplitfavabeans,lambsimmeredinasauceofturmericandcaramelizedonions,skewersofchickenandroastedtomatoes,freshvegetablesgarnishedwithmintandchoppedparsley,olivesmarinatedinfineoil,lavashbreadwithroundsofgoatcheeseandseeminglyendlesssweetpreserves...
Shahrzadhadneverseensomuchfood.Theairfilledwiththearomaofspicesandtheclamorofconversation.
Shahrzadbeganwithsomelavashbreadandquincechutney,whichhadquicklybecomeafavoriteofherssinceshearrivedatthepalace.Assheate,shechancedanotherperusaloftheroom.Tariqwasspeakingwithanoldergentlemanseatedtohisleft.Whenhefelthereyesonhim,Tariqturnedhishead,andShahrzadwasforced,yetagain,tolookaway.
Khalidpouredhimselfacupofwineandeasedbackontothecushions,leavinghisplateoffooduntouched.
“Haveyounoappetite,nephew?”SalimraisedaneyebrowatKhalid.“Perhapsithasmysteriouslydisappeared.Thatcanhappenwhenoneis—troubled.”
KhalidignoredSalim’sattempttobaithim,choosinginsteadtotakeasipofwine.
“Or...isitpossibleyouareconcernedyourfoodseekstolashoutatyouinresponsetosomeinexplicableoffense?”Salimlaughedathisownjoke,winkingatShahrzad.Hatefulman.ShahrzadreachedoverandsnaredanolivefromKhalid’splate.Holding
Salim’sgaze,shepoppedtheoliveinhermouthandateit.“Hisfoodseemsfinetome,mylord.I’mnotcertainwhichinexplicableoffenseyoumightbereferencing,butrestassured,hisfoodisquitesafe,”Shahrzadrepliedwithawinkofherown.“Wouldyoulikemetotasteyourfoodaswell,Uncle?”
Atthat,Jalalbeganbarkingwithlaughter,andeventheshahrbanwasforcedtolowerhisgrizzledchin.
ThesuggestionofasmiletuggedatKhalid’slips.Acrosstheway,acupwassetdownonthetablewithunwarranted
vehemence.Please,Tariq.Don’tmakeascene.Don’tdoanything.SalimgrinnedatShahrzad.“Trulysilver-tongued,myladyShahrzad.I’dask
whereyoufoundher,Khalid-jan,but...”Khalid’srighthandclenched,andShahrzadheldbackthedesiretostabSalim
intheeyewithautensil.“Whywouldyoubecuriousastowherehefoundme,mylord?Areyouin
themarket?”Shahrzadaskedinanonchalantmanner.
Salim’sbrowneyesglittered.“PerhapsIshouldbe.Haveyouanyrelatives,mylady?Maybeasister?”HeknowsIhaveasister.Ishe...threateningmyfamily?Shahrzadtiltedherheadtooneside,tampingdownaflareofconcern.“Ido
haveasister,mylord.”Salimproppedhiselbowsontothetable,studyingShahrzadwithanamused
yetpredatorygleam.Khalid’sfullattentionwasfixedontheSultanofParthia,andatautbandof
muscleflexedinhisforearm.HishandshiftedinShahrzad’sdirection.Conversationaroundthemhadallbutceasedinrecognitionofthegrowingtensionintheair.
“AmInotdangerousenough,Shahrzad?”Salimaskedinachillinglythoughtfultone.“Perhapstooforgivingofthewomeninmypast?Toowillingtoletthemlive?”
Severalgaspsemanatedfromaroundthem,ripplingacrossthehalllikearumorbeingpassedthroughasquare.Jalalreleasedapent-upbreathfollowedbyalowoaththatgarneredalookofwarningfromhisfather.
Shahrzadswallowedherfuryandthensmiledwiththebrightnessofthesun.“No,UncleSalim.Youaresimplytooold.”Theroomwasassilentasatomb.Andthenthehugemanwiththecollectionofringsonhisfingersbeganto
laugh,hisoiledmustachetwitchingallthewhile.Followedbythenoblemanwhohadarrivedontheblack-and-white-stripedsteed.Soon,othersstartedtojoininuntilachorusofamusementechoedthroughoutthespace.
Salim’srobustlaughterroseabovetherest.OnlythoseclosesttohimsawthevenomousgazeheshotattheyoungCaliphaofKhorasan.Onlythosewhoknewhimwellunderstoodhewasbeyondenragedbytherecentturnofevents.
AndonlythosewatchingverycarefullysawtheCaliphofKhorasanleanbackagainstthecushionsandtoywiththebanglesonhiswife’sarm.
Theboywiththesilvereyeswasoneofthem.
ADANCEONABALCONY
ASTHEMEALDREWTOACLOSE,ANASSEMBLAGEofmusiciansgatheredinthecornerbytheraiseddais.Aheavilybeardedmanwithakamanchehslidthehairofhisbowacrosshisinstrument,checkingtoseeifitwasintunebytighteningitsivorypegs,whileayoungwomanadjustedthereedofherneyonelasttime.Anelderlymansettledthebaseofhistombakagainsthislefthipandstruckthedrum’stautsurface...slow,thenquick,quick.Hebeganpoundingoutadrivingrhythm,andthedulcimermelodyofthesanturjoinedinbeforeallfourmusicianswerelosttotheirmusic.Losttothebeat.
Then,fromtheoppositesideofthedais,ayounggirlappeared.Acollectivemurmuringarosefromthetables.Acommunalsighofdisbelief.Jalalgroaned.Khalidlookedaway.ForshewasundoubtedlythemostbeautifulgirlShahrzadhadeverbeheld.Shewasdressedinafittedtopoffieryredsilkthatleftlittletothe
imaginationandamatchingflowingskirtwithintricateembroideryalongthehem.Herhairfellpastherwaistinspiralingcurlsofmahogany,withhintsofauburnsetaflamebythetorchlight.Herfacewouldhavebroughtapaintertohisknees—highcheekbones,flawlessskin,archedbrows,andafringeofblacklashesthatfannedoverobscenelylargeeyes.
Ofcourse,thegirlbegantodance.Shemovedlikeasnake,writhingacrosstheblackandwhitestonestothe
risingstrainsofthemusic.Thecurvesofherbodyseemedinspiredbythemoonitself.Herhandsandhipsbeckoned,beseeched...befuddled.Shetwistedandswayedinamannerthatwasaltogetherotherworldly.
Altogetherunfair.Asthegirlmadehermesmericwaytothecenterofthetables,Shahrzad
tensedinawareness.She’s—dancingforKhalid.
Itwasobvious.Thegirl’seyeswerelockedontheCaliphofKhorasan,herdarkirisesahostoftheforbidden.Witheachslowspin,herrichmaneofhaircoiledabouthershoulders,andthegemsatherstomachflashedinwildabandon.
WhenshesmiledatKhalidasthoughtheysharedalifetimeofsecrets,anuglyseriesofimagesflickeredthroughShahrzad’smind—mostofthembeginningandendingwithmahoganycurlsbeingtornbytheirrootsfromthebeautifulgirl’shead.HowcouldIbesochildish?She’sjustdancing.Itdoesn’tmatter.Noneofthismatters.Shahrzadtookadeepbreathandavertedhergaze.WhenJalalstartedto
laugh,shegloweredathim,theheatrisinginherneck.Thebrazengirlendedthedanceastone’sthrowfromthedais,herhands
positionedaboveherheadandherendlesscurlsthrownintoanalluringmassoveroneshoulder.Wonderful.Nowgohome.Instead,thegirlsashayedtowardthem,herslenderhipscontinuingtosway,
evenwithoutmusic.ShestoppedrightinfrontofShahrzad.Thenshegrinned.“Hello,Khalid,”shesaidinavoiceofsilkensin.Khalidexhaledcarefullybeforeliftinghistiger-eyes.“Hello,Yasmine.”
•••
Irritatedwouldnotbeanaptword.Distressed?No.Thatwouldn’tbequiteright,either.Furious?Shahrzadshookherheadandsmiledatthechatteringnoblemanbeforeher,
strugglingtoclearhermindsoshecouldfocusontheirconversation.Yasmineel-Sharif.Thedaughterofthathatefulman.AssoonasShahrzadhadlearnedthebeautifulgirl’sidentity—fromJalal,no
less—shehadsmiledpatientlythroughtheirformalintroduction.Throughthepainfullyobvious,lifelongconnectionbetweenKhalidandtheotherworldlyPrincessofParthia.ThenShahrzadhadrisenfromthetable,stone-faced,tobegingreetingallthenoblemeninattendance.
WithoutKhalid.ShehadbeendeterminedtocarryonforatimewithouttheCaliphof
Khorasanatherside.Withouttheso-calledKingofKingsandhismany,manysecrets.Andshehad.Butnowshewas...foundering.HeshouldhavetoldmeaboutYasmine.Ilookedlikeafool.“Hello,Shahrzad.MayIcallyouthat?”“What?”Shahrzadsaid,shakenfromhertrance.Yasminesmiled,anditwassoperfectthatShahrzadwantedtosmearsooton
herteeth.“Ofcourse,”Shahrzadresponded,cursingherinternalpettiness.ThenoblemanwhosenameshehadalreadyforgottenbeamedatYasmine,his
eyesnearlybulgingfromtheirsockets.“WouldyoumindifIborrowedthecaliphaforamoment?”Yasminefluttered
hereyelashesathimwithaskillShahrzadcouldneverhopetoespouse.Henoddedvigorously,spittleflyingfromhislipsinplaceofanactual
response.YasminetookShahrzad’shand,pullingherintotheshadowsbehindan
immensestonecolumn.“Youlookedlikeyouneededtobesaved.”“Thankyou.”Shahrzadhidhersuspicionunderawarmsmile.YasminestudiedShahrzadinthetorchlightemanatingfromtheroaringlion
nearby.“Youarefrustratinglypretty,”shepronounced.“What?”ThecommentdrewShahrzad’sbrowstogether.“Iwasn’texpectingyoutobesobeautiful.”Shahrzadheldfirmtohersmile.“Well,Iwasn’texpectingyouatall.”Yasminelaughedairily,leaningagainstthepolishedmarblewithherhands
behindherback.“You’rehonest.Itmakessensenow.Headoreshonesty.”“Forgiveme,butI’mabitdense.You’regoingtohavetobemorespecific.”“Itmakessensewhyhechoseyou.”Yasmine’slong-lashedeyesweretrained
onShahrzad.Isshetryingtobefunny?“I’mquitecertainyouknowhedidn’tchooseme.”“You’rewrong.Hedidchooseyou.Andhedoesnotmakesuchdecisions
lightly.”YasminepushedoffthepillarandtookasteptowardShahrzad.“Especiallywhenhecouldhavechosenagirlwhowantsnothingmorethantolovehim.”
Shahrzad’sbaserinstinctsdrovehertostrikebackatYasminefortheslight,butsherefusedtoarguewiththebeautifulgirloveramercurialboy.
Especiallyaboywhokepthissecretscloserthanhekepthisconfidences.
“WhileIdoappreciateyousavingmefromarathertediousconversation,Ithinkit’stimeformetorejoinmyguests.”Shahrzadstartedtoturnaway.
“Doyoulovehim?”ThequestionstoppedShahrzadinhertracks.“Ibelievethat’snoneofyour
business.”“Idisagree.Yousee,I’velovedKhalidsincewewerechildren.Andhe
deservestobelovedbysomeonewhounderstandshim.”Yasminepausedforabreath.“Evenifit’snotme.”
OfallthethingsShahrzadexpectedYasminetosay,itwasnotthis.She’dexpectedthegirltothreatenherorengageinothersuchpettiness.ButthisadmissionprovedYasminewasnotjustaspoiledprincess,deniedherheart’sdesire.Sheactuallycaresabouthim.Eventhoughhe’dshownherthesameicywelcomehe’dgrantedherfather.AstrangefeelingofpitybeganeclipsingShahrzad’sirritation.“YouunderstandKhalid?”Shahrzadlaughedinanefforttomaskhergrowing
unease.“Ifso,pleaseenlightenme.I’dbemostgrateful.”Yasminesmiledwithanalmostmincingkindofsympathy.“Thatdepends.
Howwillingareyoutoassistyourenemy,Shahrzad?”“Alas,yourgreatfailureoftheeveningisthatIdonotseeanenemy,Princess
ofParthia.”Shahrzadinclinedherheadinabriskbow.“Ifyou’llexcuseme.”“Whatdoyousee,then?”YasminesteppedintoShahrzad’spath,herdark
eyessparklingwithamusement.“Iseeabeautifulmanipulator.Aweaverofwords.”Yasminenodded,herhalfsmileswoopinginalazyarc.“Itmustbelike
lookinginamirror.”She’squick.Andfearless.“Howveryfortunate.”Shahrzadgrinnedback.“Weshouldallbesoluckyas
toshareareflectionwithyou.”Yasminelaughed,andforthefirsttime,itsoundedgenuine.“Whatashame,
Shahrzadal-Khayzuran.ApartofmethinksIcouldlikeyou,werewetomeetunderadifferentsky,atadifferenttime.”
“I’msurprisinglyinclinedtoagree,Yasmineel-Sharif.”Shahrzadboweddeep,herfingertipsbrushingherforeheadinaflourishinggesture.Thensheturnedonherheeltoroundthecolumn...
Andransmackintothebroadchestofaman.Shestumbledandalmostfelltothefloor,butasteadyinghandreachedfor
hers,savingherfromcertainhumiliation.WhenShahrzadfacedhererstwhilerescuer,apairoffamiliarsilver-and-asheyesstareddownather,shiningwitha
fiercelight.Unmatchedintheirlove.Tariq.No.Youcan’t...Shetriedtowithdrawherhand,buthepressedsomethinginhergrasp.Ascrapofparchment.Shahrzadwrappedherpalmarounditandpulledaway.“Thankyou,”shesaid.“You’rewelcome,mylady.”Hesmiledpolitely.Concernedthatothersmightseethisstrangeinteraction,Shahrzadstepped
backandsmoothedthefabricofhermantle,tuckingthescrapofparchmentbeneathherthumb.
“Idon’tbelievewe’vemet,”shesaidcasually,thoughherhearttrippedinherchestwithworry.
Heshookhishead,takingherlead.“IamTariqImranal-ZiyadofTaleqan,mylady.”Tariqbowed,touchinghishandtohisbrow.
TheRajputemergedfromtheshadowsbehindTariq,scowlingallthewhileattheyoungnobleman’simpressiveheight.
“IsthisyourfirstvisittoRey?”shecontinued,determinedtoappearatease.“No,mylady.Iusedtohaverelativesinthecity.”“Usedto?”Tariqgrinnedwithreadycharm,thoughhiseyescontinuedtobetraytheir
depthoffeeling.“Yes.ButIhopetochangethatsoon.”Heloweredhisvoice.“WhenImarry.”
Thesentimentbehindhiswordswasclear.Shefeltthewarmthinhisgaze,andforamoment,Shahrzadallowedherselftoreallylookathim.Tolookupintotheperfectfaceofthebrashboyshefellinlovewith,andremember...
Thescrawnygirlwhoseeyesfollowedhiseverymove.Andthetallboywhofollowedherwithallofhissenses.“Shahrzad.”AtthesoundofKhalid’svoice,Tariqtookaprotectivesteptowardher.
Shahrzad’shazeleyessparkedinwarningasshewardedoffasharpcurrentoffear.Khalidwillseeeverything.BecauseTariq...can’thideanything.KhalidstrodetoherwithoutsomuchasaglanceatTariq.“Shahrzad,”herepeated.“Yes?”“I’vebeenlookingforyou,”hesaidinaneventone.Shahrzadtwistedhisway,notevenbotheringtohideheranger.“Athousand
apologies,sayyidi.IwastalkingtoYasmineandlosttrackofwhattrulymatters.”
Herwordswereacarefullyaimedstrike.Khalidtooktheblowwithoutflinching,hisambereyescool.“Isee.”Doyou?Shahrzadheldhisgaze,hermindamuddleofthoughtsandemotions.Nowwasnotthetimeortheplacetosharethem.Afterall,Khalidhadhissecrets.Hedidnotdeservetoknowhers.BabaandIrsa.Tariq.Shehadtokeepthoseshelovedsafe.Safefromthisboywithacruelpastand
anuntenablefuture.Safefromtheswayheheldoverherheart.“HaveyoumetTariqImranal-Ziyad,sayyidi?”sheaskedKhalid,determined
tohavecontroloverthesituation.Khalidblinkedonce.Finally,heturnedtoacknowledgeTariq’spresence.Tariq’sentiredemeanorhardened.Hismouthflattenedintoaline.Oh,God.Pleasedobetterthanthat.ThenherelaxedandsmiledatKhalid.“Sayyidi.”Hebowedlowwithahandtohisbrow.“IamTariqImranal-
Ziyad,sonofNasiral-Ziyad,EmirofTaleqan.”Khalidreturnedacrispnod.“Ihopeyouenjoyyourstayinthecity.”Tariq’ssmilewidened.“Withsuchhospitality,sayyidi,I’mcertainIwill.”
•••
Isheinsane?Shahrzadpacedintheshadowsonherbalcony,herheartpoundingintime
withhersteps.Thesliverofparchmentinherhandwasnowmingledwiththesweatfrom
herpalm.Adashofinkhadmanagedtobleedontoherskin,makingablack-and-bluemessofthewholething.SheunfurledtheruinoncemoretoreadtheoutlandishmissivescrawledacrossitssurfaceinTariq’sboldscript:
Yourbalcony.Whenthemoonisatitshighestpointinthenight.
I’llwaituntildawn,ifImust.Donottestme.
Atleasthe’dhadthesensenottosignit.Utterlymad!Shecrumpleditinherfistforthefifthtime.Hewasriskingeverythingwithhisfoolhardiness.Withhisarrogance.With
his—“Shazi?”Aformmaterializedinthedarknessattheedgeofthebalcony.“Comehere,”sheseethed.Tariqglidedcloser,hunchinglow.Shahrzadgrabbedhimbythehoodofhis
rida’andhauledhimagainstthedeepestshadealongthewall.“Areyoucompletelyinsane?”shedemanded.“Doyourealizehowdangerous
—”TariqpulledShahrzadintohischest.“God,I’vemissedyou.”WhenShahrzadtriedtospeakagain,hepressedherfacetightagainsthim,
laughingatherprotests.“Juststop.Forthespaceofamoment,letmeholdyou.”“Youaremad,TariqImranal-Ziyad.Utterlymad,”shegrumbled,smacking
hisshoulder.“Howdidyouevenmanageaninvitation?”Heshrugged.“IinterceptedtheonesenttomyfatheratTaleqan.Or,tobe
moreprecise,Rahiminterceptedit.”“Youidiot!Comingherewasbeyondfoolish,and—”“Foolishthoughitmaybe,Iamheretofinishwhatyoustarted.”Tariqranhis
fingersthroughherhair.“Tellmehowyouplantokilltheboy-king.”Shahrzadwasoddlysilent.“Shazi?”“I—”shehedged.“Haveyounotmadeplansyet?”Shahrzadpushedawayfromhischest,unwillingtogivevoicetoher
uncertainty.“Fine.Whathaveyoulearned?”hecontinued.Shefrownedandglancedfromtheshadowstothestonerailingbeyond.“Shahrzad.You’vebeenhereforweeks.Whathaveyoulearned?Whatare
theboy-king’shabits?Hisweaknesses?”Tellhimwhatyouknow.“I—don’tknow.He’sdifficulttoread.”Whycan’tItellhim?“Difficult?Hehasthepersonalityofanagingcamel.Justassurlyandjustas
useless.”AstrangepangcutthroughShahrzadatthisassessment.“Whatdoyou
mean?”“Hepicksathisfood,loungesinsullensilence,andletshiswifefighthis
battlesforhim.”“What?No.Youmisunderstoodthesituation.”“Pleasetellmeyou’renotdefendinghim.Hebarelyacknowledgedyour
presencetheentireevening,excepttoparadeyoubeforeeveryonelikeaprizehehadwon...andthenthatirritatingmomentwhenhefidgetedwithyourjewelry.Icouldhavedonewithoutthat.”
“I’mnotdefendinghim.I’msayingthatit’s—complicated.”Eventhroughthelayersofdarkness,ShahrzadcouldseeTariq’sthickeyebrowsgatheratthebridgeofhisnose.
“Complicated?There’snothingcomplicatedaboutit.AsfarasI’mconcerned,allIneedisreadyaccesstoaweaponandaclearshot.”No!Shahrzadheardasoundinherroom.Herheartstopped.ShepressedahandtoTariq’slipsandshovedhimintothe
shadows.Thenshestrodeintoherchamber,sighingwithrelieftofindnoonethere.
TariqwasleaningagainstthewallwhenShahrzadreturned.“Areyouexpectingsomeone?”heaskedinacooltone.“Youhavetoleave.”“Why?”Therewasanoteofwarningtohisvoice.“Tariq,please.”Hiseyesnarrowedtosilverslits.“Willhecometoseeyoutonight?”“Youneedtoleave.Now.”Shahrzadtuggedathiswrist,butherefusedto
budgefromthewall.“Good.Lethimcome.Thatwillsolvethematteronallfronts.”“Doyouhaveadeathwish?”shecriedinmuteddespair.Tariqlaughed,andthesoundwasfullofheedlessarrogance.“Fromtheboy-
king?Thatagingcamel?”“Youidiot!He’llkillyou!”“Areyousure?Youdon’tthinkhe’llaskhismothertodoitforhim?”Shahrzadsuckedinabreath.Beforeshecouldstopherself,shelaunchedinto
awhisperedtirade.“Youknownothingabouthim,andyourignorancewillbeyourdownfall.Get
outofhere,Tariq,becauseifKhalidwalksthroughthatdoor,hewillcutyoutoribbonsbeforeyouhaveachancetoopenyourmouth,anditwilldestroyme.
Beyondwords.Beyondtime.Ifyouloveme,donotforcemetowatchsuchasight.”
Shahrzadclutchedthefrontofhisrida’asshespoke.Herfeaturestwistedindeepdistress.
Tariq’sinitialshockmeltedawayattheprospectofherpain.“Shazi—I’msorry.”
“Don’tbesorry.Just...go.”Tariqtookaslowstepfromthewall.Thenheswiveledaroundtograb
Shahrzadbythewaistandpressherbackagainstthestone.Heranhispalmsalongherarms.
“Iloveyou,Shahrzadal-Khayzuran.ThereisnothingIwouldnotdoforyou.NothingIwouldnotconsiderifitmeantkeepingyousafe.Theworlditselfshouldfearmeifitstandsbetweenus.”
“I—Iloveyoutoo,Tariq.”Hesmiled.Then,withoutwarning,hecaughtherlipsinhis.Shahrzad’sjaw
slackenedinsurprise,andTariqdeepenedthekiss,tiltingherchinupwardwithagentlecaressofhisthumb.
Shahrzad’smouthrespondedautomatically.Herlipscurvedoverhisastheyhadonmanyoccasionsbefore.But...whydiditfeelwrongthistime?Wherewasthatbreathless,weightlessthrill?Thatthoughtlessmomentofincandescence?
Wherewasthatfeelingoffalling?It’shere.Iknowit’shere.Icangetitback.Ihavetogetitback.
REALIZATIONSUPONEXPLANATIONS
ADAYOFHUNTINGFORSPORTSHOULDPROVEinteresting,indeed.Tariqstrodedownanothernever-endingcorridorwithaguardathisside.As
hewalked,heglancedaroundhimatthesplendorofthepalaceatRey.Thewallsanddomedceilingsabovewerepolishedbeyondreason,andeachporticowasdelineatedatitscenterbyagoldensunburst,supportedbyswoopingbeamsandcolumnedarchesofblue-veinedagate.
Itwasbeautiful,withoutadoubt.Ifabitcoldandimposing.Soon,hejoinedagatheringofnoblementakingpartintoday’shunting
excursion.Intruth,Tariqwasgladforthedistractionandgladfortheopportunitytospendtimeinthecompanyofhistarget;hisinteractionwithShahrzadthenightbeforehadtroubledhimgreatly.
Itwasunlikehertobesocageyanddistant.Itwasalsounlikehertobesoconcernedwithsafety.Usually,shewasthefirstonetothrowherselfintothefray,heedlessoftheconsequences.
Whentheywereyounger,Shahrzadhadwantedtolearnhowtoclimbtrees.Boredwiththeprospectinshortorder,she’dtheninsistedonbreachingthewallsofTaleqan.BothheandRahimhadbeggedhertoceaseinthisfoolishness,but,ifanything,ithadonlyspurredheronward.Whilewatchingherclimboneafternoon,withherblackhairstreamingbehindherinatangledmess,hehadcaughtsightofthemortareasingfromthewallinacloudofwhitedustbyherfoot.Hehadknown,inthatinstant,thatthebrickwasabouttocomeloose.Tariqhadshoutedanall-too-latewarning.HehadheardShiva’sscreamfrombehindhimwhenShahrzadfell.Hishearthadlefthischestashersmallbodyplummetedtothesand.Tariqwastheonewhohadreachedherfirst,whohadclutchedhertohim,demandingsherespond.Andhewastheonewhohadcursedloudlywhenshelaughedathim,sayingshewasfine,evenifherheaddid
hurtalittle.Thatwasthedayhefirsttoldherhelovedher.Tariqinhaledthroughhisnose.ItwasalsounlikeShahrzadtohesitate.Aboutanything.Andshehadhesitatedlastnight.Whenhesaidhelovedheronthebalcony,shehesitatedinherresponse.
Then,whenhekissedher,somethingwaswrong.Hecouldfeelherthinking.Feelherquestioning.Feelherwanting...somethingelse.
Orsomeoneelse.Itwasdrivinghimmad.“Idon’tbelievewe’vebeenintroduced.I’mCaptainal-Khoury.”Standingnexttohimwasthearrogantboywiththecurlyhairandthe
omnipresentsmirk.Tariqreturnedapolitesmile.“TariqImranal-Ziyad.”“Yes.Iknow.”“Doesmyreputationprecedeme?”“Ishouldhopenot,ifIwereyou.”Theboygrinnedinjest.“Youbrought
yourownfalcon,correct?Ratherfortuitous,consideringtoday’sevent.”“Areyouthiswellinformedinallmatters?”“It’sahazardofmyoccupation.Speakingofsuchthings,Iwassurprisedto
learnthatyouarrivedwithyourfather’sinvitationinhand;Iwaslookingforwardtomeetinghim.”
Tariqcrossedhisarmstoconcealhissuddendiscomfort.“HewasillandaskedmetocometoReyinhisstead.”
“Apity.Pleaseconveymywishesforaspeedyrecovery.”Captainal-Khoury’sgazerovedtoanarchwayinthecorner,andhisfeaturesleveled,retainingasemblanceoftheirformeramusement.
Theboy-kinghadarrived.Thistime,Tariqtookcaretonotetheswordatthecaliph’slefthip.Thebladewasanunusualone,tobesure—longerandmoreslenderthanascimitar,withasharplytaperededge.
“It’scalledashamshir,”Captainal-Khouryoffered,watchingTariqwithunabashedcuriosity.
“I’mnotfamiliarwiththatparticularweapon.”Captainal-Khourynodded.“It’sunusual.Butthen,soisKhalid.”“Khalid?”“He’smycousin.”Tariq’slipsflattened.“Isee.”Captainal-Khourylaughed.“Don’tworry.Wehaveverylittleincommon,
beyondblood.”
“Meaning?”“MeaningIwon’tbreakeveryboneinyourbodyforasinglemisstep.”
Thoughhecontinuedsmiling,histonehoveredonthevergeofthreatening,andTariqchosetoignoreit.
“Thatsoundsundulyharsh.”Andappropriatelyfitting.Captainal-Khourygrinnedagain,thistimeabitwider.“Itoldyou.Khalidis
unusual.”Tariqswiveledbacktowardtheboy-king,aseriesoflinescreasinghissun-
drenchedforehead.“Heseemsveryquiet.”“Heisquiet.ButamanmuchwiserthanIoncesaidthatthesmartestmenare
thesilentones...”Tariqwaited,barelymanagingtoconcealhisgrowingcontempt.Captainal-Khouryleanedcloser.“Becausetheyheareverything.”“It’saninterestingnotion,”Tariqmused.“Whosaidit?”Captainal-Khourysmirkedwithcooldeliberation.“Khalid.”Thenhestrode
totheboy-king’sside.WhentheSultanofParthiaarrived,thegroupofmenbeganmakingtheirway
downthecorridorstowardanopen-airgallerytentimesthesizeoftheoneatTaleqan.Ononeendofthegallerywasaseriesofarcheddoubledoorsleadingtothebeginningsofalush,tree-linedgarden.
Asthementraversedthiscourse,theycrossedpathswithShahrzad.Shewaswalkingthroughanothersetofdoubledoorswithanattractiveyounghandmaidenandthesamemenacingbruteofabodyguardfromlastnight.
Tariq’schesthollowedatthesightofher.Shegrewmorebeautifulwitheachpassingmoment,asthoughlifeinthis
palaceofcold,polishedstonesuitedher.Today,hergarmentsofsilverandrosemadeherblackhairandbronzeskinappearevenmorestunningthanusual.Hemuchpreferredthistohershowygarboflastnight,eventhoughshe’ddazzledeverymanintheroomwithherbluesapphiresandblacksilk.
Butthen,shedazzledTariqalways.Theassemblageofmenpausedtogreetthecalipha,andthebastardfrom
Parthiasteppedforwardtomakehisownparticulareffort.Tariqfoughtbacktheurgetoreact.Tolashout.Thankfully,Captainal-KhourymovedinShahrzad’sdirection,andTariq
dislikedhimalittlelessforit.Untiltheboy-kingstoppedhiscousin,withasinglemotionofhishand.Infuriated,Tariq’seyesshottohistarget.Ahintofemotionflashedacrosstheboy-king’sface.Pride?
TheSultanofParthiaglidedbeforeShahrzad,charmoozingfromhimlikeawastingdisease.“Goodmorning,mylady!Itrustyouhadaniceevening.”
Shahrzadbowed.“Idid,mylord.Andyou?”Henodded.“Averyniceevening.Mydaughtertellsmeshehadalovely
conversationwithyouandwasgladtohavemadeyouracquaintance.”“IdidenjoymyconversationwithYasmine,mylord.Itwas—enlightening.”“Ibelievesheusedtheverysameword,mylady.”“Ifindthatratherappropriate,mylord.Givenourexchange.”“Assilver-tonguedasaviper.”Helaughed.“Tellme,mylady,doyouever
missamomenttostrike?”Shahrzadsmiled,anditwasbrilliantandbiting,allatonce.“Ifearthatwould
beunwise,mylord.Especiallyinadenofsnakes.”Thesultanshookhishead,hisamusementtoolastingtobereal.“YoumustvisitusinParthia,foroursnakeshavefarlessoccasiontostrike.
YasmineandIinsistuponit.ThenexttimeKhalidcomestoAmardha,youmustjoinhimsowecanreturnyourhospitality.”
“Itwouldbeanhonor,mylord.”Shahrzaddippedherhead,herfingertipsgrazingherbrow.
Thesultanturnedbacktotheboy-king,adisconcertinggleaminhiseye.“Truly,nephew.Sheisatreasure.Seethatyoukeephersafe.”Onlyafool
wouldhavemissedtheimpliedthreatdrippingfromhiseveryword.Yettheweakboy-kingsaidnothing—didnothing—eventhoughTariqlonged
toassailthebastardfromParthiawithbothfists.Andanaxe.Silentmenarethewisest?Tariqfumedtohimselfandfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.Theboy-kingstrodetoShahrzad.Hestoppedanarm’slengthinfrontofher
and,yetagain,saidnothing.Heregardedherinsilencewithhisstrangeorange-goldeyes.Afteramoment,hestartedtosmile,andShahrzadnoddedonce,almostindiscernibly.
ThehollowinTariq’schestdeepenedfurther.Shahrzadandtheboy-kingsharedanunderstandingthatdidnotrequire
words.Theboy-kingbowedlowbeforehiscalipha,withahandtohisforehead.As
hestraightened,heshiftedhispalmoverhisheartandwalkedaway.Thegrouptrailedbehindhim,payingtheirrespectstoShahrzadastheypassed.WhenTariqpausedbeforeher,sheavertedhereyes,hercheekspinkandherfistsclenchedinthefoldsofhersilvercloak.
ItwasinthatinstantTariqrememberedhisuncle’swordsthefirstnightheandRahimhadarrivedinRey,coveredindustandexhaustedfromtwodaysof
hardtraveling:Thecityisrifewithspeculation.Namely,thatthecaliphmustbeinlovewith
hisnewbride.Tariqquickenedhispaceastheassemblagegatheredinthefirstportionofa
multitieredgardenfulloffloweringtreesandanelaborateaviaryofcolorfulsongbirds.
Theboy-kingkeptglancingoverhisshoulderathispalaceastheydescendedintoeachsubsequenttier.
Finally,Captainal-Khouryannounced,inavoicefarbeyondthescopeofnormalconversation,“Sayyidi,IdobelieveyouleftsomethingratherimportantintheGrandPortico.”
Theboy-kingnarrowedhisstrangeeyesathiscousin.“Perhapsyoushouldattendtoitandjoinuslaterforthehunt.”Captainal-
Khoury’sobnoxiousgringrewevenwider.Theboy-kingglancedoverhisshoulderoncemore.Thenhepivotedina
faultlessmotion,offeringmurmuredapologiesashecutthroughthecrowd.Tariqknew,withoutadoubt,thathewasonhiswaytoShahrzad.Asdidall
thenoblemenremaining.Theircaliphhadbarelydisappearedfromviewbeforetheconversationturnedraucous.ThelessscrupulousbegantakingbetsastohowlongitwouldbebeforeKhorasanhadanewheirtothethrone.
TheSultanofParthialistenedwithareadyear...andadisparagingeye.Tariqgrinned—throughwavesofrageandtorment.Afteratime,hecouldno
longerabideit.Heturnedonhisheel.“Whereareyougoing?”Captainal-Khouryasked.Tariqthoughtquickly.“Ileftmymankalahinmychamber.”“Ibelievewecanfindoneforyou.”Tariqshookhisheadwithanapologeticsmile.“Zorayaisatemperamental
bird—acreatureofhabit.Tellmewheretomeetyou,andtheguardcanshowmetheway.”
Captainal-Khoury’sgazedartedacrossTariq’sface.“Thehorseswillbesaddledandwaitingatthepromenadebytheroyalstables.”
Tariqnoddedandmotionedtoaguardofftotheside.“TariqImranal-Ziyad?”“Yes,Captainal-Khoury?”“Isthatparticularmankalahreallyofsuchimport?”Tariqgrinned,hissilvereyesbright.“ItisifIintendtowin.”
•••
Shahrzadpausedbeforethecalligraphy,studyingtheintricatedipsanddelicateflourishesineachoftheartist’sbrushstrokes.Themanycolorsoftheinkswirledacrosstheparchment,givinglifetothewordsonthepage.
Aboveher,streamsofgauzylightspilledthroughthedomeoftheGrandPorticofromwindowsaroundasunburstofsilverandgold.Thegildedraysstretchedacrossthedometoninecornicesformingahaloofshelvesthatconnectedcolumnsofsiennamarblefromtheceilingtothefloor.
“Thisoneiscompletelyunreadable,”Despinacomplained,staringoverShahrzad’sshoulder.
“Ithinkit’sanotherlovepoem.”Shahrzadsmiled.“Whatisthepurposebehindlearningtowritesobeautifullyifnoonecan
decipheryourwords?”“It’sanexpressionoffeeling.Isupposethisishowthepoemmadetheartist
feel.”“Sothispoemrenderedhimilliterate?”Shahrzadlaughed,andthelyricalsoundcarriedupintothedome,bouncing
fromthecornicesbacktothestoneattheirfeet.“Youlaughveryloud—asifyouaretheonlyoneintheworld,”Despina
commented.Shahrzadwrinkledhernose.“That’sfunny.Mysistersayssomethingvery
similar.”“Iassumeitmakeslittledifferencetoyou.”“Why?You’dpreferIstop?”sheteased.“No,”Khalidsaid,ashestrodeintotheGrandPortico.“Iwouldnot.”“Sayyidi.”Despinabowed.Henoddedather.“IcannotspeakforDespina.Butyoudolaughtooloud.
AndIhopeyouneverstop.”Despinatuckedherchintoherchestandsmiledasshehurriedoutofthe
GrandPorticowithoutaword.ShahrzadstaredupatKhalid,warringwitharesurgenceofemotions.Her
throattightened,andtheangerthreatenedtopourfromherinastormofwordshedidnotdeservetohear.
Becausehedidnotdeservetoknowherdeepestthoughts.Hertruestdesires.Howmuchshecaredforhim.Andhowlittleitshouldmatter.Mayyoursecretsgiveyousolace,KhalidIbnal-Rashid.ForIwon’t.Shahrzadliftedherchinandturnedtoleave.Khalidsnaredherelbowasshepassedhim.“Iknockedatyourdoorlastnight,”hebegan.
Herheartshudderedtoastop.“Iwastired.”Sherefusedtolookhisway.“Andangrywithme,”hesaidsoftly.Shahrzadglaredathimoverhershoulder.Hestudiedherfeatures.“No.Irate.”“Letgoofme.”Khalidreleasedherarm.“Iunderstandwhy.Iwasremissinnottellingyou
aboutYasmine.Iapologize.Itwon’thappenagain.”“Remiss?”Shahrzadfacedhimwithacausticlaugh.“Remiss?”“I—”“DoyouknowhowfoolishIlooked?HowfoolishIfelt?”Khalidsighed.“Shewantedtohurtyou,andittroublesmetoseehow
successfulshewas.”“Howsuccessfulshewas?Youmiserable,unfeelingass!YouthinkI’mangry
becauseofwhatshedid?Becauseshedancedforyou?MyGod,Khalid,howcanyoubesointelligentandsoinexcusablydenseinthesameinstant?”
Heflinched.“Shahrzad—”“Thishasnothingtodowithher.Youhurtme,KhalidIbnal-Rashid.The
secrets—thelockeddoorsIwillneverbegivenkeysto—theywoundme,”sheshouted.“Timeandagain,youwoundmeandwalkaway!”
Herpainfollowedthesamecourseasherlaughter,strikingagainstthecornicesaboveandbacktothemarbleattheirfeet.
Khalidlistenedtoitsechoandclosedhiseyeswithagrimace.Whenheopenedthemagain,hereachedforShahrzad.
Shedrewback.Iwillnotcry.Notforyou.Undeterred,Khalidgraspedherwristsineachofhishandsandliftedher
palmstohisface.“Strikeoutatmeifyouwish,Shazi.Dowhateveryouwill.Butdon’tinflicttheselfsamewound;don’tleave.”
Heplacedherhandsoneithersideofhisjaw,skimminghisfingertipsdownherarmswhileawaitingherjudgment.
Shahrzadstoodfrozen,amaskoficeandstonebetweenherpalms.Whenshedidnothing,Khalidbrushedbackthehairfromherfacewitha
touchthatsoothedandburnedallatonce.“I’msorry,joonam.Forthesecrets.Forthelockeddoors.Foreverything.I
promisetotellyouoneday.Butnotyet.Trustthatsomesecretsaresaferbehindlockandkey,”hesaidquietly.Joonam.He’dcalledherthatbefore.Myeverything.Asonthenightshe’dtoldthetaleofTalaandMehrdad,whydidithavesuch
aringoftruthtoit?
“I—”Shebitherlowerlipinanefforttokeepitstill.Tostopthefountofwordslongingtospringforth.
Longingtoconfesstheyearningsofacapriciousheart.“Forgiveme,athousandtimesover,forwoundingyou.”Heleanedinand
pressedasoftkisstoherforehead.I’mlosttohim.Ican’tignoreitanylonger.Shahrzadclosedhereyesindefeatandslidherpalmstohischest.Thenshe
reachedbehindhiminanembraceofsandalwoodandsun.KhalidwrappedbothhisarmsaroundShahrzad,andtheystoodtogetherunderthedomeoftheGrandPortico,withtheindecipherableartoflovepoemsgivingsilenttestament.
•••
Thehollowinhischestwasnothingnow.Hewouldgladlygobacktothat,ifitmeantneverhavingtowitnessthissight
again.WhenTariqfirstenteredthevestibuleleadingintotheGrandPortico,he
thoughthewasinthewrongplace.Itwassoquiet.TherewasnowayShahrzadcouldbehere.
Then,whenheroundedthecorner,hesawthereasonforthesilence.Itstoppedhimlikeadaggerhurledthroughtheair.Theboy-kingwasholdingShahrzadinhisarms.Placingagentlekissonher
brow.AndShahrzadwasleaningintohisembrace.Tariqwatchedassheshiftedherslenderfingerstotheboy-king’sbackand
drewhimcloser,restinghercheekagainsthischestasawearytravelertotheboleofatree.
Theworstpartofitall—thepartthattooktheverybreathfromTariq’sbody—wastheunguardedlookofpeaceonherface.
Asthoughthiswasright.Asthoughshewantednothingmore.ShahrzadwasinlovewithShiva’smurderer.Theguardbehindhimdeliberatelymadenoise.Apparently,hedidnotcareto
learntheconsequencesofeavesdroppingontheCaliphofKhorasan.FromthedistantshadowstoTariq’sright,Shahrzad’smammothbodyguard
twistedintoview,flashingasilverbladeandaguiseofpunishingpromise.ButthethingthattrulygaveTariqpausewasthereactionoftheboy-king.Thesupposedagingcamel.Atthefirsthintofanunforeseenthreat,hepulledShahrzadbehindhim.He
shieldedherinamenacingstanceaugmentedbythemetallicraspofhisshamshir,whichheheldsteadyinhisrighthand,withthebladepointedtothefloor—
Poisedtoattack.Theboy-king’susuallyexpressionlessfacewasdrawnandtight,withsignsof
barelyleashedfuryripplingalonghisjaw.Hiseyesblazedlikemoltenrock,lividandsingle-mindedintheirpurpose.
Shahrzadgrabbedtheboy-king’sshoulder.“Khalid!”shecried.“Whatareyoudoing?”Hedidnotwaver.NowTariqunderstoodShahrzad’spleafromlastnight.Thiswasnotabored,dispassionatekingwhosenthiswifetofighthisbattles.Thiswasdefinitelysomethingmore.SomethingTariqneededtimetoconsider.Andtime...toripouthisheart,inkind.Tariqgrinned,runninghisfingersthroughhishair.“Arewenotmeetinghereforthehunt?”heasked.
•••
KhalidregardedNasiral-Ziyad’ssonwithmountingirritation.Theboy’sexplanationforhisintrusionintotheGrandPorticowasabsurd.
Hisstupidityhadnearlycosthimhislife.Undernormalcircumstances,Khalidwouldnothavereactedinsucha
manner,butSalimAliel-SharifwasinRey.Justthismorning,hehadstoodintheopen-airgalleryofKhalid’spalaceandmadeveiledthreatsagainstShahrzad.Khalidhadexpectedasmuch,butitdidnotaffecthimanylesstobearwitnesstoit.
IgnoringanythreatfromtheSultanofParthia,nomatterhowinconsequential,hadalwaysprovedtobeunwise.
Khaliddidnotknowwhothisfoolishboywasorwherehisallegiancesmightlie.Yesterday,suchmatterswerenotofpressingimport.Yesterday,theboywasbutamildnuisance.TheonlyreasonhehadsparkedKhalid’sinterestatallwasbecauseofthewayhe’dlookedatShahrzadtoday.Itwasnotinthemannermostmenappreciateabeautifulwoman.Mostmenappreciatedbeautywithanemphasisonform.
ThevastmajorityofKhalid’sguestsweremindfulofsuchbehavior.Theoneswhodidn’twereofnote,buttheyhadreputationstomatch—morally
reprehensiblemenwithlasciviouseyesthatlatchedontoanythingintheirgeneralvicinity.
TariqImranal-ZiyaddidnotlingeronShahrzadwiththeeyeofmanappreciatingform.
WhatShahrzadhadtosaymatteredtotheboy.Asdidthethoughtsbehindherwords.
KhalidwalkedbesideNasiral-Ziyad’ssondownthestairsintothenexttierofgardensastheymadetheirwaytothestables.Hisguardstrailedclosebehindthem.
“Pleasepermitmetoapologizeagain,sayyidi.”Theboyadjustedhismankalahwithanothersheepishgrin.
Khalidcontinuedthroughthegarden,glancingsidewaysattheboy.“Restassured,I’venotedthedifferencebetweenaporticoandapromenade,
sayyidi.”“Itwouldhaveservedmebetterhadyouknownthattoday,”Khalidmuttered.Theboylaughed,andthesoundwasrich.Aneasylaughthatinspiredothers
totakepart.“Thankyoufornotcuttingmetoribbons,sayyidi.”“Thankthequeen.HadIbeenalone,thingsmighthavegonedifferently.”Theboy’sassertivegaitfalteredastep.“MayIcongratulateyou,sayyidi?The
queen—youseemwellsuitedtoeachother.”Anever-increasingnuisance.Khalidhaltedandfacedtheboy.HewashalfahandtallerthanKhalidandbroadintheshoulder.Itneedled
Khalidtolookupatsuchafool.“Shahrzadisadifficultgirl,andIamamonster.Isupposethatmakesforagoodmatch.”
Theboy’spaleeyesflaredatKhalid’swords.“You’reoffended.”Khalidwatchedhisfeaturesintently.“Bywhichpart?”“By—allofit,sayyidi.”Theboywasnotagiftedliar.Themildnuisancewasnowafull-blown
concern.Whentheboyattemptedtocracktheawkwardsilencewithanothercharming
smile,Khalidproceededdownthepath.“Areyoumarried,TariqImranal-Ziyad?”“No,sayyidi.ButIplanonmarryingsoon.”“Thenyouareengaged.”“Yes,sayyidi.ToagirlI’velovedformanyyears.”Theboyappearedtobetellingthetruth.“WhichiswhyIcongratulatedyouearlier.Itisagreatgifttofindlastinglove
—onethatgivesforeverybitittakes,”theboystatedwithunusualconviction.Itwasthefirstinterestingthingtheboyhadcontributedtotheirconversation.
AnditdidnotsitwellwithKhalid.Afteratime,theyapproachedthestables,andJalalwanderedouttogreet
them.Hisheadslantedwithpuzzlementwhenhesawthefoolishboy.Thenhenoddedwithwelcomeandtheboysmiledback.
“Again,sayyidi,Iapologizeforearlier.Pleasethankthequeenonmybehalf.ItappearsIowehermylife.”TheboybowedlowbeforeKhalidandsaunteredtowardthestables,hiswhiterida’trailingbehindhim.
“Whathappened?”Jalalaskedoncehewasoutofearshot.Khaliddidnotrespond.“AlliswellwithyouandShazi?”Jalalpressed.KhalidcontinuedstaringafterNasiral-Ziyad’sson.“Khalid?”“FindouteverythingaboutTariqImranal-Ziyad.Hisfamily.Their
associations.Allofit.”Jalalstartedtolaugh.“What’ssoamusing?”Khaliddemanded.“Bloodrunstrue.Thatboyhasbotheredmeallday.”
AFLOATINGCARPETANDARISINGTIDE
SHAHRZADSTOODINTHESMALLROOMHOUSINGallhergarments.ShewatchedDespinasetasideparcelafterparcelofwrappedsilkinawideassortmentofcolors.
“ByZeus,wouldyoujustpickone?”Shahrzadgroaned,coilingherwavesofblackhairtooneside.
“Bepatient.I’mlookingforsomethingspecific.”“Thenbespecificaboutit,andIcanhelp.”Despinarosetoherfeetandstretchedherarmsaboveherhead.Shewinced
asshekneadedherleftshoulder.Shahrzad’sforeheadwrinkledinconcern.“Howdoyoufeel?”“I’mfine.Isleptpoorlylastnight.”“That’snotwhatImeant.”Despinalaughedwithtrillingdismissiveness.“Ihavemanymonthsbeforeit
willbeanissue,Shahrzad.”“HaveyoutoldJalalyet?”“No.”“Whenwillyoutellhim?”“WhenImusterthecourageorwhenI’mleftwithnochoice—whichever
comesfirst.AndIwon’tdiscussthematterfurther.”Despinatwistedtothebackcorneroftheroomandstoopedtorustlethroughmoreparcelsofsilk.
Shahrzadfrownedatherhandmaiden,wonderingifDespinaevermanagedadecentnight’srestwithsuchworrieswreakingtheirsilenthavoc.Whywon’tshetellhim?WhenDespinaresurfaced,herfeatureswerepinchedbyannoyance.“The
garmentmaybeinmyroomformending.Comewithme.”ThetwogirlsleftbehindthepilesofsilkanddamasktocrossShahrzad’s
bedchamber.Theypausedbeforeasingle,polishedwooddoorneartheentrance.
Despinapusheditopenandwalkeddownanarrowcorridorbeforegraspingthesilverhandleleadingtoanotherchamberattheend.
ShahrzadhadneverbeeninDespina’sroombefore,eventhoughitwassonearherown.Thechamberwassmallandtidy,withaneatarrangementofcushionsononesideandalowtableontheother.Thewardrobeinthecornerwasmadeofthesamehoney-coloredwoodasthetable,andtheentirespacewaslightlyperfumedinthefloralscentofjessamine.
Despinawalkedtothewardrobeandopenedonesidetobeginhersearch.Shahrzad’seyeswanderedpastthewoodenchest,andshenoticedsomething
wedgedagainstthewall,tiedinabundlesecuredbyhempcord.ItwastheruggiftedtoherbyMusaZaragoza.“Whyisthatinhere?”Shahrzadnoddedtowardthebundle.Despinaglancedoverhershoulderandsighed.“IkeptmeaningtoaskyouifI
couldthrowitaway.”“Itwasagift!”“It’soldandthreadbare,anditwilllikelyattractvermin.Idon’twantsucha
thingamongstyourgarments.”Shahrzadrolledhereyes.“Giveittome.”Despinashruggedbeforepassingalongthebundle.“Whyanyonewouldgift
theCaliphaofKhorasanatiny,shabbycarpetisbeyondme.”ShahrzadhelditinbothhandsassherecalledthedayMusa-effendihad
visitedthepalace.“Itisaveryspecialcarpet.Whenyouarelost,itwillhelpyoufindyour
way.”“Idon’tthinkit’samererug.”“Thenwhatisit?”“Itcouldbeamapofsorts,”Shahrzadmused.“Ifit’samap,it’soutdatedand,therefore,useless.”ShahrzadturnedfromDespina’sroomandstrodedownthenarrowhallback
toherbedchamber.Shekneltonthefloorandsetthebundledown.Thenshebegantuggingattheknotofhempatitscenter.Whenhereffortsprovedfutile,sherememberedwhyhercuriosityhadfailedtowinoutuponfirstreceivingthegift.
“Thisknotisfromhellitself,”ShahrzadgrumbledasDespinapeeredoverhershoulder.
“Letmetry.”Herhandmaidencrouchedbesideherandbeganpullingatthestrings.Facedwithsimilarresults,sheliftedtheknotandstudieditforaspell.Thensheremovedasilverpinfromthecrownofhairatopherhead.Acascadeofgolden-walnutcurlsspilledontohershoulder,andDespinastartedworking
thepinintothecenteroftheknot.“Youshallnotprevail,littlehell-knot,”shewhispered,squinchingherblue
eyesoverthebundle.Momentslater,theknottuggedfree,andbothgirlsshoutedintriumph.Shahrzadunwrappedtherugandspreaditoutonthefloor.Itwasindeedaswornandthreadbareasitinitiallyappeared—rustcolored,
withaborderofdarkblueandacentermedallionofblack-and-whitescrollwork.Almostallthefringeoftasselshadfrayedaway.Thefewthatremainedweredirtyandyellowedwithage,stillclingingtomisbegottenhope.Twocornersboastedholesthatresembledscorchmarks.
Assheranherpalmsacrossit,anodd,tinglingsensationbegantoforminherchest.Shedrewbackinsuddenalarm.
“What’swrong?”Despinaasked.Thesensationwasgone.Shahrzadglanceddownatherhandsandranherthumbsacrossherfingers.“Nothing.”Bothgirlsstoodtoinspectthesmallrug.“Well...that’sanuglycarpet,”Despinapronounced.Shahrzadlaughed.“MayIpleasethrowitaway?”Despinapressed.“Ithoughtitmightbeamap.Musa-effenditoldmeitwouldhelpmefindmy
way.”Shahrzad’sbrowfurrowed.“YoumeanthemagusfromtheFireTemple?”“IsthatwhatMusa-effendiis?”Despinapursedherlipsandlookedaway.“Youweren’tsupposedtotellmethat.”Shahrzadsmirked.“Wereyou?”Despinaglaredather.“Interesting,”Shahrzadcontinued.“ThoughI’mnotsurprised.Jalaldoes
seemtobethetalkativetype.Iwonderwhathesaysinmomentsof—”“Shahrzad!”ShahrzadlaughedasshedodgedDespina’sthreateningshove.Herbareheel
grazedtherug,andthestrangetinglingflaredinherchestoncemore.Increasinglydisturbed,shekneltbeforethecarpetandplacedherpalmtoitssurface.
Apricklyfeeling,almostlikelosingsensationinafootfromsittingtoolong,begantowarmaroundherheart.Thewarmthsoonspreadtohershouldersanddownherarm.Then,whensheranherfingersalongtheedgeoftherug—
Itcurledintoherhand,asthoughithadalifeofitsown.Shahrzadgaspedinshockandfellonhersideinagracelessheap.
“Whathappened?”Despinademanded,kneelingbesideher.“Therug—moved!”“What?”Shahrzadscrambledtoherknees,herhearttrippingaboutinherchest.“Look!”Shepushedherhandtothecarpetuntilthepricklysensationfilled
herpalm...andonecorneroftherugrosefromthefloor.Despinashriekedacurseandjumpedback.“What’swrongwithit?”“HowshouldIknow?”Shahrzadyelled.“Do—doitagain.”Shahrzadrepeatedtheprocess,andanothercornerofthecarpetliftedfrom
thefloorwiththeeaseofarisingcloud.Atthis,Despinaregardedherwithwarycircumspection.“Haveyouever
donethattoanythingbefore?”“No!It’sthecarpet,notme.”Despinakneltandplacedherownpalmstotheworn,rustcoloredsurface.She
waitedabeat.Nothinghappened.“It’snotjustthecarpet,Shahrzad.It’syou.”Shahrzadchewedontheinsideofhercheek.“Thenyouareunaware.Itliesdormantinyourblood.”Despinaexhaledinahuffofexasperation.SheheldShahrzad’shandtothe
carpet.WhenitsedgescurledoffthefloorandShahrzadtriedtopullaway,Despinarefusedtoletgo.
Soon,theentirerugwasfloatingintheairbesidetheirshoulders—weightless,asthoughwovenfromadream.Whenthegirlswithdrewtheirtouch,thecarpetdriftedbacktothemarblewiththegraceofapetaltotheearth.
“Well,”Despinawhisperedinawe,“thatcertainlyisaneatlittletrick.”
•••
TariqdismountedinthedesertbeforeOmaral-Sadiq’slargepatchworkedtent.Hegrabbedhisstallion’sbridleandledittoatroughofwaternearby.Asthehorsedrank,themirroredsurfacerippledarounditssnoutinconcentricrings.Tariqranhispalmalongthemagnificentanimal’sneck.
Thereturnjourneyhadnotbeenaneasyone.Despiteherreassurancesastohersafety,leavingthecityofRey—leaving
Shahrzad—hadbeenallbutimpossible.He’dacquiescedtoherwishes,butithadbeendonewithaheavy,bitterheart.Forthepastfivedays,Tariqhadriddenthroughtheblowingsandsunderablazingsun,inconstantwarwithhis
thoughts.Howhaditcometothis?Nothingmadesense.Thegirlheknewwasnotcapableofsuchfickleness.
Thegirlhelovedwastoosmart,tooresourceful...tooloyaltobewonoverbyamonster.Especiallyonewhohadmurderedherbestfriend.
Asthistempestragedaboutinhismind,Tariqfoundhimselfreturningtoitsmostsalientpoint:noneofthismadesense.
Therefore,itrequiredanexplanation.Tariqrememberedhearingtalesofcaptiveslosingtheirwilltotheircaptors.
Prisonersfallinginlovewiththeirvanquishers.Whilehe’dneverbelievedinsuchapossibilitybefore,itwastheonlythingthatmadesenseofShahrzad’sbehavior.
Shewasnotherself.Thatpalace,thatworld...thatmonsterhadtakenawaythegirlTariqlovedanddrivenhertoforgetallshehelddear.
Hehadtogetheroutofthere.Soon.ThesoundofZoraya’spiercingcrytorehimfromhisthoughts.Tariqwhistled
forher,andshelandedonhisoutstretchedmankalah,impatientforhereveningmeal.Hewaspreoccupied,buthemanagedtosmileatthefalconasheofferedherastripofdriedmeat.
“Ournamelesssahibreturns!”afamiliarvoicecrowedfrombehindhim.“Though,iftherumorsaretobebelieved,heisnamelessnomore.”
Tariqturnedtothesun-weatheredfaceofOmaral-Sadiq.“Rumors?”Omargrinned,wideandgaptoothed.“Suchisthewayofrumors.Weare
oftenthelasttoknowtheonesinourhonor.”Tariqclosedhiseyesforaspell.Theeccentricsheikhwastryinghislastbit
ofpatience.“Therearerumorsinmyhonor?”“AbouttheWhiteFalcon.ThesaviorofKhorasan.”“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Tariqheavedawearysigh.“Haveyounotheardofhim?Theysayheridesunderabanneremblazoned
bythestandardofawhitefalcon.ThatheintendstostormthecityofReyandoverthrowitsevilking.”Omar’seyestwinkled.“Asitturnsout,Ibelieveyou’requitefamiliarwiththeWhiteFalcon.HisfriendscallhimTariq.”
“I’msorry,”Tariqsaidbrusquely,knockingbackthehoodofhisdustywhiterida’.“ButI’minnomoodforyourgames.”
“Games?Warisnotagame,myfriend.Gamesareforsmallchildrenandoldmenlikeme.Warisayoungman’sblighteddelight.”
“Ceasewiththewordgames,Omar!Ican’tstomach—”“Wouldyouliketoseeyourbanner,instead?”Omarwinked.“It’squite—”“Please!”Thesinglewordcrackedagainstthedesertsky,fillingitwith
frustrationandthelastinghintofpain.Omar’skeeneyestookinTariq’saggrievedface.“Whathappenedwhileyou
wereinRey,myfriend?”TariqreleasedZorayaintothecloudsandleanedbackagainstthetrough.“Tellmewhattroublesyouso,”Omarpressedinagentlevoice.“I—IhavetogetShazioutofthere.Awayfromthatplace.Awayfromthat
monster.”“Youareworriedforhersafety.”Omarnoddedslowly.“Thenwhyhaveyou
returned?”Hisconcerneclipsedhisbluntness.Tariqcringed,unabletorespond.“Canyounottellmewhathappened,myfriend?”Tariqgazedintothesettlingduskonthehorizon.Atraceofthesun’swarmth
lingeredalongtheedge,fadingintobluesthatbledtheirwaytoblack.“Isuspectedhemightcareforher.Afterall,heletherlivewhensomany
others...”Tariq’ssilvereyeschilledinthought.“ButIdidnotexpectthis.”Omarscratchedathisbeard.“Isee.”“What?Whatdoyousee?”TariqturnedtowardtheBadawisheikh.“Youbelievetheyoungcaliph...”OmarliftedagnarledhandtoTariq’s
shoulder.“IsinlovewithyourShahrzad.”TariqfixedhisgazeonthecoarselinenofOmar’ssleeve.“Andwhatledyoutobelievethis?”Omarcontinuedinthesamekindtone.“The—it’sthewayhelooksather,”Tariqwhispered.“It’stheonlytimeI
evenbegintounderstandhim.”Omarsqueezedhisshoulder.“Perhaps...itisforthebest.I’veheardthe
youngcaliphhaslivedalifeofprofoundloss.IfShahrzadcan—”“IwillnotleaveShaziinthearmsofamurderingmadman!”Omarblinkedhard.Theheavycreasesofhiseyelidsroseandfellwitha
purposefulweight.“Tariq,whyareyoudoingthis?Whyareyoufightingthisbattle?”
“BecauseIloveher,”Tariqsaidwithouthesitation.“But...whydoyouloveher?”“Whatkindofaridiculousquestion—”“Itisnotaridiculousquestion.Itisaverysimpleone.Thedifficultyliesin
theanswer.Whydoyouloveher?”“Because—”Tariqrubbedatthebackofhisneck.“Allofmymostcherished
memoriesareofher.I’vesufferedalongsideher.And...we’velaughedatnothingtogether.”
Omar’shandfellfromTariq’sshoulder.“Asharedhistorydoesnotentitleyoutoafuture,myfriend.”
“HowcouldIexpectyoutounderstand?”Tariqsaid.“NooneevertriedtotakeAishafromyou.Noone—”
“Idonothavetolosemywifetounderstandthemeaningofloss,Tariq.Achildwithabrokentoyunderstandssuchthings.”
AngercoiledthroughTariq’schest.“Areyoulikeningmysufferingtothatofachild?”
Omarshookhisheadwithabemusedsmile.“Lossisloss.Andthelessonisalwaysthesame.”
“Iamnotinthemoodforalesson.”“NoramI.”Omarlaughed.“SoIwillshareastoryinstead.”“Pleasedon’t—”“Onaclearnight,manyyearsago,Iwatchedathousandstarsfallfromthe
sky.Iwasonlyasmallboy,butIpossessedaverycuriousheart,soIdecidedtochasethemintothedesert,farbeyondthehorizon.Yousee,Iwantedtoknowwherestarswentwhentheyfell.IranandranuntilIcouldrunnomore.AndstillIcouldnotseewherethestarswent.”
“Yourstoryisalesson,Omar,”Tariqsaidinaflattone.“Iamnotthatbigafool.”
Omargrinned.“DidIevertellyouthat,tothisday,Istillfighttheurgetochasefallingstars?”
“Icanwellunderstandit,asI’mcurrentlyfightingtheurgetoflee.”Omarthrewhisheadbackandlaughed.“Notuntilourlessonconcludes,my
youngfriend!Youcannotrobanoldmanofthiswell-deservedright.”“No.Icannot.”Despitetheheavinessaroundhisheart,Tariqcouldnothelp
butsmile.“Concludeyourlesson,myesteemedeffendi.”“Somethingsexistinourlivesforbutabriefmoment.Andwemustletthem
goontolightanothersky.”Tariqstaredintothedarknessbeyondtheenclaveoftents.“Youwantmeto
leavethingsastheyare.ButIcan’t.Iwon’t.”“AndIwillalwaysrespectyourchoice,Tariq-jan.Thoughwemaydisagree,I
shalltrytoofferwhateversupportIcan.Comewithme.Youruncleiswaitingforyou.”
“UncleRezaishere?”TariqlookedoverOmar’sshoulder.“HearrivedtwodaysagowithyourfriendRahimandhasbeenanxiously
awaitingyourreturneversince.”OmarledTariqtotheentranceofthelargesttentinthedesertenclave.Hepushedasidetheflap,andthetwomensteppedinside.
“Ourprodigalherohasreturned!”OmarannouncedashestrodetothebackcornerandtookaseatbesideRezawithajocularflourish.
Tariqremovedhisshoesanddiscardedhiscloakbeforepacingfartherintothesemidarkness.Thepatchworkofcarpetathisfeetwassoftandworn.Itmirroredthedarkcollageofwovenfabricshapingthewallsofthetentaroundhim.Athinhazeofsmokesuffusedtheairabouthishead.Itsmelledoftobaccoandmolasses.
“Come,havesometea,”Omarsaidwithasmile.“I’vebeenhavingthemostwonderfultimewithyourunclethesepastfewdays,forheisquitefondoflovestoriesaswell.”
Tariqsatonthewoolencushionsaroundaknottedwoodtablewithasilverpotoftea,severaletchedglasses,andatoweringghalyan.Theghalyanwasmadeofdeepgreenglass,withalongpipewrappedincoppersilk,snakingaroundthetabletoRezabin-Latief’soutstretchedpalm.Thecoalatopitburnedbrightorangeashepuffedonthecarvedmouthpiece,andthewaterwithinitsglassbasinbubbledataslowroil.Thesweetsmokeroseintotheair,curlingintotendrilsofbluegrey,minglingintothehazeabove.
“Uncle.”TariqextendedhishandtowardReza,andRezatookit.“Youhavebeenquitebusy,Tariq-jan,”Rezasaidquietly.Tariqinhaledthroughhisnose.“IknowyouaskedmetowaitatTaleqanfor
yourmissive.”Rezacontinuedpuffingontheghalyaninsilence.“ButIcouldnotallowyoutodoallthework,”Tariqfinished.“See?Itoldyou.Heisquitetheheroalready.”Omarcackled.“Partofbeingaheroisknowingwhentobestill,”Rezacountered.Inresponse,Tariqsaidnothing,andOmarlaughedheartily.“SowhatdidyoulearninthisfoolhardyexcursiontoRey?”Rezaasked.“IlearnedIhaveagreatdealtolearn.”RezapassedOmarthepipe.“Whatelse?”“IlearnedtheCaliphofKhorasanisdangerous,inadditiontobeinga
madman.”“Howso?”“He’ssmart,foramadman.Rather...surprising.”“Madmentendtobe.”Omar’seyesglitteredintheshadowsasstreamsof
smokeemittedfromhisnostrils.“Whatelse?”Rezaasked.Tariqleanedbackintothecushions.“He’sarrogant,andhehasaquick
temper.”“Whatofweaknesses?”Rezaprodded.Tariqhesitated.“Tariq?”
BeforeTariqcouldrespond,theflapofthetentopenedoncemore,andRahimsteppedbeneathitswing,withJahandaral-Khayzuranintow.Thethreemenseatedaroundtheghalyangazedtheirway.RahimshotTariqanapologeticglance,andJahandarclearedhisthroatwithacough.
“May—mayIjoinyou?”Jahandarasked.Omarsmiledbrightly.“Ofcourse!Youaremostwelcome.”Tariqrosefromthetable,tryinghisbesttoconcealhisirritationasJahandar
crossedthecarpets.Hebowedhisheadwithahandtohisbrow.“Jahandar-effendi.”
“Tariq-jan.”Jahandarlookedintothesilvereyes,eagerandhopeful.Whenhewasmetwithnothingbutsteelyjudgment,hisfacefelltothesoundlessspecterofshame.
Onceeveryonewasseatedagain,Rezaresumedhislineofquestioning.“Youwerespeakingoftheboy-king’sweaknesses?”
Tariqinhaledprotractedly.“Yes,Uncle.”Reza’sfrowndeepenedatTariq’sobviousdiscomfort.“Tariq-jan,what—”“Shahrzad,”Tariqgroundout.“HecaresaboutShahrzad.”Reza’sfacewasexpressionless.“Agreatdeal?”“Idon’tknow.Ionlyknowthathecares.AndthatIwishtotakeheroutof
there.Now.”Atthis,Reza’seyebrowsarched.“Didsomethinghappenwhileyouwere
there?”“Everydayshe’sinthatpalace,she’satrisk.Icannotabideitanylonger.”“Suchahero.”Omarlaughedsoftly.Rezaraisedhisglassofteatohislipsandtookasip.“Iunderstandyour
concern,but—”“Please,Uncle.Letmedothis.Helpme.”Rezastaredbackathisnephew,calminhisassessment.“I’msorry,Tariq-jan,
butwearejustbeginningtogatherourstrength;wearenowherenearlayingsiegetoacitylikeRey.TheEmirofKarajhaspledgedsevenhundredsoldiers,aswellasalargecacheofweapons.Theyshouldbearrivingsoon.Hisfriendfromthenorthissendingtwohundredmore,andIamincontactwithnumerousotherfriendsofmine—menoftradeandmeans—whoarewearyofbeingruledbyacrueltyrant.Byaboy-kingwhokillswithoutreason.TheyarewillingtouniteunderthebanneroftheWhiteFalcon.Theyarewillingtofightforyou.”
“Then,ifyouwouldgivemeafew—”“No.Ifallofthesemenarewillingtofight,itmustbeforsomethingmore
thanyourlove,Tariq.YoucannotmarchintothebiggestcityinKhorasanwithafledglingarmyjusttosaveonegirl.Beatrueleader.Bestill.Youmustwait.
Whenthetimecomes,yourpatiencewillbemanifestlyrewarded.Trustme.”Tariqclosedhiseyesandclenchedhisfists,fightingtocontrolarisingtideof
emotions.“Omar—”Omarsighed.“Ah,myfriend.Youdosopreyuponmyfondnessforlove
stories.Alas,Iamanoldmanwithoutbrothersorsons—thelastofmyline.Iwillnotfight.Itistoohardtowashawaybloodfromanoldsword.KnowthatIwouldgladlyriskmylowlylifeforlove.Butthelivesofmypeopleandthosewhorideundermyname?Icannotrisksuchatreasure.I’mverysorry,myfriend.”
TariqdrankhisteainsilenceasOmarandhisunclemovedthediscussionalongtoothermatters.Theirwordsdriftedaroundhim,echoinginhisears,filteringupintothesmoke...meaningless.Whentheteagrewcold,Tariqtookhisleave.Theangercontinuedroilingwithinhimlikethewaterintheghalyan,andeachtimehethoughtoftheboy-king,hesaweyesthatburnedlikethecoalatopitstower.
Amadmanwithatemperandapenchantfordeath—AndShahrzad’sfaceatpeaceinhisarms.“Tariq-jan?”Ameekvoicecalledoutfrombehindhim.“What?”Tariqwhirledaround.Jahandarbackedaway,hismouthagapeandtheendsofhiswispybeard
curlinginthebalmynightbreeze.Tariqexhaledwithcare.“I’msorry,Jahandar-effendi.Forgiveme.”Jahandarshookhishead.“No,no.Iapologizefordisturbingyourthoughts.”“It’sfine.”Tariqgrittedhisteeth.“Ishouldlearntocontrolthembetter.”Jahandarnodded.Hegatheredhishandsbeforehim,fidgetingwiththefront
ofhistikkasash.“Istheresomethingyouwishtodiscusswithme?”Tariqasked.“Yes.”Jahandarswallowed.“Yes,thereis.”Hestraightenedhisshouldersand
claspedhishandsstill.“Are—areyouwillingtodowhateverittakestosavemydaughter?”
Tariq’sgazewidened.Hetookastepforward.“YouknowIam.”Jahandar’seyesshoneinthesurroundingtorchlight.“Thenletmehelpyou.”
SOMEONEWHOKNOWS
ITWASTHEMUTEDGROANOFTHEDOORTHATWOKEher.Shahrzadcouldrecognizeit,eveninhersleep.
Butthistime,somethingwasdifferent.Somethingwasinherroom.Somethingbrashandunafraid.Eyeswatchedher.Unwantedeyes.Tinypinpricksrandownthebackofher
neck,andthebloodcoursedthroughherbody,ignitedbyfear.Thehushoffootfallnearbyforcedhertomakeasuddendecision.Shahrzadopenedhereyesandscreamed,fillingthedarknesswithsoundand
shock.Footstepsrushedather,andshescrambledacrossthecushionsinanefforttoescape.Sheyankedthegossameraside,cursingitspointlessexistence.
HerheartclamoredinherchestatthesightofDespina’sdoorcrackingopenacrossthechamber.“Shahrzad?”
Hulkingshadowsbegantomoveaboutherroom—shadowscloakedinmorethannight.Oh,God.Despina!Shahrzadgrabbedthestoolnexttoherbedandscreamedagain,tryingto
drawthemawayfromherhandmaiden.IfDespinacouldmakeitpastthedoorofthechamber...
WhenahandreachedforShahrzad,sheswungthestoolinitsdirection.“Shahrzad!”Despinacried.“Go!”Shahrzadyelled.Despinarushedforthedoubledoorsastwoshadowsconvergedonher.She
managedtoyankoneopenandraceintothemarbledhallwaysofthepalace.Asingle,terror-fueledwordechoedinherwake:
“Jalal!”TheshadowsdescendedonShahrzad,andoneseizedherfrombehind.When
itpulledhercloser,apairofangrymaleeyesglitteredatherfromaboveablack
mask.Shepitchedthestoolathishead.Hecaughtitwithawhisperedoathandstruckheracrossthecheekwiththebackofhishand.
Shahrzadreeledtothemarble,hereyestearingattheburgeoningsting.Whenanothershadowtriedtohaulhertoherfeet,shereachedoutandsnatchedtheclothoffhisface.Heliftedherbythethroatandshovedheragainstthewall.
“Whoareyou?Whatdoyouwant?”Shekickedandscratchedathim.Morefootstepspoundeddownthecorridorsoutsideherroom.Bothdoorswereshovedasideindolefulprotest,revealingalonefigureand
thesilhouetteofasword.Khalid.Hercaptorbegantolaugh,lowandcruel,ashecinchedhisholdonherneck.Khaliddidnotaskquestions.Hedidnottrytonegotiate.Hisshamshir
flashedinthedarkness,andashadownearthedoorfellwithagurgleandaseriesofsickeningthuds.Amomentlater,JalalburstacrossthethresholdwiththeRajputonhisheels.
“TakeKhalidoutofhere!”JalalshoutedtotheRajput.Withadismissiveshove,theRajputpushedpastJalalandraisedhistalwar.Khalidbrandishedhisswordandmovedforward.Theshadowscongregated
inhispath.Therewereatleasteightofthem,includingtheonepinninghertothewall.
Thesoundofbladesbeingdrawnfromtheirsheathsrippledthroughthechamber,andthemangraspingShahrzadbythethroatpulledherbackagainsthim,wrappingaforearmofcordedmusclearoundherneck.
TheRajputengagedthevanguardofshadows,andKhalidandJalalflankedhimoneitherside.Weaponsclashedagainstoneanother,metaltometal,anddeathslicedthroughtheair,leavingbehindbloodandvengefulwrath.
Theshadowswerelosing.Shahrzad’scaptorbegandragginghertotheopenscreensleadingtothe
terrace.Hisholdloosened,andshemanagedtotwistanarmfree.Sheswungahaphazardfistathisface.Itcaughthiminthejaw,andshespunaroundtobolt.Helungedather,snaggingashoulderinonehandandthebackofherneckintheother.
“I’llkillyouforthat,”hespatinherear.“Saysadeadman,”sherasped.“Notjustyet.”Heslidhishandfromherneckintoherhairandcoiledhis
fingersthroughtotheroots,positioningherasashieldbeforehim.Shahrzadbitbackagaspashereyesbegantowater.
“KhalidIbnal-Rashid!”hebellowed.Whenhervisioncleared,JalalandtheRajputstoodabody’slengthaway,
withtheirweaponsattheready.Khalidslashedhisswordafinaltime,andthebloodofhisopponentspewed
acrosshisbarechestandfaceinlinesofdarkred.Thenhecrossedtheroom,hiseyesawashwithrage,andthesilverofhissworddrippingcrimson.
Themaraudingshadowsweresilentandmotionlessnow.AsKhalidstalkedcloser,thehandinherhairtighteneditsgrasp.Hercaptor
pulledupsharply,andittoreacryfromherlips.Jalalsworeanoath,andthebladeofhisscimitargleamedwhiteona
moonbeam.Khalidhaltedinhistracks.Hercaptorlaughed,anditwaslikestoneagainstmetal.Withhisotherhand,
hepositionedasmalldaggertoherthroat.“Notasingleplea?”hewhisperedinShahrzad’sear.“Idon’tbeg,”Shahrzadretorted.“Especiallytodeadmen.”“AndthemightyCaliphofKhorasan?”hercaptorsaidintothenight.“Does
theKingofKingshaveanypleas?”AgainKhalidstalkedtowardtheminbrutalsilence,raisinghisshamshir
acrosshisbody.“Don’tmove,youbastardsonofawhore!”hercaptorexploded.“OrI’llslice
amaggotholeacrossherthroat.Youcanwatchherdie,justlikeyourmother.”Khalidfrozeintime.ThenShahrzadwatchedhisfaceshatter.Theeyesof
moltenamberfadedtodullmemory.Fadedtoruin.Hisrawanguishsearedhersoulandrobbedherofbreath.Thebloodstainedshamshirfelltohisside.
“Iwillkillyouforthat,”Shahrzadchokedoverhershoulder.Hislaughterwasaviciousrumbleagainstherback.“Whatdoyouwant?”Khalidaskedquietly.“Dropyourweapon.”Theshamshirstruckthemarblewithasharpclang.Withouttheslightest
hesitation.Hercaptorsneeredintriumph.“Tellthemtodroptheirweapons.”“Stopit!”Shahrzadcried.Lookatme,Khalid.Please!Donotlistentothisanimal.Hercaptorwithdrewhishandfromthebackofherheadandseized
Shahrzad’schin,anglingherjawhigher.Pressinghisdaggercloser.“Jalal.Vikram.Doashesays.”Khalid’svoicewasheavy.Miredin
acceptance.“Khalid!”Shahrzaddespaired.“Don’tdothis.Jalal,don’tlistentohim.You
can’t—”“Sayonemoreword,andI’llmakecertainit’syourlast.”Heshiftedhishand
fromherchintohermouth.Shahrzadbitdownonhisfleshashardasshecould.Thetasteofsaltand
sweatrushedontohertongue.Hercaptorbellowed,slackeninghishold.Sherammedherelbowintohismidsection,andhisdaggerslidbackacrossherthroat,leavingbehindawhite-hottrail.Thenapairofstrongarmsyankedheraside,pullingherintoabloodstainedchest.
Khalid’sheartthuddedaroundher,loudandfast.Itracedagainsthercheek,eachbeatanunspokenpromise.
And,forabreathoftime,itwasenough.TheRajputslammedhercaptortothefloor.Jalalshovedakneeintohistorso
andsmashedajeweledhiltacrosshisjaw.“Inwhatworlddidyouthinkyoucouldgetawaywiththis?”Jalalseethed.
“Tomycousin?Tomyfamily?”Hisgleaminghiltcontinueditspunishingonslaught.
“Enough!”Khalidpronouncedthewordwithsuchforce,suchunmitigatedfury,thatitstilledallsoundwithinthechamber.Hereacheddownforhisshamshir,andthebladedraggedacrossthemarbleinathreateningskirr.
Withoutfurtherprompting,JalalsteppedbackfromthemanandstrodetoShahrzad’sside.TheRajputmeltedintotheshadowsnearby,hishugehandswrappedaroundhistalwar,andhisbeardedfeaturescoldlyferalinthemoonlight.
Khalidwalkedforward.Themanwaslyingonthefloor,bloodcoursingfromhismouthandhisnose.
WhenhesawKhalidloomingabovehim,hebegantolaughinabrokenrasp.Khalidpositionedtheendofthebladetotheman’sthroat.“Shewasright.
Youareadeadman.ButI’mwillingtodiscussdegreesofpain.”Theman’swheezinglaughtergrewlouder.“Whosentyou?”Khalidcontinuedinasavagewhisper.“Someonewhowantstoseeyousuffer.”“Tellme,andIwillspareyouameasureofthepainyougreatlydeserve.”Themancoughed,andstreaksofcrimsonspurtedfromhisswollenmouth.
“DoyouthinkIfearyou,boy?”“Iwillaskonelasttime.Thentheanswerwillbetornfromyourlips.”“Youthinktothwartthehandsoffate?Nomatterhowlongyoutrytofightit,
youwillpaytheprice,KhalidIbnal-Rashid.”Theman’seyesshottoShahrzadwithirrefutablesignificance.
“Wearenowpastwords.”Khalideasedhisswordintotheman’sneck,drawingathinstreamofblood.“Inthis,Iamdefinitelymyfather’sson.”
Theman’slaughterturnedmaniacal.“Youwishtoknowwhosentme,mighty
KingofKings?I’lltellyou,”hegasped,startingtochoke.“Someonewhoknows.”
Withthat,hedraggedhisownthroatacrosstheedgeoftheblade.JalalgrabbedShahrzadandtuckedherfaceintohisshoulder.Herhands
shookagainsthim,andhepressedhispalmtohercheekinanefforttosootheher.
TheRajputcrouchedbesidehercaptor’sbody.Heranhisdepthlessblackeyesacrosstheman’smotionlessform.Thenhepulledbackthedarksleevecoveringtheman’srightforearm.Inthepalelightofthemoonspillingfromtheterrace,Shahrzadsawafaintmarksearedintohisskin:theoutlineofascarab.
“AFida’idog,”theRajputgrumbledlikedistantthunder.Khalidregardedthebrandinsilencebeforeturningaway.Withalowcurse,
heheavedhisshamshiracrosstheroom.“What?”ShahrzadaskedJalal.“TheFida’is.Hiredmercenaries.Assassins.”Shahrzadinhaledsharply,thequestionsmassingatthetopofherthroat.Jalalpeeredatherneck.“MyGod.You’rebleeding.”Heshovedasideher
hair.Beforeshehadachancetoreact,shewasliftedoffherfeet.Khaliddismissed
herprotestsashecarriedherawayfromthecarnage,withJalalandtheRajputfollowingclosebehind.Whentheycrossedthethreshold,thelifelessbodiesofthetwoRoyalGuardspositionedoutsideherdoorstaredupatherwithglassyeyes.Theirthroatswereslashedtogapingmaws.Shestifledagasp.
“They’realldead,”Khalidsaidwithoutlookingather.“Everyguardinthiscorridorisdead.”
Shetensedhergriparoundhisneckashecontinueddownthehall.Oncetheyroundedthecorner,soldiersburstthroughthedoors,ledbyGeneralal-Khoury.
“Isshehurt?”theshahrbandemandedinanurgentvoice.“I’mfine,”shereplied,momentarilytakenabackbyhisconcern.“Really,I
am.”“She’swounded,”Jalalclarified.“It’snotbad,”Shahrzadcountered.“Putmedown.Icanwalk.”Khalidignoredher.“Icanwalk,Khalid.”Again,herefusedtolookather,muchlessrespond.Theymoveddownthehallwayswithguardslightingtheirpath,encircling
theminagleamingbastionofsteelandtorchfire.Decidingtocedethisparticularbattle,ShahrzadleanedagainstKhalid,closinghereyestotheglareforaninstant,andhisholdonhertightened.
Theyturneddownanother,smallercorridorShahrzadhadneverseenbefore.Itwaslinedinstonewithanarchedceilingofsmoothalabaster.Soontheyhaltedbeforeasetofdoubledoorsmadeofpolishedebony,hingedinbronzeandiron.
“Guardsaretostandposthereandatthedoorsleadingtomychamberuntilfurthernotice,”Khalidcommanded.“Beadvised—ifthereistheslightestbreachateitherentrance,youwillanswertome.”
Aguardnoddedbrisklybeforepullingononeofthebronzehandles.Khalidwalkedthroughthehuge,ebonydoorwaywithShahrzadinhisarms.Hedidnotputherdown.Instead,hecrossedapitch-blackantechambertoanothersetofdoorsidenticaltothefirst.Oncetheypassedthisthreshold,theyenteredavastroomwithavaultedceilinglitinitscenterbyasinglelampoflatticedgold.KhalidsetShahrzadontheedgeofaplatformedbedcoveredindullsilk.Thenhestrodetoanimmenseebonycabinetpositionedagainstthebackwall,whereheremovedstripsofspunlinenandasmall,roundcontainerbeforecollectingapitcherfromatophisdesk.
HekneltbeforeShahrzadandbrushedherhairoverhershouldertolookatthewound.
“Itoldyou,”Shahrzadsaid.“It’snotbad.Itcan’tbemuchworsethanascratch.”
Khalidpouredwaterfromthepitcherontoastripoflinen.Heliftedittoherneckandbegancleaningthewound.
Shahrzadstudiedhisfaceasheworked.Thedarkcirclesbeneathhiseyeswereevenmorepronouncednow.Linesofdriedbloodranacrosshischeekandbrow,marringhissun-bronzedskin.Hisfeaturesweresetonedge,andherefusedtomeethergaze.Theanglesofhisprofileremainedobdurate.Unyielding.Liketheedgesofarumpledscroll,demandingtobesmoothed...orcastaside,onceandforall.
Whenhedampenedanotherpieceoflinen,Shahrzadplacedherhandoverhisandremovedtheclothfromhisgrasp.Sheraisedthestriptohisfaceandwipedatthedarkbloodofhisenemy.
Khalid’stiger-eyesfinallyfelltohers.Theyrovedacrossherinpoignantsilenceasshewashedawaytheremnantsofdeathwithsteady,gracefulfingers.Thenheleanedforward,pressinghisbrowtohers,catchingherhandsinhis.Stillingthemboth.
“Iwanttosendyouaway.Toaplacewherenoneofthiscantouchyou,”hebegan.
Herheartshuddered,andshepulledback.“Sendmeaway?AsifIwereathing?”
“No.That’snotwhatImeant.”
“Whatdidyoumean,then?”“ImeantthatIcannotkeepyousafe.Fromanything.”“Andyouranswertothatistosendmeaway?”Shahrzadrepeatedina
dangerouswhisper.“Myanswerisnotananswer.Itisawillingnesstodowhateverittakes—
evensomethingasdistastefulassendingyoufrommyside.”“Andyouexpectmetoobey?Togowhereveryoucommand?”“Iexpectyoutotrustme.”Shahrzadnarrowedhereyes.“YoushouldknowIwillnottakekindlytoyou
treatingmelikeapossession.”“Ihavenevertreatedyoulikeapossession,Shahrzad.”“Untilyouspokeofsendingmeaway.”Khalidshiftedhishandstohersides.“You’remywife.Theyarehurtingyou
becauseofme.”“They?DoyoumeantheFida’is?”Shehesitated.“Whoarethey?Towhom
dotheypledgeloyalty?”“Towhoevercanpaytheirprice.Loyaltyebbsandflowswiththetide;gold
doesnot.Themenwhohirethemhavelittletoofferbeyondthat.”“Andyouthinkitwillhelpifyouyieldtosuchmen?”“Idon’tcarewhattheythinkaslongasyou’resafe.”“Youshouldcare.It’stimetostartcaring.Youcannotcontinuetorulethis
kingdominsuchacallousmanner.”Hesmiled,bitterandunamused.“Youspeakasthoughyouunderstand.As
thoughyouknow.”“You’reright.Iunderstandnothing.Iknownothing.Andwhosefaultis
that?”Shahrzadpushedagainsthisbarechestandstoodfromthebed,walkingpasthim.
“I’vetoldyouwhy.”Khalidrosetohisfeet.“Itisnotsafeforyoutoknowthesethings.Toknow—”
“Toknowwhat?”Shespunaroundtofacehim.“Toknowyou?AsifIcouldeverhopetoachievesuchathing.Yet,likeafool,I’vewantedtolearn.Tounderstandwhatpainsyou,whatbringsyoujoy.ButIremainignorantofeventhemosttrivialofthings.Idon’tknowyourfavoritecolor.Whatfoodsyoudetest.Whatscentbringstomindatreasuredmemory.Iknownothing,becauseyoufightmeeverystepoftheway.”
Hewatchedherasshespoke,hisfeaturescareful,hiscomposuredeliberate,thoughhiseyesrevealedadeeperconflicthenolongerfoughttoconceal.
“Idon’tknowwhatyouwantfromme,Shahrzad.IonlyknowIcan’tgiveit.Notnow.”
“Itdoesnothavetobesodifficult,Khalid-jan.Myfavoritecolorisviolet.Thescentofrosesmakesmefeelathome,whereverIam.Idonotenjoyfish,butwilleatittomakealovedonehappy,sufferingthroughmysmiles.”
Heremainedstone-faced,theconflictinhiseyeswarringon.Withabeleagueredsigh,sheturnedandstrodetotheentrance.“Goodnight.”Khalidwasbesideherinafewlongstrides,pressinghishandtotheebony
door.Preventingherfromleaving.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”hesaidinalowvoice.Shedidnotlookup,thoughherheartthrummedinherthroat.“Provethata
realmandoesn’tmakeashowofwhat’shis.Itjustis.”“Isit?Areyoumine?”Khalidaskedwithquietsolemnity.Herconvictionwaveredfurther.“Itoldyou;don’ttrytoownme.”“Idon’twanttoownyou.”Sheswiveledhernecktomeethisgaze.“Thenneverspeakofsendingme
awayagain.Iamnotyourstodowithasyouwill.”Khalid’sfeaturessmoothedknowingly.“Howrightyouare.Youarenot
mine.”Hedroppedhispalmfromthedoor.“Iamyours.”Shahrzadcurledherfingerstight,forcingherselftorecallatimewhenshe
meantnothingtohim.Atimewhenhemeantlessthannothingtoher,andallthatmatteredwasbloodforblood.
Alas,shenolongersawthesameboybeforeher.Justlightamidstaseaofdarkness,andtheunerringpromiseofsomethingmore.Butsheneversawthethingssheshouldsee.Thepain,theanger,thebetrayal.Thesethingsalwaysfaded,andshedespisedherselfforit.
Beforeshecouldstopherhands,theyreachedforhim,asthoughtheyexistedfornootherreasonthantotouchhim.Herfingersbrushedacrosshisjawwithafeather’scaressbeforepullingaway,andheclosedhiseyesonasoftinhale.Likethepoisontoyingwithitsremedy,Shahrzad’shandsignoredherandtookcontrol,ameretasteofhisskinnotnearlyenough.Neverenough.Theybeganathisbrowandeasedtheirwaytohistemplesbeforeslidingintohishair,smoothassilk,darkasnight.Shewatchedhiseyesopenandturnfromliquidtofireunderherfingers.Shahrzadranherpalmsdowntohisneck,whereshepaused.
“Whywon’tyoutouchme?”shewhispered.Ittookhimamomenttoreply.“BecauseifIstart,Iwon’tstop.”“Whoaskedyoutostop?”Herfingerstraveledtohischest.“WhatifIcan’tgiveyoutheanswersyouwant?”Again,shereturnedtonothing.Yetthere,inthewarmthofhiseyes,waseverything.“Thengivemethis.”Shahrzadstoodonhertoesandbroughthermouthto
his.Whenhedidnotrespond,shecurvedhertongueagainsthislowerlip,andhishandsdrewacrossherwaistinaslowburn.Shethoughthewouldpushheraway,buthedraggedheragainsthim.Khalidkissedher,meldingnothingtoeverything.Shahrzadwrappedbotharmsaroundhisneck,andhebackedherintotheebonydooruntilshewasbracedupagainstit,eachoftheirbreathsmatched,measureformeasure,beatforbeat.
“Khalid.”Shegrippedhisshouldersashislipsbrushedthedelicateskinbeneathherchin.Herheartwaspoundingsoloudthatshedidnotatfirstrecognizethenoiseatthedoor.
“Sayyidi.”“Khalid,”sherepeated,catchinghiswrists.Hesworesoftly.Thenhereachedforthebronzehandle.“Yes.”Hisreplywaslowandirascible.Theguardbowedthroughthecrackinthedoor.“Theshahrbanwishestospeakwithyou.Captainal-Khourymayhave
determinedhowtheintrudersgainedentryintothepalace.”Khalidnoddedcurtlyasheshutthedoor.Heranhispalmalongthesideof
hisjawbeforeturningtoShahrzadoncemore.Shewasleaningagainsttheebonywithherhandsclaspedbehindherback.“Go,”shesaidsoftly.Hepausedinthoughtfulscrutiny.“I—”“Don’tworry.I’llstayhere.”“Thankyou.”Ashereachedforthehandleagain,helingeredandsmiledto
himself.Herbrowsdrewtogether.“Whatisit?”“It’safittingpunishmentforamonster.Towantsomethingsomuch—tohold
itinyourarms—andknowbeyondadoubtyouwillneverdeserveit.”Khalidpulledopenthedoorandsteppedoverthethresholdwithoutwaitingforaresponse.
Shahrzadslidtothefloor.Thehandsthathadappearedsteadyagainsthimnowshookbeforeherface.Proofthatshewasbeingequallypunishedforherowntransgressions.Punishedfordesiringamonster.
Sheofferedsilentthankstothestarsthatdealtinfate—forhermonsterdidnotseemtoknowhowallreasonhadleftherforthespaceofabreath.
Howtheguiltcrasheddownaroundher.Andhowthequestionsburdenedhersoul.“Someonewhoknows.”
ASHADEOFWHATIFEEL
SHAHRZADREMAINEDINTHEWASTELANDOFHERthoughts,studyingtheprismsoflightfromthelampoflatticedgold.Whenshecouldnolongerfeelanysensationinthesolesofherfeet,sherosetoastandingposition.Hereyeswanderedaroundtheroom,takinginhersurroundingswiththecarefulstudyofapredatortoitsprey.
Thefloorwasconstructedofblackonyx,andthewallswerehewnfromthesamesmoothalabasterasthecorridorleadingtotheentranceoftheantechamber.Allthefurniturewasbuiltofebony,craftedinharshlines.Everysurfacewasstarkandunobstructed.ThebedlackedtheboldsurfeitofcushionsShahrzadhadgrownaccustomedtoinherownbed—thatfamiliar,lushvibrancy,yearningtobeloungedupon.
Likeitsoccupant,theroomappearedcoldanduninviting—unlikelytooffertheslightesthintofclarity.Thischamberislikeaprison,onceremoved.Shesighedtoherself,andthesoundsusurratedbackatherfromtheheights
ofthevaultedceiling.Shahrzadpacedaroundtheperimeteroftheroom,herbarefootstepsleavingimprintsontheshiningblackonyx.Then,likeawhisperofasuggestion,theyvanishedwithoutatrace.
Thesinglelampinthechamber’scenterlookedeerieandforlorn.Itfailedtoprovideenoughlight,renderingitsflickeringshadowsmorebalefulthanbeautifulagainstthecoolwhitealabaster.
Itwasasadplacetocallarefuge,withjustasunyieldinganaspectasitsmaster.
ThemoreShahrzadgazedatthechamber,themoresherealized,andthelesssheunderstood.Everythinghadaspecificplaceinthisroom—adesignatedordertoitsexistence.Theonlythingsoutofplaceweresheandthebloodstainedstripsoflinenattheedgeoftheplatformedbed.Anyevidenceoflife—orlingering
emotions—didnotbelong.Shahrzadstrodetothebedanddiscardedthebloodiedlinen.Thenshe
gatheredtheunusedstrips,alongwiththesmallcontainerofsalveKhalidhadremovedfromtheebonychestupontheirarrival.Itsimmensecabinetdoorwasstillajar.Shahrzadwalkedtowarditwiththecleanlinenandthetubofsalveinherarms.Shetuggedononeofthebronzeringsandpeeredinside.Aswiththeroom,itsshelvesweremeticulousintheirconstructionandorganization.Twowerelinedwithbooksindescendingheightorder,andanotherwasstackedwithscrollsboundbywaxseals.Ashelfateyelevelcontainedanassortmentofjarsinvariousshapesandsizes.Theemptyspaceforthecontainerofsalvewasevident,andShahrzadreplacedit,alongwiththestripsofunusedlinen,intheirclearlydemarcatedpositions.
Asshebegantoshutthedoor,hereyesfellonaleathersleevefilledwithsheetsofparchment,wedgedlikeanafterthoughtbetweentwomassivetomesonashelfhighaboveher.
Itseemedoutofplace.Justlikeher.Asmallpartofherknewsheshouldleaveitbe.Thiswasnotherroom.These
werenotherthings.But...itcalledtoher.Thiscollectionofafterthoughtswhisperedhername,
asiffrombehindalockeddoorwithaforbiddenkey.Shahrzadstaredupatthesleeveofleather.
AswithTalaandherbluebeardedhusband’sringofkeys,theparchmentpleadedforattention.
And,likeTala,shecouldnotignoreit.Shehadtoknow.Shahrzadstoodonhertoesandtuggedontheleathersleevewithbothhands.
Itslidfrombetweenthetomes,andsheclutchedittoherchestforanervousbeatbeforekneelingagainsttheblackonyx.Coldfearskittereddownherbackassheraisedthefold.Thesheafofparchmentwasinvertedandillegible,soshegrabbedthestackandupendeditwithcare.
ThefirstthingshenoticedatthebottomwasKhalid’sformalsignature,composedinclear,neatscript.Whenhereyesskimmedacrosstherestofthepage,sherapidlydiscerneditwasaletter—
Aletterofapology,addressedtoafamilyinRey.Shahrzadturnedtothenextpieceofparchment.Itwasanotherletterofapology.Writtentoanotherfamily.Assheleafedthroughthestackofparchment,hereyesbegantoswimin
realization.Inrecognition.Thesewerelettersofapologytothefamiliesofthegirlsmurderedatdawnby
acalloushandandasilkcord.Eachwasdated.EachacknowledgedKhalid’ssoleresponsibility.None
offeredanyjustificationforthedeath.Noexcuse.Hemerelyapologized.Inamannersoopenandfulloffeelingthatitlefther
throatdryandherchestaching.Itwascleartheywerewrittenwithnointentionofbeingdelivered.Khalid’s
wordswerefartoopersonalandintrospectivetoindicateheevermeantforanyeyestoseethemapartfromhisown.Buthisunabashedself-loathingcutintoShahrzadwiththeeffectivenessofanewlyhonedknife.
Hewroteofstaringintofrightenedfacesandtearfuleyes,withtheabjectknowledgehewasrobbingfamiliesoftheirjoy.Stealingtheirhearts’bloodfromthem,asthoughhehadtheright.Asifanyonehadtheright.
Yourchildisnotanotionorawhim.Yourchildisyourgreatesttreasure.AndyoushouldneverforgivemeforwhatI’vedone.AsIwillneverforgivemyself.
Knowthatshewasnotafraid.Whenshegazedatthefaceofthemonstersanctioningherdeath,shedidnotquail.WouldthatIhadhalfhercourageandaquarterofherspirit.
Lastnight,Royaaskedforasantur.Herplayingdreweveryguardinthecorridortoherdoor,andIstoodinthegardenandlistened,likethecold,unfeelingbastardIam.ItwasthemostbeautifulmusicIhaveeverheardinmylife.Amusicthatrenderedallthereafterdullandcolorlessinitsmemory.
TearsbeganstreamingdownShahrzad’sface.Sheturnedthepagesfaster.UntilshefoundtheoneaddressedtothefamilyofRezabin-Latief.
Howdoesonebegintoapologizeforrobbingtheworldoflight?Wordsseemstrangelyinsufficientinsuchacase,andyetIfalltotheiruselessnessinmyowninadequacy.PleaseknowIwillneverforgetShiva.Forthebriefmomentshestaredintothefaceofamonster,shedeignedtosmileandforgive.Inthatsmile,IsensedastrengthandadepthofunderstandingIcouldneverhopetofathom.Ittoreatwhatprofessestobemysoul.I’msorry,I’msorry,I’msorry.Athousand,thousandtimes.At
yourknees,anditwillneverbeenough.
Shahrzadsobbed,andthesoundrangoutinthechamber.Theparchmentshookinherhands.
Khalidwasresponsible.Whatevertheexcuse,whateverthereason—hewastheone.HehadkilledShiva.
HehadrobbedShahrzadofthislight.Shehadknownit,allalong.Butnow,clutchingtheundeniabletruthbetween
herfingers,sherealizedhowmuchshehadwantedittobealie.Howmuchshehadwantedtheretobesomekindofexcuse.Somekindofreadyscapegoat.That,somewherealongtheline,shewoulddiscoveritwasnothisfault.
Evennowsheknewhowridiculousitsounded.Butitwasbreakingher...slowly.Thewallaroundherheartwascrumbling,
leavingbehindscorchedembersandbleedingwounds.Hersobsgrewlouder.Shahrzadwantedtohurltheleathersleeveacrosstheroom,shreditscontents,anddenyitspernicioustruths,butsheliftedthenextpage.Andthenext.
Somany.Andnotasingleexplanation.Shecontinuedscanningtheparchment,searchingforasemblanceofpurpose
behindsuchsenselessdeath.Clingingtothisthreadofhope,shelaboredon.Untilfinally,hereyesfellonthelastpage,andherheartfaltered.Itwasaddressedtoher,datedforthatfatefulsunrisewiththesilkcord.
Shahrzad,I’vefailedyouseveraltimes.ButtherewasonemomentIfailedyou
beyondmeasure.Itwasthedaywemet.ThemomentItookyourhandandyoulookedupatme,withthegloryofhateinyoureyes.Ishouldhavesentyouhometoyourfamily.ButIdidn’t.Therewashonestyinyourhatred.Fearlessnessinyourpain.Inyourhonesty,Isawareflectionofmyself.Orrather,ofthemanIlongedtobe.SoIfailedyou.Ididn’tstayaway.Then,later,IthoughtifIhadanswers,itwouldbeenough.Iwouldnolongercare.Youwouldnolongermatter.SoIcontinuedfailingyou.Continuedwantingmore.AndnowIcan’tfindthewordstosaywhatmustbesaid.ToconveytoyoutheleastofwhatIowe.WhenIthinkofyou,Ican’tfindtheairto
Theletterstoppedshortthere.
Shahrzadpuzzledoveritforthespanofaheartbeat.Thenaconversationfromtheirpastechoedaroundher,likeasongfroma
distantmemory:“Andhowwillyouknowwhenyou’vefoundthiselusivesomeone?”“Isuspectshewillbelikeair.Likeknowinghowtobreathe.”Theletterdriftedtothefloor,backtoitsscatteredbrethren.Everything
aroundShahrzadfelltoshadowandsilence.Tothebitternessofknowledgeandthebrillianceofunderstanding.
Inarush,shewastakenbacktothatawfuldawnandthefeelofthesilkcordaroundherneck.Sheforcedherselftorecalleachpartofit—thesilverlightasitcreptacrossthebluebladesofgrass,themistintheearlymorningsun,thepenitentsoldierwiththeburlyarms,andtheoldwomanwiththeflutteringshroud.Thefear.Theanguish.Thenothingness.Butnow,assheclosedhereyes,hermindconjuredaparallelworldofsorrow—ofaboy-kingathisebonydeskwritingalettertoadyinggirl,withthesunascendingathisshoulder.Ofthisboyhaltinginunexpectedawareness,withhishandpoisedovertheparchment.Ofhimracingdownthecorridors,withhiscousinathisheels.Burstingintoacourtyardofsilverandgrey,punctuatedbyblackinkandburningagony—
Wonderingifhewastoolate.Swallowingatorturedscream,Shahrzadthrewthesleeveanditscontents
acrosstheshiningonyx.Herownawarenesshadrisenlikethedawnatherback.Likealeadensunrise
veiledinaswirlofstormclouds.ItwasnolongerenoughtohaveanswersforShiva’ssake.Indeed,ithadceasedtobeaboutmerevengeancethemomentKhalid’slipstouchedhersinthealleybythesouk.Shehadwantedtheretobeareasonforthismadness,neededtheretobeareason,sothatshecouldbewithhim.Sothatshecouldbebyhisside,makehimsmileasshelaughed,weavetalesbylamplight,andsharesecretsinthedark.Sothatshecouldfallasleepinhisarmsandawakentoabrillianttomorrow.
Butitwastoolate.HewastheMehrdadofhernightmares.Shehadopenedthedoor.Shehad
seenthebodieshangingfromthewalls,withoutexplanation.Withoutjustification.
Andwithoutone,Shahrzadknewwhatmustbedone.Khalidhadtoanswerforsuchviledeeds.Suchrampantdeath.Evenifhewasherair.Evenifshelovedhimbeyondwords.
•••
Hisguardswereonedgeandmuchtooclose.Theirglaringtorchesandclatteringfootfallwerenotdoingservicetothe
torturousacheinhishead.Norweretheyofbenefittothefirethatbattledfordominionoverhiseyes.
Whenanervoussentrydroppedhisswordwithanoisetorousethedead,ittookallofKhalid’swillpowernottosnaptheyoungman’sarmfromhisshoulder.
Instead,Khalidpausedinthedarkenedcorridorandpressedhispalmstohisbrows.
“Leave,”hegrumbledtohisguards.“Sayyidi—”“Leave!”Khalid’stemplespoundedasthewordreverberateddownthehalls.Theguardsglancedatoneanotherbeforebowingandtakingtheirleave.Jalalremainedagainstthewallinsomberwatchfulness.“Thatwasratherchildish,”hechastised,oncethesoldiershadturnedthe
corner.“Youarefreetoleave,aswell.”Khalidresumedhistrektowardhischamber.JalalcutinfrontofKhalid.“Youlookterrible.”Hiseyeswerebright,andhis
foreheadwaslinedwithworry.Khalidstaredbackathim,calmandaloof.“Isupposeyouexpectmeto
confideinyou,followingyourhonestassessmentofaratherobviouscondition.Forgiveme,butI’vehadatryingevening,Captainal-Khoury.”
“I’mtrulyconcerned.”Khalidfeignedbemusement.“Don’tbe.”“Ifyourefusetotalkaboutwhathappenedtonight,Imustcontinuetopress
thematter.”“Andyouwillbemetwithdisappointmentateveryturn.”“No.Iwon’t.”Jalalfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“Youareadisaster.You
flinchattheslightestnoise,andyounearlyrippedthatpoorboy’sheadofffordroppinghissword.”
“Theboywasstumblingabout,wieldinganunsheathedblade.Ifinditfortunatehedidn’ttripandimpalehimselfonthecoldsteelofhisownstupidity.”
“Yoursarcasmgetsmorebrutalwithage.Andwitharrogance.It’snotnearlyasentertainingnow.”
Khalidgloweredathiscousin.Thebloodpulsedalonghisneckandthrummedinhistemples.Eachbeatblurredthelinesofhisvision.
HeshovedpastJalal.“Whatwereyoudoingtonight,sayyidi?”Jalalcalledafterhim.“Doyou
realizeyouputourentirekingdomatriskwhenyoudiscardedyourweaponatthathireddog’sbehest.Hecouldhavekilledyou,andyouwouldhaveleftKhorasanwithoutaruler.YouwouldhaveallowedSalim’smercenariestoleaveusleaderless,onthebrinkofpotentialwarwithParthia.”Hepausedpointedly.“Allforthesakeofagirl—oneofsomany.”
Atthat,thefrayedstrandsofKhalid’scomposuretoreapart,andheturnedthefullforceofhisfuryontoJalal,whirlingaroundandfreeinghisshamshirfromitsscabbardinasingle,fluidmotion.HeraisedthecurvededgeofthebladeuntilitwaspositionedahairsbreadthfromJalal’sheart.
Jalalstoodstill,hisserenityatoddswiththesituation.“Youmustloveheragreatdeal,Khalid-jan.”
Afterabeat,Khalidloweredhissword,hisbrowmarredbypainandconsternation.“Loveis—ashadeofwhatIfeel.”
Jalalgrinned,butitdidnotreachhiseyes.“Asyourcousin,I’mgladtohearit.But,asthecaptainofyourguard,IwouldbelyingifItoldyouIwasn’talarmedbytonight’sevents.Youarenotresponsibletoonlyonegirl.”
“I’mawareofthat.”Khalidsheathedhissword.“I’mnotsocertainyouare.Ifyouplanonbehavingissuchaheedless
fashion,Ithinkit’stimetotellShahrzadthetruth.”“Idisagree;therefore,thisdiscussionisover.”Khalidstrodedownthe
corridoroncemore,andJalalwalkedathisside.“She’sfamilynow.Ifyouarewillingtodieforher,thenit’stimeweentrust
herwithoursecret,”Jalalpressedinaquietvoice.“No.”HereachedforKhalid’sshoulder.“Tellher,Khalid-jan.Shehasarightto
know.”“Andhowwouldyoureacttosuchnews?”Khalidshovedhishandaside.“To
theknowledgeyourlifehoversonaprecipice,boundbyamutablecurse?”“Mylifeisatriskeveryday.Asisyours.SomethingtellsmeShazidoesnot
liveinaworldthatdeniesthisfact.”Khalid’seyebrowsflattened.“Itdoesn’tmatter.I’mnotreadytotellher.”“Andyouneverwillbe.Becauseyouloveher,andwefighttoprotectthose
welove.”JalalhaltedbythecorridorleadingtoKhalid’schamber,andKhalidadvanceddownthemarbleandstonewithoutaglanceinhisdirection.
“Sayyidi?”Jalalcontinuedfrombehindhim.“Makesureyousummonthefaqirtonight.Youareabowstringreadytosnap.”
Khalidshovedpastthefirstsetofdoorsintotheantechamberandmovedtowardtheentranceofhisroom.Hepausedbeforenoddingtooneoftheguards,whotwistedoneofthebronzehandlesandpushedopenthepolishedwood.
Uponcrossingthethreshold,Khalidfoundtheroomcompletelysilent.Utterlystill.Theonlythingsamisswerethebloodiedstripsoflinenandthepitcherofwaterbesidetheraisedplatform—
Andthegirlasleepinhisbed.Shahrzadlayonherside.Herdarkhairwassplayedacrossdullsilk,andher
kneesweretuckedagainstthelonecushiononKhalid’sbed.Afringeofblacklashescurvedagainsttheskinbeneathhereyes,andherproud,pointedchinwastuckedintoagatheringofsilkbesideherpalm.
Khalidsatdownwithcareandrefrainedfromlookingatherfortoolong.Touchingherwasnotanoption.
Shewasadangerous,dangerousgirl.Aplague.AMountainofAdamantwhotoretheironfromships,sinkingthemtotheirwaterygraveswithoutasecondthought.Withameresmileandawrinkleofhernose.
Butevenknowingthis,hesurrenderedtoherpull.Succumbedtothesimpleneedtobebyherside.Withaslowexhalationofbreath,Khalidplacedhisshamshironthefloorandeasedhisbodynexttohers.Hestaredupattheceiling,atthesingleflameinthegoldenlampabovehishead.Eventhedimlightshiningfromitsdepthspainedhiseyes.Heshutteredhisgaze,tryingtopushpastthewearinessandtheever-presenttormentofthechainedbeastroaringinsidehishead.
ShahrzadshiftedinhersleepandturnedtowardKhalid,asthoughdrawnbyherowninexplicablecompulsion.Herhandfelltohischest,andshesettledherbrowbesidehisshoulderwithamutedsigh.
Againsthisbetterjudgment,Khalidopenedhisburningeyestolookatheronemoretime.
Thisdangerousgirl.Thiscaptivatingbeauty.Thisdestroyerofworldsandcreatorofwonder.Theurgetotouchhernowpastlogic,Khalid’sarmmovedtoencircleherin
anembrace.Heburiedhisnoseinherhair,inthesamescentoflilacsthattauntedhimfromoutsidehiswindow.Thesmall,gracefulhandonhischestdriftedhigher,besidehisheart.
Whatevertormenthehadtoendure.Whateverevilhehadtoface.Therewasnothingthatmatteredmore.Thenheheardanoiseinthefarcorneroftheroom.Heblinkedhard,tryingtorefocus.Hismusclestensedwithheightened
awarenesswhenaflashofmovementblurredacrosshisvision.Khalidsqueezedhiseyesshut,fightingtoclearthelines,fightingtoseethroughthelayersoffogandshadow.Thepainbetweenhisbrowsgrewashispulserosetomeettheunforeseenchallenge.
Anotherblurofmotionflittedacrosstheroom,thistimeintheoppositecorner.
KhalidremovedhisarmfromaroundShahrzadandreachedforthepitcherofwaterbytheplatform.
Whenanewflashofmovementcaughthisattentionbesidehisdesk,Khalidheavedthepitcherinitsdirectionandshottohisfeet,hisshamshirinhand.
ThesoundofthepitchershatteringagainsttheebonywokeShahrzad,andshesatupwithastartledcry.
“Khalid?What’swrong?”Khalidsaidnothingasheregardedthestillnessaroundhisdesk.Heblinked
again.Hard.Hiseyesblazedwiththefireofathousandsuns.Hepressedapalmbetweenhisbrowsandgrittedhisteeth.
Shahrzadrosefromthebedandstrodetohisside.“Areyou—hurt?”“No.Gobacktosleep.”Itsoundedneedlesslycruel,eventohim.“You’relyingtome.”Shereachedupandwrappedsoftfingersaroundhis
wrist.“What’swrong?”“Nothing.”Again,hispainlancedthroughtheword,makinghisresponse
moreabruptthanheintended.Shetuggedonhisarm.“Liar.”“Shahrzad—”“No.Tellmethetruth,orI’mleavingyourchamber.”Khalidremainedsilent,thebeastinhisheadroaringwithuntoldvigor.Shahrzadchokedbackasob.“Again.Andagain.”Shespunonherheeland
glidedtowardtheebonydoors.“Stop!”Khalidtriedtogoafterher,buthisheadthrobbedandhissight
distortedtosuchadegreethatfollowingherwasimpossible.Withanincoherentslur,Khaliddroppedhisshamshirandsanktohisknees,hispalmsclutchingeithersideofhishead.
“Khalid!”Shahrzadgasped.Sheranbackandcrouchedbesidehim.“Whatisit?”
Hecouldnotrespond.Khalidheardherracetothedoorsandyankoneopen.“Mylady?”aguardinquired.“FindCaptain—no,Generalal-Khoury,”Shahrzadinsisted.“Rightaway.”Shewaitedbythedooruntilasoftknockstruckashortwhilelater.“MyladyShahrzad,”hisunclebegan.“Iseverything—”“Hishead.Please.He’s—inalotofpain.”Thesoundoffearinhervoice
unnervedKhalid.Morethanhecaredtoadmit.“Staywithhim.I’llreturnshortly.”
Thedoorclosed.Shahrzadreturnedtohisside.Khalidleanedbackagainsttheedgeofhisbed
andbracedhiselbowsonhisknees,pressingbothpalmstohisforeheadwithenoughforcetopaintstarsacrosshisvision.
Whenthedooropenedoncemore,Shahrzadstiffened.Hefeltherdrawcloserinwaryprotectiveness.
“Sayyidi.”Thevoiceofthefaqirechoedfromabovehim.Khalidsighed,hiseyesstillsqueezedshut.“Mylady,”hisunclesaid.“Pleasecomewithme.”Herbodytensedevenfurther,gearingforbattle.“I—”“Shahrzad-jan,”hisuncleinterjectedverygently.“Please.”“No,”Khalidrasped.Hereachedoutahandforher.“Shestays.”“Khalid-jan—”Khalidforcedopenedhisscreamingeyesandstaredupathisuncle.“Mywifestays.”
AVA
SHAHRZADDIDNOTKNOWWHATTOMAKEOFTHEsceneunfoldingbeforeher.Thestrangeoldmangarbedinwhitedidnotwalkwiththegaitofanormal
person.Hedidnotblink,nordidheappeartobreathe.Andhewasstudyingherwithsuchpiercingintentthatittwistedherstomach
intoacoilofknots.“Sayyidi,”thestrangemanrepeated,shiftingclosertoKhalid.Withoutaword,Khalidbowedhishead.Themanraisedhispalmsbeside
Khalid’stemples.Thenheclosedhiseyes.Shahrzadfelttheairintheroomstill.Apeculiarsensationsettledaroundherheart,slidingchillsdownherback.
Whenthestrangemanopenedhiseyesoncemore,theyglowedwhite,liketheblindingcenterofaflame.Betweenhishands,awarm,red-orangefireburstspreadaroundtheentiretyofKhalid’sbrow.
Thepeculiarfeelinginherchestflared,andShahrzadsmotheredagasp.Itremindedherofthatafternoonlastweek...withthefloatingcarpet.
ThecircleoflightaroundKhalid’sheadpulsedyellow,flashingbrighterbeforespiralingupintothedarkness.Thenitretractedbackintotheoldman’sclawedhands.
Andthesensationaroundherheartdisappeared.Khalidexhaledcarefully.Hisshouldersrolledforward,andthetensionbegan
easingfromhisbody.“Thankyou,”hewhisperedtotheman,hisvoiceparchedandraw.Shahrzadgazedupatthisstrangewielderofmagic.Again,hewasstaring
downatherwithanoddlydiscerningexpression.“Thankyou,”Shahrzadreiterated,ataloss.Theoldmanfrowned,hisunblinkingeyesawashwithdiscomfort.“Sayyidi
—”“Yourcounselisalwaysappreciated.I’mawareofyourconcerns,”Khalid
interruptedinaquiettone.Theoldmanpaused.“It’sgettingworse.Anditwillonlycontinuetoprogress
inthisfashion.”“Again,Iunderstand.”“Forgivemyinsolence,sayyidi,butyoudonot.Iwarnedyoubefore,andnow
myworstfearsarecomingtofruition.Youcannotmaintainthisfarceformuchlonger.Ifyoudonotfindawaytosleep—”
“Please.”Khalidrosetohisfeet.Theoldmandriftedbackandbowedwithpreternaturalgrace.“Again,Ithankyou.”Khalidreturnedthebowandraisedhishandtohis
foreheadinrespect.“Donotthankme,sayyidi,”theoldmanrepliedashefloatedtotheebony
doors.“Myserviceistothehopeforagreatking.Seethatyougranthimthechancetoprovemeright.”Hegraspedabronzehandle,stoppingtoglanceatShahrzadoncemorebeforedisappearingintothedarkness,leavingthemalone.
Khalideasedontotheedgeofthebed,hiseyesbloodshotandhisfeaturesholdingfasttotracesofstrain.
Shahrzadsatdownnexttohim.Shesaidnothingforatime,andtheairgrewthick,ladenwiththeirunspokenthoughts.
Thenheturnedhisheadtowardher.“Before—”“Youcan’tsleep?”sheinterjectedinasmallvoice.Heinhaledthroughhisnose.“No.”“Why?”Khalidbentforward,hisblackhairgrazinghisforehead.Shereachedforhishand.“Tellme.”Hepeeredsidewaysather,andhislookofmiseryrobbedherofbreath.Shahrzadwrappedbothherhandsaroundoneofhis.“Please,Khalid.”Henoddedonce.“BeforeIstart,IneedyoutoknowhowsorryIam.”Herpulsewavered.“Forwhat?”“Foreverything.ButmostlyforwhatI’mabouttotellyou.”“Idon’t—”“It’saburden,Shazi,”hesaidinahoarsewhisper.“Thissecretisan
encumbranceIneverwantedforyou.Onceyouknowit,itcan’tbetakenback.Whateverhappens,itscoldcertaintywillremainwithyou.Thefear,theworry,theguilt—theybecomeyours.”
Shahrzadinhaledcarefully.“Iwon’tsayIunderstand,becauseIdon’t.Butifit’syourburden—ifitcausesyoutosuffer—Iwishtoknow.”
Khalidstudiedthestretchofblackonyxbeforehim.“HernamewasAva.”“Ava?”
“Myfirstwife.ImarriedhernotlongafterIturnedseventeen.Itwasanarrangedmarriage.OneIarrangedtoavoidwhatIconsideredafarworsefate.HowwrongIwas.”
Khalidlacedhisfingersthroughhers.“IwasnevermeanttoruleKhorasan.Mybrother,Hassan,wasraisedtotake
thethrone.Whenhediedinbattle,itwastoolateformyfathertorectifytheyearshehadspentpunishingmeformymother’sperceivedtransgressions.Therewasnorelationshipbetweenus—nothingbutmemoriesofbloodanddreamsofretribution.Uponhisdeath,Iwasasunpreparedtoruleasanyboyfilledwithhatewouldbe.Asyouoncesaid—Iwaspredictable.Predictablyangry.Predictablyjaded.”
ShahrzadwatchedKhalid’swearyeyesfadeinrecollection.“Iwasalsodeterminedtobeeverythingmyfatherdespisedinaking.Before
hedied,hehadwantedmetomarryYasmine—tounitethekingdomsofKhorasanandParthia.Followinghisdeath,hisadvisorscontinuedtopushforthematch.EvenUncleAreffeltitwasawise,albeitunfortunate,decision.Iwasadamantinmyrefusal—tothepointwhereIdismissedmyfather’sremainingadvisorsandsoughtmyowncounsel.”
Shahrzad’sfeaturestightened.“YoudespiseYasminethatmuch?”Khalidshookhishead.“Yasmineisnotwithouthermerits,butIneverfelt
realaffectionforher.Morethanthat,IcouldnotwillinglyjoinmyfamilywiththatofSalimAliel-Sharif.Whenmymotherwasalive,hetreatedherlikearichman’swhore,andheneverfailedtoexploitanyopportunitytospeakillofherafterherdeath.Evenasaboy,IrememberlongingforthedaywhenIwouldbestrongenoughtopunishhimforthethingshesaid.”Acornerofhislipsquirkedupwardinbitteramusement.
“Revengeisn’twhatyouexpected,isit?”Shahrzadaskedquietly.“No.It’snot.Anditneverwillbe.Revengewon’treplacewhatI’velost.”Shahrzadswallowed,lookingaway.“Salimmusthavebeenveryangryabout
yourrefusaltomarryYasmine.”“Ineverrefused.Itneverwentthatfar.WhenthepressuretomarryYasmine
grew—toemboldenthetiesbetweenourkingdomsandsolidifymyweakstanceasayoungcaliph—Idecidedthebestwaytoavoidtheinsultofanoutrightrefusalwastomarrysomeoneelse.AvawasfromagoodfamilyinRey,andshewaskindandsmart.Onceweweremarried,Itriedtobeattentive,butitwasdifficult.Istillhadmanythingstolearnaboutbeingaking,andIdidn’tknowhowtobeahusband.Likeme,Avawasnotthetypetoreadilyshareherthoughtsandfeelings,andthemomentswespentwitheachotheroftendriftedtosilence.Shestartedtogrowdistant...andsad.YetIstilldidnotinvestthetime
necessarytolearnthereasons.Afterafewmonthsofmarriage,shehadwithdrawnagreatdeal,andourinteractionwasratherlimited.Intruth,theawkwardnessmademeevenlessinclinedtoseekherout.OntherareoccasionsItriedtospeakwithher,shealwaysappearedelsewhere—lostinaworldIneversoughttounderstand.”
Hisfacehadbecomemorewornandhaggardashespoke.“EverythingchangedwhenAvafoundoutshewaspregnant.Herentire
demeanorshifted.Shebegantosmileagain.Beganplanningforafuture.Ithoughtallwouldbewelland,likeafool,Iwasgladforit.”
Khalidclosedhiseyesforamomentbeforehecontinued.“Welostthebabyafewweekslater.Avawasinconsolable.Shestayedinher
roomfordaysonend,eatingonlyenoughtosurvive.Iwouldvisither,andshewouldrefusetospeakwithme.Butshewasneverangry.Alwaysjustsad,witheyesthattoreatmysoul.OnenightwhenIcametoseeher,shefinallysatupinbedandengagedmeinconversation.SheaskedmeifIlovedher.InoddedbecauseIcouldn’tbringmyselftolieoutright.Thensheaskedmetosayit.Justonce,becauseI’dneversaidit.Hereyesweredestroyingme—suchdarkwellsofsadness.SoIlied.Isaidthewords...andshesmiledatme.”
Heshuddered,pressingtheirjoinedhandstohisforehead.“ItwasthelastthingIeversaidtoher.Alie.Theworstkindoflie—thekind
shroudedingoodintentions.Thekindcowardsusetojustifytheirweakness.Ididn’tsleepwellthatnight.Somethingaboutourexchangeunnervedme.Thenextmorning,Iwenttoherroom.Whennooneansweredthedoor,Ipusheditopen.Herbedwasempty.Icalledoutforher,andstillIheardnothing.”
Khalidpaused,hisfeaturescaughtinastormofremembrance.“Ifoundheronherbalconywithasilkcordaboutherthroat.Shewascold
andalone.Gone.Idon’tremembermuchelseaboutthatmorning.AllIcouldthinkwashowshe’ddiedalone,withnoonetoofferhersolace,noonetogranthercomfort.Noonewhocared.Notevenherhusband.”
Shahrzad’seyesburnedwithunshedtears.“Afterwelaidhertorest,Ireceivedaninvitationfromherfathertomeetat
hishome.Outofguiltandadesiretoshowherfamilyameasureofrespect,Iwenttoseehim,againstthecounselofthosearoundme.Theydidnotknowwhatherfathercouldpossiblywanttodiscusswithmeinprivate.ButIdismissedtheirconcerns.”Khalidtookadeepbreath.“Thoughtheywererighttohavethem.”
Hewithdrewhishandfromhersandfelltosilence.“Khalid—”“Onehundredlivesfortheoneyoutook.Onelifetoonedawn.Shouldyou
failbutasinglemorn,Ishalltakefromyouyourdreams.Ishalltakefromyouyourcity.AndIshalltakefromyoutheselives,athousandfold.”
Shahrzadlistenedtohimrecitethesewordsfrommemory,hiseyesadriftintheirmeaning.
Andrealizationcrasheddownonher,likelightningtoacragonamountaintop.
“Acurse?”shewhispered.“Ava’sfather—cursedyou?”“Hegavehislifetothiscurse.Beforemyeyes,heranadaggerthroughhis
heart,payingforthemagicwithhisownblood.TopunishmeforwhatIhaddonetohisdaughter.Formyrampantdisregardofhisgreatesttreasure.Hewantedtomakesurethatotherswouldknowhispain.Thatotherswoulddespisemeashedid.HeorderedmetodestroythelivesofonehundredfamiliesinRey.Tomarrytheirdaughtersandofferthemtothedawn,justlikeAva.Totakeawaytheirpromiseofafuture.Andleavethemwithoutanswers.Withouthope.Withnothingbuthatetokeepthemalive.”
Shahrzadbrushedawaythehottearscoursingdownhercheeks.Shiva.“Irefusedtocomplyatfirst.Evenafterwerealizedhe’dsoldhissoultothe
darkestmagictoenactthiscurse,evenafternightswithoutsleep,Icouldn’tdoit.Icouldn’tbeginsuchacycleofdeathanddestruction.Thentherainsceased.Thewellsdriedup.Andtheriverbedsvanished.ThepeopleofReyfelltosicknessandstarvation.Theystartedtodie.AndIbegantounderstand.”
“Ishalltakefromyouyourcity,”Shahrzadmurmured,recallingthedevastatingdroughtthathaddestroyedthecropsduringthelastharvestingseason.
Henodded.“AndIshalltakefromyoutheselives,athousandfold.”Hereitwas.Atlonglast.Anexplanation.Areasonforsuchsenselessdeath.WhydoInotfeelanybetter?ShahrzadstudiedKhalid’sprofileinthedimlightofthelampaboveashe
continuedstaringatthefloor.“Howmanydawnsareleft?”sheasked.“Notmany.”“Andwhatif—whatifwefailtocomply?”“Idon’tknow.”Hispostureindicatedaninvisibleweightanditsforegone
conclusion.“But—itrained.It’srainedseveraltimesinthetwomonthsI’vebeenatthe
palace.Perhapsthecursehasweakened.”Heturnedtolookatherwithasadhalfsmile.“Ifthatisthecase,thereis
littleelseIwouldaskofheaven.”Agnawingsenseofawarenessbegantotugathercore.“Khalid,whatif—”“No.Donotaskwhatyouareabouttoask.”Hisvoicewasharshandlaced
withwarning.Herhearttrippedaboutinherchest,matchingpacewithhernewfoundfear.
“Thenyouhavenotevenconsidered—”“No.Iwillnotconsiderit.”Hereachedforherwithbothhands,framingher
chinbetweenhispalms.“ThereisnosituationinwhichIwillconsiderit.”Sheshookherhead,thoughhershoulderstrembledandhernailsdugintoher
palms.“Youareridiculous,KhalidIbnal-Rashid.Iamjustonegirl.YouaretheCaliphofKhorasan,andyouhavearesponsibilitytoakingdom.”
“Ifyouarejustonegirl,Iamjustoneboy.”Shahrzadclosedhereyes,unabletoholdthefiercelightinhisgaze.“DidyouhearwhatIsaid,Shahrzadal-Khayzuran?”Whensherefusedtorespond,shefelthislipsbrushacrossherforehead.“Lookatme,”Khalidsaid,sosoftandsoclosethatitwashedacrossherskin
inwarmassurancesandcooldesperation.Sheopenedhereyes.Herestedhisbrowagainsthers.“Justoneboyandonegirl.”Shahrzadforcedapainedsmile.“Ifthatisthecase,thereislittleelseIwould
askofheaven.”Khalidpulledherbackagainstthecushionandwrappedhisarmsaroundher.
Shepressedhercheektohischest.Andtheyheldeachotherinstillnessuntilasilverdawnbrokeacrossthe
horizon.
OBLIVION
KHALIDSTUDIEDTHEPLANSLAIDOUTONTHEDESKbeforehim.Thenewsystemofaqueductsdirectingfreshwaterfromanearbylakeintothe
city’sundergroundcisternswouldbeacostly,time-consumingendeavor.Hisadvisorshadcounseledagainstsuchanundertakingfortheseandaslewofotherreasons.
Understandable.Astheywerenotconcernedaboutanimpendingdrought.Khalidranhishandacrosstheparchment,scanningthecarefullywrought
linesandmeticulousletteringofRey’sbrightestscholarsandengineers.Suchgreatmindsathisdisposal.Suchvastintelligenceathisfingertips.HewastheCaliphofKhorasan.ThesupposedKingofKings.He
commandedarenownedforceofsoldiersand,fortwelveyears,he’dtrainedwithsomeofthebestwarriorsinthekingdom.TwelveyearsspenthoninghiscrafttobecomeoneofthefinestswordsmeninRey.Manyconsideredhimasoundstrategistaswell.
Yet,withalltheseseemingattributes,hewasstillpowerlesstoprotectwhatmattered—
Hispeople.Hisqueen.Hecouldnotreconcilethetwo.Notwithoutasacrificebeyondthescopeof
consideration.Khalidreflectedontheconsequencesofsuchselfishbehavior.Howhis
unwillingnesstoconsiderthelifeofonegirlagainstsomanyotherswouldbeconstrued.Wouldbejudged.
Manyyounggirlshadalreadygiventheirlivestothiscurse.HaddiedbecauseofKhalid’sfailuretonoticetheprofoundsufferinginhisfirstwife.Hisfailuretocare.
Whatrighthadhetodecidewhoselifewasmorevaluable?Whowashe,afterall?
Aboy-kingofeighteen.Acold,unfeelingbastard.Amonster.Heclosedhiseyes.Hishandscurledintofistsabovetheparchment.Hewouldnotletthewhimsofonegrief-strickenlunaticdictatehisactions
anylonger.Hewoulddecide.Evenifitwasabominablyselfish.Evenifhewasjudged
andpunishedforit,intoeternity.Hewouldneverbeamanwhofailedtocareagain.Hewouldfighttoprotect
whatmatteredtohim,atallcost.Savetheonethingthatmatteredmost.Khalidsignedthedecreetobeginconstructiononthenewsystemof
aqueducts.Hesetitasideandproceededtothenextorderofbusiness.Ashereviewedthedocument,thedoorstothealcoveswungopenwithoutawordofwarning,andhiscousinburstthroughtheentrance.
Khalid’seyebrowsroseatthisbrashdisplay.Whenhisunclefollowedamomentlater,wearinganexpressionevenmoregrimthanusual,Khalidinhaledandleanedbackagainstthecushions.
ThelookonJalal’sfacewas...unsettling.“Iassumethisisimportant.”Khalidfocusedhisattentiononhiscousin.WhenJalalsaidnothing,Khalidsatup.“Sayyidi—”hisunclebegan.“Theremustbeanexplanation.”Jalal’svoicefalteredashisknuckles
clenchedwhitearoundthebatteredscrollinhisleftpalm.“Jalal-jan—”“Please,Father,”Jalalraspedoverhisshoulder.“Letmespeak!”Khalidstoodup.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”“Promisemeyou’llgiveherachancetoexplain.I’veneverknownyouto
breakyourword.Promiseme.”“Givehimthereport.”HisuncleedgedclosertoJalalwithaweary,yet
determinedsettohisjaw.“Notuntilhepromises.”Jalal’sinsistenceborderedonmanic.Khalidstrodefrombehindhisdesk,hisposturerigid.“Iamnotpromising
anythinguntilyoutellmewhatthisisabout.”Jalalhesitated.“Captainal-Khoury?”“Shazi...andthatboy.”Itwasabrokenwhisper.AnicyfistwrappedaroundKhalid’sthroat.Yethereachedoutasteadyhand.
“Givemethereport.”“Promiseme,Khalid.”“I’mnotcertainwhyyouthinkIoweyouapromiseonherbehalf.”Hisvoice
wasunwavering,despitethechillingvise.“Thenpromiseher.”“WhatIpromiseShahrzadisnoneofyourbusiness.Givemethereport.”Jalalexhaledslowlybeforehandinghimthescroll.AsKhalidunfurledit,a
darkweightsettledacrosshischest,likeaportentofdoomseekinglastingrefuge.
Hescannedthemissiveonce.Thewordsregisteredinafarcornerofhismind.Khalid’seyesdriftedtothetopoftheparchmentagain.
Andagain.“I’msorry,Khalid-jan.”Hisunclewaskind.“Soverysorry.EvenIstartedto
believe—wantedtobelieve—thatshewassomethingmore.”JalalshookhisheadandmovedtowardKhalid.“Sheis.Pleasegivehera
chancetoexplain.”“Leave,”Khalidcommandedquietly.“Don’tletyourfearandyourdistrustruinthis.”HisuncletookJalalbytheshoulder.“Shelovesyou!”Jalalcontinued,histoneheedless.“Thisisnotwhatit
seems.Maybeitbeganassomethingelse,butIwouldbetmylifeonwhatitisnow.Shelovesyou.Pleasedon’tfalltohate.Youarenotyourfather.Youaresomuchmore.Sheissomuchmore.”
Khalidturnedhisbackonhiscousin,crumplingthescrollinhispalm.Andtheportentofdoomunleasheditselfonhisbody,darkeningeverything
initspath—Destroyinganalreadycondemnedsoul.
•••
Shahrzadstoodattherailingofherbalcony,staringupataseaofwinkingstarsacrossasoftindigosky.
Shecouldnotbringherselftobealoneinherroom.Thoughnotracesofcarnageremained,itwastoosoontoloungewithinitsdimlylitconfines,surroundedbytheghostsofskulkingshadows.
Shahrzadsighedasshewatchedabeamofstarlightdartacrossacornerofdarkestblue.
Shehadspentthedaywanderingthegardensonherown,choosingtoforgo
Despina’scompanyinordertocontemplatethemanyrevelationsofthenightbeforewithoutthedistractionsoftheworldaroundher.
Alas,thetruthwasnotasenlighteningasshehadhoped.Instead,itwasdesolateanduglyandcloakedinevenmorecrueltythanshe
couldhaveimagined.Herbestfriendhadbeenmurderedforthesakeofrevenge—adisgusting,
twistedrevengeinflictedbyacrazedmanwhohadlosthischildtoanunfortunateturnofevents.Andhe,inturn,hadchosentopunishothersforhispain.
HehadpunishedKhalidforit.AndKhalidhadpunishedthepeopleofRey.Shahrzadtookadeepbreath.Everythinghadspiraleddownanendlessblackwellbecauseofoneman’s
torment.Shestudiedherhandsagainstthecoolstonerailing.Thatsamedesireforrevengehadbroughthertothispalace.Haddrivenherto
hatetheboy-kingshe’dblamedforsuchsuffering.Andnowhereshewas,standingonanabyss.KhalidwasstillresponsibleforShiva’sdeath.Hehadgiventheorder.Hehad
satathisdeskandwrittenalettertoShiva’sfamilywhileasoldiercinchedtheairfromherbodywithasilkcord.Hehadnotstoppedthemfromkillingher,ashehadwithShahrzad.Hehadallowedittohappen.
Nothingaboutthefactshadchanged.Yetthepicturelookeddifferent.BecauseShahrzadknewwhy.Eventhoughitwashorrifyingandbeyondthe
realmofpossibility,apartofherunderstoodthathe’dhadlittlechoice.Andthatoneday,hemightbeforcedtomakethesamedecisionabouther.Thegroanofthedoorstoherchamberdrewherattention.Shahrzadtightened
thelacesofhershamlaandspunfromthebalcony.Shewalkedintothecenterofherroom.Tapersofwarmlyscentedambergriswereglowinginthecorner.
Khalidstoodbeforetheentrance,hisprofileconcealedinpartbyshadow.Shesmiledhesitantly.Heremainedasstillasastatue.Herbrowfurrowed.“Hello?”Hervoicesoundedstrange,eventoher—more
ofaquestionthanawelcome.“Hello.”Itwassevereandforbidding,hearkeningbacktoatimewhenstories
bylamplightwerealltheyshared.Allshecouldhopetoshare.ItthrewShahrzadagainstawallofice.“Issomethingwrong?”Hemovedfromthedarknesstowardher.
Somethingwasdefinitelywrong.But,thoughhisfeatureswerecoldanddistant,histiger-eyesrippledwith
pureemotion.“Khalid?”Herpulseskippedabeat.Heexhaledwithunremittingcare.“Howlong?”“What?”Hetookanothersteptowardher.“HowlonghaveyoubeeninlovewithTariq
Imranal-Ziyad?”Agaspescapedherbeforeshecouldstopit.Herheartcareenedaboutinher
chest,andshefeltherkneesstarttogive.Lie.Lietohim.Thetiger-eyescontinuedhauntingher...watching,waiting.Knowing.Afraid?“SincethesummerIturnedtwelve.”Hervoicebroke.Heclenchedhisfistsandtwistedbacktothedarkness.“Icanexplain!”Shahrzadreachedforhim.“I—”Whenheturnedaround,thewordsdiedonherlips.Inhisrighthandwasadagger.Shebackedawayinhorror.Hisgazestayedfixedonthemarbleatherfeet.“Behindtheebonychestin
myroomisadoorwithalargebrassring.Thehandleisunusual.Youhavetoturnitthreetimestotheright,twotimestotheleft,andthreemoretimestotherightbeforeitwillopen.Thestaircaseleadstoanundergroundpassagethatwilltakeyoudirectlytothestables.Takemyhorse.HisnameisArdeshir.”
Shahrzad’sconfusionoverrodeherpanic.“Idon’t—”“Here.”Heunsheathedthedaggerandhandedittoher.Sheshookherhead,continuingtobackaway.“Takeit.”Hepressedthehiltintoherpalm.“Idon’tunderstand.”“Vikramiswaitingoutside.He’lltakeyoutomychamber.Noonewillstop
you.TakeArdeshir...andgo.”Khalidspokeinavoicebarelyoverawhisper.Shahrzadclenchedthehiltofthedagger,herbrowlined,andherheart
thunderinginherchest—AndthenKhalidsanktohiskneesbeforeher.“What—whatareyoudoing?”shegasped.“I—”“Shivabin-Latief.”Hesaidhernamewiththereverenceofaprayer,hishead
bowedandhiseyesclosedinshamelessdeference.AlltheairleftShahrzad’sbodyinasinglerushofcomprehension.She
swayedunsteadyonherfeetbeforeshefelltothefloorwiththedagger’shiltclutchedtightinherhand.
“Getup,”hesaidquietly.Herchestheaved.“Getup,Shahrzadal-Khayzuran.Youkneelbeforenoone.Leastofallme.”“Khalid—”“Dowhatyoucametodo.Youowemenoexplanation.Ideservenone.”Shahrzadreleasedachokedsob,andKhalidgrabbedherbythearms.“Getup.”Histonewasgentlebutfirm.“Ican’t.”“Youcan.ForShiva.Youareboundless.Thereisnothingyoucan’tdo.”“Ican’tdothis!”“Youcan.”“No.”Sheshookherhead,stavingoffthetears.“Doit.Youowemenothing.Iamnothing.”Howcanyousaythat?Youare...Shahrzadshookherheadharder.Hergriponthedaggerloosened.“Shahrzadal-Khayzuran!”Themusclesinhisjawconstricted.“Youarenot
weak.Youarenotindecisive.Youarestrong.Fierce.Capablebeyondmeasure.”Sheswallowed,steelingherself,searchingforathreadofhate,foradramof
rage,for...anything.Shiva.Khalidstayedresoluteinhiscourse.“Itookherfromyou.NothingIdo,
nothingIsaywilleverfixwhatI’vedone.Iftherehastobeachoicebetweenus,thereisn’tonetomake,joonam.Notforme.”Myeverything.Shahrzadrosetoherkneesandbracedherpalmagainsthischest.“Andyouexpectmetomakethischoice?”shedemanded.Henoddedonce,hiseyesablaze.Shecurledherfingersintothefrontofhisqamis.“Youhonestlyexpectmeto
breatheinaworldwithoutair?”Khalidinhaledsharplyashishandstightenedaroundherarms.“Iexpectyou
tobestrongerthanthat.”Shahrzad’sfeaturessoftened.“But...thereisnothingstrongerthanthis.”Herholdonthedaggerwasgone.Itclatteredtothefloor.Shahrzadbrought
herpalmstohischest.“Hate.Judgment.Retribution.Asyousaid,revengewillneverreplacewhatIhavelost.Whatyouhavelost.Allwehaveisnow.Andourpromisetomakeitbetter.”
Shewoundherfingersintohishair.“ThereisnooneIwouldratherseethe
sunrisewiththanyou.”Khalidclosedhiseyes.Shecouldfeelhisheartracing.Whenhewasableto
meethergazeagain,heslidhishandstoherface,brushinghisthumbacrosshercheekwiththewarmcaressofasummerbreeze.
Theykneltfacingeachotherinsilence.Studyingeachother.Trulyseeingeachother—withoutanypretense,withoutanymasks,withoutanyagenda.Forthefirsttime,Shahrzadallowedhereyestolingeroneveryfacetofhimwithoutthefearofhissharpmindtearingthroughveilsofgossamerandgold—
Andseeingthetruth.Thesmall,barelynoticeablescarbyhislefteye.Thedarklyhostilesettohis
brows.Thepoolsofliquidamberbeneath.Theperfectfurrowinthecenterofhislip.
Whenhecaughtherstaringathismouth,Khalidexhaledslowly.“Shazi—”“Bewithmetonight,”shebreathed.“Inallways.Bemine.”Hiseyesturnedtofire.“I’vealwaysbeenyours.”Hecuppedherchininhis
palm.“Asyou’vealwaysbeenmine.”Shebristledandstartedtoprotest.“Don’t.”Hereturnedherbitingglare.“Yourpossessiveness...maypresentaproblem.”Sheknottedherbrows
together.Thecornersofhislipscurledupward,eversoslightly.ShahrzadtookKhalid’shandandledhimtothebed.Thougheverypartof
herbodyremainedacutelyawareofthetall,solidpresencebehindher,shedidnotfeelnervous.Shefeltcalm.Aremarkablesenseofrightness.
Hesatontheedgeofthebed,andshestoodbeforehim.Khalidleanedhisbrowagainstherstomach.“Iwon’taskforforgiveness,but
Iamsoverysorry,”hesaid,withthesimplebrevityshewaslearningtoexpect.Shepressedherlipsintohissoft,darkhair.“Iknow.”Helookedup,andsheeasedontohislap,withakneeateithersideofhis
waist.Khalidpulledthehemofhisqamisoverhishead,andShahrzadskimmedherpalmsacrosstheleanplanesofhischest.Shepausedatafaintlineofwhitealongthelengthofhiscollarbone.
“Vikram,”heexplained.Hereyesnarrowed.“TheRajput?Hecutyou?”“Why?”Itwasalmostteasingintone.“Doesitbotheryou?”Shewrinkledhernose.Khaliddrewhercloser.“Ithappens,fromtimetotime.He’sbetterthanI
am.”“Idon’tcare.Don’tlethimcutyouagain.”
“I’lldomybest.”Hetiltedherchinupward.“Whataboutthis?”Histhumbranalonganoldmarkattheundersideofherjaw,sendingashiverdownherback.
“IfelloffawallwhenIwasthirteen.”“Whywereyouonawall?”“IwastryingtoproveIcouldclimbit.”“Towhom?”Whenshedidnotreply,Khalidtensed.“Isee,”hemuttered.“Andthefool
justwatchedyoufall?”“Ididn’tgivehimachoice.”Asmileghostedacrosshislips.“Againstallodds,Ifeeladropof
sympathy...amidstaseaofhatred.”“Khalid.”Sheshovedhischest.“Shahrzad.”Hecaughtherhand,hisfeaturesabruptintheirintensity.“Isthis
reallywhatyouwant?”Shestaredathim,surprisedtoseeaflickerofvulnerabilityonhisface.ThemightyCaliphofKhorasan.TheKingofKings.Herbeautifulmonster.Shahrzadleanedforwardandtookhislowerlipbetweenhers.Shetrappedhis
jawbetweenherpalmsandswepthertongueintosun-lavedhoney.Ashesaid,therewasneverachoiceinthematter.Oneofhishandsslidtothesmallofherback,andshearchedherselfagainst
him,moldingherformtohis.Thelacesofhershamlaweretuggedfree,andcoolairrushedacrossherbody,followedbythewelcomeheatofhistouch.Thefeelofhisskinagainsthers.
Whenhislipsmovedtoherthroat—torestwithcarebesidethewoundmadebytheFida’idagger—Shahrzadmadeadecision.
“Iloveyou,”shesaid.Khalidliftedhisheadtohers.Sheplacedahandagainsthischeek.“Beyondwords.”Hiseyesstillfixedonherface,heloweredherontothecushions.Thenhe
coveredherhandwithhis,brushinghislipsacrossherinnerwrist.“Mysoulseesitsequalinyou.”Allthatwasbeforehermeltedintoamberandtruth.And,withakiss,Shahrzadletherselffall.Fortheboywhowasanimpossible,improbablestudyincontrasts.Theboy
whoburnedherlifetocinder,onlytoremakeofitaworldunlikeanyshehadeverknown.
Tomorrow,shecouldworryaboutsuchathingasloyalty.Tomorrow,she
couldworryaboutthepriceofsuchbetrayal.Tonight,allthatmatteredwasthis.Theirhandsthreadedaboveherhead.Hislowwhisperinherear.Justoneboyandonegirl.This.Oblivion.
•••
Shahrzadawoketothescentofroses.Tothescentofhome.Agoldensunstreamedfrombetweenthecarvedwoodenslatsofthescreens
leadingtoherbalcony.Shewincedatitslightandrolledover.Onthesilkcushionbesideherheadwasapalevioletroseandafoldedpiece
ofparchment.Shesmiledtoherself.Thensheliftedtheroseandbroughtitcloser.
Itwasperfect.Thecircleofwindingpetalswasflawless,andthecolorwastheidealbalanceofstrikingandsubdued.Inhalingitsheadyfragrance,shereachedforthepieceofparchmentandshiftedontoherstomach.
Shazi,Ipreferthecolorbluetoanyother.Thescentoflilacsinyourhairisa
sourceofconstanttorment.Idespisefigs.Lastly,Iwillneverforget,allthedaysofmylife,thememoriesoflastnight—Fornothing,notthesun,nottherain,noteventhebrighteststarinthe
darkestsky,couldbegintocomparetothewonderofyou.Khalid
Shahrzadreadtheletterfourtimes,committinghiswordstomemory.Hersmilegrewwiderwitheachreading,untilitstretchedfarenoughtocauseherpain.Thenshelaughedlikeanimbecileandquicklychastisedherselfforit.Sheplacedtheroseandtheparchmentonthestoolbyherbedandreachedtothefloorforherdiscardedshamla.WhereisDespina?Tyingherlaces,shewalkedtothedoorofherhandmaiden’schamberand
knocked.Whennooneanswered,shetwistedthehandleandlookedinside.Itwasdarkanddeserted.Shefrownedandturnedbacktowardherchamber.
Herfrowndeepening,sheproceededtobatheanddressinasleevelesslinenqamisofvibrantscarletwithmatchingtrowsers.Tinyseedpearlsandembellishmentsofcopperandgoldwereembroideredatthecuffsandalongthehem.
Asshefinishedtuggingtheivorycombthroughthelastofherstrands,oneofthedoubledoorsopenedandslammedshutwithadeafeningbang.
Shahrzadjumpedthroughtheairwithastrangledcry.“Didyoumissme?”Despinateased.“Wherewereyouallmorning?”Shahrzadgloweredatherhandmaiden,
snakingherstill-damphairoveroneshoulder.Despinacockedherheadtotheside.“Youmustbejoking,BratCalipha.I
wouldrathereatmyfillofexcrementthanreturntothischamberamomenttoosoon.Especiallyattheriskofincurringaking’swrath.”
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”“Ceasewiththedisplaysoffalsemodesty.Theentirepalaceknowsaboutit.”AfeelingofwarmthcreptupShahrzad’sneck.“Knowsaboutwhat?”Despinagrinned.“TheCaliphofKhorasangoingintothegardensatdawn
alone.Andreturningwithasinglerose.”ShegesturedtowardthefloweronthestoolbehindShahrzad.“Ithinkit’ssafetoassumewhy.”
TheheatbloomedontoShahrzad’sface.Despinagroaned.“Areyougoingtodenyit,then?Howtedious.”Shahrzadpaused.“No.I’mnot.”Sheliftedherchin.“Thankthegods.IthoughtIwouldhavetosufferthroughanotherodious
attemptatcoyness.”“You’reonetospeakonsuchmatters.”“Excuseme?”Shahrzadpositionedherhandsonherhipsandpeakedaneyebrowina
perfectimitationofherhandmaiden.“Didyouhaveaniceevening,Despina-jan?”
“OfcourseIdid,”Despinasaidoverhershoulder.“Isleptquitewell.”“I’mhappytohearit.Haveyoufinallymusteredthecouragetotelltheman
youlovethetruth?”“ThemanIlove?Ithinkyoumayhavehityourhead.Perhapstoomuch
unrestrained—”“Nowwho’sbeingodiouslycoy?Honestly,itgallsmehowbothofyou
continuetoplaythesegamesandignoreyourfeelings.Heneedstoknowthatyoucareabouthim.Andheshoulddefinitelyknowabouthischild.MaybeIcan—”
“Shahrzad!”Despinaspunaround,herfeaturescontortedinhorror.“You
can’t!Youmustn’t!”“Despina—”“Youdon’tunderstand!Hecan’tknow—anything.”Despina’shandsshookas
shebroughtthemtorestaboveherstomach.Shahrzadshotheragazeofbewilderment.“You’reright;Idon’tunderstand.
He’sagoodman.Hemust—loveyou.Doeshenot?”“I...don’tknow.”Forthefirsttime,theproud,haughtysettoDespina’s
posturefaltered.Hershoulderssagged,andshemovedtothefootofShahrzad’sbedtoleanagainsttheplatform.Withoutaword,Shahrzadsatdownonthewhitemarblebesideher.
“Anyway,hecan’tmarryme,”Despinasaidinasoft,defeatedtone.“I’m—ahandmaiden.He’sthecousinofthecaliph.Oneday,hewillbecomethenextshahrban.HisfathermarriedaprincessofKhorasan.Hehastomarrysomeonefromagoodfamily.NotahandmaidenfromThebes.”
“Evenifhelovesher?”Despinaclosedherceruleaneyes.“Evenifhelovesher.”“Ithinkthat’sabsurd.Haveyoudiscusseditwithhim?”Sheshookherhead.“HethinksIdon’tlovehim.I’vesaidasmuch.”“Despina!”Shahrzadglaredatherhandmaiden.“It’seasierthatway.Ifhebelievesthisisjustapassingfancy,itwillbefar
simplerforusbothtocarryonwithourlivesafterthefact.”“Whywouldyoudothattoyourself?Whywouldyoulietohim?”“Ibelievewhenyoutrulylovesomeone,youwantwhat’sbestforthat
person.”“Ifindthatnotonlyabsurd,butarrogant,aswell.”“AndIfindthatamusing,comingfromsomeoneasarrogantasyou.”“I’marrogant?”Shahrzadsputtered.“I’mnottheoneassumingtoknow
what’sbestforagrownmanwithoutconsultinghimfirst.”Despinasmiledsadly.ShahrzadnudgedDespina’sshoulderwithherown.“Iunderstandhow
difficultitis,puttingyourheartinsomeoneelse’shands.But,ifyoudon’t,howwillyouevertrulyknowaperson?”
Despinadrewherkneestoherchest.“Hisfatherwilldespiseme.EveryonewillthinkItrappedhimintomarriage.ThatI’maschemingwhore.”
“Iwillpersonallybeatsenselessthefirstpersontospeakillofyou.”Despinaarchedadubiousbrow.“Don’tsneeratme.Imaybesmall,but,whenpushed,Icanstrikeoutwitha
surprisingamountofforce.”Shahrzadsniffed.“Ifyoudon’tbelieveme,askJalal.”
“YoustruckJalal?”Despinafrowned.Shahrzadshookherhead,asmileplayingattheedgesofherlips.“Khalid.”“What?”Despinagasped.“You...struckthecaliph?”“Acrosstheface.”Despina’shandshottohermouth,andabubbleoflaughterburstfromher
lips.Thetwogirlsremainedseatedonthefloortalkingandlaughinguntilaknock
attheentrancebroughtthemtotheirfeet.Thedoubledoorsswungopen,andKhalidwalkedacrossthethresholdwithJalalathisside.Acontingentofguardsremainedinthehall.Theshahrbanwaitedpatientlyamongstthem.
Asalways,Khalidmovedwithanairofimperiousgrace.Hisdarkrida’wasfastenedoveranelaboratesilverandgoldcuirass.Thehiltofhisshamshirwasloopedthroughablacktikkasashslungacrosshisnarrowhips.Helookedmenacingandunapproachable—athousandyears,athousandlives,athousandtalesaway.
ButShahrzadknewbetter.Shemethiminthecenterofthechamber.Hiseyeswerewarm.Herheartsoaredatthesight.DespinabowedtoKhalidandproceededwithoutpausetowardhersmall
roombytheentrance...whereJalalstoodagainstthewall,theportraitofcasualease.
Itwasavainattemptatindifference,onboththeirparts.ForShahrzadboresilentwitnesstothetruth.Itwasonlyforaninstant,and
theyneverglancedateachother.Yet,shewonderedhowanyonecouldmissit—thesubtleshiftinJalal’sshoulders,andthetelltaletilttoDespina’shead.
Shahrzadsmiledknowingly.KhalidwaiteduntilthedoorleadingtoDespina’schambersealedshut.“Didyousleepwell?”Hislowvoicebroughttomindmemoriesofwhispered
wordsinthedark.“Idid.”“I’mglad.”“Thankyouforthegifts.Theywereperfect.”“Thentheywerefitting.”Shequirkedaslenderbrowathim,andacornerofhismouthrose.“Ihavesomethingelseforyou,”hesaid.“Whatisit?”“Givemeyourhand.”“Doesitmatterwhichone?”
Heshookhishead.Sheheldoutherrighthand,andheslidabandofmutedgoldontoitsthird
finger.Itwasthematetohis.Shahrzadranherleftthumbacrosstheembossedstandardoftwocrossed
swords.Thereigningal-Rashidstandard.Herstandard.AstheCaliphaofKhorasan.“Doyoumindwearingit?It’s—”“Thebestgiftofall.”Shelookeduptomeethisgaze.Andhesmiledasmiletoshamethesun.Behindhim,thetroopofguardsstirred.“Sayyidi?”JalalinterruptedwithanapologeticglanceatShahrzad.“You
shouldleavesoon.”Khalidnoddedonceinacknowledgment.“Whereareyougoing?”Shahrzadasked,herforeheadcreasing.“AsmallforceisgatheringattheborderofKhorasanandParthiaunderanew
banner.Theemirsinthatregionarenervousandwishtodiscussstrategy,shouldanaltercationarise.”
“Oh.”Shefrowned.“Howlongwillyoubegone?”“Two,maybethreeweeks.”“Isee.”Shahrzadchewedontheinsideofhercheek,tryingtoremainsilent.Hissmilereturned.“Twoweeks,then.”“Notthree?”“Notthree.”“Good.”Heregardedherwithsteadyamusement.“Again,I’mglad.”“I’dratheryoubecarefulthanglad.Andreturnsafe.”Shedroppedhervoice.
“Oryou’llbemetwithaplatteroffigs.”Hiseyesgleamedgold.“Myqueen.”Hebowedwithahandtohisbrow
beforeshiftingitoverhisheart.Respect.Andaffection.Ashemadehiswaytowardtheentrance,disappointmentbeganekingahole
inShahrzad’sspirits.Itwasnotthekindofgood-byeshewanted.“Khalid?”Hepivotedtofaceher.Sherantohimandgrabbedthefrontofhisrida’topullhimdownforakiss.Hefrozeforamoment,thenreachedahandbehindherwaisttopullher
closer.Theguardsinthehallshufflednervously,theirswordsandarmorjangling
together.Jalal’ssoftlaughterechoedfrombesidethedoubledoors.Shahrzaddidnotcare.Forthiswasakissofdefinition.Akissofunderstanding.Foramarriageabsentpretense.Andalovewithoutdesign.Khalid’spalmpressedagainstherback.“Tendays.”Hergriponhiscloaktightened.“Doyoupromise?”“Ipromise.”
ONEELEMENTOFASTORM
JAHANDARRODETHEDAPPLEDMARETOTHETOPofahilloverlookingRey.Theskyabovewasdarkandstarless.Perfect.Hetookadeepbreathandswungfromthesaddle.Thenhereachedintohis
leathersatchelandwithdrewthebattered,ancienttomefromitsdepths.Itpulsedathistouch.Withcarefulreverence,hekneltbeforeasmallgroupingofrocksandsetthe
volumeonaflatsurface.Heliftedtheblackkeyfromaroundhisneckandinserteditintotherustedlockinthebook’scenter.Assoonasheraisedthecover,aslow-spreadingsilverlightemanatedfromthepages.
Hewasthankfultheynolongerburnedhishands.Jahandarturnedthewell-wornvellumuntilhereachedthespell.Thewords
werealreadycommittedtomemory,butthebook’smagicassistedhiminchannelingthepowerforsuchadauntingtask.Heclosedhiseyesandletthesilverlightwashacrosshisfaceandpalms,imbuinghimwithsoundlessstrength.Thenhewithdrewthedaggerfromitssheathandranitstipacrossthenewlyformedscaronhisleftpalm.Assoonashisblooddrippedontotheblade,themetalstartedtoglowawhite-hotblue.
Hestoodandturnedbacktowardthedappledmare.Shetossedhermaneandsnorted,herdeepbrowneyeswide.Skittish.Jahandarhesitatedforaheartbeat.
Butpeoplewereexpectinggreatthingsfromhim.Andherefusedtodisappointthemagain.Grittinghisteeth,hestrodeforwardandslicedthedaggeracrossthemare’s
throatinasingle,quickmotion.Hotbloodspewedontohishandsinacrimsontorrent.Themarestaggeredtoherkneesasshestruggledagainsttheinevitable.Soonshekeeledover;herbreathswereshallowatfirst,thennonexistent.
Theblade’sedgewasfirered,itscenterburningmorebrilliantthanever.
Utterlyfearsomeinitsgreatness.Hesteppedbackfromthecarcassandinhaledthroughhisnose.Thenhe
touchedthedaggertothewoundonhispalm.Thepowerragedthroughhim,searingintohisbones.Fromatopitsthroneof
mottledstones,thebook’ssilverlightpulsedbrighterthanastar.Jahandargaspedanddroppedthebladeasthepowercollectedinhischest,
visceralinitsmagnificence.Thegroundbeneathhisfeettrembled.Hebegantolaugh.Holdinghisbloodstainedarmsuptothesky,hemutteredtheancientwords
andwatchedthecloudschurnathisbehest.Reveledastheybowedtohiswhims.Thebook’spagesfluttered.Hiswind-whippedbeardcoiledabouthisthroat.Therewouldneverbecausetodisappointanyoneeveragain.Tonight,hewouldprovehisworth,onceandforall.Hewouldrescuehisdaughter.Andsaveakingdom.ForhewasJahandartheGreat.JahandartheAll-Powerful.Jahandar...theKingofKings.
•••
Thefirstoftheraindropsstartedtofall.AndTariqignoredhisgrowingsenseofdisquiet.Hestoodshroudedindarkness,withhisbackagainstawallofdiscolored
mortarandstone.Thepalacegatewasinthedistanceoverhisshoulder.Itstretchedhigh,constructedofsolidwoodboundinblackiron.Armedsentrieswerepositionedaboveandbelow,standingwatchfromtorchlitbattlements.
Heexhaled,tryingtoreleasethetensionfromhisbody.Tryingtosilencethedoubt.“Hereallydidn’ttellyouhowheplanstobreachthegate?”Rahimtuggedthe
hoodofhisbrownrida’lowerontohisbrow.“Forthelasttime,hesaidhewouldcreateadiversion.”“Andyoutrusthim?”“No,”Tariqadmitted.“Butifhefails,Iamnoworseoffthanbefore.”“Actually,that’sfalse.Youhaveyettobeaccusedofseditionbyassociation.”“Jahandar-effendiwouldnotbetrayus.Inthat,Itrusthimimplicitly.”“IwishIpossessedyourparticularbrandofoptimism,”Rahimgrumbled.“Andwhatbrandwouldthatbe?”“Idiotic.”
“Betteridioticthanineffectual.”“Betteralivethandead.”“Runhome,Rahim-jan,”Tariqsaid.“Icanhearyourmothercalling.”“Insufferableass.”Tariqgrinned,buthischestfelttight.ThehiredsoldiersstandingintheshadowsbehindRahimstayedsilent,
awaitingTariq’sdirection.Ifonlyheknewithimself.Hesighed.Thiswouldlikelyprovetobeafool’serrand.Afterall,Jahandar
al-Khayzurandidnothaveahistoryofreliability.Lostinhisgrief,he’dfailedtobeafathertohischildrenfollowingthedeathoftheirmother.Thenhe’dfailedhiskinginhispostasanadvisorandbeendemotedforit.Andhe’dfailedShahrzadwhenheallowedhertoriskherlifeforrevenge.
Nevertheless,Tariqhadtotry.Therainfellharder.Itwasbeginningtodripinsteadystreamsfromthelow-
hangingeaveabove,seepingthroughhiscloakontohisskin.Rahimedgedawayfromthenearesttrickle.“Doyou—”Aflashoflightflewacrossthesky,followedbyaboomofthunder.“Onething’sforcertain;thisstormisnothelpingmatters,”Rahimsaid.Tariqleanedagainstthewallandclosedhiseyes.Rahimcursedatthenextcrackofthunder.ItwasloudenoughtorattleTariq’s
teeth.Peoplewerebeginningtostirinthestreets.Lampswerebeinglitinwindows
acrosstheway.“Tariq!”Rahimwarnedsharply.Tariqspunhisheadinthedirectionofthepalaceandwatchedinhorrorasa
boltoflightningstruckoneofthemarbledturrets.Itseveredthestoneintoflamingpiecesthatcrashedtothegroundwithearthshakingthuds.
Theguardsatthegatesshoutedinalarm.“MercifulGod,”Rahimbreathed.Anotherflashofwhitelightstrucknearby,catchingabuildingonfire.The
roaroftheresoundingthunderjoltedTariqtohisverybones.Nowrainpummeledfromtheheavensinaside-sweepingdeluge.Thefirstofthescreamscommencedwhenthenextboltoflightningtore
throughtheroofofahome,sendingcharredmatterandbitsofburningrubbleintothesky.
Thehomepromptlyburstintoflame.Andthecriesofpanicgrewlouder.Anotherblisteringflashstruckthepalace,cleavingmoremarblefromitsside.
Tariqpushedoffthewall.Rahimseizedhimbytheshoulder.“Whatareyoudoing?”“I’mnotwatchingwhilethatpalaceisrazed.Shahrzadisinside.”Rahimyankedhimback.“Andyourplaniswhat?Tohumblyrequest
admittance?”“No,”Tariqshotbackinviciousundertone.“Myplanis—”Aboltoflightningstruckthecenterofthegate,blindinghimanddrivingthe
airfromhischestinthesameinstant.Wood,iron,andashmingledinthedownpour.
Chaosdescendedaroundthemasthecriesoffleeing,terrorstrickenpeoplemergedwiththestorm’scacophony.Soldiersspilledthroughthedecimatedgatesintothecity,tryingtostanchthefearandmaintainorder.
“IsthisJahandar-effendi’sideaofadiversion?”Rahimshoutedindismay.Tariqyankedbackthehoodofhisrida’.“That’simpossible.Jahandarisnot
capableofthis.Hestrugglestomakeaflowerbloom.”“ThenwhatinGod’snameisthis?”Rahimcringedasanotherbeamoflight
slashedacrosstheskyandstrucktheheartofthecity.Fireswereeruptingeverywhere.Tariqfrownedandbitbackhismountingpremonitions.“Idon’tknow.ButIdoknowI’mnotleavingShahrzadhere.”Hedraggedhis
hoodontohisheadandremovedtherecurvebowfromhisback.
•••
Shahrzadwokewithastartatthefirstcrackofthunder.Herheartlashedaboutinherchestasshestrodetothewoodenscreensandpeeredbetweenthecarvedslats.It’sjustastorm.Shewalkedbacktoherbedandsatonitsedge.Thenshebegantoyingwith
thegoldringonherfinger.Justastorm.Adeafeningcrashandthesoundofrendingstoneshothertoherfeetonce
more.Somethinghadstruckthepalace.Whenaclatteringoffootstepsamassedoutsideherchamber,Shahrzad
grabbedthedaggernexttoherbedandcrouchedbesidetheplatform.Thedoorsswungopenwithoutpreamble.“Shahrzad?”Jalal’sfamiliarvoicebrokethroughthesilence.
Shebreathedasighofrelief.“I’mhere.”Sheplacedthedaggerbesidethedriedroseonthestoolandstrodeforward.JalalstoodinthecenterofherroomwiththeRajputandtwootherguardsflankinghim.
“Areyouhurt?”Jalalasked,hiscurlyhairmussedandhislightbrowneyesdartingeverywhichway.
“No.”Shehesitated.“Why?”“Thepalacewasstruckbylightning.Aturretandaportionofthegardensare
onfire.”Herheartthuddedinherears.Shahrzadballedherhandsintofists.“Jalal,doyou—”“It’sjustastorm,Shazi.”Hewalkedcloser,fullofreassurance.“Iwouldn’t
—”Thistime,theverywallsofthepalaceshudderedundertheimpact.Herbed
shifted,andawoodenchestcrashedtothefloor.TheresultingwaveofthunderrippledthroughShahrzad’sbody,makingherworryallthemore.
Sheraceddowntheshorthalltoherhandmaiden’sdoorandyankeditopen.Thechamberwasempty.“WhereisDespina?”shedemandedassoonasshereturnedtoherchamber.Jalalshrugged.“Idon’tknow.”“Stopit!”shesaid.“Whereisshe?”Hiseyebrowsarchedsmoothly.Toosmoothly.“I’msureshe’sfine.Probably
just—”Shegrabbedhisarmandhauledhimcloser.“Enoughofthesechildishgames.
Pleasegofindher.I’mworriedsick,andIsuspectyouareaswell.”Hetensed,hisfeaturestightashiseyesflickedacrossherface.“Again,I’m
sure—”Anotherboomofthundercrackedthroughtheair,causingthemarbleattheir
feettoquakeandthewoodenscreenstounhinge.“Iorderyoutoleaveandgofindher.”“AndIwould,mylady.Butyourorderdefiesthatoftheking.I’drathernot
explaintoKhalidwhy—”“She’spregnant!”Hestiffenedandgraspedherbytheshoulders.“Whatdidyousay?”I’msorry,Despina.“She’spregnant.Pleasegofindherbeforesomethinghappens.”Jalalblinkedhardbeforeutteringacolorfulstringofoaths,manyofthem
directedatShahrzad.“Beangrywithmelater,”sheinsisted.“Justgofindher.I’llstayhere.”Withawild-eyedglare,heproceededtohurlcommandsoverhisshoulderas
hestrodetowardtheentrance.Hestoppedjustbeforethethreshold.“Shazi?”“Yes?”“Thankyou.”Hedisappeareddownthecorridorwithoutwaitingfora
response.Shahrzadreturnedtothefootofherbed,whiletheRajputandthetwo
remainingguardsstoodwatch.Again,shefidgetedwiththeringonherrighthandasthesoundandlightcontinuedragingoutside,makingherskinfeelhotandcoldallatonce.It’sraining.Thecursehasweakened.Thisisjustaterriblestorm.Nothingmore.Atthenextearsplittingcrackofthunder,theunhingedscreenstotheterrace
flewopen,exposingthechambertotheelements.Desperateforsomethingtodo,Shahrzadmovedtolatchthemshut,buttheRajputheldouthisarmtostopher.Withabrisknod,hedirectedoneoftheguardstowardtheterrace.
Beforetheguardhadachancetoshutterthescreens,hewasstruckinthechestbyanarrow.Hestaggeredtohiskneesandfelltothefloor.
TheRajputseizedShahrzadbythewristandhauledherbehindhim.Hewithdrewhistalwarfromitsscabbardwiththeshrillgrateofmetalonmetal.
Twohoodedsilhouettesmaterializedfromtheterrace.IttookShahrzadonlyamomenttorecognizetheoneclutchingarecurve
bow.“No!”shecriedasTariqnockedanotherarrowandfireditattheRajput.
Shahrzadyankedherbodyguardback,andthearrowembeddedinhisshoulder,justaboveitsintendedtarget.TheRajputdidnotevenflinch.
Theothersoldierunsheathedhisscimitar,andTariqtookhimdownwithasingleshot.Thenhefittedanarrowtothestringandraiseditbesidehisear,continuinghisslowstalkforward.
TheRajputgruntedinfuryandflourishedhisweapon.“Stepaside,”Tariqdemandedinaharshvoice.Instead,theRajputeasedlowintoafightingstance.“Stopit!”Shahrzad’schestroseandfellinapanic.Anotherclapofthundershookthewallsofthepalace.“Thisisyourlastchance.”Tariq’ssilvereyesshoneinthedarkness.TheRajputlaughedwithmirthlesshumor.Heraisedhisswordacrosshis
bodyandsteppedtowardTariq.“Vikram!”Shahrzadpleaded.“Don’tdothis!”TheRajputignoredherandleveledthetalwaratTariq,preparingtoattack.Tariqloosedthearrowwithouthesitation.ItstrucktheRajputinthecenterof
thechest.“Tariq!”Shahrzadscreamed.“Please!”TheRajputlurchedaround,hisfeaturestwistedindisbelief.ThenTariqbroughtthewoodofhisbowdownhardacrossthebackofthe
Rajput’shead,andhecollapsedtothefloor.Shahrzadstifledasob.Tariqregardedherwithgrimwariness.“Shahrzad—”“Howcouldyou?”Itwasachokedwhisper.Hiseyebrowsflattened.“Hewouldhavekilledme.”Hewasright.Butshedidnotknowwhattosaytoherpastfordestroyingall
hopeofafuture.“Shazi?”Rahim’stonewasquiet,hisheadtiltedaskew.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Shahrzad’seyeswerefixedonherfirstlove.“Icametotakeyouhome,”Tariqsaid.“Youdidn’tneedtocome.I—”Hisgazehardened.“I’mnotleavingwithoutyou.”Aflashoflightningstruckcloseby,andadarkfissureeruptedontheceiling,
exacerbatedbytheensuingthunder.“Thisentirepalaceisabouttofalldownaroundourheads,”Rahim
announced.“WehavetogetoutofhereandfindJahandar-effendi.”“Baba?”Shahrzad’sforeheadcreased.“Whyismyfatherhere?”Rahimrubbedhispalmacrossthebackofhisneck.“It’salongstory.”Abarrageoffootstepsechoedinthecorridoroutsideherchamber,andTariq
snatchedanotherarrowfromhisquiverbeforetakingpositionbetweenherandthedoors.Hestoodatthereadyuntilthesoundsfadedaway.
“Let’sgo,”Rahimdirected.Shahrzadtookadeepbreath.“Tariq—”“I’mnotleavingwithoutyou!”Hespunaroundandpulledheragainsthim.
“Thisisnotyourfight!Itnevershouldhavebeenyourfight!”Atthenextroarofthunder,apieceoftheceilingcrashedtothefloor.It
nearlystruckRahim.“We’releaving.”Tariqheldhertight.“Now.”Shenodded.Oncetheyweresafebeyondthepalacewalls,shewouldgather
thecouragetotellhimwhyshecouldn’tleave.Whyshedidn’twanttoleave.Heclaspedherhandinhisandbeganstridingtothedoors.“Wait!”Shahrzadpulledfreeandrantoherwardrobetoremovehercloak
andMusa-effendi’srug,forshedidnotwantittosuccumbtoafire.Shethrewthecloakaroundhershouldersandwhirledbacktowardthestoolbesideherbed
toretrieveKhalid’snoteandherdagger.Atthesightofthenowlifeless,palepurplerose,asuddenflickerof
remembrancewashedacrosshervision...ofanotherrosefromhernot-so-distantpast,coaxedtoitstragicdemise.Ofawell-intentionedgift,fallingtopieces,wiltingacrossamarbledfloor.
Thestormhissedandcrackledbehindher.It’snotpossible.Baba...couldn’t.Shesqueezedhereyelidsshutforamoment.Thensheplacedthenoteandthe
daggerinthefoldsofhercloakandhurriedtowardthedoors.AsTariqtookholdofahandle,Shahrzadplacedherhandonhisforearm.
“Howwereyouplanningtomakeitoutsideundetected?”“Carefully.”Sheexhaledinahuff.Elbowinghimaside,shepeeredthroughacrackinthe
door.“Stayquietandfollowme.”Shesteppedintothedarkenedhallway.Withherheaddown,Shahrzadmadeherwaythroughthecorridorsofthe
palace,hopingnoonewouldnoticehernewbodyguards.HopingtheydidnotcrosspathswithJalal.Theytraversedanotherseriesofhallwaysbeforeturningabruptlydowna
smallercorridorwithanarchedceilingofdistinctwhitemarble.Herheartsank.StandingbeforethedoorstoKhalid’schamberwasaloneguard.He
straightenedassheapproached,buthiseyestraveledtoherallegedbodyguardsandnarrowednoticeably.
“Mylady,”hebeganwithabow.“HowcanIhelpyou?”Shesmiledwarmlyathim.“Ijustwantedtoreturnthisparceltothecaliph’s
chamber.”Sheheldupthebundlecontainingthemagiccarpet.“I’dbepleasedtoassistyou.Ifyouwouldleavetheparcelwithme—”Shahrzadshookherhead.“I’dratherreplaceitmyself.”“Ofcourse.”Henodded,steppingaside.WhenTariqandRahimmovedtoaccompanyher,hehelduphishand.“I’msorry,mylady,butIcannotallowthementry.”“YoucanifIsayso.”Hersmileturnedsharp.“Again,I’msorry,mylady,butonlyyouandCaptainal-Khouryareallowed
inthecaliph’schamberinhisabsence.”“Ibelievetonightisanightforexceptions.”Shahrzadgraspedabronze
handle.“Mylady!”Hereachedforherarm.Sheglaredupathim.“Areyougoingtostopme,then?Becauseyou’llhave
touseforce.Ibelieveyouknowwhathappenedtothelastsoldierwhotouchedmeagainstmywill.But,byallmeans,youarewelcometotry.I’mcertainmyhusbandwillbethrilledtolearnofthisencounter.Whatwasyournameagain?”
Theguardpaled.“MyladyShahrzad!”“Thatisnotyourname,”shescoffed.“Now,ifyouvaluelifeandlimb,you
willletuspass.”Withaclamoringheart,shetookholdofthehandleoncemoreandpulledthe
dooropen.HerpulsecontinuedthrashingaboutasTariqandRahimenteredKhalid’s
antechamber.Theyproceededwithoutpausethroughtheentrancetohisroom.Itwasnotuntilthedoorsthuddedshutbehindthemthatshefinallypermittedherselftotakeanunencumberedbreath.
Rahim’slaughwasasdryassand.“Youarequitethecalipha.”Heleanedalankyarmagainstanalabasterwall.
Sheignoredhimandwalkedtowardtheblackchest.“Imustsay,themurderingmadmanhasanimpressivechamber.”Rahim’s
darkblueeyesdriftedacrosstheonyxandmarble.“Forasoullessmonster.”Shahrzadbitbackherretortwitheffort.ShecouldfeelTariqwatchingher.“Helpmemovethischestaside.”Sheplacedherpalmsagainstthedark
wood.“Why?”Tariqcountered.“Idon’thavetimetoexplain!”Shepursedherlips.“Doyouwanttheguard
tosummonJalal?”Tariq’seyesflashed,buthedirectedherbackbeforeshovingthechestaside
withagrunt.ThehiddendoorKhalidhadmentionedlessthantwoweeksagowasvisible
now.Shahrzadgraspedthebrassringandturneditthreetimestotheright,twotimestotheleft,andthreemoretimestotherightbeforeusingallherweighttopushitopen.
“MyGod,”Rahimsaid.“Howdidyouknowaboutthis?”“Khalidtoldme.”Shetriedtodismissthestrangelookhegaveher.“It’sdark,
sotreadwithcare.”Concealinghertrepidation,shemoveddownthestairsleadingtothepassageway.
Thetriohuggedthewallsofearthandstoneastheyscurriedlikeverminundertheground.Attheendofthetunnelwasasmallladderleadinguptoawoodentrapdoor.Shahrzadtriedtoopenit,butitrefusedtobudge.Rahimpressedbothpalmstotherough-hewnsurface,andthedooreventuallyswungasidewithawhiningcreak.
Theyemergedinashadowedcornerofthepalacestables.
Andaboomofthunderrattledthroughtheearthattheirfeet.Thehorseswhinniedandthrashedaboutintheirstalls.
“Pickone,”Shahrzadstated.Rahimwhistled.“Really?BecauseI’mtoldthemadmanhasablackal-
Khamsafromthefirstofthefive.Thathorseisaprizeinandofitself.”Shahrzadwhirledonhim.“NotArdeshir.Youcantakeanyhorsefromthis
stable,butnotthatone.”“Whyevernot?”“Becauseyouarenottakinghishorse!”Hercomposurewashangingbya
thread.Rahimputupbothhandsinagestureofsurrender.“What’swrongwithyou,
Shazi?”Concernmarredhisfeatures.“He’snotevenhere.”Tariqspokequietlyfromtheshadows.“Thehorseis
nothere.Norisitsmaster.”“What?”RahimturnedtoTariq.“Whereishe,Shahrzad?”Tariqasked,stridingtowardher.“Onhiswayhome,TariqImranal-Ziyad,”amalevoiceintonedfrombehind
them.Jalal.Whenthecaptainoftheguardemergedfromthedarkness,heaimeda
maliciousgrinatTariq.“Iwouldcountyourselflucky,”Jalalcontinued.“BecauseifKhalidfound
youwithShahrzad,deathwouldbetheleastofyourworries.”
•••
Tariqreachedforhisbow,intentonhisnextcourseofaction.AndShahrzadlaunchedherselfinhispath,clutchingbothhiswrists.“No!”Herfacewasawashinterror.Tariq’spaincompoundedfurther.Nowshewasevendefendingtheboy-
king’sfamily.Defendingthemagainsthim.Captainal-Khoury’sscimitarwasunsheathedathisside.Hewasalone.It
wouldtakeasinglearrowtoridthemofhisnuisance.Whentheboy-king’sarrogantcousinstrodecloser,Shahrzadturnedtoface
him,stillholdingoneofTariq’swristsinadeathgrip.“Jalal,”shesaid,“Icanexplain.”“There’snoneed.”“I’mnot—”
“Itoldyou;there’snoneed.”Hespokesimply.“Itrustyou.”HergriponTariq’swristtightenedimpossiblyfurther.“It’sNasiral-Ziyad’ssonIdon’ttrust.”Captainal-Khouryraisedhisweapon,
itsedgegleamingwhite.“Youcantrusthim.”“No,”Tariqinterrupted,“hecan’t.”Shahrzadglancedoverhershoulder,hereyeslacedwithadmonition.“Whatareyoudoinghere,TariqImranal-Ziyad?”Captainal-Khourytooka
stepforward,hisswordattheready.“Thatshouldbeobvious.I’mhereforShahrzad.”Captainal-Khourysnorted.“Areyou?Anddidyouthinkyoucouldjustleave
thecitywiththeCaliphaofKhorasan?Withmycousin’swife?”“Shahrzadisnotstayinghere.IamnotleavingthegirlIloveinthearmsofa
monster.”“That’sfunny.Onewouldthinkthegirlhadachoiceinthematter.”“Youmustbejoking,”Rahimsaidinagravellytone.“Doyouhonestlythink
shewouldchooseamadmanoverTariq?”“Enough,Rahim,”Tariqcautioned.“Askher,”Captainal-Khourysaidsoftly.“Askherifshetrulyplanstoleave
Reywithyou.BecauseIknowsomethingyouareeithertoostupidortooblindtosee.”
“Andwhatisthat?”Rahimdemanded.“Murderer,monster,madman...Khalidmayverywellbeallofthosethings.
Buthe’salsoloved.Bymeandbymyfather.But,mostofall,byShazi.Withher,heisasfiercelylovedasheloves.”
Shahrzad’sbodytrembledinfrontofTariq.Herholdonhiswristwasflagging.
“Ishetellingthetruth?”Rahimasked,bristlingatthecaptainoftheguard’sfamiliarity.
Sheglancedoncemoreoverhershoulder,andhereyesshimmeredwithtearsthatthreatenedtocoursedownhercheeks.“Tariq.”
No.Hecouldnotlistentohersayit.Wouldneverlistentohersaysuchathing.
Hedroppedthebowanddrewheragainsthim.“Iknowthisisn’tyou.Iknowsomethingmusthavehappened.Butwecanfixit.Icanfixit.Comehomewithme.Everydayweareapartisadayclosertodeath.Adaywastedonwhatmighthavebeen.Ican’tstomachitanylonger.Comehome.”
“But,”shewhispered,“Iamhome.”“Shazi!”Rahim’sfacetwistedindisbelief.“Howcanyousaythat?”
“I’msosorry.Inever,everwantedtohurteitherofyou.It’sjustthat—”“HekilledShiva!”Tariqexploded.“Howcanyouwanttheboywhokilled
yourbestfriend?Howcanyouwantacoldbastardwhokilleddozensofyounggirlsanddisappearsonalarkwhilehiscityburns?”
“Whatdidyousay?”Shahrzad’svoicewasdeathlyquiet.“Thecityis—burning?”
Tariq’sbrowfurrowed.“Thelightning.Itcaughtseveralbuildingsonfire.”Atthisnews,ShahrzadshovedTariqasideandracedtothestableentrance.
Shehauledbackthewoodengate.Andcollapsedatthesight.Halfthecitywasconsumedinflames.Smokebillowedintothesky,backlit
byflashesofsilverlightning.Thescentofburningashmingledwithacloudofrosebushesnearby.
Captainal-KhourysheathedhisswordandcrouchedbesideShahrzad.HerlookofabjectsufferingstoppedTariqshort.“Jalal.Whathavewedone?”Herfacewasunfalteringinitsagony.“No,delam.Thisisnotyourfault.Noneofthisisyourfault.”Captainal-
Khouryplacedeachofhishandsoneithersideofherface.“Youhaveto—”Shahrzadreleasedashakybreath.“Wehavetostopthis.
Beforeanyoneelsedies.”“Iwilldonosuchthing,”Captainal-Khouryreplied.“Whathavewedone?”Itwasapathetic,soul-searingentreaty.Captainal-KhouryhoistedShahrzadtoherfeet.“Nothing.You’vedone
nothing.”Sheshookherhead,herfeatureslostandbleak.“Khalid...willhaveto—”“No.Hewouldnever.”“Buthowcanwelivelikethis?”shecried.“Ican’t.Hecan’t!”Tariqcouldstanditnolonger.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”“TariqImranal-Ziyad.”Captainal-KhourycontinuedstudyingShahrzad
whilehespoke.“Ihavearequest.”“Theanswerisno.”“Don’tyouwanttohearitfirst?”Tariqgloweredathiminsilence.Captainal-KhourytwistedhisheadtomeetTariq’sgaze.“TakeShahrzadout
ofRey.”“Thatwasalwaysmyintention.”Shahrzad’seyesglistened.“Jalal—”“Takeherwithyou.”Captainal-KhourygrippedShahrzad’sshoulders.“No.Ican’tleave.”Shefoughttosetherquakingjaw.“Iwon’tleave.I’m
not...afraid.”Captainal-Khouryfacedher.“Listentome.Foronce.Ibegyou.”Shahrzadbegantoprotest,andagustofhotairblewbackatthem,further
dispersingthestrangeperfumeofsweetrosesandharshsmoke.Sheclosedhereyestightandpressedahandtoherchest.
“Tariq.Whereismyfather?”sheasked,hervoicehoarse.“Beyondthecity,”hereplied.“Waiting...atopahill.”Hereyesflewopen,andshestaredatTariqwithaneerie,newfoundcertainty.“Takemetohim.”Withoutwaitingforaresponse,shebrushedpastCaptain
al-Khouryandwalkedintothestablestosaddleahorse.Tariqturnedtowatchasshedisappearedintothedarkness,herposturestiff
andherstrideperfunctory.HehadonlybeguntoprocesshisconfusionwhenCaptainal-Khouryseizedhimbythearm.
Tariqknockedawaythearrogantboy’shand.“What—”“Doyoustillloveher?”Hespokeinanurgentwhisper.“That’snoneofyourbusiness.”“Answerme,youfool.Doyou?”Tariqclenchedhisteeth,returningthecaptainoftheRoyalGuard’sfierce
glare.“Always.”“Thenmakesureshenevercomesback.”
BURNINGEMBERS
THETWORIDERSMETINTHEMIDDLEOFASKY-darkeneddesert.Oneatopasimplesteedofgrey,andtheotherastrideamagnificentwhite
stallion.Behindeachstoodacadreofarmedsoldiers.Theriderwiththewhitestallionspokefirst.“Iamtoldweshareacommon
enemy.”Hisvoicewasrichandpatentlyfalse.Theotherriderreturnedhismeasuredstudy.“Soitwouldseem,mylord.”Thefirstridersmiledwithunctuousslowness.“Youareastheydescribed,
Rezabin-Latief.”“Asareyou,mylord.”TheSultanofParthialaughed.“Iwilltakethatasacompliment.”“Itwasmeantassuch,mylord.Forgivemeforfailingtoconveythe
sentimentproperly,butIdidnotagreetothismeetingforthepurposeofexchangingbanterwithyou.”
Thesultan’slaughterechoedintothenight.“Amanofcandor.Iampleased.Shallweceasewiththepleasantriesandproceedtobusiness?”
“Byallmeans,mylord.”“Whatareyourintentionsregardingmybastardnephew?”“Suffering.Andannihilation.”Thesultan’seyesgleamedwithamartiallight.“Isee.”“Andwhatareyours?”“Humiliation...followedbyannihilation.Perhapswecouldassistone
anotherinoursharedobjective?”“Myassistancedependsonwhatyouhavetooffer,mylord.”“Fornow,Icanoffermoneyandweapons.Onceyousecuretheborderand
strengthenyourexistingforces,Iwillbeopeninmysupport,butuntilthattime,
Icannotriskpressingtheboy’swrathanyfurther.”“Understandable.”Thesultangesturedbehindhim,andapairofguardsbroughtforthasmall
sealedtrunk.“Agestureofgoldfaith.Oncethesefundsaredepleted,sendword,andIwilldispatchmore.”
Rezanodded.Heglancedoverhisshoulderathisretinue,andtwohoodedfiguressteppedforwardtocollectthegold.
Asonefigurebenttoliftthetrunk,thelightofabluedesertmoonstruckagainsttheskinofhisforearm.
Onitwasthemarkofthescarab.
•••
Shahrzad,I’vefailedyouseveraltimes.ButtherewasonemomentIfailedyou
beyondmeasure.Itwasthedaywemet.ThemomentItookyourhandandyoulookedupatme,withthegloryofhateinyoureyes.Ishouldhavesentyouhometoyourfamily.ButIdidn’t.Therewashonestyinyourhatred.Fearlessnessinyourpain.Inyourhonesty,Isawareflectionofmyself.Orrather,ofthemanIlongedtobe.SoIfailedyou.Ididn’tstayaway.Then,later,IthoughtifIhadanswers,itwouldbeenough.Iwouldnolongercare.Youwouldnolongermatter.SoIcontinuedfailingyou.Continuedwantingmore.AndnowIcan’tfindthewordstosaywhatmustbesaid.ToconveytoyoutheleastofwhatIowe.WhenIthinkofyou,Ican’tfindtheairtobreathe.Andnow,thoughyouaregone,thereisnopainorfear.AllIamleftwithisgratitude.WhenIwasaboy,mymotherwouldtellmethatoneofthebestthings
inlifeistheknowledgethatyourstoryisn’toveryet.Ourstorymayhavecometoaclose,butyourstoryisstillyettobetold.Makeitastoryworthyofyou.Ifailedyouinonelastthing.Hereismychancetorectifyit.Itwas
neverbecauseIdidn’tfeelit.ItwasbecauseIsworeIwouldneversayit,andamanisnothingifhecan’tkeephispromises.SoIwriteittothesky—Iloveyou,athousandtimesover.AndIwillneverapologizeforit.
Khalid
Khalidstoodattherailingoftherooftopterrace,watchingthesunriseacross
aclearhorizon.Hisbrokenpalaceofmarbleandstonestillsmolderedattheedges,cleaved
onmanysides.Hiscitywasawastelandofdarkplumesandrubble.Oflostpromisesand
heartbreak.Forabreath,heclosedhiseyestotheruin.Butonlyforabreath.Becauseitwashiscity.Hischoice.Hisresponsibility.Hewouldneverhidefromitagain.Withrenewedpurpose,hetookthesinglepieceofparchmentandhelditto
theflickeringtorchnearby.Acornerofthepagebegantofoldintoash,andtheflameslickedupthesides
inshadesofazureandorange.Khalidheldtheburningletterbeforehim.Thenhereleaseditsembersintothewind.Intoagloriousdawn.
GLOSSARY
Akhal-Teke—abreedofhorsenotedforitsmetallicsheen;Rahim’shorse
al-Khamsa—adesert-bredbloodlineofArabianhorse,translatedas“thefive”;Tariq’shorse;Khalid’shorse,Ardeshir
Amardha—thebiggestcityinParthia;thecityinwhichSalimAliel-Sharifresides
astragalidice—bonediceofquadrupedknucklebones,originallyusedinastragalomancy,aformofdivination
Badawitribe—nomadicdeserttribe,controlledbyasheikh
caliph—therulerofKhorasan,atermsynonymouswith“king”;KhalidIbnal-Rashid
calipha—thewifeofthecaliph;atermsynonymouswith“queen”;Shahrzadal-Khayzuran
caliphate—theregionruledbythecaliph;Khorasan
Chagatai—adeadlanguageofCentralAsianorigin
cuirass—upper-bodyarmorconsistingofabreastplateandabackplatefastenedtogether
delam—atermofendearmentmeaning“myheart”
dinar—aformofcurrencymadefromgoldbullion
effendi—asuffixattachedtoanametodenoterespect
emir—anoblemanofKhorasan,akintoaduke;oneofthecaliph’sbannermen;Nasiral-Ziyad
faqir—ascholarofmagicandmysticism
Fida’i—amercenarymarkedbythebrandofascarabontheinnerforearm
ghalyan—ahookahorwaterpipe
jahkesh—aninsultmeaning“whoremonger”or“masterpimp”
jan—atermofendearment,asuffixattachedtoanametomean“mydear”
joonam—atermofendearmentmeaning“myeverything”
kamancheh—astringedinstrumentresemblingaviolin
Khorasan—awealthykingdom,currentlyruledbyaneighteen-year-oldcaliphwithamurderouspast
kohl—aneyecosmetic,traditionallymadefromgroundgalena
lavashbread—atypeofverythinflatbread
magus—asorcerer;MusaZaragoza
malik—therulerofAssyria,atermsynonymouswith“king”
mankalah—aleathercuffthatspansfromwristtoelbow,associatedwithfalconry
mantle—aloose-fittingrobe,usuallymadeofanelaboratematerialsuchasdamask,typicallywornbyroyalty
marg-bahr—awishofillwill,specificallydeathordestructiontosomeoneorsomething
ney—awindinstrumentresemblingaflute
Parthia—thesmallerkingdomadjacenttoKhorasan,ruledbySalimAliel-Sharif
qamis—aloose-fitting,long-sleevedshirt,wornbymenandwomenalike,typicallymadeoflinen
Rajput—memberofawarriorclass;Vikram
Rey—thegreatestcityofKhorasan;thecityofShahrzad’sbirth
rida’—acloakwornoveraman’sshoulder,coveringhisshirt;canalsoincludeahoodtoconcealhisface
sahib—atitleusedindeference,oftentodenoterank
sama—apracticeassociatedwithwhirlingdervishes
santur—astringedinstrumentalsoknownasahammereddulcimer,struckwithasmallmallettoproducesound
sayyidi—atermofrespectusedwhenaddressingthecaliph;translatedas“myliege”or“mylord”
scimitar—asingle-edged,curvedsword;Tariq’ssword;Jalal’ssword
ShahrbanofRey—thehighest-rankinggeneralinKhorasan,secondonlytothecaliph;GeneralArefal-Khoury
shamla—anembroidereddressinggownorrobe
shamshir—aslendersaberwitharathersharpcurvetoit;Khalid’ssword
sheikh—theleaderofaBadawitribe;Omaral-Sadiq
sirwaltrowsers—voluminouspantswornbymenandwomenalike,typicallygatheredattheankleandsecuredatthewaistbyasash
souk—outdoormarket
sultan—therulerofParthia,atermsynonymouswith“king”;SalimAliel-Sharif
tabarzin—abattle-axe
Taleqan—thefortressofEmirNasiral-Ziyad;thefourth-richeststrongholdinKhorasan;Tariq’shome
talwar—atypeofcurvedswordorsaberoriginatingfromHindustan;theRajput’ssword
Thebes—alargecityincentralGreece
tikkasash—alongsashtiedaboutthehips,largelydecorative,wornbymenandwomenalike
Tirazis—acityinKhorasanfamousforitsstonequarries
tombak—adrumrestingonthehip
vizier—anadvisortothecaliph
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
IREMEMBERONCEHEARINGTHEWORD“JOURNEY”ASbeingamongthemostoverusedtoascribetoacreativeendeavor.
Uponreflection,Isuppose“odyssey”justdoesn’thavetherightringtoit.NottomentionthewholeHomerianthing.
Idigress.Thisjourneywouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutaslewofamazingpeople.
Iwilltrymyverybesttoremembereachandeveryoneofthem,butshouldIfailinthattask,pleaseknowitisabsolutelymyfault,andIshallowethoseoffendedsomethinggoodinthenearfuture.Butnotmyfirstbornchild.Becausethat’sbeendonealready.
First,thisbookwouldbenothingbutavaguenotionswimmingaboutinmyheadwereitnotforthesupportandguidanceofmyagent,BarbaraPoelle.B,youweretherebeforeIhitthefirstkeystrokeonthisthing,anditwasyouwhogavemethecouragetowriteit.Meregratitudeseemshollowinfaceofallthat.Nevertheless,thankyou,athousand,thousandtimes.
AsIoncesaidtoherwhenwewereunderdeadlineandexchanginge-mailspastmidnight,thereisexactlyoneotherpersonintheworldwhohasspentalmostasmuchtimewiththesewordsasIhave.Tomyeditor,StaceyBarney,youaremymatchinallthings.ThankyouforlovingthisbookandbelievinginitsostronglyfromDayOne.Thentakingitfromwhatitwasintowhatithasbecome—somethinginfinitelybetter.IappreciateandrespectyoumorethanIcanexpress.
TothephenomenalteamatPenguin—toKateMeltzer,wordsmithandFrancophileextraordinaire,tomywonderfulpublicistMarisaRussell,toBriLockhartforallyourenthusiasmandsupport,toVenessaCarson,toJenBesser,toTheresaEvangelistaforthegorgeouscoverdesign,toMarikkaTamura,CaraPetrus,AnaDeboo,AnneHeausler,andCindyHowleformakingsurethewords
withindidproperservicetotheirwonderfulinspiration.Tomywritingtribe—toRickiSchultz,SarahHenning,JoyCallaway,Sarah
Lemon,StephFunk,AlisonBliss,JJ,andSarahBlair—thankyousomuchforbeingthereforeverythingandthrougheverything.Itreasureeachofyou.
Toallmyfellow2015debut-ers—ithasbeensuchaprivilegetoshareinthisjourneywithyou.Aspecialnoteofthankstomy2K15-ers...Iaminaweofeachofyou.AlsotoSabaaTahir—thankyouforbeingyou.
TotheastoundingteamoffolksatWeNeedDiverseBooks—everydayIamblownawaybyourcollectivepassionforthiscause.Thankyouforallthatyoudo.Thisisonlythebeginning.
ToMarieLufortakingmeunderherwingandbeingoneofthebestpeopleIhaveeverbeenprivilegedtoknow.Yourblurbmademecry.AndIwillalwaysgiveyouthecrust.Always.
ToCarrieRyanforbeingthemostepiclunchbuddyever.I’msureJPandVicalwayswonderwhatitiswetalkaboutforsolong.Ineverknoweither.ButIdoknowIleavethinkingweshoulddothiseveryweek.Thankyou,thankyou,thankyou.Foreverythingandmore.
ToHeatherBaror-ShapirofortakingShazioutintotheworldwithsomuchverveandstyle.Istilltothisdaycannotgraspthatmybookwillbeinsomanydifferentlanguages.Anditisallbecauseofyou.
Tomysister,Erica,forbeingmyfirstreader,forleavingthebestnotesinthehistoryofever,andforcomingupwiththeideaforKhalid’sletters.JaneAustenhasnothingonyou(Knightley4EVA).ToElaineforbeingmychampionandmybestfriendandmybiggestfan.Iloveyoudearly,chica.TomybrotherIanfortellingmehewouldreadmybookwhenitwas“finally”published.Iexpectafullreportnextweek.TomybrotherChrisforthelaughsandthehugsandtheinappropriateGIFs.TomymotherforneverlettinguswatchTVduringtheweek,therebyensuringIwouldlovebooksandtheworldofmake-believeforalltime.Tomyfatherforreadingtouswhenwewerelittle.Andalwaysdoingthevoices.Tomyin-lawsforsharingtheircultureandtheirloveandtheirfoodandtheirjokeswithme.Iloveyoubothbeyondwords.
And,lastly,toVic.Youaremyreasonandmyexcuse,inallthings.Oneday,Iwillwriteittothesky.
PROLOGUE
THEGIRLWASELEVENANDTHREE-QUARTERS.
Threeveryimportantquarters.They’dbeenofconsequencewhenherfatherhadleftherinchargethis
morning,withanimportanttasktoaccomplish.So,withaworld-wearysigh,shepusheduphertatteredsleevesandheavedanothershovelfulofdustyrubbleintothenearbywheelbarrow.
“It’stooheavy,”hereight-year-oldbrothercomplainedashestruggledtomoveasideanotherpieceofash-ladendebrisfromwithinthewreckageoftheirhome.Hecoughedwhenacloudofsootrosefromamongstthecharredremains.
“Letmehelp.”Thegirldroppedhershovelwithasharpclang.“Idon’tneedanyhelp!”“Weshouldworktogether,orwewon’tfinishcleaningeverythingbefore
Babareturnshome.”Shebracedherfistsonherhipsbeforeglaringdownathim.“Lookaroundyou!”Hethrewhishandsintheair.“We’llneverfinish
cleaningeverything.”Hereyesfollowedhishands.Theclaywallsoftheirhomewererippedapart.Broken.Blackened.Their
roofopeneduptotheheavens.Toadullandforlornsky.Towhatoncehadbeenagloriouscity.ThemiddaysunlayhiddenbehindtheshatteredrooftopsofRey.Itcut
shadowsoflightanddarkacrossangrystoneandscorchedmarble.Hereandthere,still-smolderingpilesofrubbleservedasaharshreminderofwhathadtakenplaceonlyafewshortdaysago.
Theyounggirlhardenedhergazeandsteppedclosertoherbrother.“Ifyoudon’twanttohelp,thenwaitoutside.ButI’mgoingtokeepworking.
Someonehasto.”Again,shereachedforhershovel.Theboykickedatanearbystone.Itskitteredacrossthepackedearthbefore
crashingtoahaltatthefootofahoodedstrangerstandingbytheremainsoftheirdoor.
Tensinghergripontheshovel,thegirleasedherbrotherbehindher.“MayIhelpyou...?”Shepaused.Thestranger’sblackrida’was
embroideredinsilverandgoldthread.Thescabbardofhisswordwasfinelyetchedanddelicatelybejeweled,andhissandalswerecutfromthehighest-qualitycalfskin.
Hewasnomerebrigand.Thegirlstoodtaller.“MayIhelpyou,sahib?”Whenhedidnotanswerrightaway,thegirlraisedhershovelhigher,her
browtautandherhearthammeringinherchest.Thestrangersteppedfrombeneaththesaggingdoorjamb.Hethrewbackhis
hoodandraisedbothhispalmsinsupplication.Eachofhisgestureswascareful,andhemovedwithaliquidkindofgrace.
Ashestrodeintoaweaksliceoflight,thegirlsawhisfaceforthefirsttime.Hewasyoungerthansheexpected.Nomorethantwenty.Hisfaceapproachedbeautiful.Butitsanglesweretooharsh,hisexpression
toosevere.Thesunlightonhishandsrevealedsomethingratheratoddswiththerestofhisfinery:theskinofhispalmswasredandcrackedandpeeling—evidenceofhardlabor.
Histiredeyeswereatawnygoldcolor.She’dseeneyeslikethatonce.Inapaintingofalion.
“Ididn’tmeantostartleyou,”thestrangersaidsoftly.Hiseyesshiftedaroundtheruinoftheirone-roomabode.“MayIspeaktoyourfather?”
Thegirl’ssuspiciongrippedheroncemore.“He’s—nothere.Hewenttostandinlineforbuildingsupplies.”
Thestrangernodded.“Andyourmother?”“She’sdead,”herbrothersaid,stirringfrombehindher.“Therooffellonher
duringthestorm.Andshedied.”Therewasadaringqualitytohiswordsthatthegirldidnotfeel.Anunmetchallengethatcamewithhisyouth.
Thestranger’sseveritydeepenedforaninstant.Helookedaway.Hishandsfelltohissides.
Afterabeat,thestrangerlookedbackatthem,hiseyesunwavering,despitehiswhite-knuckledfists.“Doyouhaveanothershovel?”
“Whydoyouneedashovel,richman?”Herlittlebrothermarcheduptothestranger,accusationineachofhisbarefootedsteps.
“Kamyar!”shegaspedasshereachedforthebackofhisraggedqamis.Thestrangerblinkeddownatherbrotherbeforecrouchingonthepacked-
earthfloor.
“Kamyar,isit?”thestrangerasked,atraceofasmilegracinghislips.Herbrothersaidnothing,thoughhewasbarelyabletomeetthetallstranger’s
gaze,evenfromthisadjustedvantagepoint.“I—Iapologize,sahib,”thegirlstammered.“He’sabitinsolent.”“Pleasedon’tapologize.Iratherappreciateinsolence,whendispensedbythe
rightperson.”Thistime,thestrangerdidsmile,andhisfeaturessofteneddemonstrably.
“Yes,”herbrotherinterrupted.“MynameisKamyar.Whatisyours?”Thestrangerpausedtostudyherbrotherforamoment.“Khalid.”“Whydoyouwantashovel,Khalid?”herbrotherdemandedagain.“I’dliketohelpyourepairyourhome.”“Why?”“Becausewhenwehelponeanother,weareabletoaccomplishthingsfaster.”Kamyarnoddedslowly,thenstoppedtocanthisheadtooneside.“Butthis
isn’tyourhome.Whyshouldyoucare?”“BecauseReyismyhome.AndReyisyourhome.Ifyoucouldhelpme
whenIneededhelp,wouldyounotwishtodoso?”“Yes,”Kamyarsaidwithouthesitation.“Iwould.”“Thenit’ssettled.”Thestrangerstood.“Willyoushareyourshovelwithme,
Kamyar?”
•••
Fortherestoftheafternoon,thetrioworkedtoclearthefloorofcharredwoodandwaterloggeddebris.Thegirlnevergavethestrangerhernameandrefusedtocallhimanythingbutsahib,butKamyartreatedhimlikealong-lostfriendwithacommonenemy.Whenthestrangergavethemwaterandlavashbreadtoeat,thegirldippedherheadandtouchedherfingertipstoherbrowinthanks.
Aflushroseinhercheekswhenthealmost-beautifulstrangerreturnedthegesture,withoutaword.
Soon,thedaybeganbruisingintonight,andKamyarwedgedhimselfintoacorner,hischindroopingtohischestandhiseyesslowlyfallingshut.
Thestrangerfinishedarrangingthelastofthesalvageablepiecesofwoodbythedoorandshookthedirtfromhisrida’beforepullingthehoodofhiscloakbackoverhishead.
“Thankyou,”thegirlmurmured,knowingthatwastheleastsheshoulddo.Heglancedoverhisshoulderather.Thenthestrangerreachedintohiscloak
andremovedasmallpouchcinchedshutbyaleathercord.“Please.Takeit.”“No,sahib.”Sheshookherhead.“Icannottakeyourmoney.We’vealready
takenenoughofyourgenerosity.”“Itisn’tmuch.I’dlikeforyoutotakeit.”Hiseyes,whichhadappearedtired
attheonset,nowlookedbeyondexhausted.“Please.”Therewassomethingabouthisfaceinthatmoment,hiddenasitwasinthe
playofshadows,inthelingeringmotesofashanddust...Somethingaboutitthatsignifiedadeepersufferingthanthegirlcouldever
hopetofathom.Shetookthesmallpouchfromhishand.“Thankyou,”hewhispered.Asthoughheweretheoneinneed.“Shiva,”shesaid.“MynameisShiva.”Disbeliefregisteredonhisfeaturesforaninstant.Thenthesharpplanesofhis
facesmoothed.Intoanexpressionofpeace.“Ofcourseitis.”Hebowedlow,withahandtohisbrow.Despiteherconfusion,shemanagedtorespondinkind,herfingersbrushing
herforehead.Whenshelookedupagain,hehadturnedthecorner.Anddisappearedintothewendingdarknessofnight
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