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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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