Page 115 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
“Zahra?” Jala asked as Zahra ran out of the room.
The horse was still sleeping when Zahra approached the stable. She unlocked the door as loud shouts came from inside of the house.
The horse neighed as Zahra got onto its bare back, holding its mane.
Bahiti came running out of the house, her hair short and gray. She was still wearing her nightclothes. “Thief! Get off of my horse!”
Zahra took off into the distance, leaving the screaming Bahiti behind. The kingdom passed by in a blur. Zahra gritted her teeth against the force of the wind. She barreled through the entrance to the capital city, ignoring the shouts and orders of themedjaystationed there. The sun rose higher as she made her way up the hill to thepr-aa.
Medjayformed a line as she approached. Waaiz was at the front on his own steed. “Stop!”
Zahra’s horse neighed, coming to a stop and standing on its hind legs. Zahra urged her horse back to the ground. “Let me see him!”
“Get off your horse,” Waaiz demanded.
Zahra dismounted from the horse, letting themedjaygrab her arms. “I need to see the King!”
“Release her.”
Waaiz turned around, and themedjaymoved aside. Namir was standing on the steps to thepr-aa. He wore a whiteschenti, and his mark was clearly visible on his bare chest. Sweat caked his body, and he watched Zahra with a stunned expression.
Themedjaylet go of Zahra’s arms, and she shoved them aside, running toward him. Namir stepped forward, and Zahra leaped into his arms, wrapping her arms around her neck.
Sobs wracked her body as she buried her face in his shoulder. “You’re alive!”
He held her tight, burying his face in her curls. “I am here,ib ib.”
26
Zahra’s Curse
Zahra followed Namir through thepr-aa, holding his hand tight. Her other hand held a white scarf together over her shoulders. The servants of thepr-aawatched her in confusion and envy. Waaiz and Ramses followed behind them. She could feel Waaiz’s glare on her back.
On the second floor, Namir guided Zahra to a giant room. She recognized it as his—Namir’s things were scattered around the space, and his outfit for that night was draped over a chair.
“I shall have the servants bring you a fresh pair of clothes.” He guided her to a chair and smiled. “Then I shall tell everyone of the news.”
Zahra thought of how Waaiz had looked at her just minutes ago. He and the Pharaoh Queen would not be pleased by the news.
She swallowed a lump in her throat. “Namir, I—I have something to tell you.”
A knock came at the door, and Waaiz poked his head in. “Menes, we need to speak.”
Namir’s eyes narrowed. “Not now.”
Waaiz challenged Namir’s glare with one of his own. “Now.”
Zahra’s mouth twitched into a smile. “Go. I will be alright.”
Namir’s brows knitted together, and he rubbed her arm. “Are you certain?”
She nodded. “I will be fine.”
“Do not worry, brother.” Nubia stepped out from behind Waaiz, smiling sweetly. “I shall ensure she is well taken care of.”
Namir let out a sigh. He placed his hand on the side of her face and kissed the top of her head. “I will be back.”
Zahra smiled softly and nodded. “I know.”
