Page 40 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
“I am fine.” She forced a smile, remembering what they had been discussing before she had gotten lost in her thoughts. “What will your sister be serving at your celebration?”
Aaliyah looked unconvinced, but still she answered Zahra’s question. “I am bringing some dates, and my sister is making bread.”
“That sounds delicious,” Zahra said, leading her away from the fruit stand.
Aaliyah grinned. “It does. You should join us. We would love to host you.”
“Thank you for the invitation, Aaliyah, but I will be helping my master’s daughters tonight.”
Aaliyah nodded. “I thought you might. I hope?—”
A gruff voice sounded from behind them. “Where were you last night?”
Namir was standing there, his face filled with frustration. Zahra turned to Aaliyah. “I am sorry. What were you saying?”
“Who is this?” Aaliyah smiled at Namir. “Are you one of the merchants visiting the area?”
Namir blinked hard. “I… Uh?—”
“He takes care of my master’s horse,” Zahra cut in.
“So you work together, then?” Aaliyah grinned at Zahra and raised her eyebrows. “Is he transporting you and Bahiti’s daughters to the Feast?” She leaned closer, raising her eyebrows and lowering her voice. “If he is, you could celebratetogether.”
Zahra laughed, and Namir’s eyes narrowed on her. “We are taking a boat, Aaliyah, but thank you for the suggestion.”
“Perhaps you can convince your master to bring him along.” Aaliyah winked and then bowed to them both. “I should finish my master’s errands. Enjoy your celebrations.”
“You as well, Aaliyah.”
Namir waited until Aaliyah was out of sight before he turned to Zahra. “What was she whispering about?”
Zahra scoffed. “Must you know everything, my King?”
“Yes.” Namir followed her as she began to walk away. “Where did you go? Ramses came to me after you disappeared,and we could not find you anywhere.”
Zahra slowed her pace. Namir looked for her? She did not think he would leave his spot at the entrance, much less join Ramses in search of her. “I was otherwise occupied.”
Namir laughed. “Doingwhat?”
Zahra avoided his gaze, and his smile faded. He turned away. “Was it mymedjay?”
“No.” Zahra sighed, her grip tightening on the basket. Eshe’s dress sat within it. She had debated telling him about Eshe all morning. If Eshe was his intended bride, she would have less time to figure out how to save her father, but she knew he wouldn’t help her if she did not produce results. “I saw someone leaving early.”
Namir’s eyes sparkled. “Who?—?”
The Ur brothers ran out from underneath a stall, shoved Zahra to the ground, and took the basket. She caught herself with her hands, jumping to her feet to chase after them. “No!”
Zahra froze, watching with surprise as the boys tumbled to the ground. Namir stood to her left, holding the basket. The Ur brothers stared at Namir with startled expressions. He cocked his head at them. “Who might these two be?”
Zahra couldn’t hide her smile. “The sons of Ur.” She dusted her dress off and placed her hands on her hips. “Well? Are you going to just lie there?”
Beb got to his knees, glaring up at Namir. “Who is this?”
Zahra smirked. “It does not matter.”
Namir handed her the basket. “Does this happen often?”
“More often than today, if that’s what you mean.”
