Page 41 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
The Ur brothers scampered to their feet, trying to run. Namir grabbed both of their arms. “Where do you think you are going?”
Beb tugged against Namir’s hand. “We only wanted to mess with her, sir.”
“Yeah,” Madu agreed.
Namir shot Zahra an amused smile before kneeling in front of the boys. “Your father is Ur, yes?”
“It is General Ur to you,” Beb spat. “My father led Aur in the Battle of Henen-nesut.”
“And won!” Madu chimed in.
Namir’s features tightened. Zahra moved closer to study his face, but his eyes quickly regained their playful aura. “I am sureyour father would not be happy to learn you have been stealing fruit.”
“He does not care forsobkislike her,” Beb claimed. “Nor do I.”
Namir regarded the two with a scowl. He leaned forward, his face stern but his eyebrows raised in a teasing manner. “He will care if I speak to him.”
Madu scoffed. “Why would he listen to you?”
Namir smirked. “Because I am his King.”
Madu’s face lost its color, but Beb simply rolled his eyes. “You cannot be the King. He never comes to Illahun.”
Namir raised his eyebrows confidently. “And if I am?”
A stunned look crossed Beb’s face, and he blubbered a response. “I… I…”
Namir smiled and let the boys go. “Off with you. Do not steal fruit again.”
“Yes, my King.”
They tripped over each other as they scurried off into the crowd.
Zahra grinned. Namir stood and watched the boys with amusement. He turned to Zahra. “Who did you see leave early?”
Zahra’s smile faded, and she sighed. “Her name is Eshe.” She hesitated. “She lives here—in Illahun.”
“So you spoke to her?” Namir asked. “Where might I find her place of residence?”
“I don’t know if she is your bride,” Zahra started. “She seemed eager to leave. It was obvious something was on her mind.”
Namir grinned. “Perhaps becauseIwas not there.”
Zahra gritted her teeth, forcing air out through her nose. “There may have been another reason.”
Namir leaned toward her. “I must check for the mark. Do you know where she lives?”
“Yes.” Zahra straightened her back and lifted her shoulders. “In fact, I am the one who makes the dress she wears to the Feast.”
Namir raised his eyebrows in disbelief. “You are a dressmaker.”
“Don’t look so surprised.” She stepped away from him, second-guessing telling him about Eshe at all. “Her home is this way.”
Zahra led Namir away from the marketplace, slowing her pace as they neared Fukayna’s estate. “My King, I must warn you, she is not in the happiest of moods at this time of day.” At this time of day, it seemed Eshe wouldn’t go to the Feast at all. Did the lack of Zahra’s visit have any influence on that, or did Fukayna force her daughter to go?
Namir grinned cheekily. “I am sure a visit from her King will cheer her up.”
Apprehension filled Zahra’s face.
