Page 43 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
“I don’t mind waiting,” Zahra assured with a smile.
Fukayna dipped her head in gratitude before leaving the room. Another shout and sob came from Eshe’s room. After some faded sounds of Fukayna’s stern voice, the two returned to the vestibule.
Eshe had cleaned her face, but her puffy, red eyes were obvious. She forced a smile and bowed. “Commander, it is good to meet you. I have heard the King has need of me.”
To Zahra’s surprise, Namir did not reply. He stood still, staring at Eshe with hesitation. Eshe’s smile faded as Namir studied her face. What appeared to be obvious dislike and apprehension crossed his features.
Zahra cringed. She had to do something. She coughed, bringing everyone’s attention to her. She smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry. I had something caught in my throat.”
Namir was smiling by the time Eshe returned her gaze to him. He inclined his head toward her. “Yes, the King does. He recalled seeing a beautiful maiden the other day and swears it was you. He wishes to invite you to thepr-aa.”
Fukayna gasped. Eshe shook her head. “I have never seen the King in person, nor have I gone to the capital in many years. I believe this is a mistake.”
“It is not.” Namir extended his hand. “He wishes to see you in person. If it is a mistake, as you say, you will be sent home.”
“And if it is not?” Fukayna asked, her eyes hopeful.
Namir glanced at Zahra before he responded. “Then, there will be no need for a Feast.”
Eshe’s face lost its color
Fukayna put her hands on Eshe’s shoulders. “This is most unexpected. When will the King send for her?”
“I can take her whenever she is ready,” Namir said. “We can leave right away if that is your wish.”
“No.” Eshe tore away from her mother’s hands. “I do not wish to marry the King!”
Namir’s smile faltered, and panic filled his eyes. “But?—”
“Eshe,” Fukayna scolded. “How dare you speak to the Commander that way!”
“I cannot marry the King.” Eshe sobbed. “I love another, Mwt.”
Faisal appeared at Zahra’s side as Fukayna and Eshe began yelling at each other. “I can take the dress. I will call upon you tomorrow so that you can receive your payment.”
Zahra glanced at Namir, who was regarding the pair with apprehension. An odd look of relief sat in his eyes. She nodded to Faisal. “Thank you, Faisal.”
Zahra waited outside by a grove of palm trees, her hand gripping her necklace, which had mended itself with the new day. After some time, Namir left the house and joined her in the shadows of the grove with sagging shoulders.
Zahra straightened. “Is she your bride?”
“I could not check.” Namir fell upon a rock, burying his face in his hands. “I did not think anyone could oppose me so.”
Zahra rolled her eyes, glad Namir was not looking. “She is young and in love, my King. What did you expect?”
“Certainly not that.” He let out a long breath, then lifted his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I will take her to thepr-aain a couple of hours. I can check then.”
Zahra studied him. “What will you do if she has the mark?”
“I will find a different bride.” He shook his head. “At the very least, she will be free to marry whom she wishes, and I can end the spell.”
Zahra was quiet with her thoughts as she stood beside the rock he sat on. If he was going to choose another bride, she had more time than she thought to save her father. Perhaps there was hope after all.
Namir sighed. “It seems this is the day when everything goes wrong. First it was the lunar eclipse, then my missing bride, and then the Thoth went missing. Now, this girl?—”
“Wait.” Zahra stepped away from him. “I thought you knew where it was?”
“I do in the morning,” Namir said, “but last night, I discovered that mymedjaywere pursuing a thief who had taken it.”
