Page 108 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
The answer came to Zahra immediately. “Your determination.”
Namir looked up at her in surprise.
She smiled. “You refuse to give up, despite the challenges you face. You are brave and kind, and you seek to do good wherever you go. When I look at you, I see not just a mighty King or a great Pharaoh, but a kind man with a love for his people.”
Namir blinked, stunned. “Do you really think I will be a great Pharaoh?”
Zahra looked into his eyes and opened her mouth to respond. As she did so, a vision overtook her. She saw Aur with bountiful fields. Its lands were rich with color, and near the horizon, she saw not the end of Aur, but the continuation of it. Two lands had joined and become one, and the people of Deshret had become part of Aur. And above it all, standing on a balcony overlooking the kingdom, was Namir.
He was older, with gray in his curls and wrinkles in his cheeks. And he wassmiling.
Zahra took in a deep breath as the vision faded from her sight.
Namir looked uncertain as he watched her. “Zahra?”
She let out a breath. “Yes. You will be a great Pharaoh.”
Namir considered her words. He leaned forward, grasping the edge of her scarf. He rubbed it between his fingers and then looked into her eyes. “Has this… helped? I know you requested that it be picked up from your father, but?—”
Zahra smiled, holding the other end of it. “It was my mother’s.”
Namir let go and leaned back as Zahra spoke.
“It feels like she is with me when I wear it. She was asibyl, too, and I feel stronger knowing she is close. It helps me remember her.” She turned to him. “I would never have learned about her if it was not for you. Thank you for that.”
Namir smiled. “I am glad I could help.”
They finished their food, watching the people of Ramses’s hometown celebrate. Moonlight shone down upon them, and Zahra was grateful for its protection.
Namir stood suddenly, offering his hand to Zahra. “Let us play something.”
Zahra grinned and took his hand. He led her toward the games. There was asenetgame open, and they sat down and began to play.
Namir started, and it was clear to Zahra he was trying to go easy on her. She smirked, laughing at his shocked face when she moved her piece further than his. Back and forth they went, until Zahra had taken her last piece across the board. She waved it in the air. “You should know by now not to underestimate me.”
“I swear I did.” Namir laughed, leaning back on his hands. “Only my sister has ever beaten me at this game.”
“Then I am honored to share the accomplishment with her.” She returned the pieces to the board.
Namir watched her with interest. He leaned forward, helping her set the game back up. “I…have decided that when I find the maiden I chose, I will be taking the mark back and choosing another.”
Zahra froze, a piece still in her hand. She looked at him in surprise. “But youchoseher.”
“I do not remember her,” Namir said, taking the piece from her hand and setting up the board. “How could I stick with my choice when I know not what kind of queen she will be?”
“I suppose that makes sense.” Zahra avoided his gaze. This entire time, Namir’s bride had been nothing more than a vague person. Now, he was planning on choosing someone to marry—to be his queen. The thought of him choosing another made her heart burn, and she hated that it did. “Who will you choose, then? Have you met someone while searching for your bride?”
“Sort of.”
When Zahra looked up, she was surprised to see him watching her with a soft smile. She looked away, toying with some grass by her leg. “I am happy for you. I am sure she will make a great queen.”
“She will.”
Zahra leaned back as Namir’s hand appeared in front of her. She looked up at him. “What is it?”
“Dance with me.” He grinned. “You were invited to a Feast, and not once did you enjoy the celebrations. Here is your chance.”
Zahra smiled and took his hand. Namir pulled her to her feet. Others in the village were dancing to music, and they cheered as Namir and Zahra joined the fun.
