Page 127 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
“The boy has always been independent,” Zosar said. “I am sure he is doing all he can to keep himself out of danger while ensuring the Thoth’s safety.”
“Heisin danger,” Waaiz insisted, “and he treats this as if it is some game!”
The Pharaoh Queen listened in silence, observing everyone in the room. Her gaze landed on Namir and Zahra as the guards opened the doors the rest of the way for them. She raised her head. “Menes, where have you been?”
“Hiding the Thoth somewhere safe,” Namir answered. He pulled Zahra to his side. “And fetching my bride.”
Zahra’s cheeks flared with heat, and she looked up at Namir with wide eyes. “Namir!”
The Pharaoh Queen raised an eyebrow. “You have chosen an Ionian for your bride?”
“Yes.” He said it with such little hesitance that Zahra couldn’t help but smile.
The others in the room shared shocked glances at this proclamation. Waaiz and Zosar stood off to the left, but Nubia stood beside the Pharaoh Queen.
Waaiz narrowed his eyes and spoke, pulling Zahra’s attention back to the conversation. “If you have chosen, then why are we still living this day?”
“Because I know where the assassins will be.”
Zahra knew it was a lie, yet one he must have felt needed to be told.
Namir continued. “And I want to ensure they and whoever is responsible for them cannot escape.”
The Pharaoh Queen considered him. She sighed. “If that is what you think is best, then proceed with your plan.”
Waaiz looked at the Pharaoh Queen in disbelief. “What if he is killed? The assassins will surely follow him. He will be safer if he remains here.”
Zahra studied Waaiz. Though his features were cold and stern, she noticed the slightest look of panic in his eyes. Was it genuine fear for Namir’s safety, or was there another reason?
The priests had claimed the Pharaoh Queen had called for a meeting, but that did not mean she was the one who remembered. The corrupt soul could have been anyone in that room. All Zahra had to do was figure out who.
Nubia cleared her throat. “Menes, who is your bride? I would like to know her name, at least.”
“Yes, bring her forward,” the Pharaoh Queen agreed.
Zahra held tight to Namir’s hand, apprehension working its way up her throat. She recalled her last interaction with the Pharaoh Queen and how her eyes had felt like a raging fire.
“Another time,” Namir said, to her surprise. “There are other matters that need attending to. Once this day is over, we can all get properly acquainted.”
The Pharaoh Queen’s eyes narrowed in disapproval, but she said nothing.
Zahra stepped forward and bowed. “I am Zahra, my Pharaoh.” She stood tall. “I look forward to getting to know you better.”
The Pharaoh Queen regarded Zahra with uncertainty. Zahra studied her reaction, looking for any signs of familiarity. A hint of a smile played on the Pharaoh Queen’s lips. “As do I.”
An impression came to Zahra, and she agreed with it. The Pharaoh Queen did not remember the day was repeating. Then, who?
Namir cleared his throat, clearly trying not to smile at Zahra. “Zosar, I require your attention on a matter.”
Zosar’s brows lifted in surprise. He bowed his head. “Of course.”
“But we are not finished speaking,” Waaiz argued. “There is still much you have not told us, and?—”
“You may not be finished, but I am.” Namir turned and guided Zahra out of the room, leading them to a small room with some couches on the first floor. Zosar looked unhappy when he followed them into the space.
“What is it, my King? I have much to attend to back at the temple.”
“I need your opinion,” Namir said, gesturing to Zahra.
