Page 17 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
“For you, perhaps not,” she said, “but the rest of us are trapped reliving the same day until you pick your bride. Now you have gone and lost her. Will this day ever end?”
His face contorted in anger. “Remember who you speak to. Since no one else remembers, it does not matter how many times the day repeats. You can use this time however you would like, as long as you follow the law. I am sure your mistress would praise you if you would learn a new skill, or you could take a vacation from your work altogether.”
“I can’t!” Tears came to Zahra’s eyes. “Every night, I am accused of a crime I did not commit, and every night I am killed!”
Namir scoffed. “Last night, yes, but surely not every night.”
“Yes, every night.” The confidence in her voice echoed her memories, which came flooding back to her mind as vivid and crisp as thekhopeshhad been when she was struck down. Last night was not the first night she had fallen to amedjay’sblade. They had come for her father before, and she had diedevery time.
The realization made her legs wobble, and she lowered herself to the ground, her trembling hands grabbing her hair.
Namir’s smile faded as he watched her face, silence filling the space between them. After several minutes, he rubbed the back of his neck and spoke, “I am sorry.”
Zahra’s gaze settled on the crude drawing in the sand. Could the Thoth be why she remembered? She had touched it last night, but that did not explain why he was here. Namir was here for another reason, or else he wouldn’t have told her all that he had.
“Why is it only the two of us?” She lowered her hands to her knees. “You have yet to explain why I remember. Why am I here?”
Namir sighed and dropped his hand. “I started the spell with two marks.” He pulled his vest aside, exposing more of his chest. A faint, black symbol sat below his collarbone. It was a full circle surrounded by an empty circle with a thick outline. He covered it as he spoke. “I cannot remember who I gave the other one to. I only know I awoke with one mark missing.” He paused, meeting her gaze. “I have been searching for my chosen bride ever since.”
Zahra considered his words. “You think that I am your bride.”
“You are the only other person who remembers besides me,” Namir stated.
Zahra stood. “But I never went to the Feast.”
Confusion filled his eyes. “You were invited, were you not? And you were there last night and the night before.”
“I was helping my mistress’s daughters,” Zahra said bitterly. “I never attended the Feast myself.”
Her tone reflected in his face. “Did you not wish to attend?”
Zahra scoffed. “Why would I? My people and I were invited as a second thought. If you truly wished us to be there, you would have invited us weeks ago, along with everyone else. No. I would much rather celebrate with my father than dine with people I know care little for me.”
A scowl formed on Namir’s face, and he stood. “Are all of your people this ungrateful toward their King?”
“I am grateful for many things,” Zahra defended, “but in this matter, I am not grateful. The feast is important, I agree, but I shouldn’t be punished for choosing to worship my goddess instead of attending a party with strangers.”
Offense glistened in Namir’s eyes. He stepped away from the tree, a glare fixated on Zahra. “I have heard the names for yourkind. I do not endorse my people comparing you to one of thenetjeruof the underworld, but, as of yet, I have found little proof to suggest you deserve anything better.”
Zahra crossed her arms. “Perhaps that’s why none of them came. Think,my King. Have you seen one Ionian at the Feast who was not in service to one of your prospects?”
Namir ground his jaw, but he did not answer. He turned away, his nostrils flaring.
Zahra hugged herself, letting her anger fizzle. Their bickering would get them nowhere. “I apologize, my King. I don’t think I am your bride, but you did give me answers. For that, I am grateful.” She sighed. “What is it you need from me?”
Namir looked at her in surprise. His anger faded, though it still sat in the back of his eyes. “If I chose you, the mark will be on your chest. All I need to do is touch your hand and see if the mark appears.”
Zahra studied him. Despite his tall stature and his title, he was not threatening her. He genuinely wanted her consent. “I have one condition.”
He let out a breathy laugh. “How much more will you ask of me?”
“Grant me this, at least.” She summoned her courage. “If the mark appears, and I am your bride, promise me that I will not be bound by law to marry you.” She doubted she was his bride, but she did not want to be stuck with him if she was. She had no interest in being Queen of Aur.
Namir considered her words. After several moments, he sighed and turned away. “I will grant you that.”
Zahra let out a breath of relief. “Thank you.”
Namir turned to her. She swallowed hard, suddenly squeamish under his gaze. He walked toward her, and she dropped her arms and looked up at him. He towered over her, his form sturdy and strong. He could have easily overpoweredher and discovered whether she was his bride without answering her questions. Why had he not?
