The Wrath and the Dawn(15)

Shahrzad shook her head.

“Are you talking about men?” Despina snorted.

Choosing not to reply, Shahrzad paced the length of the top terrace and took the stone stairs leading down to the next tree-lined expanse. This garden was bursting with white citrus blossoms and green figs hanging heavy on their boughs, still awaiting their moment to ripen.

She passed through this tier, pausing only to breathe in the scent.

Despina regarded her thoughtfully. “What are you trying to do?” she asked with a trace of suspicion.

Shahrzad lifted her hand to shield her eyes as she focused on signs of movement in an expanse of sand and stone below them.

“If you’ll tell me what it is you’re planning, I can take you there,” Despina offered.

“I’m not planning anything. I’m looking for something.”

“What are you looking for?”

“A handmaiden who doesn’t ask so many questions.”

Despina snickered.

Shahrzad quickened her pace as she flew down the last series of stairs, making her way to the intended destination of sand and stone.

The Rajput grunted his disapproval as they neared the entrance.

So he’s not mute, after all.

Despina huffed audibly. “I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to be here.”

“You said I could go anywhere, as long as the Rajput is with me,” Shahrzad reminded her.

“I don’t think anyone expected you to come to the training grounds.”

Shahrzad’s keen eyes ran over the sea of male faces lost in the art of swordplay, training with spears and perfecting their deadly aim with the axe-like tabarzin.

He’s not here.

“Are you looking for the caliph?” Despina demanded.

“No.”

But I assume the second-best swordsman in Rey will practice at some point today . . . if he intends to maintain his title.

And I need to learn his weakness, so that I may destroy him with it.

“Liar.” Despina smirked.

“Actually, I came here because I wanted to—” Shahrzad glanced around until her eyes fell on something she recognized well. “I wanted to learn how to use a bow and arrow.”

“What?” Despina exclaimed.

Feigning ignorance, Shahrzad moved toward the rack of weapons.

The Rajput raised his arm to block her path, a note of warning in his onyx gaze.

Shahrzad steeled herself before returning his belligerent stare. “Would you teach me how to shoot? I’ve always wanted to learn.”

He shook his head.

She affected a pout. “Nothing will happen to me. Anyway, I won’t be your concern after tomorrow. Please grant me this small request.”

“Maybe he’s not worried about you,” Despina stated caustically.

Shahrzad attempted to sidestep his mammoth forearm. When he thwarted her again, she pursed her lips.

“Must you be so difficult?” she said in harsh undertone.

“He’s not being difficult. That’s how he normally is,” a rich male voice remarked from behind them.

Both Despina and Shahrzad swiveled to meet the amused scrutiny of a young man with a curly mop of mahogany hair and a warm, affable expression.

The Rajput stiffened.

“Perhaps I can be of assistance?” the newcomer offered with a grin.

Shahrzad shot him a winsome smile. “I hope so. I’m—”

“I know who you are, my lady. By now, everyone in the palace knows who you are.” His brown eyes sparkled with mischief as he winked at Despina. She averted her gaze, her cheeks coloring.

He’s quite the flirt.

“Then you have a decided advantage over me, sir,” Shahrzad said.

“I’m Jalal.” He bowed his head, his fingertips brushing his brow.

“He’s captain of the guard and the son of General Aref al-Khoury . . . the Shahrban of Rey,” Despina clarified in a rote tone.

“Don’t let the title fool you, my lady. I’m no one of consequence, even if my father is the highest-ranking general in Khorasan.”

“Well, we share a portion of that lamentable status, for I am also no one of consequence,” Shahrzad said.

“I doubt that, my lady Shahrzad. I highly doubt that.” Jalal grinned, bringing further light to an already easygoing demeanor.

The Rajput grunted again. His lingering ire brought Shahrzad back to the matter at hand.