The Wrath and the Dawn(37)

Rahim hedged. “It sounds dangerous.”

“It’s worth speaking to them. The worst that can happen is a refusal.”

“Actually, the worst that can happen is that they slit your throat.”

“Yes.” A series of vertical lines formed along the bridge of Tariq’s nose. “There is that. But it was not on my agenda to insult them, in the process.”

“Well, if anyone can talk their way out of a beheading, it’s you.”

“I thank you, Rahim. As always, your abiding confidence in me casts any possibility of doubt astray.”

Rahim countered with a lopsided grin. “Actually, if anyone can talk their way out of a beheading, it’s Shazi. Thankfully, some of that charisma managed to rub off on you.”

“It was never charisma. It was unmatched nerve,” Tariq said in amused remembrance.

“Perhaps you’re right. I could see her daring a cobra to strike, swearing her venom would kill first.”

Tariq smiled. “And she would win.”

“Of that, there is no doubt. In fact, I’m almost certain she terrorized the mighty Caliph of Khorasan until he was nothing but a mewling kitten, cowering in the corner. Who knows—we might be deposing her one day.”

Tariq sombered immediately at the mention of their king. “No. He is not a man to rescind any kind of power with ease.”

“And how would you know this?”

“I just know it,” Tariq snapped. “He murdered my cousin. And now he has Shahrzad. This is a man with nothing but evil in his blood. The only thing to consider when it comes to Khalid Ibn al-Rashid is how many times I wish he could die at my hands. And how unfortunate it is that the answer is only once.”

“I despise him, too. With the fire of a thousand suns, I despise him. But it is always a good idea to know your enemy, Tariq.”

“Don’t mistake my vehemence for foolishness. I intend to learn everything I can about him. But that will never happen locked in the walls of my family’s fortress. With that in mind, I’m going into the desert to seek out the Badawi.” Tariq’s face was set with determination. “Alone.”

“Alone?”

“Yes. Alone. I need you to go to Taleqan in case my uncle sends word. I’ll dispatch Zoraya every two days with my location.”

“You’d leave me with your parents?”

“You could always go home.”

“To my brothers and their screaming children?” Rahim scoffed. “To the constant attempts to marry me off to a cousin’s friend’s ugly sister? I think not. Besides, I owe you this much for all these years of friendship. And I owe Shazi even more.”

Tariq laughed softly. “I thank you, Rahim-jan. As I always should, yet seldom do.”

“You’re welcome, you selfish bastard. In any case, I can look forward to one good thing coming from all this secret plotting.”

“And that would be?”

“A full night of sleep . . . without being shot at for it.”

? ? ?


The first morning Shahrzad awoke in the palace without fearing the dawn was a strange one.

Her heart clenched reflexively at the light, and then relaxed when she heard the sound of Despina bustling about the room. She breathed deeply and settled back into the pillows, allowing her body to bask in this newfound ease.

“Maybe he should just stay in Amardha,” Shahrzad mumbled to no one.

“I was about to wake you up,” Despina replied. “Your food is getting cold.”

Shahrzad paused. Then made a decision.

Honey catches more flies than vinegar.

“Thank you for using your better judgment. And not resorting to your usual churlishness,” Shahrzad teased.

“Churlishness? You’re not exactly pleasant in the morning.”

Shahrzad grinned before rising to her feet. She pushed aside the thin silk surrounding the bed and strode to the table, where her customary tray of food sat waiting. When she glanced over at Despina, she was surprised to see her handmaiden’s face was not as glowing and perfect as usual. Her skin was wan, and her forehead appeared strained.

“What’s wrong?” Shahrzad asked.

Despina shook her head. “I’m fine. Just a bit piqued.”

“Piqued? You look ill.”

“No. I’ll be fine.”

“Do you need to rest?”