“So, do you still want to know who the second-best swordsman in Rey is?” Despina asked, changing tack. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter.” Despina smiled knowingly. “The second-best swordsman in Rey is Khalid Ibn al-Rashid. Our illustrious King of Kings.” Shahrzad’s heart sank. Gifted swordsmen tended to be stalwart strategists. Quick to spot signs of subterfuge. And this presented yet another obstacle. If he ever suspected her of treachery, it would be even more difficult to plot his death and catch him unawares. She swallowed carefully. “Again, it doesn’t matter.” “I guess it shouldn’t matter
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