“Why did you stop?” he asked. She twisted her eyes in the direction of the terrace. The caliph followed her gaze. “You may finish the story,” he stated. Shahrzad inhaled with care. “I’m afraid that’s not possible, sayyidi.” “Excuse me?” “I have only just begun the tale.” His eyes narrowed to ochre slits. “Finish the story, Shahrzad.” “No.” He unfolded to his feet in a ripple of grace. “So was this your plan all along?” “What plan would that be, sayyidi?” “A trick. A tactic to stay your execution . . . to begin a tale you had no intention of finishing.” His voice was deathly low. “I have every
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