The Wrath & the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn, #1)

by Renée Ahdieh

“Why did you volunteer, Shahrzad al-Khayzuran?” She did not answer. He continued. “What compelled you to do something so foolish?” “Excuse me?” “Perhaps it was the lure of marrying a king. Or the vain hope you might be the one to stay the course and win the heart of a monster.” He spoke without emotion, watching her intently. Shahrzad’s pulse jumped to a martial beat. “I don’t suffer those delusions, sayyidi.” “Then why did you volunteer? Why are you willing to throw away your life at seventeen?” “I’m sixteen.” She cut her eyes. “And I don’t see why it matters.” “Answer me.” “No.” He paused. “You realize you could die for that.” The grip of her fingers tightened almost painfully. “I’m not surprised to hear that, sayyidi. But, if you truly want answers, killing me won’t help in the endeavor.” A spark of something flashed across his face, lingering at the edges of his lips. It was gone too quickly to offer anything of significance. “I suppose not.” He stopped, again in seeming consideration. She could see him withdrawing, a veil falling over the harsh angles of his profile. No. Shahrzad rose from the bed and took a step toward him. When he glanced back at her, she moved closer. “I told you. Do not think you will be the one to break the cycle.” Shahrzad gritted her teeth. “And I told you. I don’t suffer delusions. On any account.” She continued advancing until she stood but an arm’s length from him, her resolve unwavering. He locked upon her face. “Your life is already forfei...