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

by Renée Ahdieh

A corner of his lips rose ever so slightly. The wine burned; she cleared her throat and set the goblet before her. “By the way, I’ve decided how you can make amends. If you’re still willing, of course.” He leaned back into the cushions, waiting. She took a deep breath, preparing to spring her trap. “Remember last night, when Aladdin saw the princess in disguise, roaming the city streets?” The caliph nodded. “You told me you envied the freedom the princess experienced in her city, without the mantle of royalty about her shoulders. I want to do that. With you,” she finished. He stilled, his eyes scanning her face. “You want me to go out into Rey without bodyguards?” “Yes.” “With just you?” “Yes.” He paused. “When?” “Tomorrow night.” “Why?” He didn’t refuse outright. “For the adventure,” she goaded him. He cut his gaze. Calculating. “And you are indebted to me,” she pressed. Please. Don’t deny me this chance. “I agree. I am indebted to you. I accept.” Shahrzad beamed. His eyes widened at the brightness of her smile. And, to her great surprise, he offered her one in return. It looked foreign on his usually cold and angular face. Foreign, yet wondrously striking. The tightening in her chest . . . would have to be ignored. At all cost.