“I wouldn’t.” Despina smirked. “Wouldn’t what?” “Attempt to bait me into complimenting you.” “Excuse me?” Shahrzad sputtered. “I’ve encountered your kind many times before—the effortlessly lovely ones; the green sylphs of the world. They flail about, without concern for their charms, but they suffer the same desire to be liked that we all do. Just because you don’t know how to make the best of your many gifts does not mean they go unnoticed, Shahrzad. But I could teach you, if you like. Although it seems you don’t need my help.” Despina winked. “Obviously, the caliph appreciates your charms as
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