“You can’t see them, but I love how you can smell the citrus blossoms from here . . . the suggestion of something beautiful and alive,” she began. He didn’t respond immediately. “You’re partial to citrus blossoms?” “Yes. But I prefer roses above all. My father has a beautiful rose garden.” He turned to her, studying her profile in the moonlight. “I think a father who tends to flowers must have objected to . . . this.” Shahrzad continued to stare ahead. “I think a king who hopes to be beloved by his people shouldn’t execute their daughters at dawn.” “Who said I hoped to be beloved by my
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