This Woven Kingdom (This Woven Kingdom, #1)

by Tahereh Mafi

The idea struck her as so preposterous it nearly made her laugh, even as it broke her heart.

“Go on, then. I believe I was in the middle of making an excellent point, and you were just about to interrupt me.” Kamran laughed, took a quick sip of tea, and promptly swore out loud. “Why is this tea so hot?” “Apologies, sire. I’d always hoped that one day your tongue might be irreparably damaged. I see now that my prayers were answered.” “Good God, Hazan, you should be shot.”

Nor is this the time to court enemies in your own house.” “Yes, but is there ever a time for that? Later, perhaps? Tomorrow? Would you make the appointment?”

“I find it difficult to believe you imagined me at all.” “Why?” Alizeh hesitated, blinking up at him. “I beg your pardon? What reason would you have to wonder about my temperament?” “You need only one? I have many.”

“I haven’t the slightest idea what we’re doing,” he said softly. “Though if you mean to take me captive, you need only ask. I would come willingly.”

She was struck, then, by a strange thought: that she might never be shipwrecked if she had such an anchor to steady her.

“You have consumed my thoughts since the moment I met you,” he said to her. “I feel now, in your presence, entirely strange. I think I might fetch you the moon if only to spare your tears again.”

“Tell me your name,” he whispered. Slowly, very slowly, Alizeh touched her fingers to his waist, anchored herself to his body. She heard his soft intake of breath. “Why?” she asked. He hesitated, briefly, before he said, “I begin to fear you’ve done me irreparable damage. I should like to know who to blame.” “Irreparable damage? Surely now you are exaggerating.” “I only wish I were.” “If that is true, sire, then it is best we part as anonymous friends, so as to spare each other further harm.” “Friends?” he said, dismayed. “If your intention was to wound me, know you have succeeded.”

Not for the first time, Kamran thought he might be willing to part with his soul simply to know the contents of her mind.