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I turn to right and left, in all the earth I see no signs of justice, sense or worth: A man does evil deeds, and all his days are filled with luck and universal praise; Another’s good in all he does – He dies a wretched, broken man whom all despise. But all this world is like a tale we hear – Men’s evil, and their glory, disappear. – Abolghasem Ferdowsi, “Shahnameh”
“And yet you are aware, are you not, that a man in possession of a sword is not invincible? That he might be attacked from above? That he might be slain by arrow, that he might be mobbed or overrun, that he might be knocked on the head and dragged away for ransom?”
It disturbs me more to know that your actions were born not of recklessness, but thoughtlessness. Stupidity is possibly your worst offense.”
One day, her father had said, this world will bow to you.
“Begging your pardon, sire, but I didn’t know you were acquainted with all the servants in the royal city.”
Boy has base in his tone
Kamran had arrived at the frightening realization that this girl might be beautiful – a thought so unexpected it nearly distracted him from his purpose.
He’d read once that Jinn had a particular love of water. Perhaps she could not help licking the rain from her lips any more than he could help staring at her mouth.
She was everything he’d never realized he wanted in his future queen: not just beauty, but grace; not just grace, but strength; not just strength, but compassion.
Why should he not admire her?
He stared at her hand on his arm for a beat too long, and when he looked up, he said, “I am Hazan, Your Majesty. You may depend on me with your life.”
he was struck stupid anew, drawing near her now like a hungry flame to tinder.
He’d never felt this, not like this, for this was a uniquely powerful force, one that left him disoriented in its wake. Weak.
He felt bewitched as he drank her in, lingering too long on her arresting eyes, the delicate curve of her lips.
“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.”
“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.”
“I begin to fear you’ve done me irreparable damage. I should like to know who to blame.”
“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.”
“Farewell,” she whispered. “Our time together has come to an end. We will never again meet. Our worlds will never again collide.” “Don’t say that,” he said, suddenly serious. His hand moved to her waist, traveled up the curve of her rib cage. “Say anything but that.”
“Your name. I want to hear it from your lips.”
“My name,” she said, “is Alizeh. I am Alizeh of Saam, the daughter of Siavosh and Kiana. Though you may know me better as the lost queen of Arya.”
She was unprepared when he kissed her, for the darkness had denied her a warning before their lips met, before he claimed her mouth with a need that stole from her an anguished sound, a faint cry that shocked her.
She despaired when he broke away, feeling the loss of him even as he kissed her cheeks, her closed eyes, and suddenly his hands were in her hair, pulling pins, reaching for the buttons of her dress – Oh.
“You misunderstand me,” he said with feeling. “I did nothing I didn’t want to do. I want nothing more than to do it again.” Oh, no, she couldn’t breathe.
“Alizeh,” he said, moving toward her. She saw the anguish in his eyes, a flash of panic. “Please, don’t just disappear. Not now, not when I’ve only just found you.”
“There exists no bridge between our lives; no path that connects our worlds.” “How can that matter? Is this not one day to be my empire, to rule as I see fit? I will build a bridge. I can clear a path. Or do you not think me capable?”
“I grow tired,” he said, trying to breathe, “of being in my right mind. I much prefer this kind of madness.”
“Will you not give me hope?” he whispered. “Tell me I will see you again. Ask me to wait for you.”
Was it worse, he wondered, to never know what you might have – or worse to have it snatched away before you might have it?
“Say you came back for me,”
“I choose you,” he said simply. “I want you.”
“Well then. You are coming to Tulan,” Cyrus said, taking a quick breath. “To marry me.” Alizeh gave a sharp cry and fell off the dragon.
