“In the morning, I woke to the sound of a man shouting through the streets. He was announcing the bridegroom’s arrival. The idiot did not know what fate awaited the foolish Prince for his trespasses. Instead, he went on gleefully bellowing his bit of news to all who would listen. Though the man irritated me, duty required my presence at the palace, so I mounted and rode to meet the King.”
“When I came to Pharsidan, he embraced me. This man was a father to me, the same as Sheridan, and I loved him deeply. It pained me to know what grief I would soon visit on him, but I could not allow India to fall beneath the boot of Persia.”
“He appeared pleased with himself as he greeted me. ‘Come and celebrate with me, my son. This is a day of great joy, for your sister Nestan is to be wed. Help me and send a man to bring all the treasures from our vaults. We will shower the groom and his party with gifts. To do less would be foolish, for when he is King, the entire country will belong to him anyway.’”
“There are times in every man’s life when he must bite his tongue, but those words caused me to chew mine to ribbons with restraint. My mouth became home to a tattered flag, torn to pieces by the treachery duty forced me to utter. As requested, I ordered the men of our castle to distribute the bounty of my Kingdom to these foreign trespassers. I had no choice but to watch as servants spilled the blood of my country to appease the loathsome formalities of court.”
“And come they did, for soon the fields outside around us overflowed with more Persians and foreigners than we were able to contain. As my city and heart were invaded, my foster father spoke again. ‘Instruct your men to prepare a place for the bridegroom to rest. You will meet him in the palace tomorrow. For now, your Knights and soldiers are sufficient to do him homage.’”
“I commanded tents of rich red satin to be raised in the square and filled with all manner of comforts. Hot baths were prepared, and an endless stream of fruits and delicacies were delivered to satisfy the Prince and his retinue. When the man arrived, I observed him as he rode in. From a distance, one might mistake the red silks heralding his arrival for the celebration of Easter Eve, but I knew better. The son of Khvarazmsha came with a host of courtiers and was flanked by soldiers from many different regions.”
“They formed disciplined ranks to either side of the streets as he made his way to the resting place we prepared, but the lie unfolding before me was more than I could bear. I understood patience would serve me best. However, I craved a quick end to this affront. Before long, he settled into his pavilion, ringed with soldiers.”
“The weight of duty bore down on me, and I grew weary of delaying my hand. I mounted my horse and left the palace, wishing to sleep. However, as I turned towards my home, a man caught my attention with a letter.”
“Though tired, I saw it was from Nestan. After the difficulties of my day, it pleased to receive news from my love. She ordered me to come immediately, and I quickly rode to the walled garden around her tower. When I arrived, I found Asmath in a heap, weeping uncontrollably.”
“I helped her stand, asking why she cried so, and she answered between sobs. ‘How can I avoid tears when I am forever engaged in your defense? I unceasingly justify you and your actions to her, yet she does not listen. Through no choice of mine, I am your advocate, for I would not see either of you separated from the other.’”
“Then she opened the gilded curtains, still weeping, and I followed her in. Nestan stood there, shining with such intensity I felt the entirety of our Kingdom might be set aflame from her eyes alone.”
“I readied myself to greet her, but before I could speak, her tongue struck like the blade of an assassin. ‘You deceived me again with your falsehoods! Look at you, standing here like a coward when the day of battle is upon us. Does your heart lack the strength to do what we agreed or are you not the man you pretend to be?!’”
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