Soleiman was a poet, a master storyteller; he knew how to create believable lies. “Princess Raven? Yes, she enjoyed the show.”

Moon Face squinted one suspicious eye at the acrobat. “Since when is the harem evacuated for Raven?”

“The poor girl suffers from…” Soleiman looked around and whispered, “Pardon me. For a moment, I forgot my promise to honor her secret.”

Moon Face pointed to her heart. “Her secret will be safe here.” She probed his eyes, trying to claw at the truth. “When Gold Dust and the Shah left for war, I took care of Raven. Now they keep secrets from me.” She aimed a wad of spittle into her palm and stared at it sadly. “This is what I deserve for considering her as my own!”

Soleiman watched her wipe her palm against her chador. “I did not mean to upset your ladyship. The truth is that the princess suffers from a lethal consumption of the liver, which is the cause of her colorless appearance. She is wasting away.”

Moon Face imitated his secretive tone. “Are you a doctor?”

“A different one. I distract the mind so the body can wither away painlessly.”

He had whispered with such genuine grief that Moon Face felt a catch in her throat. God was merciful. He had decided to punish the favorite through the loss of her daughter. Moon Face shuffled back to the gardens.

38

Hiding behind the balcony of blind musicians, Gulf Lily observed the meeting between the Shah, Rebekah, and the Ancient Zoroastrian. Gulf Lily was amazed at the power of the supernatural, which had transformed the king into an obedient servant who remained standing in deference to the old woman.

“King!” The woman’s gnarled fingers grazed her hairless head. “Allow Gold Dust time out of this prison you call harem. At least once a week, until she grows stronger. Or you’ll be left with a bag of useless bones. She must experience the healing powers of the sun outside the palace where light is not smothered by plane trees and weeping willows.”

The Shah kept his distance. “We shall allow these excursions on the condition Your Holiness never leave her side.”

“No need for my presence, King,” the ancient one cackled. “Don’t make life more complicated than it already is.”

Irritation crept into the Shah’s voice. “You’re closer to Allah than any mortal. With you, the favorite will be safe from men who harbor vile desires.”

Gulf Lily saw the Ancient Zoroastrian’s mouth flap open and shut like that of a dying fish. Was she laughing at the king? At last, she caught her breath. “As you wish. I’d benefit from the sun myself, before I’m buried in darkness.”

“The outings must cease in one month!” the Shah ordered. “Ample time for nature to prove itself.”

With hushed footsteps Gulf Lily hurried to Moon Face.