The valet magically appeared with a pitcher and filled their water glasses. Several dishes followed. Carina planned to pick at them rather than accept Baltazar’s hospitality, but she discovered that she was famished. She ate what was in front of her, rationalizing that she would need her strength. She didn’t touch the rosé wine. She wanted to have a clear head to deal with what might lie ahead.

Baltazar seemed to be reading her thoughts. He was a shrewd judge of character, and made no conversation during the meal other than to ask if the food was to her liking. When she had enough, she drained her water glass and pushed her dish away.

“I have fulfilled my part of the proposition,” she said.

“So you have.” Baltazar nodded. “Now I will fulfill mine. The story begins three thousand years ago with Solomon.”

“King Solomon?”

“The one and only. The son of David, king of the lands that include what we now know as Israel. According to biblical references, Solomon receives a visit from the queen of a place called Sheba. She has heard of Solomon’s wisdom and is curious. When she arrives, she is impressed not only with his wisdom but by his wealth. They become smitten with each other. He even writes a series of erotic poems that some believe were to her, at least in part.”

“Song of Songs,” Carina said.

“That’s right. The woman in the poems introduces herself: “I am black, but beautiful, daughters of Jerusalem.”

“She came from Africa,” Carina said.

“That seems to be the case. Her mention in the Bible is a brief one. The Koran expands on the story, and the Arab and later medieval chroniclers picked up the thread. Sheba and Solomon are married; she bears him a son, and then returns to her homeland. He has many wives, concubines, and children. She becomes even more powerful and wealthy.”

“And the son?”

“The legend says he returns to Africa and reigns as a king.”

“A lovely fairy tale,” Carina said. “Now may I be allowed to dispense with your hospitality and leave this place?”

“But that’s only the first part of the story,” Baltazar said. “The liaison between Solomon and Sheba’s handmaiden also produces a son. He dies at an early age, but his progeny live on. They move to Cyprus, where they establish a shipbuilding business, and make contact with the Fourth Crusaders. They move to Western Europe after the sack of Constantinople and take a Spanish name.”

“Baltazar,” Carina said.

“Correct. Unfortunately, I am the last remaining male descendant of the Baltazars. When I die, the family dies with me.”

And none too soon, Carina thought. She let out an unladylike laugh. “Are you saying that you are descended from Solomon?”

“Yes, Miss Mechadi. And so are you.”

“You are far more insane than I have imagined, Baltazar.”