Finally, Gulalai turned to look at Durkhanai. Her brown eyes were warm.

“One hundred and twenty-five,” Gulalai responded, voice sure.

“Done,” the Badshah said.

And thus, the oath was made.

“Bring me the contract, and you will have my word on paper allowing your stay in exchange for the horsemen,” the Badshah told the Kurra ambassador. “When everything has been finalized, you will bring me those horsemen and continue your stay here, as our guest.”

“Yes, Badshah,” Gulalai replied, bowing her head in respect. Durkhanai saw Gulalai’s lip quiver ever so slightly.

“Ambassador, you are dismissed,” the Wali said. “Durkhanai, stay a moment, will you, gudiya?”

Durkhanai nodded, turning to Gulalai.

“Wait for me,” she said. Gulalai nodded, then exited the presence chamber, leaving Durkhanai alone with her grandparents.

“We do not allow foreigners in Safed-Mahal,” the Wali said. “You know that, Durkhanai. These months have been an exception, due to the circumstances, but let’s not make it a habit.”

“I trust her,” Durkhanai replied, keeping her voice cool. “And I think it’s time we change some traditions. How else will we progress?”

She sounded like a libertarian, she knew, but perhaps it was time.

“Durkhanai, janaan—” Dhadi began, but Agha-Jaan cut her off.

“I think it is good Durkhanai is taking charge,” he said. “The deal is not so horrible. With those horsemen, we can strike the Luhgam Empire hard. Good work, gudiya.”

Durkhanai smiled. She knew the Badshah would see only his wars and would question nothing more. He was getting old, too old, and she felt a little guilty for using his greed against him, but if she was to be the Badshah, she would need to learn how to be a queen.

“Very well,” Dhadi said, eyes sharp. Durkhanai could sense Dhadi wished to say something more, but because Durkhanai had gained Agha-Jaan’s favor, Dhadi withheld. “That’s all, then.”

Durkhanai bit back a smile, satisfaction coursing through her. Her grandmother had challenged her to be a queen, and that was exactly what Durkhanai had done.

Dismissed, Durkhanai went outside and found Gulalai waiting. She leaned against her jeweled cane, frowning.

“You could have warned me,” Gulalai said, clearly cross.

“You’re right.” Durkhanai said. “I’ve been in a mood. I’m sorry. I sort of thought of it just then.”

“It’s alright,” Gulalai replied. She gave a long sigh. “My father won’t be happy with these terms, but I will convince him. Durkhanai, you know this isn’t the most auspicious negotiation for my people.”

“I know,” Durkhanai replied. “But you can trust me. We will lay the foundation of a life-long friendship and alliance in the coming months, and though it will not be written explicitly on paper, I swear my loyalty to you as the future Badshah of Marghazar. I swear it to Allah.”