Perhaps it was because Asfandyar was the only male ambassador? It made sense that Dhadi would forbid their acquaintance on those grounds, but being forbidden from something only made Durkhanai want it all the more.

She was never forbidden from anything. It was one of the perks of being the beloved princess. Her every wish and want was granted.

Frowning, she stood before the window in her private library. Then there was the matter of the illness. Surely, Dhadi would arrange for more medicine to be procured. Then what of the evidence? Dhadi said Agha-Jaan was handling it, but he was preoccupied with fortifying the eastern border against the Lugham Empire.

Durkhanai wanted to obey her Dhadi: to not worry about any of it, but she couldn’t quite convince herself.

Which is how she found herself seeking out Naeem-sahib. She rode her beloved horse Heer to the estates on the periphery of the palace compound, where many of the noble families had their homes. The Yusufzai estate was closest to the palace and was thus a short ride. She was led into the house and into a receiving room, where an elaborate chai spread was quickly set up for her.

She sipped her tea, waiting. She did not have to wait long.

“Shehzadi, to what do I owe this immense pleasure?” Naeem-sahib asked, joining her. He lowered his head in respect, and she nodded, acknowledging him. She did not rise from her place.

He smiled, his black and grey beard wrinkling in the folds of his face, eyes warm. Durkhanai had always liked Naeem-sahib. He was a clever tribe leader and was fiercely loyal to the Miangul family.

But he was the most powerful noble and was well aware of the fact.

He sat across from her.

“I wanted to speak with you about the illness that has been spreading recently,” Durkhanai said, smiling sweetly. “I hope it is not proving too detrimental to the village people?”

Naeem-sahib was one of the three provincial governors within the S’vat state. He managed the tehsil directors, who controlled the villages within the province. The tehsil directors in turn managed the jirga councils, which were made up of the villages’ elders from each family.

His forefathers had been the head of his tribe for centuries, and the Yusufzai clan had consistently maintained a system from which all tribespeople have benefited. They were good farmers, had sturdy craftsmen, and had a natural talent for dealing with people. They were a wealthy, versatile, and powerful tribe.

Naeem-sahib had personally cultivated the respect of every other tribe leader, and they were almost as loyal to him as they were to the Badshah, though the two always went hand in hand.

Marrying Naeem-sabih’s eldest son and heir, Rashid, was probably the most auspicious match she could find. It would unify their clans even further, and bridge the nobility with the royal family twofold.