We watch as Paheli asks him a question, receives an answer, and passes him a pouch containing a Between diamond. He says something else to her, something not related to her question, and we watch as she laughs in response. When Paheli laughs, our world brightens.

“Who is he?” Taraana says, his voice low. There is a scowl perched like a crow on his eyebrows. “Is he—no, is Paheli—no, I mean—”

“No,” Valentina says.

“Maybe,” Etsuko counters.

“Really?” Taraana’s eyes are wounded.

We narrow our eyes at Etsuko and she grins. “I’m joking.”

“What?” Paheli, who has returned to us, asks. We turn to her as one. “What did I do?” Taraana is looking at her aggrievedly.

“Nothing. There is nothing going on. With anyone,” Valentina says, especially to Taraana. “What did Hizrat say?”

“He’s actually not sure if the person he knows is the person we’re looking for, but he told me to check a tea place in the Grand Bazaar after sundown,” Paheli says. “There’re still a few hours before then, so let’s check out the store that sold conjuries in Dilan Souk.”

“Do you meet him often?” Taraana asks as we make our way out of the palace.

“Who?” Paheli frowns.

“Never mind. Let’s go,” Taraana says, beaming again.

We spend some time in Dilan Souk looking for the conjury store without finding anything to reward our efforts. It’s as if the place never existed. We exit the souk when the shadows are lengthening and the skies are a blue particular to the time after sundown.

“I am exhausted.” Widad groans, sitting down on a bench outside the souk.

“Why don’t Talei and Valentina accompany me to the Grand Bazaar? The rest of you can go home,” Paheli suggests.

Taraana’s reaction is instantaneous and expected. “Absolutely not!” He is furious. “Why do you always try to exempt me?”

Paheli’s usually unruffled mien falters before her eyebrows draw together in the most magnificent scowl we have ever seen from her. “Listen, has it not occurred to you that you are in danger? Yes, I know that you are going to say that this girl saved you, but it has been a long time since then, and who’s to say she is of the same mind now?”

“I can protect myself!” Taraana says, leaning down so he and Paheli are nose to nose.

“I am sure you can. However, I am not willing to risk you. What if Baarish is there? What if there is someone else who recognizes you there? We’d be delivering you to them with all but a bow on top!” Paheli replies, standing on tiptoe to glare into Taraana’s eyes.

“Do you two need a room?” Valentina asks delicately.

They turn to us with equally infuriated expressions.

“I am going with you!” Taraana crosses his arms.

“You are not.” Paheli crosses hers.