Wrath And The Dawn Quotes

My soul sees its equal in you.

Some things exist in our lives for but a brief moment. And we must let them go on to light another sky.

What are you doing to me, you plague of a girl?” he whispered. “If I’m a plague, then you should keep your distance, unless you plan on being destroyed.” The weapons still in her grasp, she shoved against his chest. “No.” His hands dropped to her waist. “Destroy me.

I love you, a thousand times over. And I will never apologize for it.

It was because they were two parts of a whole. He did not belong to her. And she did not belong to him. It was never about belonging to someone. It was about belonging together.

You honestly expect me to breathe in a world without air?

You have a beautiful laugh. Like the promise of tomorrow.

Love is—a shade of what I feel.

There is no one I would rather see the sunrise with than you.

We women are a sad lot, aren't we?" "What do you mean?" "Strong enough to take on the world with our bare hands, yet we permit ridiculous boys to make fools of us." "I am not a fool." "No, you're not. Not yet.

Get up, Shahrzad al-Khayzuran. You kneel before no one. Least of all me.

This dangerous girl. This captivating beauty. This destroyer of worlds and creator of wonder.

So you would have me throw Shazi to the wolves?” “Shazi?” Jalal’s grin widened. “Honestly, I pity the wolves.

You are not weak. You are not indecisive. You are strong. Fierce. Capable beyond measure.

Shazi, I prefer the color blue to any other. The scent of lilacs in your hair is a source of constant torment. I despise figs. Lastly, I will never forget, all the days of my life, the memories of last night— For nothing, not the sun, not the rain, not even the brightest star in the darkest sky, could begin to compare to the wonder of you. Khalid.

The more a person pushes others away, the clearer it becomes he is in need of love the most.

It’s a fitting punishment for a monster. to want something so much—to hold it in your arms — and know beyond a doubt you will never deserve it.

Love is a force unto itself, sayyidi. For love, people consider the unthinkable...and often achieve the impossible. I would not sneer at its power.

She was a dangerous, dangerous girl. A plague. A Mountain of Adamant who tore the iron from ships, sinking them to their watery graves without a second thought. With a mere smile and a wrinkle of her nose.

And he smiled a smile to shame the sun.

From the stars, to the stars.

A shared history does not entitle you to a future, my friend.

A true plague of a girl. And yet a queen in every sense of the word.

That is not the way of it. Your future is not set in stone, my dearest star. A coin turns on itself a number of times before it lands.

When she wound her fingers in his hair to draw her body against his, he stilled for breath, and she knew, as he knew, that they were lost. Lost forever. In this kiss. This kiss that would change everything.

Her conviction wavered further. “I told you; don’t try to own me.” “I don’t want to own you.” She swiveled her neck to meet his gaze. “Then never speak of sending me away again. I am not yours to do with as you will.” Khalid’s features smoothed knowingly. “How right you are. You are not mine.” He dropped his palm from the door. “I am yours.

It does not take courage to kill. It takes courage to live.

And only those watching very carefully saw the Caliph of Khorasan lean back against the cushions and toy with the bangles on his wife’s arm.

I know love is fragile. And loving someone like you is near impossible. Like holding something shattered through a raging sandstorm. If you want her to love you, shelter her from that storm…And make certain that storm isn’t you.

I’ve missed the silence of you listening to me.” Shahrzad attempted a weak smile. “No one listens to me as you do.” His expression turned quizzical. “You don’t wait to speak,” she clarified. “You truly listen.” “Only to you,” Khalid replied gently.

No. He was not here to wreak revenge. For revenge was trifling and hollow. No. He was not here to retrieve his wife. For his wife was not a thing to be retrieved. No. He was not here to negotiate a truce. For a truce suggested he wished to compromise. He was here to burn something to the ground.

People fall in and out of love with the rising and setting of the sun. Rather like a boy who loves the color green one day, only to discover on the morrow that he truly prefers blue.

Cut the strings, Shazi. Fly.

When I was a boy, my mother would tell me that one of the best things in life is the knowledge that our story isn't over yet. Our story may have come to a close, but your story is still yet to be told. Make it a story worthy of you

Two stubborn lovers, protecting each other from the very same threat.

As always. As ever. As a rose to the sun.

Give me a meaningful love or a beautiful death!

The darker the sky, the brighter the stars.

Destiny was for fools. Sharzad would not wait for her life to happen. She would make it happen.

Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deeds awake. Now for wrath, now for ruin, and the red dawn. Forth, Eorlingas!

For a story was only as good as its villain.

It's inevitable. When you meet the one who makes you smile as you've never smiled before, cry as you've never cried before... there is nothing to do but fall.

you are boundless, there is nothing you can't do.

I understand how difficult it is, putting your heart in someone else’s hands. But, if you don’t, how will you ever truly know a person?

In the end, there is only time for love.

A boy who'd thrived in the shadows. Now he had to live in the light. To live . . . fiercely. To fight for every breath.

And how will you know when you've found the elusive someone? I suspect she will be like air. Like knowing how to breathe.

The worst kind of lie—the kind shrouded in good intentions. The kind cowards use to justify their weakness.

It was never about belonging to someone. It was belonging together.

When I was in the desert, I woke each day and carried on with my life, but it wasn’t living; it was merely existing. I want to live. You are where I live.

I love you, Shahrzad al-Khayzuran. There is nothing I would not do for you. Nothing I would not consider if it meant keeping you safe. The world itself should fear me if it stands between us.

After all, every story has a story.

The mighty Caliph of Khorasan. The King of Kings. Her beautiful monster.

No. He was not here to retrieve his wife. For his wife was not a thing to be retrieved.

I've always believed a man is what he does, not what others say.

if you ask me, the best way to go about flying is to cut the strings tying you down 

A trickle of blood slid down his arm. He felt nothing. He only saw it. Because nothing hurt like missing her. He suspected nothing ever would

For without a measure of arrogance, how can one attempt the impossible?

There is a vast difference between meaning to do something and actually doing it.

Do not fear what the setting sun may bring. Where there is a setting sun, there is also a rising one.

Sometimes," he gasped, "the family you choose...is stronger than blood.

Beauty fades. But a pain in the ass is forever.

Tonight is a night to turn heads. Make them remember you. Make sure they never forget. You are the Calipha of Khorasan, and you have the ear of a king." Despina put her hand on Shahrzad's shoulder and grinned at their shared reflection. "More important, you have his heart." She bent forward and lowered her voice. "And, most important, you are a fearsome thing to behold in your own right.

The rose’s rarest essence lives in the thorns.

It is a great gift to find lasting love - one that gives for every bit it takes.

In her ear, he whispered, "Do better than this Shazi. My queen is without limitations. Boundless in all that she does. Show them.

But I'm not here to fight. I'm here to win.

This destroyer of worlds and creature of wonder.

The power behind words lies with the person.

Do you understand, Brat Calipha?” Despina continued. Shahrzad glanced over her shoulder at her handmaiden, in stalwart silence. Despina sighed. “On pain of death…you are as important to him as his own life.

So you intend to go through life never loving anyone? Just … things?” “No. I’m looking for something more.” “More than love?” “Yes.” “Is it not arrogant to think you deserve more, Khalid Ibn al-Rashid?” “Is it so arrogant to want something that doesn’t change with the wind? That doesn’t crumble at the first sign of adversity?” “You want something that doesn’t exist. A figment of your imagination.” “No. I want someone who sees beneath the surface-someone who completes the balance. An equal.” “And how will you know when you’ve found this elusive someone?” Shahrzad retorted. “I suspect she will be like air. Like knowing how to breathe.

You are saddened by love's importance in the emir's life?" He paused. "I am frustrated by its importance in all our lives.

Did we come all the way here for a book, Baba?” “Just one, my child. Just one.” “It must be a special book.” “All books are special, dear.

I have learned above all is that no individual can reach the height of their potential without the love of others. We are not meant to be alone, Shahrzad. The more a person pushes others away, the clearer it becomes he is in need of love the most.

You are—remarkable. Every day, I think I am going to be surprised by how remarkable you are, but I am not. Because this is what it means to be you. It means knowing no bounds. Being limitless in all that you do.

For his children, he would move mountains.

Some things do not have to be said. You didn’t have to tell me you were in love with Khalid Ibn al-Rashid. And I didn’t have to tell you I cried myself to sleep for weeks after you left. Love speaks for itself.

I love you, she said. Khalid lifted his head to hers. She placed a hand against his cheek. Beyond words.

It's much easier to hate a memory. I would know.

She shook her head, though her shoulders trembled and her nails dug into her palms. “You are ridiculous, Khalid Ibn al-Rashid. I am just one girl. You are the Caliph of Khorasan, and you have a responsability to a kingdom.” “If you are just one girl, I am just one boy.” Shahrzad closed her eyes, unable to hold the fierce light in his gaze.

I could see her daring a cobra to strike, swearing her venom would kill first.

In my life, the one thing I have learned above all is that no individual can reach the height of their potential without the love of others

It's never been a question of who is going to let me behave a certain way; it's always been a question of who is going to stop me. I thank you for answering it.

Sharzad was rewarded with one of his uncommonly effortless smiles. The kind that changed a face of shadows into one of light".

Do not live in fear, Khalid-jan, for that is not a life.

Understood what it meant to feel at home wherever you were. To feel as though you belonged in any moment, at any place, in any time.

You laugh very loud—as if you are the only one in the world,” Despina commented. Shahrzad wrinkled her nose. “That’s funny. My sister says something very similar.” “I assume it makes little difference to you.” “Why? You’d prefer I stop?” she teased. “No,” Khalid said, as he strode into the Grand Portico. “I would not.” “Sayyidi.” Despina bowed. He nodded at her. “I cannot speak for Despina. But you do laugh too loud. And I hope you never stop.

Jalal," she said, "I can explain." "There's no need." "I'm not - " "I told you; there's no need." He spoke simply. "I trust you.

For it was easy to be good and kind in times of plenty. The trying times were the moments that defined a man.

For the wonder of a first love can never be matched.

Shahrzad, I've failed you several times. But there was one moment I failed you beyond measure. It was the day we met. The moment I took your hand and you looked at me, with the glory of hate in your eyes. I should have sent you home to your family. But I didn't. There was honesty in your hatred. Fearlessness in your pain. In your honesty, I saw a reflection of myself. Or rather, of the man I longed to be. So I failed you. I didn't stay away. Then later, I thought if I had answers, it would be enough. I would no longer care. You would not matter. So I continued failing you. Continued wanting more. And now I can't find the words to say what must be said. To convey to you the least of what I owe. When I think of you, I can't find the air to breathe. And now, though you are gone, there is no pain or fear. All I am left with is gratitude. When I was a boy, my mother would tell me that one of the best things in life is the knowledge that your story isn't over yet. Our story may have come to a close, but your story is still yet to be told. Make it a story worthy of you. I failed you in one last thing. Here is my chance to rectify it. It was never because I didn't feel it. It was because I swore I would never say it, and a man is nothing if he can't keep his promises. So I write it in the sky- I love you, a thousand times over. And I will never apologize for it. Khalid

I will live to see tomorrow's sunset. Make no mistake. I swear. I will live to see as many sunsets as it takes. And I will kill you. With my bare hands.

Khalid’s features smoothed knowingly. “How right you are. You are not mine.” He dropped his palm from the door. “I am yours.

I suspect she will be like air. Like knowing how to breathe.

I am young, and, therefor, I know my words only carry a certain weight in the world, but I do know enough to realize you cannot control the actions of others. You can only control what you do with yourself afterward.

I believe when you truly love someone, you want what's best for that person.

Is that kind of disrespect … normal?” Shahrzad lifted a shoulder. “It’s not normal. But it’s not unexpected. It’s the curse of being a woman,” she joked in a morose manner.

I failed you one last thing. Here is my chance to rectify it. It was never because I didn’t feel it. It was because I swore I would never say it, and a man is nothing if he can’t keep his promises So I write it to the sky - I love you, a thousand times over. And I will never apologize for it.

For a mistake was only a mistake if it was left to remain so.

The tears and the pain all but blinding her, she forced open her eyes one more time, to a curtain of dark hair; to a waterfall of black ink spilling across the last page of her life. No. I’m not nothing. I was loved.

I wish I possessed your particular brand of optimism," Rahim grumbled. "And what brand would that be?" "Idiotic.

Perhaps you should spend less time despising the game and more time building the patients necessary to win.

Sharzad had not intended to torment Khalid with the magic carpet. Not at first. But he brought it on himself. Truly, he did.

You are ridiculous, Khalid Ibn al-Rashid. I am just one girl. You are the Caliph of Khorasan, and you have a responsibility to a kingdom.” “If you are just one girl, I am just one boy.

For all his dour black and stern expressions, all the whispered rumors of trick swords and cold brutality, he did not appear worthy of genuine fear. He appeared bored with life. Bored and in need of a nap.

The moment I saw him running toward you that morning, I knew you were going to save him, just as he saved you.

The warm sound of her laughter stole through Khalid's skin, heating the coldest reaches of his soul.

My favorite color is violet. The scent of roses makes me feel at home, wherever I am. I do not enjoy fish, but I will eat it to make a loved one happy, suffering through my smile.

It was easy to be good and kind in times of plenty. The trying times were the moments that defined a man. And love? Love was something that did much to change a person. It brought joy as it brought suffering, and in turn brought about those moments that defined one’s character. Love gave life to the lifeless. It was the greatest of all living powers. But, as with all things, love had a dark side to it.

As you said, revenge will never replace what I have lost. What you have lost. All we have is now. And our promise to make it better.

Are you finally starting to breathe in a normal fashion?” Shahrzad teased. “I must confess I find your behavior rather odd, considering you said only a child would be afraid to fly.” “I wasn’t afraid.” Khalid wrapped a forearm of corded muscle around her. She slanted a disbelieving look his way. “You just lied to me.” “I wasn’t afraid,” he repeated. “I was terrified.

What are you doing to me, you plague of a girl?” he whispered. “If I’m a plague, then you should keep your distance, unless you plan on being destroyed.” “No. Destroy Me.

I never lose, nor am I afraid to spill blood.

had always been like that—incapable of withholding the truth but incapable of cruelty. A rare kind of person. The best kind of friend.

Love was something that did much to change a person. It brought joy as it brought suffering, and in turn brought about those moments that defined one’s character.

Though a promise means little without a measure of trust.

I think beauty is rarely worth the trouble.” Shahrzad gripped Irsa’s hand tighter in sisterly solidarity. “But I am worth a great deal more than what you see.

I did not seek permission from anyone, General al-Khoury. Nor shall I seek permission from anyone in the future. For anything.

You’re better than beautiful.” Rahim took a careful breath. “You’re interesting. Never forget that.

She wanted to kiss him. No. It was one thing to return his kiss; she’d been prepared for that. But it was another thing entirely to want his kiss… another thing entirely to desire his affections.

Despina edged closer. “When I was a little girl in Thebes, I remember asking my mother what heaven was. She replied, ‘A heart where love dwells.’ Of course, I then demanded to know what constituted hell. She looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘A heart absent love.’” Despina studied Shahrzad as she spoke.

„Are you a good spy?“ „The best.“ „A good spy would hide her identity.“ „The best spies don’t have to.

And never forget my heart is always in your hands

Do you think you’re invincible? That you live off nothing but fresh dew and cold fury?

„My mountain of Adamant.

For this was a kiss of definition. A kiss of understanding. For a marriage absent pretense. And a love without design.

Because when I kiss you, I want yours to be the first... and last lips I ever kiss.

Shahrzad paused. Then made a decision. Honey catches more flies than vinegar.

It must be said. These truths, no matter how harsh, must be said.

Loss is loss. And the lesson is always the same.

I may be partial to roses, but I am not a fragile flower

Now is easy. It’s easy to say what you want in a passing moment. That’s why a harem waits outside your door and the mother of your child won’t have you.

My mother used to say that a man who can’t appreciate poetry lacks a soul.

There is potential for boundless good in the boy I knew. Trust that the man you see now is a shadow of what lies beneath. If you would, give him the love that will enable him to see it for himself. To a lost soul, such a treasure is worth its weight in gold. Worth its weight in dreams.

In your honesty, I saw a reflection of myself. Or rather, of the man I longed to be. So I failed you. I didn’t stay away. Then, later, I thought if I had answers, it would be enough. I would no longer care. You would no longer matter. So I continued failing you. Continued wanting more. And now I can’t find the words to say what must be said. To convey to you the least of what I owe. When I think of you, I can’t find the air to b r e a t h e.

These were not the words of a madman. For the first time, Tariq saw what Shahrzad saw when she looked at Khalid Ibn al-Rashid. He saw a boy. Who loved a girl. More than anything in the world. And he hated him all the more for it.

One hundred lives for the one you took. One life to one dawn. Should you fail but a single morn, I shall take from you your dreams. I shall take from you your city. And I shall take from you these lives, a thousandfold.

It's never been a question of who is going to let me behave a certain way; it's always been a question of who is going to stop me.

In what world did you think you could get away with this?" Jalal seethed. "To my cousin? To my family?" His gleaming hilt continued its punishing onslaught.

Such is the way of rumors. We are often the last to know the ones in our honor.

Khalid had to answer for such vile deeds. Such rampant death. Even if he was her air. Even if she loved him beyond words.

I believe when you truly love someone, you want what’s best for that person.” “I find that not only absurd, but arrogant, as well.

True strength isn’t about sovereignty. It’s about knowing when you need help and having the courage to accept it.

I am just curious at heart, and my curious heart has quite a fondness for love stories.

Murderer, monster, madman... Khalid may very well be all of those things. But he's also loved. By me and by my father. But, most of all, by Shazi. With her, he is as fiercely loved as he loves.

It’s late,” Khalid said. “You should sleep.” “What are you talking about? I’m not doing anything.” “Stop smiling and go to sleep.” “How do you know I’m smiling? You’re not even looking at me.” “I can feel you smiling, Shazi.” The warm sound of her laughter stole through Khalid’s skin, heating the coldest reaches of his soul.

It was the last thing I ever said to her. A lie. The worst kind of lie --the kind shrouded in good intentions. The kind cowards use to justify their weakness.

We are as a rose unfurling, becoming more clearly ourselves

Do better than this, Shazi. My queen is without limitations. Boundless in all that she does. Show them.” Her pulse raced

If you would, give him the love that will enable him to see it for himself. To a lost soul, such a treasure is worth its weight in gold. Worth its weight in dreams.

All our lives are forfeit, sayyidi. It is just a question of when. And I would like one more day.

Where were you?" Shahrzad tried to control the tremor in her voice. "Not where I should have been." "This morning and last night." His breath fanned on her skin as he bent toward her ear. "This morning, I was not where I should have been. Last night, I was not where I wanted to be.

Jalal shook his head and moved toward Khalid. "She is. Please give her a chance to explain." "Leave," Khalid commanded quietly. "Don't let your fear and your distrust ruin this." His uncle took Jalal by the shoulder. "She loves you!" Jalal continued, his tone heedless. "This is not what it seems. Maybe it began as something else, but I would bet my life on what it is now. She loves you. Please don't fall to hate. You're not your father. You are so much more. She is so much more.

I-" Irsa took a careful breath to steady her words. " I have felt alone for most of my life. Until you." She placed the shell on his chest. " But I promise I won't feel alone anymore. I will never forget." She stood on shaky feet. "I will always remember." "I love you Rahim al-Din Walad . Thank you for loving me in return.

I know very little, and I still know more than you, Khalid-jan. I know love is fragile. And loving someone like you is near impossible. Like holding something shattered through a raging sandstorm. If you want her to love you, shelter her from that storm . . .” Jalal rose to his feet, straightening the insignia of the Royal Guard at his shoulder. “And make certain that storm isn’t you.

All we have is now. And our promise to make it better.

Shahrzad followed him with her eyes, aware she likely resembled a predator stalking prey.

So I write it to the sky— I love you, a thousand times over. And I will never apologize for it. Khalid

But even the moment when the leaves fall from their boughs—even that moment—has a beauty to it. A glory of its own.

So that she could be by his side, make him smile as she laughed, weave tales by lamplight, and share secrets in the dark. So that she could fall asleep in his arms and awaken to a brilliant tomorrow.

It was a vain attempt at indifference, on both their parts. For Shahrzad bore silent witness to the truth. It was only for an instant, and they never glanced at each other. Yet, she wondered how anyone could miss it—the subtle shift in Jalal’s shoulders, and the telltale tilt to Despina’s head. Shahrzad smiled knowingly.

Until you can learn to let go of your hatred, you will always love yourself more.

Being your sister is one of the best things about being me

Games? War is not a game, my friend. Games are for small children and old men like me. War is a young man's blighted delight

I won’t ask for forgiveness, but I am so very sorry,” he said, with the simple brevity she was learning to expect. She pressed her lips into his soft, dark hair. “I know.” He

I wish you happiness, Vikram Singh.” “And I you, meraa dost—my greatest friend.

It is not a ridiculous question. It is a very simple one. The difficulty lies in the answer. Why do you love her?

But I do know I can’t remember the last time I wanted something so much,” he finished in a quiet voice.

When will you tell him?' 'When I muster the courage or when I'm left with no choice - whichever comes first.

No.” Musa canted his mouth to one side. “When we are faced with our darkest fears, inaction is for the weak or the hopeless. There is always something to be said or done. Though words alone—” “Are mere scratchings on a page,” Khalid finished, his voice even colder. “The power behind them lies with the person.

Cease with the displays of false modesty. The entire palace knows about it." A feeling of warmth crept up Shahrzad's neck. "Knows about what?" Despina grinned. "The Caliph of Khorasan going into the gardens at dawn alone. And returning with a single rose.

Before she could stop her hands, they reached for him, as though they existed for no other reason than to touch him. Her fingers brushed across his jaw with a feather's caress before pulling away, and he closed his eyes on a soft inhale. Like the poison toying with its remedy, Shahrzad's hands ignored her and took control, a mere taste of his skin not nearly enough. Never enough.

I'd much rather fall to my death than admit my weakness to you." "The captain of the Royal Guard wants to impress a lowly handmaiden?" "A clumsy young man wants to impress a beautiful young woman.

He was good at that. Good at robbing the world of light, even in its barest measure.

With everyone else, he was chipped ice on a mountain. With her sister, he was a summer breeze across the sea. Alas,

For love, people consider the unthinkable . . . and often achieve the impossible. I would not sneer at its power.” The

He was stronger than she was. Of that, there was no doubt. She could not best him physically. But I’m not here to fight. I’m here to win.

Why would you be curious as to where he found me, my lord? Are you in the market?

Is that kind of disrespect . . . normal?” Shahrzad lifted a shoulder. “It’s not normal. But it’s not unexpected. It’s the curse of being a woman,” she joked in a morose manner. “It’s obscene. He deserves to be flogged.

I do not have to lose my wife to understand the meaning of loss, Tariq. A child with a broken toy understands such things." "Are you likening my suffering to that of a child?" "Loss is loss. And the lesson is always the same.

You are free to leave, as well." Khalid resumed his trek toward his chamber. Jalal cut it front of Khalid. "You look terrible." His eyes were bright, and his forehead was lined with worry.

In my life, the one thing I have learned above all is that no individual can reach the height of their potential without the love of others. We are not meant to be alone, Shahrzad. The more a person pushes others away, the clearer it becomes he is in need of love the most.

Such misplaced faith in a boy with a murderous past and a girl with treacherous intent.

You deserve someone who will feel you at her side without needing to see you. And I've only felt that way about one boy.

It was a quiet taunt...a poisoned glass of wine, meant to intoxicate and exsanguinate.

Is it so arrogant to want something that doesn't change with the wind? That doesn't crumble at the first sign of adversity?" "You want something that doesn't exist. A figment of your imagination." "No. I want someone who sees beneath the surface--someone who completes the balance. An equal.

He had only began to process his confusion when Captain al-Khoury seized him by the arm. Tariq knocked away the arrogant boy's hand. "What - " "Do you still love her?" He spoke in a urgent whisper. "That's none of your business." "Answer me, you fool. Do you?" Tariq clenched his teeth, returning the captain of the Royal Guard's fierce glare. "Always." "Then make sure she never comes back.

I wish I possessed your particular brand of optimism," Rahim grumbled. "And what brand would that be?" "Idiotic." "Better idiotic than ineffectual." "Better alive than dead." "Run home, Rahim-jan," Tariq said. "I can hear your mother calling." "Insufferable ass.

Then I, Wrath, son of Wrath, do take you as my shellan, to watch over and care for you and any begotten young we may have, sure as I would and will my kingdom, and its citizenry. You shall be mine fore’ermore—your enemies are mine own, your bloodline to mix with mine own, your dusks and your dawns to share only with me. This bond shall ne’er be torn asunder by forces within or without—and”—here he paused—“there shall be one and only one female for all mine days, and you shall be that only queen.

Tomorrow, she could worry about such a thing as loyalty. Tomorrow, she could worry about the price of such betrayal. Tonight, all that mattered was this. Their hands threaded above her head. His low whisper in her ear. Just one boy and one girl. This. Oblivion. •

In that moment of perfect balance, she understood. This peace? These worries silenced without effort? It was because they were two parts of a whole. He did not belong to her. And she did not belong to him. It was never about belonging to someone. It was about belonging together.

Her own awareness had risen like the dawn on her back.Like a leaden sunrise veiled in a swirl of storm clouds. It was no longer enough to have answers for Shiva's sake. Indeed, it had ceased to be about mere vengeance the moment Khalid's lips touched hers in the alley by the souk. She had wanted there to be a reason for this madness, needed there to be a reason, so that she could be with him. So that she could be by his side, make him smile as she laughed, weave tales by lamplight, and share secrets in the dark.So that she could fall asleep in his arms and awaken to a brilliant tomorrow. But it was too late. He was the Mehrdad of her nightmares. She had opened the door. She had seen the bodies hanging from the walls, without explanation. Without justification. And without one, Shahrzad knew what must be done. Khalid had to answer for such vile deeds. Such rampant death. Even if he was her air. Even if she loved him beyond words.

Shahrzad closed her eyes in defeat and slid her palms to his chest. Then she reached behind him in an embrace of sandalwood and sun. Khalid wrapped both his arms around Shahrzad, and they stood together under the dome of the Grand Portico, with the indecipherable art of love poems giving silent testament.

He'd been a good man once. A man who had loved his wife and daughter, and lived a life of simple desires. But suffering had changed all that. For it was easy to be good and kind in times of plenty. The trying times were the moments that defined a man. And love? Love was something that did much to change a person. It brought joy as it brought suffering, and in turn brought about those moments that defined one's character. Love gave life to the lifeless it was the greatest of all living powers. But, as with all things, love had a dark side to it.

Stop being so stubborn!” Her bare feet fell to the onyx floor. “Do not make me beg you. Because I won’t. I’ll merely lose my temper or cry. And I have always secretly despised those who cry to wheedle their objectives. But if you force me to do it, Khalid Ibn al-Rashid, I will. And I cry beautifully.” She crossed her arms and pursed her lips. A corner of his mouth twitched. “You do not cry beautifully.” “Liar!” “I’m not lying.” He held her gaze. “I rarely lie

Let go of it this instant, or I'll dump it's contents on your head and leave you to wallow in honeyed misery," he whispered in her ear, his amusement as plain as his threat. Shahrzad froze, his breath tickling her skin. "Do it and I'll bite your hand," she said. "Until you scream like a little boy." He laughed--a rich susurrus of air and sound. "I thought you were tired of bloodshed. Perhaps I'll toss you over my shoulder. In front of everyone." Refusing to comply with out a fight, she pinched his forearm until he grimaced.

He was tall and trim, with the build of a young man proficient in warfare. His dark hair was straight and styled in a manner suggesting a desire for order in all things. As she strode onto the dais, she looked up at him, refusing to balk, even in the face of her king. His thick eyebrows raised a fraction. They framed eyes so pale a shade of brown they appeared amber in certain flashes of light, like those of a tiger. His profile was an artist’s study in angles, and he remained motionless as he returned her watchful scrutiny.

Daughter of a whore,” he muttered. Khalid froze, his knuckles turning a perilous shade of white. Shahrzad grabbed his arm and dragged him away. She could see the muscles ticking along his jaw. “You know, you have quite a temper,” she remarked after they had cleared some distance. He said nothing. “Khalid?” “Is that kind of disrespect . . . normal?” Shahrzad lifted a shoulder. “It’s not normal. But it’s not unexpected. It’s the curse of being a woman,” she joked in a morose manner. “It’s obscene. He deserves to be flogged.

...I love her. I think I want to be with her." "Be careful, Captain al-khoury. Those words mean different things to different people. Make sure they man the right things to you." "Don't be an ass. I mean them." "When did you mean them?" "I mean them now. Isn't that what matters?" A muscle worked in Khalid's jaw. "Now is easy. It's easy to say what you want in a passing moment. That's why a harem waits outside your door and the mother of your child won't have you." He strode back toward the palace. "Then what is the right answer, say yidi? What should I have said?" Jalal called out to the sky in exasperation. "Always.

The history of human growth and development is at the same time the history of the terrible struggle of every new idea heralding the approach of a brighter dawn. In its tenacious hold on tradition, the Old has never hesitated to make use of the foulest and cruelest means to stay the advent of the New, in whatever form or period the latter may have asserted itself. Nor need we retrace our steps into the distant past to realize the enormity of opposition, difficulties, and hardships placed in the path of every progressive idea. The rack, the thumbscrew, and the knout are still with us; so are the convict’s garb and the social wrath, all conspiring against the spirit that is serenely marching on.