“Do you feel bitter, then?”
“Do you feel bitter for losing your kingdom?” she retorted, but still could not bring herself to look at him. “I was caught in the web of kismet, as are we all. We play our roles in Oromasd’s battle with Rimahn, and who is to say what role is better than another? I know I’ve lived a good life, I know I’ll reach the House of Song. Does it matter whether I get there sooner or later?”
“So well spoken for one so young,” Prince Ahmad marveled. “I’ve had teachers in the madrasa who couldn’t make a point so eloquently and succinctly.”
Selima blushed. “I think I inherited my father’s tongue.”
“Well, certainly his wit. But I’m at least glad you feel nothing in your condition.”
“But I do,” Selima told him.
“But you just said—”
“I said I felt no pain. But I do feel
