Equal of the Sun by Anita Amirrezvani

Author:Anita Amirrezvani [Amirrezvani, Anita]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: General Fiction
ISBN: 9781451660470
Amazon: 1451660464
Goodreads: 15803170
Publisher: Pocket
Published: 2012-06-01T07:00:00+00:00

Pari’s request made me restless, and so did not knowing about the fate of Mahmood. I still had had no letter from him and no news. I hoped Khadijeh might be able to enlighten me about the Shah’s state of mind and whether his murderous rampage was finished. I went to her quarters and asked to see her, explaining that I brought news from the princess. There was no need to explain further, since by then the palace was buzzing with visits from one lady to another to comfort those in mourning.

When I arrived and was shown in, I was surprised to see Khadijeh dressed all in black, her hair covered by a black silk scarf, which made her tamarind skin look pale.

“My condolences,” I said, as I took my seat on a cushion across from her.

“Thank you. And mine to you.”

I wasn’t related to anyone who had died, but had dressed soberly to reflect the state of the palace.

“I have come to speak with you about a private matter on behalf of my lieutenant,” I said. Khadijeh turned to Nasreen and told her to bring me hot coffee.

The minute she had left, Khadijeh said, “You look as if you have seen the dead.”

“I feel as if I have,” I replied. “Six princes have been killed, and Gowhar is behaving like a madwoman. She is so sick with grief I am not certain she will find the strength to live. It is terrible to see.”

“May God shower us with mercy!” Khadijeh replied, a tear sliding onto her cheek.

I couldn’t help myself. I leapt up from my cushion and claimed her hand, wishing I could take her in my arms and feel the warmth of our bodies entwined.

“Has he said anything about when the killing will stop? I fear for Mahmood!”

Khadijeh looked so startled that I regretted saying anything. She stared at the door, and I quickly withdrew my hand and regained my position on the other side of the room.

“Poor Javaher. You have reason to fear,” she said softly, her eyes wells of grief.

“I know, I know,” I replied. “Why are you so sad?”

“I too have suffered a terrible loss.”

“But you are not related to any of the royal princes, except by marriage.”

“That is true,” she replied. “They are not whom I mourn. I learned this morning that my brother, Mohsen, is dead.”

“My dear Khadijeh! What happened?”

She wrapped her arms around her body. “He died trying to protect someone else, which was very like him. Mohsen always watched over me and defended me when we were young.”

Her eyes overflowed with tears, which she left glistening on her cheeks. “When I lost my parents, I thought I had lost all a woman could lose. But the fresh grief that fills my heart will never depart, no matter how long I live.”

“How I wish I could hold you in my arms and comfort you!”

“Hush!” she whispered and looked as if she were listening for something. All of a sudden Nasreen Khatoon came

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