These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi

Author:Tahereh Mafi
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2022-12-03T00:00:00+00:00

Sixteen

“WHAT ON EARTH,” SHE SAID, blinking, “could be worth both your life and your kingdom?”

“Alizeh,” said Cyrus quietly, and for a moment he looked quite desperate. “Please.”

Oh, she was not made of stone.

She was not unaffected by the sound of his voice nor the tragedy in his eyes. She understood, rationally, that Cyrus was a shameless brute, but she also knew the devil too well to dismiss the terror that accompanied his whispers, the way his riddles pierced a soul and lingered, clawing at a mind until one could think of nothing else.

She couldn’t help it; she pitied him.

“Cyrus,” she said, shaking her head. “What am I to do with your kingdom?”

A flicker of irritation animated his features. “You might do the obvious thing and fulfill your destiny. You are meant to lead your people, are you not?”

“Yes,” she said, subdued. “In theory.”

“Well, if you take my kingdom, you might put that theory into practice,” he said. “You saw our fireflies— You must realize that Tulan is home to one of the largest populations of Jinn. Our numbers aren’t huge, but it could be the start of something.”

“But isn’t that exactly what the devil wants?”

“Isn’t it what you want?” he countered. “As far as I can tell, you’ve never bartered with Iblees, so any power you attain will be yours to do with what you will. He can only manipulate you through the will and actions of others.”

“As he is now,” she said wryly. “Through you.”

“Right. Well.” Cyrus cleared his throat. “I’m afraid the devil’s wishes are a great deal more complex than this, in any case.”

“And I suspect you’re not allowed to tell me more?”

He laughed; the sound was bleak. “I will only say that arranging our unhappy marriage is but a fraction of what I’ve been commanded to do, and yet it’s the scheme he cares most about. He wants me to help you attain power first and foremost, and I’d be surprised indeed if he isn’t making deals with other unsuspecting fools, tethering their freedom to your ascension much as he has with mine. I pity them all,” he said sullenly. “Dealing with you has been the simplest and by far the most punishing of all his demands.”

“By far the most punishing?” Alizeh echoed, almost smiling. “Come now, you don’t really find me that unbearable.”

“You think I exaggerate?” he said tersely. “Being forced into your company ranks high on the list of the most abhorrent experiences I’ve ever had.”

The nosta flared hot at that, and Alizeh was thrown by the heft of the insult. “You really mean that,” she said, astonished. “But what crimes have I committed to earn your unyielding censure?”

“Are you giving me permission to insult you?”

She felt a flash of anger. “I didn’t realize you needed permission.”

“Alizeh,” he said, his expression both grave and impatient. “Do you have any idea how many people would leap at the opportunity to overtake my kingdom and kill me? Your hesitation is unnerving.”

“But what if I don’t want

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