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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.