"Yes, Majesty."

Herezah was shown into the chamber and dutifully bowed. Boaz took her hand. "I'm sorry to have kept you. I needed to bid Pez farewell. Not that he understands." He gestured to the balcony. "Come, let us talk outside. I hear you wish to speak to me on a matter of importance."

"I do, son. Thank you for seeing me at such short notice."

"Make yourself comfortable," he offered once they were outside, soaking up the cool drafts of air soaring up the hill from the bay.

"I prefer to stand, if you don't mind?"

Boaz shrugged. His mother looked nervous and he could understand why, considering what she was here to discuss with him. He would let her anxiety build a little further. It was valuable to have her coming to him so humble. "All is quiet with the Galinsean fleet. I wonder what they're waiting for?"

"Do you believe the Galinseans are eager for war, Boaz?"

"They're here, aren't they?"

"No. They're at the Isles of Plenty. There's a significant difference. It's not a declaration of war. To me it's a declaration of strength; it's them making clear that they will not be dismissed. If they were irrationally seeking war, we would already be dead. Someone is giving us time to make diplomatic contact."

Boaz nodded. "Now, why don't I think like that?" He meant it lightly but his mother took his comment seriously.

He saw her visibly relax as she slipped into her role as counselor. "Only a woman does. Women do not take pride in having their sons and daughters slaughtered in the name of a realm. Trust me, a mother will always seek a peaceful solution if precious lives can be saved." The servant arrived with a tray of quishtar and its accoutrements. She smiled at Boaz. "I'll pour, darling. Send him away."

Boaz obliged. "Do you think I should go to the Isles of Plenty?"

Herezah began her elegant ritual pouring of the quishtar. "No, that would seem too humble. But someone should. Someone senior should make contact. We achieve nothing by staring at each other across the waters. They are obviously being very patient, biding their time, but I don't think we should make them wait too long before initiating discourse." She handed him a beautiful porcelain cup from Joreb's collection.

"Thank you," he said, taking the quishtar and sipping. "I shall think on what you say." He appreciated her wisdomshe was at her best when playing politics. He decided to put her out of her misery swiftly. "So, Mother, you are here to plead your case regarding your liaison with Lazar. Let me say now that"

"No, Boaz. I am not here to do any such thing," she interrupted politely but firmly.

He was blowing the steam from his quishtar but looked up at her sharply. Her veil was removed and there was no sign of nervousness in her expression. Had he misread her? "I thought"

"Yes, son. I suppose you would and I shall certainly explain myself on that score but I wasn't aware that I needed your sanction on whom I choose to spend my time with. Let me add, though, that I do appreciate your blessing and seek it now."

Boaz looked back at her, stunned. She was not here to cringe or ask for his indulgence, not even here to plead for his help against Salmeo? "I must say I am surprised about your new relationship."

"But not disappointed, I hope?"

"No," he had to admit. "I didn't think you and Lazar cared that much for each other."

"Boaz, I loved your father but that love was founded on pragmatismas was his regard for me. We were an exceptionally good choice for each other and we were happy considering our situation. If I had not belonged to the harem, if I had been able to choose a man to spend my life with, having not known you or your father, I would have chosen Lazar. That's the truth. But I couldn't have him, and as you know all too well, the harem is the most frustrating prison of all. I took those frustrations out on Lazar, not realizing for a moment that he was harboring similar feelings."

Boaz shook his head. "I can't believe it. You are both so hostile to each other."

"Love and hate are separated by a hair's breadth, son. I hope you never have to discover this at a cost to your own heart. I was never disloyal to your father and it's only now that I can indulge my own desire, now that I have reached the right status and am no longer important to the palace hierarchy. You have a wife now and she is, we suspect, already pregnant. My years as Valide are numbered." He thought she was being overly dramatic and made a soft sound of disgust but it seemed Herezah was earnest, as she ignored him and continued: "It is time for me to take my pleasures instead of being so focused on aiding you. You will always have my undying support but I must step back now."

Boaz could barely believe what he was hearing. "You want to retreat to your chambers, to have no official role?"

"I didn't say that, son. But I will no longer expect or demand any official duties, other than whatever you require of me. I genuinely nursed Lazarnone of that was a ruse. And as I did so I realized how much I have felt for him. I presume he experienced a similar epiphany. I'm just sorry that we were discovered in the manner we were and by whom."

"Salmeo will not be permitted to use this knowledge against you."

She smirked. "Oh, that's easy to say, my Lion, in the safety of this palace. The harem is a different realm, sometimes, all of its own. He will find ways but I shall survive, as I always have. Please do not let this play on your mind. I have a far more important case to plead, my Zar."

Boaz shook his head, his expression wry. What a day this was turning into, revelation upon revelation. "And what is that?"

"The people of Percheron are understandably scared, Boaz. Some are hoarding food, whilst others are fleeing to the hills. If I'm aware of it in the closeted world of the harem, I know you are aware of it in the wider community of the palace."

"There is nothing I can do. They are frightened and rightly so. I can't imagine that if the Galinseans do take the next step toward war, many Percherese lives will be spared."

"That's not the point."

"Mother, I cannot stop our people taking precautions or feeling so unnerved."

"Yes, you can. You can lead by example."

Boaz's initial expression of surprise quickly slid into scorn. "You dare accuse me of being a coward. Why do you think I'm still here, I"

"Wait, Boaz! You misunderstand me. Hear me out." She reached for him, clutching his arm firmly as any mother would her son. "Your approach right now suggests a frigidity. It's as if you don't know what to do." She soothed his immediate bristling, her eyes soft with understanding. "I know it is not like that at all, but the people don't know what's going on. There is confusion; there is lack of information, and when that occurs, a city can become rife with gossip and misinformation. Do something."

"Like what, storm the Galinseans?" he asked, his tone filled with disdain.

"No. Much more subtle. Go after Ana. Scream from the rooftops that Percheron has an heir. Tell your people that Ana has been abducted while performing her role as emissary to plead Percheron's case with Galinsea. Tell the people why war is coming. Explain everything! Let them understand that our Zar has been busy trying every diplomatic tool to keep the people of Percheron safe. Remind them that no blood must be shed without trying every peaceful means first. That is precisely what fires a nation's collective spirit, Boaz. This protective silence doesn't work."

"Go after Ana?" He could barely believe his ears. Not because of the audacity of her suggestionand it was bold indeedbut because of how exquisitely it answered his dilemma. Here was the answer he had been searching for...the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle he had hoped would somehow slot itself into place.

"Yes! My darling, let them see you in full-blaze anger at what has occurred. A Zar, riding off into the desert to reclaim his new bride from the monster who has stolen her, and his heir who is the new jewel in the Percherese Crown. Oh, my Lion, it is the very stuff upon which realms are built!" Herezah's chest was heaving with the passion she was pouring into counseling her son.

Boaz felt his spirits lift and soar. Ride alongside Lazar. Into the desert to save Ana. His personal plans aside, the very notion of freedom, the desert, riding with Lazar, provoked a spike of intense pleasure. Leave the palace and go on a rescue mission, a crusade to return the heir and the Zaradine to their rightful place in the palace. It was perfect, but he schooled his expression into one that was thoughtful as he pretended to consider his mother's advice.

"And, Boaz," Herezah pressed, "this alone would strike a new chord with the Galinseans. They have held off this long, I suspect, because they're confused. They know a diplomatic mission was being sent. This action of yours will confirm that things went wrong in the desert and that you are now attempting to put things right. The Galinseans will respect your courage and join your outrage that some upstart, hiding out in the desert, has stolen a royal...a Percherese royal on her way to Romea, no less. They aren't so dull that they don't understand the critical need for the royal structure. If renegades can behave like this in Percheron and get away with it, then Galinsea might be nextor so the thinking will go."

In his mind Boaz was already thundering along on his camel, white robes flying! "But..." he stammered for effect, "I can't leave the Grand Vizier in charge of Percheron at this delicate time. I don't trust him completely anyway," he said, Pez's claim haunting his thoughts.

"No, absolutely not the Grand Vizier! In fact, I would take Tariq with you."

"What?"

"That would demonstrate a very clear determination on your part. It shows Galinsea that you are prepared to leave your realm all but unprotected, having taken your Spur and your Grand Vizieryour two most senior advisersdespite war threatening. You have left yourself vulnerable because something greater is at stake. The very fabric of the land is under siege. If a royal can be stolen, abused, jeered at, what hope is there for our societies?" she demanded, her zealous gaze impaling Boaz. She shook him. "Send a letter to your counterpart in the Isles of Plenty, stir his rage that such a thing could be perpetrated against any royals of any realm by a peasant."

"But who is left to deal with the Galinseans?"

"Listen to me, Boaz. I am a loyal subject of Percheron, and, my darling, I will do anything...anything for you and your throne. You know that?" He nodded. "I am royal. I was the First Wife and Absolute Favorite of the former Zar and now I am the Valide to the present one. I speak Galinsean, of a fashion. I will defuse this tense situationfor a while. I will go to King Falza. I will open talks, take the diplomatic route, keep the Galinseans occupied."

Now Boaz felt bewildered. His mother's suggestion fitted his desires so neatly he found it irresistible. But he could not vacate the throne his brothers had died to give himthe throne his father had handpicked him above all others to occupywithout being sure of the right course of action.

"You?"

"If you'll have me," she said humbly. "I will be guided entirely by you. But get Lazar away from here. We know he's in danger and we also know he's the only person who can actually find Ana for you. Get the Grand Vizier away so he does not interfere. He has delusions of grandeur, son, and it's fine to let him be your voice when you require it, but he should not have any notion that he is the Zar by proxy. Just take him with you. He's another pair of eyes, another cunning mind. I think the situation here in Percheron could benefit from a woman's touch. My very presence makes us seem so much more vulnerable, and, my Zar, that might be our ultimate defense. The Galinseans will not deem it terribly brave, or royal, to strike against a woman. That's why Lazar suggested Ana in the first place. Trust his judgment. Get away from here and keep yourself safe, but secure that heir. I give you my word, they will not attack us yet."

"And will you also give me your word, swear in blood, that this is not one of your devious plans?"

"Give me a blade. I shall swear it in blood before you."

Boaz stared at his mother, his pulse racing. He believed there was no guile. This plan was either mad or inspired, but he suspected Herezah was suggesting a wise course. He was crippling Percheron with fright through what looked like inaction. He did need to take decisive action and he couldn't help but feel motivated by his mother's fervor. And, in traveling with Lazar into the desert, he could also lay to rest his demons and produce the heir that everyone in Percheron would surely celebrate.

"Bin!"

The Valide stepped back from her son, veiling herself. He could tell she was unsure of whether he was going to have her removed and incarcerated on the accusation of insanity or whether he was going to take action in the direction she proposed.

"Highness," the man said as he entered and bowed.

"Is Spur Lazar here?"

"We heard he's on his way up from the gate, my Zar."

"Bring him in as soon as he arrives. Don't stand on ceremony."

"Very good, my Zar."

"And, Bin. One more thing. I am going on a journey into the desert. Speak of this to no one, but make the necessary arrangements yourself. Time is short. I leave this afternoon."

Beneath her veil, Herezah smiled.

Lazar entered and Herezah's heart skipped a beat. Memories of touching him only hours earlierher lips hungry on hisstreamed into her mind, stirring a deliciously intense tingling in parts of her that had long been in need of awakening. She sucked in a breath softly as he strode toward the royal couple. Her former patient looked suddenly strong, dressed in his traveling clothes. He stood tall and broad; there was color in his cheeks, his hair was still wet and she could imagine the smell of his freshly washed body. Herezah re-created in her mind the prickly feel of the stubble on Lazar's chin against her smooth cheek and that breathtaking moment of response when she had caressed the part of him she had held in her hand. As he bowed she looked longingly at the top of his head, from which flowed the classically golden Galinsean hair she had washed so many times over the past few moons. He straightened and she allowed his proud bearingevery inch a crown princeto impress her as she regarded the sad pale eyes, the aquiline nose, the lips so perfectly defined amid his clean-shaven face. It had been a long time since she had felt so strongly aware of her body's needs; right now, in his company and unable to satisfy her immediate surging desire, she felt weakened.

"I am ready to leave, my Zar," he said.

"Lazar, there is a change of plan," Boaz said, and Herezah, dragging herself from her musings on the Spur, was pleased her son was being direct and firm.

"Oh?" Lazar said, his eyes narrowing.

"I have decided to go with you."

The Spur's expression changed from instant surprise to dumbstruck. The silence lengthened.

"And," Boaz continued, "as you know, I am sending Pez. I fear for his safety here and he is contrary enough to be uncontrollable. If we lose him in the city or he creates any havoc during any diplomatic discussions, it could be dangerous." He held his hand up and Herezah was surprised that the Spur wasn't remonstrating. Perhaps Lazar was still too shocked about learning that the Zar was coming with him as well. She listened to her son's rationale for sending Pez. "You and he get on in the same friendly way that he and I do. He feels calm around you. And I give you my permission to leave him with whomever you must in order to complete your task for the Crown."

"I'm sensing there is still more, Highness," Lazar said, his tone icy but polite. "Pez is the least of my worries."

"I am also bringing the Grand Vizier. I"

Lazar's interrupted. "Forgive me, my Zar, but this is turning into a caravan as cumbersome as that which caused the abduction of the Zaradine in the first place. If our party had been your wife, myself, and Jumo, as I originally intended, we would have made it across the desert to Romea without losing Jumo to quicksand because we were trying to feed such a vast number, or losing your wife to a madman."

"Are you blaming me for Jumo's death and Ana's loss, Lazar?" Boaz asked, his tone brittle.

"No, my Zar, not at all. But I advised you then and I give you the same advice now: the desert is hostile," Lazar replied carefully. "I cannot protect so many and we are vulnerable in numbers. I can perhaps look after Pez but not four of us."

"Lazar, I watched you cut down a dozen men in moments!" Herezah exclaimed, unable to stop herself from deriding his modesty. "It's vital for Percheron that the Zar is seen to be doing something."

The Spur's gaze, repressed fury now evident in it, slid from the Zar to his mother. "Valide, is it your idea that your son risk his life in the desert?" Lazar asked, his rage now directed at her.

"It is not my mother's idea at all," Boaz interrupted before Herezah could answer. "The Valide is here because I have just told her of my plan. And also to brief me about the new liaison that seems to have erupted between yourself and her."

Lazar's mouth opened and Herezah smirked behind her veil. Though Lazar had probably feared Boaz would learn of what had occurred this morning, he must have anticipated that the news would come from Salmeo, not from her. Now she had him. He would not go against the Zar's wishes, not feeling so threatened.

"Our liaison?" he spluttered.

"Lazar, don't be embarrassed," she leaped in, keeping her voice smooth, calm. "The Zar understands. In fact, I think he might even give our new union his blessing. I wanted him to be the first to know and I didn't want the Grand Master Eunuch to have anything dangling over either of us. You know, do you not, how cunning he can be." Lazar nodded, seemingly stunned. "I am sure this news makes Boaz happy, in the sense that you and I no longer have to take out on each other quite so publicly our frustration at not being together. Now that the Zar and Ana are married, about to give us an heir, we need them both to feel unharassed by our bickering." She conveyed through her pleading stare that she had good reason for this humiliating revelation and that Lazar must go along with her ruse.

Lazar took a steadying breath, then shook his head briefly. "Zar Boaz, I do not wish to talk about this here and now. I am preparing for a dangerous journey and there are far more important things at stake for Percheron."

"I couldn't agree more," the Zar said.

"I wish to strongly counsel against your accompanying me into the desert, Highness. No Zar has ever undertaken such a perilous journey, and whatever your decision I humbly beg you to reconsider sending the Grand Vizier. He was an encumbrance last time and he will be so on this occasion. He serves no value on the journeyhe is awkward on the camel, he is senior in years, he is another mouth to feed, he cannot swing a sword, and he is hostile toward Pez. If I must have the dwarf alongside me, I beseech you to reconsider sending the Grand Vizier."

"Lazar, I am going to share something with you now that is private. I do not fully trust the Grand Vizier to run the realm in my absence, but that is precisely what he will try to do the moment I am gone."

"Then don't leave, Highness."

"I must. I realize that until we have our heir, I am endangering Percheron's Crown by making myself an easy target for the Galinseans. Until my son is secured, Lazar, I must protect myself for Percheron's sake. At the same time, I refuse to cringe and flee, so I shall protect myself by removing myself from the city. I intend to show the people that I am fighting back in a different fashion, by helping rescue the Zaradine and our heir. I hope it will bolster my people's courage, instill a fresh wave of pride in their Crown."

Lazar murmured something beneath his breath before addressing his Zar. "Highness, if you leave and you take the Grand Vizier with you, who is going to be the representative who will deal with the inevitable delegation from Galinsea? Your enemy is being exceptionally patient, Highness. It surprises me and it reveals that they, too, are unsure of this war. That means we have a chance to arrest any escalationbut it needs to be handled with diplomacy and subtlety."

Boaz nodded. "Exactly, and why I shall ensure only the most capable of people with a definite understanding of politics. It's important that the royalty of Percheron open negotiations."

Lazar looked momentarily baffled but Herezah watched with satisfaction as dawning understanding moved across his face, his eyes widening, mouth slackening. "The Valide?" He couldn't disguise his alarm.

"She is well suited to the task. I have thought this through, Lazar. Galinsean pride would not allow them to go to war with anyone but the Zar himself. My mother's mind is as agile as yours or mine. And she can act more vulnerable than any man, plus you, more than most, should acknowledge her powerful skills in charm and seduction." Herezah smiled inwardly as Boaz's last barb hit Lazar hard. Lazar clamped his mouth tight, and stared at his Zar, his pent-up fury visible but under control.

"May I, Boaz?" Herezah asked. The Zar nodded. She stepped forward, her eyes softening, and she saw how much Lazar still disliked her. He would not forgive her easily for either this or her previous cunning, but he was clearly mindful of his debt to her. She would trade on that. "Lazar, don't you see we have to keep Boaz safe? I agree that he should not be put in any danger. Perhaps you could leave him somewhere that is relatively safe whilst you press on toward Ana? No, Boaz," she said, turning at her son's sound of disgust, "Lazar must have some say in this. He is leading this journey again, and after the last attempt I can understand his anxiety and reluctance. We must respect his knowledge and fears." She turned back to Lazar, her eyes glittering, hoping he was taking in her silent messages. "But if Ana needs help being carried, you have more hands if Boaz is there. If you need more eyes to scan the dunes, you have themand this time you don't have your trusted Jumo at your side. Furthermore, I'm sure news of our Zar's journey would impress your father, Lazar. He would at least hold off on any engagement with our army until Boaz was ready to accept defeat or fight."

"You claim to know the Galinsean royal mind well, Valide," Lazar replied, cutting through her smugness.

"I have known you for long enough, Lazar. You have been our silent teacher."

"I am not my father," he growled.

"But you know what we say is true," Boaz joined in, his words sounding final.

Lazar bowed. "Zar Boaz. I will give my life for you, but not for the Grand Vizier. I can be no more honest than that."

"Or blunt," Boaz replied. "He can take his chances, Lazar. I feel sure we will be successful in this venture and that you will keep us all safe."

Herezah watched the Spur's jaw grind before he spoke. "There is nothing more to discuss, then, my Zar. I shall arrange our departure for early this evening. We will meet at the same location from which we left originally."

"We will be there. We will travel so lightly you'll hardly notice us, Lazar."

"I'll make the necessary arrangements. Here is the letter for my father. Valide, I imagine you are now the best person to give this to. It is a private message."