The Dream of a Thousand Nights

Dedication

To Thea Nishimori, for all her hard work and encouragement. I am a far better writer than I was before I came face to face with your sharp wit and merciless red pen! Special thanks to Venona Keyes, who showed me that it‟s far more fun to write about two men than just one, and to Jim and Matt, for helping me keep the voice of my gay characters true. Last, but hardly least, to my gorgeous, smart, and sexy husband, Bob, for his support and willing (and untiring) ear.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 3

Chapter One Forgotten NERIAH ran down the narrow passageway between the hedgerows, stumbling over roots and rocks. His bare feet were now bloody, but he knew that he could not stop. The guards who pursued him had but one goal in mind: his death. His eyes burned with unshed tears at the memory of what he had seen as he fled his room in the palace. He swore under his breath that he hadn‟t had the presence of mind to grab his sword. He was unarmed. Vulnerable. Why are they trying to kill me? What have I done to warrant this? Why would Father—? “Over here!” shouted one of the men. He could hear footsteps close behind—the guards would soon overtake him. He brushed his long dark hair from his eyes and threw off the silk jacket he wore, tossing it under one of the large bushes. He followed this by removing his shirt and the silk scarf around his head—the bright fabrics were too visible. He pulled the gold earring from his ear and struggled to remove the rings from his fingers, shoving them into his pockets as he continued to run, panting, toward the high wall that surrounded the palace. I have to get over the wall, he thought as his lungs began to ache from the strain of running for so long. At least on the outside, I have a chance.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 4 The wall loomed above him now with its smooth, white stone, and he looked around in desperation, trying to spot something upon which to gain a foothold. And then he saw it—a climbing rose, ancient and knotty, unyielding. It stretched up against the wall, attaching itself tenaciously to the grooves between the stones. Beneath it on the ground were yellowing rose petals, the remnants of early summer now left to decay. He ran toward the vine just as the palace guards had spotted him. “There he is!” one called to the others, pointing toward the garden wall. Neriah grabbed the gnarled stem of the ancient rose, ignoring the pain of its thorns as they dug into his soft hands. He clambered up, clutching one of the smaller branches that climbed high above the garden. The branch bent with his weight, and he began to fall backward, managing at the last moment to get hold of another branch and steady himself. He felt his knees burn against the smooth stone as he struggled upward, reaching the top of the wall. Winded, bloodied, his face covered in dirt, he stood at the top and looked back at the palace, its deep blue and gold turrets silhouetted against the sky. Mother, he thought as he fought back tears, I’m sorry I couldn’t save you. I promise I’ll avenge your death. One of the pursuing guards began to climb the rose after him, causing the old vine to shudder and shake beneath the man‟s weight. Neriah looked down at the street below. Several vendors had set up their stalls beneath where he stood, their booths covered with bright fabrics attached to simple wooden poles. There were more shouts from behind

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 5 him in the garden as he teetered on the edge, trying to find a spot to land. They’ll kill you if you stay, he reminded himself as he looked at the tops of the stalls and wished that they weren‟t so far down. He saw his mother‟s face in his mind‟s eye, recalling her battered body on the marble floor and the lifeless glaze of her eyes. They had been looking for him—he was sure of it—and she had refused to tell them where he was. Her sacrifice had saved his life. She wanted you to live, he told himself. He frowned and, gathering his courage, jumped.

“IS

HE dead?” came a voice at the periphery of his

consciousness. “No. I fixed his body. He‟s just asleep, Kuri,” replied a second voice, deeper than the first. “Bring me the blanket.” “You‟ll be banished for saving him, you know,” said the first voice. “We can‟t help humans. Not unless we‟re commanded.” “I won‟t let him die here,” answered the second voice. “Just bring me the blanket. Now.” He heard the sound of footsteps, then felt strong hands tucking something warm around his aching body. He struggled back to consciousness and looked up into a pair of amber eyes that sparkled like sunlight and reminded him of the finest jewels his mother wore. The thought of his mother made his heart ache, but something in the compassionate gaze of those almond-shaped eyes put him at ease, and he felt the pain begin to recede.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 6 “Don‟t try to speak,” said the young man who leaned over him. “You must rest for now. Don‟t worry. You‟ll be safe here.”

HE

AWOKE again to absolute darkness. He struggled to sit

up, panicked that the guards had found him. He imagined himself in the dungeons below the palace, his arms bound to his sides. But as the haze of sleep and exhaustion began to clear, he realized that his arms were held at his sides by the blanket that was wrapped around him. “Please,” he whispered into the blackness. His voice was hoarse, his mouth parched. He felt himself pulled upward, and gentle fingers brushed his matted hair from his face. “It‟s all right,” came the reply. It was the same warm, high baritone he had heard before—the voice, Neriah guessed, of a young man. “Your body has been mended. But you haven‟t had anything to eat or drink since I found you two days ago.” He felt the coldness of metal pressed to his mouth, the cool liquid soothing to his dry lips. “Don‟t drink it too fast. Your body won‟t tolerate it.” He slowed his gulps and relaxed, allowing his weak body to be supported. “Thank you,” he said, his voice sounding less rough. “Can you sit on your own?” the young man asked. “I think so,” he answered as he found the wall behind him and rested his weight against it. He heard footsteps, then the sound of a small oil lamp being lit. He blinked to focus on his companion, who looked to be about sixteen or seventeen—his own age. “I am Tamir,” replied the young man, whose hair was a deep red in the

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 7 lamplight. He wore simple cotton clothing—the shalvar kameez of a peasant—and his long hair was tied in a high ponytail with a piece of green fabric. Neriah found himself captivated by the exotic beauty of the boy. “Tamir,” Neriah repeated, “you‟ve been very kind to me.” The edges of Tamir‟s mouth turned upward in a tender smile. “When I found you at the edge of the market, I feared you were dead,” he said. “I am called…,” Neriah hesitated, afraid to reveal his true name, “Sheva.” He hated to lie to his savior, but his fear was great, both for his own safety as well as Tamir‟s. “I‟m pleased to have met you, Sheva,” Tamir replied, sitting cross-legged in front of Neriah. “Do you think you can eat?” Neriah nodded, feeling his belly complain. Tamir handed him a small flatbread. Neriah tore a piece of the bread and began to eat it with relish. “I‟m sorry I cannot offer you more,” Tamir said, pleased to see his companion‟s fine appetite. “Perhaps tomorrow—” “You needn‟t apologize,” Neriah interrupted, gazing at his rescuer. “I can‟t thank you enough for all that you‟ve done for me.” “Were you being chased?” Tamir asked as Neriah continued to eat the bread. “I heard that you were atop the palace wall—that you fell.” “I…,” Neriah began, unsure of what to say. He wanted to tell the other boy the truth—that he was a prince, that he had done nothing wrong, and that his mother had died to save his life—but he found himself oddly tongue-tied.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 8 Despite his unease, he felt a strange sense of peacefulness radiate from his companion. “It‟s all right,” Tamir said, “you needn‟t tell me anything. I‟ve been in a fair number of fights myself. Kuri said the Royal Guards were searching the marketplace.” Neriah coughed on the bread, having inhaled a bit of it in his alarm at the news. Tamir put his hand on Neriah‟s back and, with a deft flick of his wrist, hit Neriah between the shoulder blades. The piece of bread on which Neriah had choked flew out of his mouth. “I‟m sorry, Sheva,” said Tamir, looking wretched, “I didn‟t mean to startle you.” “I‟m fine, Tamir,” Neriah replied as he tried to calm his racing heart. “I guess I just ate a bit too fast for my own good.” Their eyes met, and Neriah took in the strong lines of Tamir‟s jaw, noting the soft indentation of his cheek and the dimples at the edges of his mouth. He is beautiful, he thought, admiring the ethereal quality of Tamir‟s eyes. His next thought was one of grief and self-reproach. How could you even think such a thing at a time like this? He felt tears threaten and clenched his jaw. He would not show weakness to anyone, let alone a stranger. He was, he reminded himself, still a prince. “Something is wrong,” Tamir ventured, noticing Neriah‟s hard expression. “Those men. Why were they after you, Sheva?” Neriah wiped his eyes and frowned. “I… I stole something from them,” he lied as he forced the image of his dead mother from the forefront of his mind. “They chased after me. I thought they would kill me.” He looked at his

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 9 hands and said nothing more. A lie and the truth. He hoped it would suffice as an explanation of how he had come to be injured. Neriah needn‟t have worried, for Tamir replied, “You don‟t have to tell me more. You should rest. Tomorrow, when you are stronger, you can make your way out of the city, if you wish.” Neriah studied the other boy‟s face for a moment. If he’d wanted to turn me in, he would have done so by now, he thought. Still, he hesitated. Why would this boy—this commoner—wish to help him? “I promise no harm will come to you while you sleep,” Tamir added, as if he had read Neriah‟s mind. The effect of these words upon Neriah was almost magical. Neriah knew, in that instant, that Tamir spoke the truth. Too tired to argue with himself over the wisdom of this blind trust, Neriah just said, “Thank you,” and lay down upon the makeshift pillow once more.

NERIAH awoke sometime later, Tamir‟s body pressed against his own, warm and comforting. Without thinking, he wrapped his hands around the young man‟s chest, burying his head against Tamir‟s back, desperate to think of something other than the dangerous future that awaited him outside these walls. He heard Tamir sigh, and he released Tamir from the embrace, afraid that he had overstepped the boundaries of their newfound friendship. It was then that Tamir rolled over and reached for Neriah. Neriah could smell the other boy‟s sweet fragrance,

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 10 which called to mind jasmine and spices. They lay that way for the longest time, neither of them speaking. “I haven‟t been truthful with you,” Neriah admitted, “I—” “Shhh,” Tamir replied, pressing his fingertips to Neriah‟s soft lips. “I do not need to know. I just wish I could ease your pain.” The lamp, which had been burning since Tamir had lit it hours before, now guttered and died. Neriah reached for Tamir and ran lithe fingers through his crimson hair. It felt like silk in Neriah‟s hands. “I am sorry to have put you through this,” he said. “I don‟t deserve such—” But his words were cut short this time, not by Tamir‟s fingers but by his lips, pressed against Neriah‟s. Neriah felt his pulse quicken. The kiss broke and Neriah began, “Tamir, I—” “I‟m sorry,” Tamir interrupted. “I should not have touched you. I beg your forgiveness.” Neriah opened his mouth to speak, to tell Tamir that he had done nothing wrong, that he wanted this too. Instead, he kissed the redhead. He had never lain with another man before, but his need to possess those full lips was so great that he found he could not help himself. Their kiss deepened, and Neriah‟s desire for the young man beside him grew. His hands sought the smooth skin of Tamir‟s chest of their own accord. He felt the hard muscle beneath the warm skin and, in the darkness, he kissed Tamir‟s shoulder. He heard Tamir gasp in pleasure as Neriah‟s hands probed beneath the boy‟s cotton shalvar, and he felt Tamir‟s hardness grow beneath his fingers.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 11 “Sheva,” whispered Tamir, pulling Neriah‟s hands away, “Please… let me pleasure you.” Neriah tried to protest, but Tamir‟s gentle lips met his own, and Neriah found that he had no will to resist him. Tamir pulled Neriah‟s pantaloons away, tracing Neriah‟s body with his fingers. Neriah felt dizzy, overwhelmed by the other boy‟s touch. None of the women he had lain with had ever touched him in this way, nor had he responded to them so powerfully, despite their beauty. “Please,” he moaned, as Tamir began to cover his body with feathery kisses. He could not think—he didn‟t want to think—he just wanted to forget the ache in his heart. “Let me take away your pain, Sheva,” Tamir said, finding Neriah‟s hard length and kissing it. Neriah inhaled sharply and closed his eyes. It was at once the sweetest and most stunning revelation of Neriah‟s young life—not the fact that it was a man pleasuring him thus, but that he could feel anything so overwhelming, so wonderful, even as his heart grieved. How does he know? Neriah wondered. And yet the truth was plain—Tamir understood the depth of his pain and his need. When he thought he could stand it no longer, that his release would come at Tamir‟s warm lips, Tamir freed him from his mouth and clasped his arms around him. Neriah, overcome, claimed Tamir‟s lips once more and they held each other. And in that brief moment, Neriah knew he would never know anything as warm and reassuring as Tamir‟s arms.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 12 “Let me guide you,” Tamir whispered, licking his hand and taking Neriah‟s erection in it. Neriah, understanding what was to come, did not protest, but moved to press against the tight place between Tamir‟s buttocks. What followed was pure bliss, and Neriah‟s sorrow evaporated as he lost himself in the warmth of his companion. Tamir‟s soft skin was more beautiful than any woman‟s, the way his body molded to Neriah‟s like the most sensual of kisses. Neriah knew that Tamir, too, shared the same joy as he, for Tamir‟s cries of pleasure mingled with Neriah‟s own in the dark stillness of the night. “Why would you do this for me?” Neriah heard himself say afterward, his breath ragged with release. “Because I could,” came the answer, along with the arms that encircled him in blissful warmth. “But you know nothing about me. You owe me nothing,” Neriah persisted, uncomprehending. “But I do know you, beloved,” Tamir replied, his voice like the sigh of the wind through an orange grove in Neriah‟s ear. “You are kind and brave and strong. It is the least I could do for you.” Still entwined, the two boys fell asleep, Neriah‟s head against Tamir‟s chest. Tamir awoke at daybreak and, for the longest time, just watched Neriah sleep. His eyes traveled along the prince‟s well-defined jaw to his high cheekbones, following the hollow of his cheeks to the slender nose and dark eyebrows. Unable to contain himself, Tamir traced his fingers over Neriah‟s graceful lips for a moment, then reached to pull a narrow gold chain from around his own neck. Dangling from the

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 13 chain was a jade pendant, etched with a depiction of the moon and two stars. He fingered the pendant for a moment, and his eyes filled with tears. “I cannot come with you, my Prince,” he said with great tenderness as he kneeled over the sleeping Neriah and placed the chain around his neck. “But perhaps, when you sleep, you will dream of me.” He touched his hand whispered, “Now, forget me.”

to

Neriah‟s

forehead

and

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 14

Chapter Two The Wanderer A

SOFT breeze blew through the palace windows. Neriah

inhaled the delicate fragrance of orange blossoms and stretched his arms over his head. “Are you content?” came a man’s voice from beside him. “I…,” Neriah hesitated, unsure of his response. Warm lips pressed against his own; the taste was familiar and intoxicating. He was not unhappy, and yet…. “What is it you desire?” his companion inquired. Neriah hesitated once more. “I can give you anything you wish. Diamonds, rubies, land, women….” “I have no need for those things,” Neriah answered, claiming the lips that had spoken those words. “What, then? What do you desire, beloved prince?” “I want to know your name.” Neriah sat up in his bed and shivered. It had been the same dream now for weeks, although he had come to wonder if he hadn‟t dreamed it long before and forgotten it. Each time, he would awaken out of breath, aroused, and with an emptiness that pierced his soul to its core. He could remember the intense passion his dream companion had awakened in his soul, but he could never remember the face

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 15 of the lover in his dreams, nor did he ever learn his lover‟s name. “My lord,” came a soft female voice from the entrance to his tent, interrupting his thoughts. “May I bring you something to drink? Should I send your manservant to help you dress?” “I need nothing,” he replied as he dismissed the servant girl. “Leave me.” She bowed low and backed away from his tent. It was always like this—those who knew who he was would insist on doing everything for him—and he despised it. Despite his royal blood, he was more than capable of attending to his own needs. Years of living by himself on the run from his father‟s men had taught him to guard his independence. He knew that the servants found him cold and unreachable, but he cared little. His place was to lead them, not to befriend them. In truth, he had few people whom he could call “friends” at all, and he preferred it that way. He stood up, covering his naked body in a silk shalvar kameez of the deepest blue, edged with delicate gold embroidery, and stepped into a pair of red velvet slippers. He walked over to a low-slung chair in the center of the tent and sat, frowning and rubbing his chin. He had heard the men return from their night raid on the enemy encampment. He would wait for a report before deciding what his next move should be. “My lord.” “You may enter, Uryon,” Neriah said with a nod to the captain of his personal guard.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 16 A tall, broad-shouldered man with short, dark hair and bright green eyes walked into the tent, bowing low. He wore a deep purple shalvar kameez and a red scarf wrapped around his head. At his waist was a broad sword with an inlaid hilt, along with a small, jeweled dagger. Neriah himself had given Uryon the dagger as a symbol of the trust he placed in his officer, and Uryon had not disappointed him—Uryon had, countless times, protected Neriah at great peril to his own life. The prince knew that he was fortunate to have men such as Uryon under his command. “We were successful,” Uryon announced as he kneeled before Neriah. “Sheik Karana‟s men are either dead or have fled into the hills. We have brought back the spoils of the raid.” “Spoils?” Neriah ventured a slight frown playing upon his lips. “I have no need for spoils.” “Nevertheless,” Uryon replied, “there were several women taken in the battle, along with a male slave, and three chests of gold. Your Highness must—” “Make arrangements for the women to be returned to their villages,” Neriah interrupted. “You may send them back with enough gold that they will be provided for.” “And the slave?” “Is he friend or foe? What are his origins?” Neriah asked. Another loyal, able-bodied soldier would be a welcome addition to their ranks. Several of Neriah‟s best men had been won in battles with the enemy. He had earned their gratitude and their loyalty in freeing them. “He won‟t reveal from whence he comes,” Uryon replied. “He refuses to speak to anyone but you, Your Majesty.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 17 “He knows who I am?” Neriah asked, surprised at this turn of events. His identity as Neriah, the banished Crown Prince of Tazier, was a secret known only to his closest followers and loyal servants. To others, he was known as Sheva, a wealthy sheik who opposed the rule of the current King of Tazier. “No,” Uryon explained, “but he will not speak unless it is to our leader, Lord Sheva.” “A spy, then,” Neriah said, his face darkening, “perhaps in my father‟s employ?” “It is possible,” the other man replied, “although if he is a spy, he is a crafty one.” “How so?” asked Neriah. “He had been kept to pleasure his captors,” Uryon answered, looking uncomfortable now. “Or so the women have told us. They appeared”—Uryon hesitated for a moment—“quite jealous of his charms.” Neriah leaned back on the carved wood chair and chuckled. “Intriguing,” he said, holding a finger to his lips. “A spy posing as a pleasure slave? I had no idea my enemies were so… civilized.” Uryon said nothing. “Bring him here,” Neriah said, a roguish grin upon his lips. “We shall see this beauty that the women envy.” Uryon bowed once again, then left the tent. Neriah stood up and smoothed his hair back, binding it together with a bit of leather, then walked over to the small table in the corner of the tent to glance at a map. He knew that he and his men would need to depart from their current location if they were to make their attempt upon the city before the weather grew

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 18 too cold. He guessed that it would be at least four months before they would be in a position to threaten the palace in any meaningful way, and they would need to recruit many more fighters before they would stand a chance against the Tazier Royal Guard. Once he had dealt with the trifling matter of the slave, he would gather his officers and discuss their next move. “My lord,” Uryon said from the entrance of the tent. “Enter,” Neriah replied without turning around. He laid the map back on the table. “You may leave us, Uryon,” he added. “I will call you when I have decided what to do with our”—he paused—“guest.” “As you wish, my lord.” Neriah turned around to say, “Let‟s see what we have here. I have heard—” but the words died on his lips. Neriah had expected a delicate and feminine beauty, but the man who stood before him was neither. He stood straight-backed, broad-shouldered, and bare-chested. He looked Neriah in the eyes. If he feared for his own well-being, he did not show it. His arms were bound, but he seemed unconcerned. His crimson hair and amber eyes were startling; his skin glowed with the warmth of days spent in the sun, his high cheekbones and strong jaw unmistakably masculine and powerful. He was, no doubt, a beautiful specimen, and Neriah at once understood why the women had been jealous: they had wanted him for themselves. “What is your name, slave?” Neriah asked, his face betraying none of his inner thoughts. The slave bowed. “I am Tamir, my lord.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 19 “From whence do you come? To whom do you owe your loyalties?” “I come from a land far from this one,” Tamir replied. “I owe no country my loyalty.” “Indeed. Then you will not name your homeland?” Neriah pressed, growing irritated. “I cannot,” answered Tamir. “You will not?” “I cannot,” Tamir repeated, unfazed. Neriah‟s eyes darkened in anger, and he slapped Tamir across the face with the back of his hand. “If you defy me, slave, you will have no one to blame but yourself if I kill you.” Tamir‟s eyes registered surprise, but he stood his ground. “You mock me,” Neriah said, his face as hard as stone. “I would never mock you, my lord,” Tamir said. “I am here to satisfy your desires.” Neriah laughed. “And what would you know of my desires?” “Every man has something which he desires above all other things,” Tamir replied. “I have everything I could desire,” Neriah laughed. “Money, power, women—” “And yet you are full of pain and emptiness,” Tamir observed. Neriah laughed again. “How convenient. And you, no doubt, propose to fill that emptiness?” he asked, shaking his

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 20 head with scorn. “What utter nonsense, to think that you, whose life is in my hands, could hope to satisfy me.” “Nevertheless,” Tamir replied, “I am offering just that.” “Will you pleasure me, then, slave?” Neriah retorted. “I have heard you are quite skilled.” “If that is what you wish, my lord,” answered the other man without hesitation. “I offer myself to you to use as you will.” Neriah considered the offer. He had long since tired of the servant girls who had given themselves to him. And, although he chose not to lie with the men in his command, there had been other men with whom he had shared his nights. In the end, though, none of them had satisfied him, and his cold heart had grown colder throughout the years. “Show me, then,” he said, his blue eyes glittering black with the challenge, “of what pleasures you speak. But you must do so without the use of your hands, slave.” Tamir did not complain, but moved closer to Neriah. For a moment, his face was so near Neriah‟s that Neriah thought the other man might kiss him. He did not, instead dropping to his knees and, using his teeth and tongue, untied the drawstring of Neriah‟s silk shalvar. Still using his teeth, he pulled the fabric downward, allowing it to pool around Neriah‟s ankles. Neriah did not move, although his physical need was obvious. Tamir rubbed his face against Neriah‟s hardness, tantalizing his captor by brushing his lips against it, but not yet using his tongue. Neriah watched, intrigued by the other man‟s movements, finding himself far more aroused than he had anticipated at Tamir‟s touch. Tamir brushed his soft red

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 21 hair against Neriah, and Neriah‟s breath caught in his throat as he remained transfixed by the fluid grace of Tamir‟s body. Even without the use of his hands or his mouth, Tamir had succeeded in doing what Neriah had begun to believe was impossible: Neriah wanted to feel the other man‟s mouth, and he wanted it so much that he fought the urge to beg for it. “That is enough…,” Neriah began to say, but at that moment Tamir took Neriah in his mouth as if he had read his mind, and Neriah felt all semblance of self-control evaporate. The way Tamir used his tongue to trace the delicate tip, pausing at its edge and circling it, then running his teeth over the shaft—Neriah thought that he might lose his mind. He wanted to cry out in pleasure, but instead he bit the edge of his tongue to stifle the sound. He would not let a mere slave know of his vulnerability, his need. It was both torture and bliss, to be so moved by another‟s touch and yet to be unable to acknowledge it. If Tamir knew of Neriah‟s thoughts, he did not show it, but continued to suck deliberately, turning to press his shoulder between Neriah‟s open legs and rub all of Neriah‟s manhood with his bare skin and his hair. Neriah closed his eyes, trying to decide if he had the will to stop this or if he even should. But his need was too great and, when his release came in Tamir‟s mouth, Neriah bit his tongue so hard that he tasted his own blood, so difficult was it for him not to shout or moan. His body, however, betrayed him, shuddering with pleasure, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Tamir looked up at Neriah, but there was no triumph in his amber eyes, just a bright passion that burned there.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 22 Neriah pulled his shalvar back up to his waist and retied it. “Do not think for a moment that your skill will earn you anything more than your life,” he said, his voice cold as he glared at Tamir. “I am grateful,” Tamir replied, standing up. “It is my pleasure to serve you, my lord. I am content with that alone.” “Uryon!” Neriah called. The captain entered the room and bowed. “My lord.” “He will remain with us,” Neriah said with a glance at Tamir. “But until he sees fit to tell us where his allegiance lies, he will be our prisoner.” “Sir?” Uryon said, looking surprised. “But where—?” “He will sleep in my tent,” interrupted Neriah, having anticipated Uryon‟s question. Uryon averted his eyes to hide his surprise. Neriah turned to look at Tamir. “I assume a dry floor is sufficient for your needs?” “Of course, my lord,” Tamir replied, his expression unreadable. “It is far better than many places I have slept.” “See to it that he is bathed and given clean clothing,” Neriah instructed Uryon, ignoring Tamir‟s words. “Are you proficient with a sword, slave?” “I am,” Tamir replied. “He will assist your men in tending to the horses,” Neriah told Uryon. “He will train with them as well.” “But, my lord…,” Uryon protested. Neriah‟s eyes narrowed. “Are you challenging my orders?” he demanded. “Of course not, my lord,” Uryon replied, “but since his motives are unclear, is it not a risk to provide him with a weapon?”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 23 “If he gives you any reason to doubt his loyalty,” Neriah replied, “you may kill him. Do you hear?” “Yes, my lord,” answered Uryon, bowing. Then, taking Tamir by the shoulder, Uryon escorted him out of Neriah‟s tent. For a moment, Neriah stood and frowned, watching the place where the two men had just left. Without thinking, he pulled on the gold chain at his neck, extracting the jade pendant from under his kameez. The stone was warm, and he absent-mindedly stroked it. He would not let this man manipulate him—this slave who knew how to inspire lust in others. Frowning, he replaced the pendant beneath his shirt and called for his breakfast.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 24

Chapter Three The Hollow Heart TAMIR had waited for this day a full ten years. He had known that he would find Neriah at the encampment; he had sensed the other man‟s presence. He had also expected that he would be scorned, and that Neriah‟s memory would not have returned. What he had not expected, however, was Neriah‟s cold heart, which now beat only for revenge. Tamir had sensed it long before Neriah had struck him across the face. He knew the moment that he looked into Neriah‟s eyes that the prince he had loved was no longer. For ten years, Tamir had feared for Neriah‟s soul. Now he despaired. “It‟s just ten years,” Kuri had told him when the Jinn had pronounced Tamir‟s sentence. Ten years for an immortal Jinn was nothing. But ten years for a human…. After he had taken Neriah‟s memory all those years ago, Tamir himself had protected the unsuspecting Neriah for several weeks until Neriah had escaped from the kingdom of Tazier. It was at this point that Tamir, his crime discovered, had been recalled to the spirit world to face his accusers. And what could he do but admit to the Jinn that he had saved Neriah‟s life? He neither regretted what he had done, nor could he lie about it. It had not helped that Tamir had also admitted to the Jinn tribunal that, so taken was he by the dark-haired

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 25 prince, he had watched Neriah from afar for years while the prince had still been at the palace. It had been this crime, in the end, that had been Tamir‟s undoing. It was this crime that had warranted the removal of his powers, since the crime of loving a human was considered the most serious of offenses by the Jinn—for if all Jinn fell in love with humans and did not mate with their own kind, there would be no Jinn left to serve humanity. Now, ten years later, freed from his prison but stripped of any true power, Tamir had set about to search for Neriah. Tamir knew that he could be punished yet again for interfering in the human world—even face execution for it. But Tamir cared little for his own existence; he had to learn of Neriah‟s fate. He would reassure himself that the prince lived, then return to his own world forever. All that now remained to Tamir were those powers that the Jinn regarded the least: the ability to see into human souls and the ability to sense a human‟s deepest desires. These powers were, of course, helpful because they ensured that a Jinn could satisfy his master. But taken alone, without the ability to do magic to fulfill human wishes, few Jinn considered these powers useful. For Tamir, however, those abilities had allowed him to see into Neriah‟s heart. Neriah, Tamir thought with sadness, I was foolish to think that by giving you my love, I could take away your pain. I was naïve. He knew that he had done the best he could— that he, too, had been little more than a boy at the time. Still, he wondered whether he had, by leaving Neriah just the haunting recollection of what they had shared together, actually caused Neriah more harm in the end. I was selfish. I wanted him to remember me.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 26 “You,” said a gruff voice from behind him, “get back to work. The horses need watering.” “I am sorry,” Tamir replied, turning back to the task at hand and loading four empty buckets on a wooden harness over his shoulders. “I will fill these immediately.” The old groomsman seemed surprised at Tamir‟s response, having expected Tamir to protest. He had taken the slave into his employ for the sole reason that the prince had ordered it. Tamir returned carrying the water-laden buckets, his brow covered with sweat from the heat of the day, and set about to watering the horses. After he completed this task, Tamir began the unpleasant job of mucking out the horses‟ stalls and lugging in bales of fresh hay from outside. The groomsman, who was now shoeing several of the horses, watched Tamir as he continued to labor, impressed. “Here,” said the groomsman, after Tamir had finished his work several hours later, “have something to drink.” He handed Tamir a tin cup which he had filled with water. “Thank you,” Tamir replied, taking the cup in his hands. His palms were covered in blisters, and the cool metal felt good on his raw skin. “I am Shahar,” the old man offered. “Pleased to make your acquaintance,” responded between sips. “I am called Tamir.”

the

Jinn

“You‟re a hard worker, Tamir,” the groomsman remarked, sitting back down on his stool and looking up at the Jinn. “Lord Sheva will be pleased.” Tamir forced a smile, ignoring the pain in his shoulders from the heavy buckets. “How long have you served Lord Sheva?” Tamir inquired as he drank.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 27 The groomsman looked at Tamir with suspicion, then, apparently deciding that he meant Neriah no harm, replied, “I have served him for more than ten years.” “And does he treat you well?” Tamir asked. “Indeed he does,” the groomsman replied. “Pays me handsomely for my services. Even built my wife and daughter a house where they will be safe in my absence.” Tamir drank the rest of his water. “Mind you, he might not appear it, but his lordship is a kind man. He treats all of us well.” “Indeed,” Tamir observed. “It‟s understandable, you know, that he might not appear kind,” the old man continued. “After what his father—” The groomsman stopped speaking, realizing what he had been about to say. “I know who he is,” Tamir said in a gentle voice. “You… you know?” the old man stammered. “You needn‟t worry. I wish his majesty no ill,” explained Tamir. “In fact, I would gladly give my life for him.” The groomsman just stared at Tamir. Tamir handed the old man back the cup. “Thank you for your kindness,” Tamir said, and turned back to his work, putting the buckets over his shoulders and walking out of the stables once more.

TAMIR was escorted to Neriah‟s tent after darkness had fallen. He had been fed, bathed, and given new clothing. The servant girl who attended him had insisted on combing and braiding his long, unruly hair. Tamir did not object to the

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 28 treatment; it was far better than that which he had received at the hands of his previous captors. The loss of his powers had meant that he, too, felt the pangs of hunger when poorly fed, and it had been months since he had eaten well. “We will break camp at dawn,” he overheard Neriah telling Uryon as the guard escorted him to the tent. “We‟ll camp at the base of the foothills. Here.” From the entrance, Tamir could see Neriah point to a spot on a map that was laid out on the table. “We‟ll climb the Shariz Pass until we find a good location to shelter from the summer heat. From here,”—he pointed to another place on the map—“we will send out scouts to Morab and Itan to the east. If your information is correct, we will find willing recruits there.” Neriah noticed Tamir standing in the entrance and waved him inside. “You may leave,” he told Tamir‟s guard. “Should I unbind his arms?” the guard asked. “No,” Neriah said, without further explanation. “Yes, my lord,” the guard replied, bowing and backing out of the door. “I will instruct the men of our plans,” Uryon said, catching Tamir‟s eye. After bowing, he, too, left the tent. “Willing recruits?” Tamir repeated, now facing Neriah. “Morab and Itan are known havens for those who oppose the King of Tazier. What dispute do you have with him?” Tamir knew full well the answer to that question. Still, he hoped to gain more insight into Neriah‟s mind with his response. “Why would you care to know the answer?” Neriah demanded. He walked over to Tamir and considered him with disdain. “For a man with no sworn allegiance, you are far too curious.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 29 “I am not a spy,” Tamir insisted, the edges of his mouth quirking upward, “although I understand why you will not trust my motives. I merely wish to understand you better, my lord.” “There is little to understand,” Neriah replied. “The King of Tazier has abused his power. His people have suffered the consequences.” “I have also heard this. And yet I hear that his son, Prince Saria, will be taking the throne upon his eighteenth birthday. Perhaps he can accomplish what his father—” “Enough,” Neriah growled, cutting across Tamir. “I have no intention of discussing such things with you, slave.” He loved his brother, thought Tamir. He fears for his safety. “As you wish,” was all he said aloud, bowing. Neriah paused for a moment, looking Tamir over. Tamir could sense the conflict within the other man, but he knew that it would not do to force this proud man to confront his turbulent heart. For now, he would wait patiently and suffer Neriah‟s anger. “What may I do for you, my lord?” Tamir asked. As skilled as he was at hiding his true feelings, for a brief moment, Neriah‟s eyes flashed with lust. “I do not like your hair this way,” he said, walking behind Tamir and pulling the fabric which held the crimson braid in place. He ran his fingers through the long, red hair and freed it so that it fell in waves over Tamir‟s shoulders. Tamir moaned at this slightest of touches.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 30 “You like my touch?” Neriah asked. There was something in his tone, however, that made Tamir shiver— something dark and cold. “Yes, my lord,” Tamir replied. “Will you submit yourself to me, slave?” he asked, his voice low, throaty. “Yes,” Tamir answered. “I am yours to do with as—” Neriah reached around Tamir‟s head and clamped his powerful hand over the other man‟s mouth. “You will not speak unless I tell you to do so. Do you understand?” he ordered. Tamir nodded. Neriah was so close that Tamir could smell the other man‟s fragrance. And the touch of Neriah‟s hand, although rough, left him breathless. Is this what it means to be human? Tamir wondered, feeling both stimulated and frightened at his utter powerlessness. And yet, despite the other man‟s cruel touch, he refused to believe that Neriah could ever hurt him. Tamir held his breath until Neriah released his hand from his mouth. He felt the other man loosen the straps that bound his hands. “Take off your clothes,” Neriah commanded, still standing behind Tamir. Without turning around, Tamir pulled the cotton kameez over his head to reveal his tanned chest, then untied the shalvar and let it fall to the ground. The lamplight cast the shadow of the graceful arch of Tamir‟s naked back against the fabric of the tent. Neriah did not touch Tamir, but studied his body with obvious appreciation, noting Tamir‟s broad shoulders and the soft white skin that covered Tamir‟s muscular buttocks.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 31 Several minutes passed in silence in this manner. At last, Tamir asked, “Do I please you, my lord?” Neriah took a handful of Tamir‟s hair in his fist and wrenched Tamir‟s head backward. “I told you not to speak, slave,” he warned, still holding Tamir‟s crimson hair. He then released Tamir and ordered, “Lean on the table.” Tamir obliged, putting his hands on the narrow, painted edge of the wood. The maps still lay on the tabletop. “That‟s better,” said Neriah. “Now spread your legs.” Tamir did as he was told. Without another word, Neriah took his forefinger and pressed it inside of Tamir. Tamir gasped but said nothing. Neriah inserted another finger, then, using his free hand, reached around Tamir and took Tamir‟s length in his palm. Tamir moaned, the pain and pleasure of Neriah‟s touch taking him by surprise. Neriah began to stroke Tamir. His touch was far from gentle, but Tamir responded nonetheless. Neriah pressed yet another finger inside the other man, who leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “Where are you from?” asked Neriah, continuing to rub Tamir. Tamir remained silent. “Your life would be far less painful if you would tell me the truth,” Neriah continued as he removed his fingers from Tamir, then plunged them back in ruthlessly. “Please,” Tamir moaned, struggling to speak. “You must believe me. I mean you no harm.” Neriah frowned. “You‟re a fool if you think your word is sufficient. If I believed every man who told me he meant me no harm, I‟d be a dead man several times over.” He withdrew his fingers and, without warning, grasped his own manhood

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 32 and pushed hard into Tamir. Tamir cried out in pain, but Neriah did not relent, instead thrusting ferociously without waiting for the other man to catch his breath. Tamir whimpered, then moaned in pleasure as Neriah continued to move within him, each thrust a punishment for his silence. And, as he moved, Neriah continued to pull hard on the other man‟s length and rub it. Tamir grasped the wooden table until his knuckles were white, clenching his jaw. At last, the battle at a fever pitch, Tamir surrendered to pleasure, throwing his head backward so that his red hair flew about his head. His voice was deep and throaty as his passion peaked in Neriah‟s hand. In spite of himself, Neriah was even more aroused to hear Tamir‟s wanton groans. As before, Neriah remained silent, determined that he would cede no power to this humble slave. Still, his release was long and satisfying, despite the restraint with which he held himself, and he fought the urge to claim the other man‟s lips as his body convulsed. Tamir lay on the floor hours later, his wrists and feet once more secured with rope. His eyes burned with unshed tears, but it was not for his own body or heart that he felt sadness. With no power to reach you, beloved, he despaired, how can this human body warm your heart?

NERIAH paced back and forth in front of the windows overlooking the garden, his lover resting on silken sheets, watching him in silence. The moon was high in the sky and the breeze was cool. The sky was, as always, without stars.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 33 “Why are you restless, my Prince?” asked his lover. “What troubles you?” “I don’t understand why you are here,” he replied, “or why you stay with me.” His lover laughed. “I am here because I choose to be, my Prince,” his lover replied. “I am here because you are my beloved.” “Then why will you not tell me your name?” “I have no need to tell it to you, my Prince, because you already know my name. It is written upon your heart.” Awake once more, the memory of the dream faded, but Neriah‟s eyes remained closed as he tried to recall the sound of his lover‟s voice. No closer to remembering than he had ever been, Neriah opened his eyes and stared up at the roof of the tent. He breathed in measured breaths, trying to calm his racing heart. Then, turning onto his side once more, his eyes fell upon the man asleep on the rug near the doorway. But instead of love, his heart burned with anger to see Tamir there. Tamir‟s presence was a reminder of what Neriah dreamed of but knew the slave could never offer. He is trained to please his master, Neriah reminded himself, and nothing more. Best you remember it.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 34

Chapter Four Awakening NERIAH rose well before dawn—he had slept fitfully after awakening from the dream. Tamir was already gone, helping the servants and soldiers pack the remaining tents. Neriah, after dressing, strode over to Uryon and the horses, his tent the last to come down. He was almost wistful to leave the relative comfort of the forest with its abundant water and shade, but he knew that to advance his goal of an attack against the capital city, they could remain here no longer. “We will be ready to depart in a few minutes, my lord,” Uryon told Neriah. Out of the corner of his eye, Neriah could see Tamir laboring with the other men to prepare the horses. Tamir chatted with the old groomsman, Shahar, as he tightened the colorful saddles. “He is a hard worker,” Uryon observed, noting with some satisfaction the frown on Neriah‟s face. He had—as had most of the camp—heard Tamir‟s cries of pleasure the night before, and Uryon suspected that the prince‟s feelings toward the slave were quite conflicted. He was pleased that Neriah had at least found someone with whom to share his repressed passions; he knew that a frustrated leader was not good for morale. Neriah laughed. “I know what you‟re thinking, Uryon,” he said with a shake of his head. Uryon was the sole member of his entourage with whom he would permit such jest—the two men had been all but inseparable since Neriah had first

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 35 escaped Tazier. Uryon had, of course, always maintained some distance from Neriah, as was befitting of the relationship between a prince and his advisor, but Neriah allowed Uryon far more latitude in their personal relationship than with any of his other followers. “I was thinking of your happiness alone, my lord,” Uryon replied with a sly grin. “Whatever his political persuasion, he is an attractive man.” “He is a slave,” Neriah responded. “He submits himself without protest, and I enjoy his company, nothing more.” Uryon did not press the issue further. He knew that he had reached the limit of Neriah‟s patience. Shahar brought Neriah‟s horse over. “My lord,” he said as he bowed. The gray stallion whinnied and threw his head backward, recognizing his master. “Ori has been restless, wishing you to ride him once more.” “Thank you, Shahar,” Neriah replied, taking the reins from the old groomsman and rubbing his palm over the horse‟s muzzle. The stallion at once grew calm as it recognized its master, although it continued to paw at the ground, eager to depart. “You have taken good care of him, I can see.” Shahar‟s mouth opened in a broad, toothy grin. Another servant brought Uryon‟s mount. “We will ride ahead to Rinah. I have sent word to Sheik Atallah, who will send an escort to take us to his encampment for the evening,” Neriah told Uryon, mounting his horse and motioning to one of the men standing near Tamir. “My lord?” the guard inquired, coming over to Neriah.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 36 “The slave will ride with me,” Neriah said, ignoring Uryon‟s knowing look. “Of course, my lord,” the man replied as he bowed and walked back over to Tamir. Taking a length of leather from his pocket, he proceeded to bind Tamir‟s wrists behind his back, then led Tamir over to where Neriah sat atop his horse. “Do you need help mounting?” Neriah asked with a challenge in his eyes. He did not offer to remove Tamir‟s bindings. “No, my lord,” Tamir replied as he gracefully caught the edge of the right stirrup and alighted on the horse‟s back. Neriah did his best to hide his surprise at the ease with which Tamir had managed the feat. Uryon, however, did not feel the need to restrain himself. “You seem to know horses quite well,” he observed. Tamir said nothing, but inclined his head to acknowledge the compliment. Neriah, irritated with Uryon‟s words, pulled his horse‟s bridle and kicked the animal in the ribs. The stallion protested, lifting its front feet off the ground. Tamir, however, remained seated, gripping the horse with his powerful legs. Uryon laughed and mounted his own horse. He then took off in the direction of the men, who had by now finished their loading and were ready to depart. As Uryon gave them their instructions and the larger wagons were brought about to join the riders, Neriah glanced back at Tamir. Tamir met Neriah‟s eyes, but he remained silent.

URYON, Tamir, and Neriah headed for the small town of Rinah, having left the caravan at the foothills of the

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 37 mountains. Built around a small natural spring, Rinah attracted visitors from all over the area and was well outfitted for the wealthy traveler. Mud buildings and tents ringed the spring at the center of the settlement, and several servants from the local inn met the men and helped them from their horses. Minutes later, they were seated in a large tent behind the inn, where they were given wine and a light meal. Neriah untied Tamir‟s wrists unceremoniously, then poured the redhead a goblet of wine. “Thank you,” responded Tamir, and he drank. “There is no need to thank me,” Neriah replied, his expression glacial. “I wish to maintain a valuable asset. You are little use to me dead.” Uryon said nothing but coughed into his drink. Neriah shot him a look of disapproval, but Uryon leaned back on the cushions and laced his hands behind his head in obvious enjoyment. The tent began to fill with other visitors stopping for the midday meal. “Do you recognize anyone?” Neriah asked Uryon, glancing around. “A few,” Uryon replied. “Mercenaries, most of them. A few sheiks from the outlying lands. A few enemies as well.” “See what you can do,” Neriah instructed. “Find out what you can about the state of things in Morab and Itan.” Uryon nodded, then walked away. A single woman entered the tent—an attractive blonde dressed in embroidered silks, with a jeweled sword at her waist. She glanced over at the table where Neriah and Tamir sat eating and walked over, appearing quite eager.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 38 “Tamir?” she asked, ignoring Neriah. “It really is you!” She bent down, kissed Tamir on the lips, and embraced him. Neriah stared at this surprising display, feeling something akin to jealousy rise within him. “Who are you?” he demanded, standing up. “Oh,” the woman said, looking from Tamir to Neriah. “My apologies. I am Kuri,” she explained. “I am here at Sheik Atallah‟s request. He has asked me to escort you to his enclave, Lord Sheva.” “A woman?” Neriah replied, frowning now. Kuri laughed, looking quite indifferent to Neriah‟s condescension. “I am quite capable of escorting you, my lord. In fact, I wager that I could match swords with any of your men.” Neriah ignored this comment but proceeded to ask, “And what do you know of my slave?” “Slave?” Kuri repeated, looking confused. “You mean Tamir? He and I are—” “Childhood friends,” Tamir replied, cutting her off. “Indeed,” Neriah said. He paused for a moment to study Tamir‟s face. Tamir hoped his surprise at seeing Kuri was well masked. “And where did you live as children?” “Tazier, of course,” Kuri answered without hesitation. She spoke the truth, if not the entire truth, for she and Tamir had lived in the city for several years when they were young. “I see,” said Neriah, catching Tamir‟s eye. Tamir did not blink. “I joined Sheik Atallah‟s forces several years ago,” Kuri continued, sensing the tension between the two men.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 39 “Certainly you, my lord, do not mean to imply that the Sheik and his followers are disloyal to your cause?” Neriah bristled at the implication. “I did not intend to imply such a thing,” he replied, regretting his unartful choice of words. “But your friend here has been unwilling to tell me more about his past. Perhaps if you—” “My lord,” interrupted Uryon, who had just returned to the table. “I think it best if we leave at once.” “You are Uryon?” Kuri asked the newcomer. Uryon nodded. “I am Kuri. My master, Sheik Atallah, speaks well of you.” “I am honored,” Uryon answered, noting Neriah‟s hard expression with some curiosity. “My lord,” Kuri said as she faced Neriah once more, “your captain is correct. It is not safe for you here. We must leave.”

IT

WAS late afternoon when they left Rinah behind them,

following Kuri into the hills. Tamir did his best to avoid Kuri‟s gaze, afraid that she might divulge more than he believed prudent about their past. He had no doubt that she had entered into a contract with Sheik Atallah, and he guessed that it was a contract that Kuri herself had chosen—she had always enjoyed powerful men. The Jinn could be pressed into service involuntarily, but more often they chose to serve a particular human for their own reasons. “It‟s not far now,” Kuri said as twilight began to fall. “We should be there before dark.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 40 The horses struggled on the rocky trails, and the riders had to leave the trail from time to time to avoid the lowhanging branches of the gnarled trees that grew here. It was on one of these detours that Tamir first sensed that they were being watched. Kuri, too, had sensed it, for she picked up the pace and felt for her sword, coming alongside Uryon and Neriah‟s horses and motioning toward the next ridge. Both men drew their weapons as well. Tamir, whose hands were once more bound behind him, listened intently. “They are about forty yards away to the north,” Tamir whispered to Neriah. “Five of them, on horseback.” Neriah looked surprised, but motioned to Uryon to be on his guard. There was a flash of movement between the trees, and Uryon took off after it. Kuri pulled her horse about as three men emerged from their hiding place. One of them charged at Kuri, while the other two went after Neriah and Tamir. Neriah pulled hard on the reins, and the blade of one of their attackers missed his mount‟s haunches by a hair‟s breadth. Knowing that he could do nothing atop the horse, Tamir released his grip on the animal and fell to the ground, rolling to absorb the impact, and sprung to his feet. He ran headlong into the path of one of the two men dogging Neriah, and the man‟s horse reared up on its hindquarters, sending its rider to the ground. From over his shoulder, Tamir could hear the sound of Neriah‟s blade against his opponent‟s. Tamir elbowed the now riderless horse, and it charged off into the trees. “What will you do now?” his opponent jeered, pointing his sword at Tamir‟s chest. The two men circled about, Tamir still unable to use his arms, his attacker jabbing his blade in

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 41 Tamir‟s direction. Tamir knew that Neriah could not come to his aid. He could hear the prince still fighting nearby. He frowned in concentration, dodging his opponent‟s sword. Then, without warning, he ran at the other man, throwing himself to the ground and knocking his opponent off balance. The man shouted in anger as Tamir got back to his feet. Using his shoulder, Tamir hit the man hard on his right arm. “Why you little…,” the man growled, grabbing his sword in his left hand now and charging Tamir. Tamir ducked, rolling once more on the ground and moving to kick the man in the shins as he got to his feet. This time, however, Tamir‟s opponent had anticipated the move, and his sword made contact with Tamir‟s shoulder. Tamir felt pain and the warm wetness of his own blood running down his arm. The wound was deep, and he would be hard-pressed to use that shoulder as a weapon again in this fight. Tamir‟s opponent charged at him, and Tamir managed to duck beneath his outstretched sword. As the man swung the weapon about, Tamir felt the blade move the air by his cheek. He dove to the ground, but his attacker kicked him hard in the back with his foot. Tamir fell, rolling onto his back to keep his opponent in sight. He saw his attacker raise his sword, aiming for his heart. Damn, thought Tamir. He had nowhere left to move. But at that very moment, his opponent appeared to stop moving; his eyes grew wide, and he dropped his weapon, which fell with a clatter upon the rocky ground. A stream of bright red blood appeared at the man‟s lips. He fell forward next to Tamir, a dagger protruding from his back. Neriah sat atop

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 42 his horse several feet away. It was he who had thrown the dagger. He had saved Tamir‟s life. Neriah jumped down from his horse and, after making sure that Tamir‟s attacker was no longer a threat, bent down over Tamir. “Are you injured?” he asked, lifting Tamir by the shoulders. Tamir winced, and Neriah saw that the other man was bleeding profusely. Without hesitation, Neriah took the silk scarf from around his head and pressed it to Tamir‟s wound. Pulling the dagger from the dead man‟s back, he wiped the bloody blade on his shirt and cut the bindings from Tamir‟s wrists. The two men‟s eyes met, and Tamir saw real concern flicker in Neriah‟s expression, if only for an instant. Then it was gone, and Neriah proceeded to bind the scarf about Tamir‟s arm to staunch the bleeding. “It is only a cut,” Tamir said, trying to stand up but feeling very dizzy. So this is what it’s like to bleed, he thought as the world around him went dark.

“TAMIR?” He heard Kuri‟s voice, as though from a great distance. “Kuri?” “Welcome back to the world of the living,” Kuri replied as Tamir opened his eyes. “Very amusing,” Tamir retorted.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 43 “I would have healed you, but your prince might have suspected something.” She brushed Tamir‟s cheek with her hand. “You will have to heal as a human, I‟m afraid.” “Where is he?” asked Tamir, looking around at the inside of a small tent. “Outside,” she replied. “He looks like a devil with his angry expression, but I believe he‟s worried about you.” “I wish that were true,” Tamir answered, shaking his head. “Why, of all people, did you run to him when you were released?” she asked, taking a cool cloth and wiping his brow. “You could have called me.” “I didn‟t want you to suffer anything more on my account,” he replied. “It was bad enough that they considered punishing you as well for my own actions.” Kuri laughed. “That‟s my Tamir,” she said, “always worried about others, never about himself.” Tamir sighed but said nothing. “If they find out that you have returned to him, you could be—” “That isn‟t your concern,” replied Tamir, trying to sit up but finding himself still too weak from the loss of blood. “It is now,” she said, although the flash of defiance in her amber eyes made it clear that she wasn‟t worried. “I am sorry,” he answered, frowning. “Sorry that you love the bastard so much you‟ll allow him to treat you like a slave?” she countered. Tamir remained silent. “His heart is like ice.” “He is in pain,” Tamir answered. “I cannot let him continue to suffer like this. He is a good man. He will make a fine king.” This time it was Kuri who did not respond.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 44 “And you?” Tamir asked. “Why are you here?” “I have entered into a contract with the Sheik, of course,” she replied, grinning mischievously at Tamir. “He is handsome, then?” Tamir ventured. “He is an attractive specimen,” Kuri answered with coy aloofness. “He pleases me. For now, at least. I have given myself to him for years. If he continues to please me, I may stay longer.” “You haven‟t changed, have you?” Tamir asked with genuine affection, the edges of his mouth turning upward at last. “I suppose neither of us has,” she observed, “except that your body is no longer immortal.” She paused for a moment, looking concerned. “Tamir, you forget that you are no longer Jinn. You are stronger than a normal human, but—” They heard movement from outside the tent. “Your prince wishes to see you, I believe,” she added, kissing Tamir on the forehead. “What will you tell him, then? About us?” “Nothing,” she replied, “unless you wish me to. Although why you can‟t come up with a story about your past escapes me. He would not be so suspicious if—” She stopped speaking and turned around. Neriah stood in the entrance to the tent. “My lord,” she said with a quick bow. “You will be pleased to know that he is awake.” A flash of relief shone in Neriah‟s eyes to hear this news, but his face hardened once more as he entered the tent. “Thank you for tending to him,” Neriah said.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 45 “I have done only that which my master commanded,” she replied, standing up and glancing back at Tamir before turning to walk out of the tent. “I am sorry to have become a burden to you, my lord,” Tamir said. Despite his pleasure at seeing the prince once more, he felt guilty that his injuries prevented him from rising from the bed. “You fought well,” Neriah replied as he studied Tamir‟s face. “You have nothing to apologize for.” “Thank you, my lord,” Tamir responded. He was surprised at Neriah‟s words. He had assumed that the other man would be far angrier. “You will sleep in my bed tonight,” Neriah announced in an offhanded manner. Then, as if an explanation were necessary, he added, “We cannot have your wound reopening on the hard ground. I will need every able-bodied man at my disposal.” “Of course,” replied Tamir, sensing that there was more to the prince‟s justification than just the practical but keeping it to himself. “You are very kind.” Neriah turned and walked out of the tent without another word. Outside, he paused to look back at Tamir, whose eyes were now closed. He felt something awaken inside of him—a feeling that he had long forgotten—and he struggled to put it back in its proper place. He did not trust the sleeping man. He could not. Later that night, Tamir awoke to feel Neriah‟s body pressed against his own. In spite of his wound, it was not the pain in his arm that troubled him. No, his own very human

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 46 need for Neriah‟s love was a pain far worse than any physical one. He closed his eyes and inhaled Neriah‟s fragrance. Delicately, so as not to wake the other man, he reached for Neriah‟s hair, closing his eyes to feel its silkiness against his fingertips. Then he wrapped his uninjured arm around Neriah‟s waist. Neriah stirred and moved closer to Tamir, moaning but not awakening. “Beloved,” whispered Tamir as sleep took him once more. That night, for the first time in months, Neriah did not dream.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 47

Chapter Five A Human Heart NERIAH sat in Sheik Atallah‟s tent, a cup of hot tea in his hand. The Sheik, a graceful, self-assured man only a few years older than Neriah, sat back on a pile of pillows, Kuri at his side. Tall, muscular, with long, wavy brown hair and a goatee, Atallah looked the part of the rogue nobleman, down to the gold hoop he wore in his left ear and the small scar on his left cheek. In spite of his reputation, Neriah trusted Atallah—the two men were distantly related, and Neriah had known Atallah as a child. Five years before, Atallah had saved Neriah‟s life in a skirmish involving members of the Royal Guard sent to assassinate the prince. Since then, Atallah had been a staunch supporter of the young prince‟s movement to overthrow the King‟s reign, although Neriah had time and again rebuffed Atallah‟s attempts at friendship. “Thank you for meeting with me,” said Neriah, his manner stilted. He was not intimidated by this powerful man, but as always, he was loath to ask anyone for help, let alone someone whom he knew well. “Please, Neriah,” the Sheik replied with genuine warmth, “we needn‟t stand on any formalities. We‟ve known each other long enough, I think, that you can call me by my given name.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 48 Neriah‟s face relaxed. “Of course, Barit,” he said, glancing at Kuri with unease. It would not do for his true identity to be widely known—not yet, at least. Barit Atallah, however, guessed at Neriah‟s concern. “There is no need to be concerned about Kuri,” he said, brushing an errant strand of his hair from his face, “she is utterly loyal to me. She will not divulge your secret.” “Indeed?” Neriah responded with a disbelieving frown. “And how can you be so sure?” Kuri said nothing, studying Neriah with detached interest. “Kuri is Jinn, Neriah,” Atallah offered, looking quite pleased with himself. “We are bound by contract. She cannot betray me.” “Jinn?” Neriah replied, stunned. His first thought was of Tamir—how did he know the Jinn, and how would a human and a Jinn have known each other as children? His face darkened, the answer coming unbidden: Tamir had lied to him. “There is far more to the Jinn than just magic,” Atallah noted, looking at Kuri with undisguised desire. She looked back at him with eyes dark and full of lust. “The Jinn are sensual creatures, don‟t you think?” Neriah just nodded. There was no doubt that Kuri was striking. “Kuri has consented to assist you in your campaign to retake Tazier—she will lend you her power in my stead. I would join you myself,” Atallah continued, “but I have promised my sister that I will attend her wedding in Kirah. My men and I will meet up with you at the end of autumn.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 49 We will provide you with any assistance of which we are capable.” “That is very generous of you,” Neriah answered, thankful for Atallah‟s generous offer, but still thinking about Tamir and his relationship to Kuri. “It is the least I can do for the future king,” answered Atallah, leaning back in his seat and grinning, catlike.

TAMIR awoke from a deep sleep with a sense of foreboding. He could sense Neriah‟s anger even before he walked into the tent. He knows, thought Tamir with a shiver. “Take off your kameez,” Neriah ordered, striding over to the bed and standing, arms crossed over his chest, his blue eyes now black with rage. Tamir obliged, knowing full well that his not-quitehuman body would betray him for what he was. The wound on his shoulder was almost healed. He did not flinch from Neriah‟s glare but met it head on, his face as unyielding as the prince‟s. “Get up,” hissed Neriah. Tamir obliged and, in return for his cooperation, received a blow to the face. “Did you enjoy deceiving me?” Neriah demanded. “I have heard of your kind and your treachery.” Tamir could feel the coldness in Neriah‟s heart, and he shuddered involuntarily. At that moment, Tamir felt helpless to reach the other man, and his resolve began to waver. It had all seemed so simple, the task of reclaiming Neriah‟s heart—patience and love in ample quantity. But with each

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 50 passing day, Tamir‟s despair had grown. He had begun to wonder if his task were hopeless. “I have not been truthful with you,” he admitted, reminding himself that he had not, in fact, deceived Neriah, “nor have I lied.” This statement drew another slap, but he did not blink. “Did you plan on toying with me? Did you think I was in need of your… services?” This last word was spoken with something approaching disgust. “No,” Tamir replied. His cheek burned from the impact of Neriah‟s hand and, to his surprise, he had to fight back a wave of anger. He had, since losing his powers, begun to react with more human emotion than ever. His patience had begun to wear thin. Was it true, then, that a Jinn stripped of his powers would in the end become human? He waited until he had regained control of his emotions before he responded, “But even if you desired my „services,‟ as you put it, I would have nothing to give you, my lord. I have been exiled by my people. I have no power.” Neriah seemed taken aback by Tamir‟s admission. His reaction was to be expected. Humans knew little of the true origins of the Jinn except the fragments of truth to be found in legend. And the legends had not been kind to the Jinn— although prized for their powers, the Jinn were also reviled as fickle creatures, given to deceitfulness and the cause of much human suffering. The truth, however, was that while under a contract, the Jinn were quite incapable of betraying their human masters. “My lord,” said Uryon, from the entrance of the tent. “Is something wrong?”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 51 “You may enter,” Neriah said, his jaw tight. Uryon walked into the tent, and his eyes met Tamir‟s. “Has something happened?” Uryon inquired, frowning to see the looks on the faces of the two men. “This slave,”—he paused, as if to emphasize the contempt in which he now held Tamir—“has been hiding something from us.” Neriah‟s eyes fell on Tamir‟s wound, and Uryon, realizing what he was seeing, looked back at Neriah and waited. It would not do to press Neriah when the prince was in such a foul temper. “This slave,” Neriah continued, “is a Jinn.” “A Jinn?” Uryon repeated, looking to Tamir for some sort of explanation. He received none. “He is not human,” Neriah told the captain. “But how…?” began Uryon. “The woman—Kuri—she is Jinn. She is under contract to Atallah,” Neriah explained. “But—” Uryon started to say. “He has all but admitted it,” Neriah interrupted. “He claims to have been banished, that he has no power.” “Is this true, Tamir?” Uryon asked, looking quite shocked. “Yes,” Tamir replied. Neriah turned on his heels and walked toward the tent entrance. “My lord,” Uryon called after Neriah. “What do you wish me to do with him?” “I have not yet decided,” Neriah answered, the tension in his shoulders visible beneath his kameez. “Tie him with the horses for now.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 52 “But my lord…,” Uryon began. Neriah ignored Uryon and just walked away. For a moment, Uryon just watched Neriah leave. Then, with a deep sigh, he turned back to Tamir. “This would have been far easier if you had told him the truth to begin with,” Uryon said, finding his own anger at Tamir growing. “I could not,” Tamir replied. “It is forbidden. I can speak of it now only because you have already learned the truth.” Uryon looked surprised. “I am human now,” Tamir explained, seeing Uryon‟s confusion. “In this state, I cannot speak of my people or of my home. It is part of my punishment.” “Punishment? For what?” “I am also forbidden to speak of that,” Tamir replied. “But even if I could….” His voice trailed off, and his eyes drifted to the entrance of the tent through which Neriah had disappeared. “You care for him, don‟t you?” Uryon asked. Tamir did not answer. Uryon shook his head forlornly and said, “He is a good man. Once, he was quite kind as well.” “I know,” Tamir replied, his mouth tight as he fought his conflicting emotions. “I would never do anything to harm him. You believe that, don‟t you?” Uryon sighed. “Despite my better judgment,” he answered, “yes, I do believe you, although I‟m damned if I understand why. For all I know, you‟ve used your magic to cloud my judgment.” “I have no magic,” Tamir replied. It was the first time he had spoken the words since the Jinn had taken his powers,

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 53 ten years before. “But even if I did, I would never use magic to bewitch you.” Uryon frowned, his eyes meeting Tamir‟s, searching for the answers to his questions there. “Are you well enough to walk?” he asked, at last, deciding that the Jinn posed no danger to Neriah. Tamir nodded. “I must obey his orders, regardless of whether I believe you are a threat to him.” “I will be fine,” Tamir replied, relieved. “You needn‟t worry about me.”

“ENTER,” Kuri said, without turning around. “What can I do for you, Your Majesty?” she asked as Neriah walked into her tent. “I wish to speak with you,” he replied in a cold and unforgiving tone. “I have no doubt,” she countered, turning to face him with a coy smile. “Tell me about Tamir,” he demanded. “There is little I can tell you,” she answered. “His powers were taken. He is mortal.” “Why?” Kuri studied the prince‟s expression. She could feel the turmoil within his heart. “I cannot tell you that,” she answered. “Nor can he. It is forbidden to speak of it.” “By whom? Who forbids it?” Neriah countered. Although he was loath to admit it, he felt something akin to jealousy speaking to her now, after having witnessed her comfortable

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 54 rapport with Tamir. Damnable creatures! he thought. How ironic, that he felt almost as angry with himself as he was with Tamir. “It is our law,” Kuri explained. “We may not speak of such things to humans. But I can assure you, Your Majesty,” she added, “that you will not find a better man. You do not deserve him.” Her amber eyes flashed with anger. If Tamir would not defend himself, she would do so in his stead. “But he is not a man,” Neriah retorted and turned to leave.

NIGHT had fallen over the encampment, and the stars lit the sky. Tamir leaned against the hitching post, his eyes heavy. His bare chest left him shivering in the cold night air. He had never experienced cold before. And despite his healed wound, he still felt weak, vulnerable: human. Soon, nothing would remain of his former self. The thought frightened him, and he felt tears burn in his eyes. This time, however, the tears he shed were not for Neriah; for once, the tears he shed were for himself. He had not been surprised by Neriah‟s anger. He had expected that Neriah would, in due course, learn his secret. Kuri had been right—he should have lied about where he had come from. He was, after all, no longer Jinn, and he could have lied. But he could not bring himself to dissemble to Neriah. It pained him already that he had not been able to tell the prince the truth. “Tamir.” Tamir struggled to stand to greet Uryon. “He has asked that I bring you to him.” Uryon reached behind

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 55 Tamir and untied him from the post, leaving his hands bound. Without another word, he led Tamir to Neriah‟s tent, waiting until the Jinn had walked inside, then closing the outer flap. “Come here,” Neriah ordered after Uryon had left. Tamir obliged, walking over to the prince. “Do you fear me?” Neriah asked, searching the other man‟s amber eyes. “No,” Tamir replied. It was not an outright lie, for although he felt uneasy in Neriah‟s presence, he still did not believe that Neriah would harm him. “Then you are naïve,” Neriah snorted, walking around Tamir and putting his hands on his broad shoulders. Tamir stifled a sigh at Neriah‟s touch. “Perhaps,” Tamir replied. “I should kill you for your insolence,” Neriah said. “But you will not,” Tamir countered, feeling the stirrings of desire and something else that he could not quite grasp. He realized that he should have instead said nothing and inwardly chastised himself for responding in such a manner. A Jinn would never challenge his master’s words, he reminded himself. “No,” Neriah said, his lips near Tamir‟s cheek, “I will not.” Tamir could feel the other man‟s breath on his skin and fought not to respond. Neriah laughed. “Your body betrays you,” he said. “You are proud, but you desire me nonetheless.” When Tamir did not reply, Neriah put his lips to Tamir‟s neck. This time, Tamir could not help but gasp. He wanted no part in encouraging Neriah‟s cruelty, but his hunger for the other man was far too strong.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 56 “Tell me,” Neriah continued, reaching around Tamir and twisting hard on the other man‟s nipples, making him tense at the rough touch. “What should the punishment be for your crime?” Tamir moaned as Neriah bit his earlobe until it hurt. “I….,” Tamir hesitated, now beginning to fear for his own safety. This was not, he knew, the naïve and sheltered prince with whom he had fallen in love. Nor are you an immortal Jinn, he thought with trepidation. “I will accept whatever punishment you believe I deserve,” he told Neriah at last, doing his best to calm his racing heart. Neriah pushed Tamir face down onto the bed. “You may regret that,” Neriah said, bending down to whisper menacingly into his ear. Neriah then bound Tamir‟s ankles, lashing them on either side of the bed‟s wooden frame. Tamir felt lazy circles being traced on his back with what he realized was a switch made from the branch of a tree. “Does a Jinn feel pain?” Neriah asked, still caressing Tamir with the soft wood. “No,” Tamir replied. “But I am no longer Jinn.” “Good,” Neriah answered, and the switch reached Tamir‟s cheek. Tamir closed his eyes at the tantalizing touch. Then Neriah took the switch and flicked it against Tamir‟s back and arms, still bound behind him. Tamir tensed at the sting. Neriah flicked the switch several times more, moving his way down Tamir‟s spine. Tamir felt the prince reach underneath him and untie the waist of his shalvar, his hand then straying a bit lower. “It appears you derive pleasure from my touch, regardless of how painful,” he observed, rubbing Tamir‟s hardness.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 57 Tamir gasped in pleasure, and Neriah withdrew his hand, pulling Tamir‟s cotton shalvar down to expose his buttocks. Neriah rubbed his hand over the soft skin there, kneading the muscles. Then, lifting one hand and grasping the switch once more, he proceeded to strike Tamir again and again, massaging the skin in between blows until the flesh had grown red. Tears of pain fell from Tamir‟s eyes onto the silk sheets, and he was thankful that Neriah could not see his weak response. “Is that enough for you yet?” Neriah demanded. His voice was harsh but tinged with lust. Tamir knew no answer was expected of him, but gritted his teeth with resolve as Neriah hit the bottoms of his feet and the backs of his legs with the switch. In spite of his pain, Tamir felt himself grow harder, his desire to feel Neriah‟s body against his own more powerful still. “Is it true that the Jinn are sensual creatures?” Neriah asked, pausing for a moment to admire his handiwork. “That they were created to pleasure man?” “Yes,” whispered Tamir, his back on fire now. Neriah pulled Tamir‟s head back by his long hair, forcing him to his knees. The former Jinn felt self-conscious of his nakedness, something he had never felt before. Neriah took the switch and ran it between Tamir‟s legs. The touch was gentle at first, but as Neriah continued to stroke Tamir with the branch, he pressed it harder into Tamir‟s sensitive flesh. The rough edge of the switch scraped against Tamir‟s skin, and he cried out, unable to contain himself any longer, the pain too intense. And when he thought that he could bear it no longer, Tamir felt Neriah‟s soft hand stroking his

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 58 raw skin, his fingers caressing the tight opening between his cheeks until Tamir whimpered. “What do you think of pain now?” Neriah whispered in Tamir‟s ear, pressing a finger inside of the other man and feeling the tremor that ran through Tamir‟s naked body. “I….” Tamir struggled to speak as Neriah pulled his head back even farther. Not waiting for more of a response, Neriah untied his own shalvar, removed his finger, and pressed his width into Tamir. Unprepared, Tamir moaned in pain as Neriah began to move, reaching around Tamir‟s chest and running lithe fingers over the hard muscle there. “You will not lie to me, nor will you withhold anything from me again,” Neriah ordered, continuing to thrust without mercy. “Is that understood?” Tamir could do no more than nod, too overcome to speak. Neriah reached for Tamir‟s manhood and handled it in his palm. The touch was rough, forceful. “You will serve me,” Neriah added, taking Tamir‟s chin in his hand, Tamir‟s back to his chest, his mouth next to Tamir‟s cheek. “I care nothing for these powers you claim to have lost,” he continued, “but I will have your loyalty and, when I desire it, your body. From now on, you are mine.”

LATER, Neriah lay next to the sleeping Tamir, admiring the way the moonlight illuminated the other man‟s red hair. Neriah reached for Tamir, wanting to feel his soft skin once more. But when his fingers touched the other man‟s back, he found that the skin there was not smooth. Even in the dim

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 59 light, he saw the deep red welts and, for a moment, he felt ashamed. Why do you anger me so? he wondered, removing his hand as if Tamir‟s skin had burned him. He found no answer—only Tamir‟s soft breath in the stillness of the night.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 60

Chapter Six Declarations Ten Years Before

KURI peered into the dark cell. “Tamir?” she ventured, blinking to see him better. “Kuri.” He hoped she could not see the guilt in his eyes. “Why didn‟t you tell me they were putting you on trial?” she asked. It hurt her that he had kept it from her. They had been inseparable for years, inseparable, that is, until Tamir had saved the dying prince from his injuries. “I didn‟t want you to worry,” Tamir answered, moving from the shadows to the bars where she stood. That much was true, but there was more—far more that he could not tell her. He had risked her safety as well as his own, and he was resolved to protect her, no matter what the cost. “As if that would have stopped me from worrying,” she replied, touching his soft cheek through the metal bars, “you stupid boy.” Tamir did not answer. “He‟s safe, you know,” Kuri said. Tamir‟s eyes lit up. “I followed him, after you were taken.” “I‟m glad,” Tamir replied. “Thank you for letting me know.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 61 “Is it true, then,” she blurted out, looking frightened now, “that when you‟re released from here, they‟ll take your powers for good?” “Yes,” he answered in a quiet voice. The thought terrified him, but he knew that his punishment would keep her safe. The Jinn had intended to punish her as well, but his master had intervened on their behalf. The price of her safety was his silence—he would never be able to tell Neriah the truth of what had happened between them. And Neriah would never remember their night together on his own. Tamir had seen to that. “I‟m so sorry,” she said, her amber eyes filling with tears. “Don‟t be,” he told her, reaching out to take her hand in his. “It was worth it, Kuri. I‟d do it again, if I could.” “You love him, don‟t you?” she asked. “Yes,” he replied. She brushed his lips with her hand and tried to pretend that her heart was not breaking.

The Present

KURI walked over to Tamir, who was helping Uryon lash the blankets and supplies to the horses. The sun had just begun to rise over the trees, and they were set to depart soon. Tamir, sensing Kuri‟s presence, turned to acknowledge her but winced as he moved. She frowned, then ordered, “Turn around.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 62 “It is none of your concern,” he told her as he turned back to the horses. Ignoring this, she reached under his kameez to feel the raw skin on his back. “Perhaps not,” she said, feeling the heat on her cheeks from her rising anger, “but there is no need to prolong your suffering. Unless, that is, you enjoy suffering, Tamir?” Tamir scowled. “I do not,” he replied. “I‟m glad to hear it,” she responded, lifting up the fabric of the garment and putting both of her palms on the raw skin. Her hands glowed white, and Tamir felt his back grow warm. Underneath her hands, the redness began to fade and the welts grew smaller until they disappeared to reveal smooth skin once more. “Thank you,” he said, looking more defiant than appreciative. “I could heal the other wounds, as well,” she said, her hand following the curve of his back to his waist, her fingers dipping below the waistband. He snatched her hand away and glared at her. “No, thank you,” he said, meeting her eyes with an even gaze. Her amber eyes sparkled as she laughed, turning on her heel and heading toward Atallah‟s tent. Uryon, who had been watching the exchange with some interest, stood up and followed her. She slowed her pace to allow him to catch up. “I may be bound to my master,” Kuri said, before Uryon could speak, “but I will not allow your prince to harm Tamir.” Uryon sighed, his face drawn. “What is Tamir to you?” he asked, ignoring the thinly veiled threat.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 63 “He‟s like a brother to me,” she replied as she stopped to look at the captain. Her eyes were hard, her expression unforgiving. “Neriah has asked the Sheik to provide Tamir with a mount and a weapon,” Uryon said, watching for her reaction. He was not disappointed; her eyes opened wide in surprise. He looked pleased. At that moment, Neriah walked out of Atallah‟s tent and toward where Tamir was tending the horses. It was the first time he had seen Tamir since the night before, since Neriah had left the tent well before sunrise, unable to sleep. He had not been able to erase the memory of the deep welts he had left on Tamir‟s back, despite his best efforts. “My lord,” said Tamir. He stopped his work and bowed to Neriah. “I wanted to thank you for entrusting me with my own horse.” “You may call me by my true name when we are alone,” Neriah replied, studying Tamir‟s face. “I have little doubt that you know who I am.” Tamir met Neriah‟s eyes without flinching. “Yes,” he answered, “Prince Neriah.” To hear his name on Tamir‟s lips sent a small shiver up Neriah‟s spine, and he searched Tamir‟s eyes for a moment. “Good,” he said, his jaw tense. He looked as though he wanted to say more, but he stopped himself. Tamir, noting the prince‟s discomfort, went back to his work. “Do you believe the men who attacked us the other day knew who you were?” Tamir asked as he tested one of the packs to be sure that it was properly secured to the horse.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 64 “No,” Neriah replied, frowning as his eyes glittered in the early morning sunlight. “My father‟s assassins are far more dangerous. Without a weapon, you would have been dead at their hands, I have no doubt.” Neriah reached behind his back and drew a sword from his belt. “Take this,” he said, handing the weapon to Tamir. “It is simple, but functional nonetheless.” “Thank you, Your Majesty,” Tamir said, astonished at Neriah‟s gesture. “I—” “You needn‟t thank me,” Neriah said, cutting Tamir short. “And know that if you ever seek to use this sword against me, Jinn, I will kill you.”

THE ride over the hills to Itan was uneventful, the trees giving them some relief from the summer heat. Neriah rode by Uryon, having said nothing to Tamir after giving him the sword. Tamir knew better than to press the issue. He was just thankful that he was no longer as vulnerable in his human body. He was, however, still at Neriah‟s mercy. Kuri hung back a horse-length, forcing Tamir to slow his horse as well. “I am not interested in what you have to say about him,” he told her, frowning. Kuri laughed. “You have no choice but to listen, you know,” she replied as she shook her flaxen hair. Tamir bristled at her words. “You want to ask me something,” he said. He eyed her with interest and just a touch of resentment. “I see you haven‟t completely lost your powers,” she grinned.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 65 “I can see it on your face,” Tamir retorted. In truth, he was convinced that even his residual powers had vanished. He now felt both weak and blind. And he felt ashamed to find himself so vulnerable. “How long will you tolerate his abuse?” she asked. “As long as it takes,” Tamir replied, avoiding her gaze. Kuri opened her mouth to speak, but he continued, “I will help him regain his kingdom.” “And then what?” “I will leave,” he answered. A muscle twitched involuntarily in his cheek, and he urged his horse forward. Kuri matched his pace, not letting the topic drop. It had always been this way between them—she had sought to protect him although he had been the stronger of the two. “Where will you go?” Tamir did not have a chance to respond, for at that moment they crested the next hill and he saw black smoke rising in the distance. Uryon and Neriah had seen it as well. “Tamir, Kuri!” shouted Uryon, making them hasten. “What is it?” Kuri asked when she and Tamir had caught up with the two men. “There is fire in Itan,” Neriah glowered. “The town is under attack.” He pointed to a group of men on horseback in the distance. He drew his sword, then nodded to Uryon and charged down the hill, followed at close quarters by Uryon, Tamir, and Kuri, then by the rest of his men. They arrived in Itan soon after to utter chaos. A halfdozen tents were ablaze. Here and there, women and children huddled in some of the stone and mud buildings,

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 66 and in the streets, masked men on horseback clashed with the villagers. “Kuri,” commanded Neriah, “see that the women and children come to no harm.” Then, nodding to Uryon and Tamir, he raised his sword and forged into the melee. From what Tamir could see, there were about ten men on horseback. Several others, having lost their mounts in the fight, were on foot and fighting a group of armed villagers. There was brief confusion as the villagers raised their weapons at Tamir, Uryon, and Neriah, thinking that the newcomers were more bandits. “No,” shouted a swarthy man from the group, “they are friends!” Neriah nodded at the man, then proceeded to pursue two of the armed riders fighting at the edge of the crowd. Uryon and Tamir followed, maneuvering their horses so that Kuri might better protect the frightened women and children nearby. Although fewer in number, Neriah‟s group were far stronger fighters. Within minutes, three of the thieves were dead. Tamir, unused to fighting on horseback, jumped off his horse and took one of the fighters with him to the dusty street. Tamir had not, however, counted on the man‟s companion to defend him while still on horseback. The rider charged at him, knocking him down before he managed to pull his new attacker off from his horse. Once on the ground, both men ran at him with their weapons. Without a second weapon, Tamir was forced to block one enemy sword with his left hand, resulting in a small wound to his forearm. Luckily for Tamir, Uryon had seen Tamir‟s predicament and came to his aid, striking down one of Tamir‟s assailants.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 67 The fight lasted for more than an hour. When it was over, five of the bandits lay dead on the street, along with several villagers whose wounds were severe. The remaining attackers had fled into the hills, pursued by Uryon. He returned some time later with several horses he had captured, assured that the bandits would not soon return. Kuri, with little difficulty, was able to treat the injured villagers and extinguish the smoldering tents so that they would not threaten the rest of the enclave. Tamir did what he could to make Kuri‟s patients as comfortable as possible. From where they tended to the injured, Tamir could see Neriah discussing something with the village chieftain—the same man who had earlier recognized the prince as an ally. After a few minutes, Neriah strode over to Kuri and Tamir and inquired after the injured. “They will survive,” Kuri told Neriah, finishing with one bandage and standing up. “Thank you,” he said as he wiped dirt from his eyes. She nodded, then went back to her work. “You are injured,” Neriah observed, his eyes now turning to Tamir, who was helping an old woman to sit. “I am not as fast as I once was,” Tamir replied, running his fingers over his left forearm. The blood there was dry, the cut shallow. Seeing Neriah‟s expression of doubt, Tamir added, “It is just a cut. This time I am sure of it, my lord.” “You will have her heal you,” Neriah ordered as he watched Kuri attend to some of the injured nearby. “It will heal without her help,” Tamir replied, thankful that Neriah could not see the skin on his back. He wanted neither Neriah‟s sympathy nor his guilt.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 68 The prince‟s eyes grew dark, and Tamir saw a mixture of anger and concern there. Then, without another word, he was gone, headed back to where Uryon was now helping some of the villagers to clear the bodies from the street. Tamir watched Neriah‟s back for a moment before returning to his work.

THAT night the village chieftain, Sheik Otan, held a special dinner in honor of Neriah and his companions. A large bonfire was lit in the area outside the chieftain‟s tent, and his servants roasted fresh lamb over a spit while several women ensured that their guests‟ goblets remained filled with wine. Tamir could not help but notice the two young women who attended Neriah. In spite of himself, he felt a surge of irritation at Neriah‟s apparent enjoyment of the attention. Neriah noticed Tamir‟s reaction, and responded to it by paying more attention to the women than before. “You really have become quite human,” Kuri whispered in Tamir‟s ear, laughing and drinking her wine. “I‟ve never known you to be jealous.” Tamir said nothing, instead focusing on his goblet and drinking long and deep from it. Kuri, however, was not content to ignore Neriah. Waiting until she was sure that the prince was looking across the fire at Tamir, she put her arm around Tamir‟s shoulders and pulled him closer to her. Tamir frowned, surprised at Kuri‟s sudden affection. He put down his cup to question her about her behavior, but she took his chin in her hand and, without a word, soundly kissed him on the lips.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 69 Neriah‟s reaction was immediate. He stood up, scowled, and proceeded to head back to his tent. “What did you do that for?” Tamir demanded. “Better that he not become complacent about your affections,” she replied, tossing her long hair back with a musical laugh. Tamir watched as Sheik Otan whispered something in the ear of one of the young women. She nodded, then took off after Neriah, adjusting her clothing as she walked and running her hands through her hair to smooth it. Tamir‟s eyes burned with anger. “She cannot hope to vie for the prince‟s affections,” Kuri said, trying to placate Tamir. “It is clear in whom he is interested.” “This is not a competition,” Tamir retorted. He crossed his legs and held his cup out for one of the servants to refill. Still, he caught himself watching the tent Neriah had been given—the woman had disappeared inside and not yet reemerged. “How long are you going to sit here, then, Tamir?” Kuri prodded, garnering a sharp glare from Tamir. Tamir put his drink down and stood up. “I‟m going to bed,” he said, catching Uryon‟s eye across the fire and finding himself growing angrier still. He stormed off in the direction of the tent he and Uryon were to share for the evening. His face felt hot, and his heart raced in his chest. Is this what it’s like to feel jealousy? he wondered, happy to be away from the fire and the other people. He had not intended to check on Neriah, but his path took him past Neriah‟s tent,

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 70 and he slowed his pace. The entrance to the tent was partly open and, in spite of himself, he stopped to peer inside. The woman who had followed Neriah stood at his side, one arm draped around his neck, her free hand at his head, fingers ruffling his dark hair which now hung loose at his shoulders. Tamir could not see her face, although he could imagine well enough what her expression might be. Neriah appeared distracted, almost disinterested. Then his focus shifted so that he now looked at the doorway. His eyes met Tamir‟s and the edges of his mouth turned up in amusement. Without warning, he pulled the woman‟s face to his, kissing her. There was a look of triumph in his eyes. Tamir turned away from the entrance, storming off toward his own tent. He had no doubt that Neriah‟s actions had been aimed at him, and he felt bile rise in the back of his throat. Too angry to think, he walked past his tent and many others until he came upon a small grove of trees at the edge of the village. He sat down on the ground, his back against the trunk of one of the small trees, and gazed up at the clear night sky. Here, away from the light of the fire, the sky was clear. The stars shone brightly, and the moon had begun to rise. He felt miserable. He knew that Neriah‟s actions were meant to send him a message, although for the life of him, he wasn‟t sure what the message was. The irony that the Jinn were far more honest with each other about their wants and needs, despite their reputation as being fickle and devious, was not lost on Tamir. And when he had been Jinn, Tamir had taken human emotions and capriciousness in stride. Now, however, his heart burned with a plethora of emotions: anger, frustration,

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 71 lust, sadness, love. He closed his eyes, determined not to allow his emotions to get the best of him. He would ignore Neriah‟s taunts. He was not with Neriah to satisfy his own urges—it was Neriah‟s well-being that mattered, not his own. “Brooding?” Tamir‟s eyes snapped open at the sound of Neriah‟s voice. The prince stood several feet in front of him, looking down. “My lord,” Tamir replied, doing his best not to show his surprise at Neriah‟s appearance. “I thought you were… otherwise occupied.” “I tired of her,” Neriah answered, pleased to know that he had succeeded in making Tamir jealous. “I see.” “Do you?” Neriah asked, his face invisible in the shadows. “You yourself seemed quite preoccupied with Kuri‟s affections.” “Kuri is like a sister to me,” countered Tamir. He stood up and met Neriah‟s eyes without flinching. “I don‟t understand. What do you want of me, my Prince?” Neriah seemed surprised at Tamir‟s bluntness. But instead of reacting with anger, the prince seemed intrigued. “It‟s true, then,” Neriah said, ignoring Tamir‟s question, “that you are becoming human.” “I don‟t see why—” Tamir began. “Are you arguing interrupting Tamir.

with

me,

Jinn?”

Neriah

said,

Tamir blinked, realizing that he had reacted to the other man in a very human way. “I…,” he began, frowning and

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 72 looking confused. “I suppose I am,” he finished at last. “I am… angry.” This admission made Neriah frown and purse his lips as if trying to understand Tamir‟s reaction. “You want to hit me, don‟t you?” he asked. It was not spoken as a challenge, but as an observation. “I…,” Tamir stammered, looking quite bewildered. “Yes. I do.” Neriah laughed. “Why do you find this amusing?” asked Tamir, his shoulders tensing. “I‟m not sure,” Neriah answered. “You fight like a man. You feel desire as a man would. Your bearing is quite noble. And yet you respond to me as a child. It is an interesting contradiction.” Tamir said nothing, his jaw tense. Neriah‟s words had offended him. Neriah moved closer to Tamir, pinning him against the tree trunk. “You are unused to feeling vulnerable,” Neriah whispered, his lips now just a hair‟s breadth from Tamir‟s. He put his hand on the back of Tamir‟s neck and pulled the other man to him, kissing him. Tamir moaned. “When our paths first crossed,” Neriah asked, “why did you seek me out?” “I did not—” Tamir began to protest, but Neriah cut him off. “You lie,” Neriah said. There was no anger in his voice. He brushed his right thumb over Tamir‟s lips. “Why did you come to me?”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 73 Tamir inhaled. “I have sworn to tell you the truth,” he said, feeling overcome by Neriah‟s presence. “But I am forbidden to speak of it.” “What can you tell me, then?” Neriah pressed. His fingers were on Tamir‟s cheek now, tracing its hollow. He wondered why the Jinn held him so spellbound, although he claimed to have no power. In that instant, Neriah wanted nothing more than to understand the other man‟s heart. Tamir, who had allowed the prince to dictate their relationship and their lovemaking ever since their reunion, now surprised himself by reaching out to Neriah in much the same way as Neriah had done moments before. He claimed the prince‟s lips, seeking to taste his mouth. Neriah‟s response was immediate; he pulled Tamir closer, his breathing becoming labored. When their lips parted at last, the two men stood transfixed. Neriah appeared stunned at Tamir‟s forwardness, and Tamir himself blinked in surprise at the prince‟s gentle manner. “Why did you come to me?” Neriah asked again. “I sought you out, my Prince,” Tamir answered, after a moment‟s silence, “because… I love you.”

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Chapter Seven The Oath “YOU love me?” Neriah repeated, shocked. Tamir said nothing, but the look on his face made it clear to Neriah that he had told the truth. Neriah frowned, then ran his hand over his mouth and chin, trying to comprehend this unexpected confession as Tamir stood there in trepidation. After a moment, Neriah laughed, attempting to dispel his feeling of discomfort at Tamir‟s childlike sincerity. Tamir was mortified, despite the fact that he had expected to be scorned. But to be ridiculed was far worse and wounded his growing sense of self. “You are sincere,” Neriah said, with a half-smile on his lips, “aren‟t you? Apparently I—” “Would you have preferred that I lie?” Tamir interrupted, lashing out to defend his deeply pained heart. “No,” Neriah answered, taken aback by Tamir‟s strong response. He was surprised to discover that he was aroused by the Jinn‟s newfound, self-assertive demeanor. Tamir, seeing Neriah‟s astonished reaction, swallowed hard. “I am sorry, Your Majesty,” he said, looking even more ashamed than before. “I seem unable to control myself. Perhaps it would be better if I—” This time it was Neriah who interrupted, pulling Tamir toward him by the shoulders and kissing him. But the kiss was not offered in anger, as so many others had been. No,

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 75 this time Neriah felt hunger for the redheaded Jinn—an allconsuming, burning hunger that left him breathless with desire. Tamir, who had been confused and perplexed by his own emotions, found the one feeling that was strongest of all—his love for Neriah. He now responded with equal need, pulling Neriah‟s kameez over his head without even thinking about what he was doing. Neriah did not complain, allowing the Jinn to do as he wished and reveling in the feel of Tamir‟s hands on his chest. Tamir claimed Neriah‟s lips anew, seeking the taste of the prince‟s mouth. Freed from any lingering self-restraint, he traced the curve of the other man‟s neck with his lips until he reached the small indentation under Neriah‟s chin, licking it wantonly. “You have changed,” Neriah said, overcome by this new, more aggressive approach. “When I touch you,” Tamir answered, “I feel as though I have lost all control. I want to possess you, to feel every inch of you beneath my fingers…. I have never felt this way before.” Neriah laughed. “You are becoming quite human,” he said, gasping as Tamir reached under his shalvar and wrapped lithe fingers about his swollen manhood. “Human?” Tamir repeated as he released Neriah from his hand. “Is this what it is to be human?” Neriah grabbed Tamir‟s hand and guided it back, laughing again. “Now is not the time for a philosophical discussion,” he said, claiming Tamir‟s lips and groaning. “Suffice it to say, however,” Neriah whispered in Tamir‟s ear, “that I am enjoying your newfound audacity.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 76 “I am glad,” replied Tamir, relieved to hear it. There were voices from nearby, and Neriah whispered, “Come to my tent,” taking Tamir by the hand and reaching down to pick up his discarded kameez. “We had better not test the patience of our hosts.” Tamir nodded, following Neriah back to his tent which was now, mercifully, empty. Neriah pulled Tamir inside, this time securing the flap of the entrance. Tamir pulled his own kameez over his head, then took Neriah in his arms, pulling him against his own chest and running his hands over Neriah‟s strong back. Again, Neriah‟s passion rose with Tamir‟s bold actions, and putting aside the questions that Tamir‟s confession had raised, he hungrily pulled Tamir‟s shalvar off, pausing for a moment to admire the other man‟s muscular thighs. Tamir was astonished as Neriah got to his knees and took him in his mouth without another word. Tamir moaned in pleasure, closing his eyes at the sheer bliss of Neriah‟s touch. He fought the urge to tell Neriah to stop, that he didn‟t need to be pleasured, that he lived to pleasure others. But something within him had changed, and after a moment‟s hesitation, he gave in to the thrilling sensations as Neriah lingered over his tip, biting at the edges until Tamir heard himself growl with pleasure. But Neriah did not stop there—he grabbed Tamir‟s hard buttocks in his hands, digging his fingernails into the soft skin until Tamir‟s knees felt weak. Neriah, overcome by the unexpected desire to pleasure Tamir, reveled in the musky scent of the other man and, when Tamir could hold off no more, hungrily devoured Tamir‟s release. For a moment, Tamir stood transfixed and uncomprehending at Neriah‟s surprising kindness. Then he

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 77 pulled Neriah up by his chin and their lips met once more. Tamir realized his own face was wet with tears. “Is something wrong?” Neriah asked, his voice thick with lust. “No,” Tamir said, shaking his head. “It‟s just that….” His voice trailed off, and Neriah‟s expression changed from one of hunger to one of understanding. “Has no one ever touched you in such a way?” His words were almost tentative, as though he did not believe it himself. “No,” Tamir replied, taking a deep breath. “And I thank you.” The edges of Neriah‟s mouth quirked upward. “You never cease to amaze me, Jinn,” he said, and this time, he did not speak the word “Jinn” as if it were a derogatory term. It sounded almost like a term of endearment coming from his lips. “Perhaps I was wrong to assume that you are like the others.” For some time, Tamir said nothing. Then he reached out for Neriah‟s face, brushing the prince‟s lips with his fingertips. “Let me pleasure you as well,” he whispered, his eyes never leaving Neriah‟s. “Please.” Neriah smiled. It was the first time Tamir had seen him smile since that night a decade before, when they were both little more than boys. His heart leapt to see Neriah‟s face as he remembered it, from when he had first grown to love him. “Yes,” Neriah whispered, backing up to the bed and sitting down upon it. Tamir followed and, as Neriah leaned back on the pillows, removed Neriah‟s shalvar. Then he knelt by the bed and tenderly ran his hands over the prince‟s naked body,

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 78 starting from his toes and working his way up until he reached Neriah‟s neck and face. He lifted Neriah‟s head from the pillow and held it suspended as he kissed his neck, his ears, his throat and, at last, his lips. Neriah shivered at the delicate touch. As Tamir continued to tease and probe Neriah‟s body, Neriah took the opportunity to study Tamir. He noticed that Tamir‟s eyes, although much like Kuri‟s, had a bit more of an orange tint to them in the lamplight. He also observed how, despite the darkness, Tamir‟s skin appeared to shimmer with light and how his hair still shone, despite the long days he had spent outside. He watched Tamir‟s muscles move beneath the smooth skin as he stood up and straddled Neriah, leaning over him to trail his lips across Neriah‟s chest. He is without doubt the most beautiful man I have ever seen, Neriah thought. He closed his eyes and felt himself filled with a sense of peacefulness and calm—a feeling he had almost forgotten over the many years of living on the run from his father‟s men. He wondered if he were somehow under Tamir‟s spell, but for once, the thought that Tamir might have enchanted him did not disturb him. Now Tamir moved so that he kneeled between Neriah‟s legs. He bent over Neriah‟s waist and flicked his tongue across Neriah‟s belly, tracing a line from there to the base of Neriah‟s manhood, teasing him until Neriah heard himself gasp. And, when Neriah thought he could wait no more to feel Tamir‟s mouth on him, Tamir took the entirety of Neriah‟s hard length into his warm mouth so that the tip reached the back of his throat, grasping the base with his hands.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 79 Neriah wanted to cry out with pleasure, but he restrained himself, still hesitant to show Tamir any weakness or need beyond the physical. The depth of his desire and hunger to be with the Jinn frightened him, although he would scarcely have admitted it to himself, let alone to Tamir. Tamir continued to suck and pull at Neriah, taking Neriah to the edge of ecstasy and pulling him back from the brink several times before he released Neriah from his mouth. Wetting his hands, he rubbed them on the prince‟s manhood, then moved forward, guiding it into him. Their eyes locked for a moment, and Neriah could not help but be moved by the beauty he saw in Tamir‟s gaze. Powers or no powers, Tamir was a true magical being, Neriah realized. The Jinn could not take that from Tamir. And, in the moment when their lovemaking reached a fever pitch, Neriah felt something stir in his heart that he had long believed dead. He trusted Tamir. He believed in his sincerity, in the truth of his words. He really does love me, Neriah marveled, although still at a loss to understand why the Jinn felt as he did. But in that moment of climax, Neriah did not need to understand; he felt complete, as though something long missing had been found once again.

AS

THEY lay on the bed later, spent from lust, Neriah

wondered about Tamir. The question had burned in his mind since Tamir‟s declaration of love, and yet he hesitated to ask it. “Something is troubling you, Your Majesty,” said Tamir as he stroked Neriah‟s hair.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 80 “You told me that you loved me,” Neriah began, trying to focus on something other than the feel of Tamir‟s hand. Tamir said nothing, knowing the question to come. “But have we known each other before?” Tamir swallowed hard. He could not lie to Neriah, yet neither could he tell him of the magic he had used to erase his memory. “I watched you from afar,” Tamir replied, hoping this explanation would suffice, “when I lived in Tazier, with Kuri. Before you fled the city, I would see you from time to time, at the palace.” “You spied on me?” Neriah responded, stunned by Tamir‟s words. “Young Jinn are required to observe humans,” Tamir replied. “I, of course, had my powers back then. I could travel anywhere I wished, even within the palace walls. I saw you playing with the other children in the gardens. You were so kind and patient with them. I longed to play, as well….” His voice faltered, the familiar pang of loneliness returning with the recollection. Neriah laughed. “I do not understand your kind,” he said, turning over and meeting Tamir‟s eyes. “So powerful, and yet so naïve.” “Naïve?” Tamir repeated. “Perhaps in the ways of humans and human love. But do not underestimate the Jinn. They can be quite ruthless as well. A human who breaks his contract with a Jinn will suffer for it. I have no doubt our reputation as untrustworthy comes, in part, from humans who have broken our trust.” “Why did you lose your powers?” Neriah asked. Tamir sighed. “More than anything else in this world, I wish I could tell you,” he said. “But I cannot. I am sorry.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 81 Neriah frowned, but he did not look angry. “I believe you,” he said, tracing the outline of Tamir‟s jaw lazily with his fingers, “but I do not take kindly to being made the fool.” Tamir stepped out of the bed as Neriah looked on in surprise, sitting up and watching the naked Jinn with a careful eye. Tamir walked over to the small bedside table and picked up Neriah‟s jeweled dagger, then bent down on one knee and bowed his head low. “I have no need of a contract to bind me to you,” Tamir said. “I will serve you faithfully. My life is yours.” He took the dagger and cut across the skin of his forearm. His blood shimmered, just as his skin had before in the moonlight. For a moment, Neriah just stared, shocked by the deep realization that for all his humanity, the man who stood before him was not a man, as well as by the fervent vow of loyalty Tamir had just sworn. Neriah rose from the bed and took the dagger from Tamir‟s hand. Then, with a quick flick of his wrist, he cut his own forearm with the blade. Their eyes locked as he grasped Tamir‟s arm near the elbow and Tamir did the same, their blood mingling as they pressed the wounds together. “And I swear to protect that life, as your sovereign lord,” the prince intoned. “My lord,” Tamir answered, his eyes glistening with tears, “and my love.”

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Chapter Eight Loss TAMIR awoke entwined with Neriah, as he had every morning for the past few months. He closed his eyes, remembering their passionate lovemaking of the night before, and sighed. Since their return from Itan and Tamir‟s confession of his love for the prince, Neriah had redoubled his efforts to recruit more men for an assault on Tazier, and his treatment of Tamir had been nothing but kind. Even Kuri had remarked about the change she had seen in the prince, although she was still more than a little protective of Tamir. Tamir, for his part, could not have been happier. For more than an hour, he lay beside the sleeping prince, relishing the feel of the other man‟s body against his. He wondered if his physical need to be near Neriah was a vestige of his life as a Jinn, or whether it was just a human desire. Neriah shifted in his sleep so that the blankets fell off of his chest. Tamir‟s eyes were at once drawn to the gold chain and jade pendant that hung from the other man‟s neck. His hand moved to touch it; at the last moment, however, he pulled his hand away. Tamir had, in fact, asked Neriah where the pendant had come from. Neriah‟s response had been to shrug and explain that he could not remember, but that he believed the pendant brought him good luck and had vowed never to remove it from his neck. Upon hearing these words, Tamir had turned away from Neriah to hide the tears that had welled up in his eyes.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 83 It doesn’t matter if he ever remembers, Tamir told himself, running his long fingers across Neriah‟s chest. All that matters is that he is safe and that I am at his side, where I belong. He kissed the prince lightly on the lips. Neriah opened his eyes and pulled Tamir toward him, claiming a far more passionate kiss. “I promised Shahar I would help him water the horses,” protested Tamir good-naturedly, pulling away and getting up from the bed. “You wouldn‟t want the old man to strain himself, would you, my lord?” Neriah sighed and leaned back on the pillows. “What good is being a prince if I cannot command you to remain at my side?” he asked in mock irritation. “The mark of true royalty is self-sacrifice,” Tamir replied. He grinned, pulling on his shalvar kameez and tying his long hair at the nape of his neck. It had fast become routine for both men to spend their nights together—not as master and servant, but as companions and lovers. Neriah had also allowed Tamir into his inner circle of advisors, including him in plans made with Uryon for retaking the kingdom and even allowing him to train with the captain—sometimes even with the prince himself. In spite of his newfound position, however, Tamir still regularly visited Shahar in the stables, helping the old groomsman carry heavy buckets of water from the well and listening to stories of his family. “Go, then,” Neriah said, eyeing Tamir with growing lust, “or I will feel compelled to order you to stay so I can ravish you. I cannot have my groomsman injured due to my selfish desires, now, can I?”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 84 “I will not be long,” Tamir answered. “Perhaps when I return—” A soldier appeared at the entrance to the tent, interrupting Tamir‟s train of thought. The man‟s face was dirty and bloodied, his clothing torn. He knelt on the ground, bowing his head. “My lord,” he said, quite uncomfortable to have intruded upon the two men. “I did not wish to disturb you, but with Lord Uryon away, I….” His voice trailed off. “It‟s all right, Joachim,” Neriah said, getting up from the bed and pulling a tunic over his bare chest. “You obviously need to speak with me. Tell me what is wrong.” “Thyrra has been attacked,” Joachim explained, doing his best to catch his breath. “I am certain they were your father‟s men. They were too well armed to have been mere marauders or thieves.” Neriah‟s face darkened. “My lord,” Joachim continued, looking close to tears, “there was nothing I could do. By the time I arrived, the town had been destroyed.” “You have done well, Joachim,” Neriah said, putting his hand on the man‟s shoulder and motioning him to rise. “When Uryon returns, we will dispatch some men to look for survivors.” The soldier nodded. “Go now, and rest. I will have you summoned when Uryon returns to camp.” “Yes, my lord,” Joachim replied, bowing and leaving the tent. “Thyrra?” asked Tamir, when they were alone again. “Isn‟t that where Shahar‟s wife and daughter live?”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 85 “Yes, Shahar‟s family lives in the hills nearby,” Neriah answered, frowning. “Thyrra and its elders have long been aligned with our cause, but such a bold move on my father‟s part…. I do not understand why he would attack now.” “He wants you to respond,” Tamir said. Neriah stared at Tamir for a moment, considering the Jinn‟s words. “He knows you have been growing stronger. He may even suspect that an attack on Tazier is imminent.” “How do you know this?” Neriah asked. “I don‟t,” Tamir answered. “I might have felt it, before I lost my powers. But now… I suppose you could call it instinct. He wants to draw you out. He wants a confrontation, and he wants it outside of the city, where he is less vulnerable. If you were to challenge him in the city and succeed in defeating his troops, his people would lose faith in his leadership.” “You may be correct,” Neriah responded. “But I cannot ignore this provocation. I must go and—” “You must not go, my Prince,” Tamir said, resolute. “And certainly not without Uryon and his men. Your father would like nothing better than to capture or kill you. Let me go, in your stead. Shahar will want to reassure himself of his family‟s well-being. I can send word.” “I cannot send you,” said Neriah. “What if—” “You have seen me fight,” Tamir countered. “You know that I am more than capable of defending myself and Shahar.” “Then you will take Kuri,” Neriah insisted. “No, my Prince,” Tamir said as he shook his head. “You must not be left unprotected. With your strongest men gone,

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 86 you will need her powers to keep you safe. If anything were to happen to you….” Tamir hesitated for a moment before continuing, realizing that his personal feelings were irrelevant at a time such as this. “Without you,” he began again, “there would be no rebellion and no hope of securing the kingdom.” Neriah nodded, and Tamir knew that the other man had understood his unspoken thought. The exiled prince put his hand to Tamir‟s cheek and brushed it with his fingers. “I will permit you to escort Shahar,” he said, “but you must promise that you will not try to fight my father‟s men, should you encounter them. I do not wish any harm to come to you. I have grown… accustomed to your companionship.” “Thank you, my lord,” Tamir said, avoiding the urge to touch Neriah—he knew that the other man had found it difficult to admit even such a simple thing. Inwardly, however, he felt his heart respond to Neriah‟s words. He would give Neriah time for his feelings to develop—a lifetime, if need be. “I promise I will bring Shahar‟s family back if it is within my power. I will not seek a confrontation with your father‟s men.” “Before you go,” Neriah said, turning around and picking up a small object from the table, “there is something I had planned to give you. I can see no better time than the present to do so.” He handed Tamir something wrapped in heavy silk fabric. “My lord,” Tamir began, “I do not deserve—” “You will take it,” Neriah replied, his brow furrowed, “and you will learn when not to speak.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 87 Tamir swallowed hard. “Yes, Your Majesty,” he said, taking the packet from Neriah. Neriah smiled and shook his head. “You are a child in many ways, Tamir,” he said. “But I must admit that I admire that in you.” “That is the first time you have spoken my given name, my lord,” Tamir said, his face lighting up with the realization. “Indeed? I did not know,” Neriah replied. Then, seeking to dispel his continued discomfort, he added, “Open it.” Tamir did as he was told, unfolding the silk to reveal a small, jeweled dagger much like the one that Uryon wore. “My lord,” Tamir stammered, “I do not—” “Have you taken back your oath to me, then, that you would refuse my gift?” Neriah demanded. His expression was indignant, but his eyes sparkled with affection. “No, my lord,” Tamir answered. “Of course not.” He stepped back and bowed very low. “I will cherish it, and I shall prove myself worthy of your trust in me.” “Then go now,” Neriah said, fearing that he might change his mind and insist that the Jinn stay. Tamir nodded and, with another quick bow, turned and walked out of the tent. You must return to me safely, Neriah thought with fervor as he watched Tamir leave, but he could not shake a sense of foreboding.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 88 TAMIR and Shahar left within the hour. The groomsman had heard the news from Joachim, and it had been all the other men could do to restrain him. As they approached the hills that led through the olive groves and beyond toward Thyrra, Tamir could sense the old man‟s fear grow. “I thank you for escorting me,” Shahar said as they rode. “I am glad to do it,” Tamir answered, remembering with gratitude that Shahar had been one of the few men in the encampment who had treated him with kindness when he had first arrived. “The prince is fortunate to have found someone as kind as you, Tamir,” the old man said, his voice shaking with weariness. “I am glad to see him happy, for once.” “It is I who am the fortunate one,” replied Tamir. “I feel much the same, when I think of my beloved Serena,” said Shahar. His smile grew as he imagined his wife‟s face. “I just wish I could have seen more of her over the years.” “Do you regret leaving her alone?” Tamir asked. “I have always lamented not being by her side, to be honest,” the old man explained, “but I regret nothing. I would gladly die in his majesty‟s service. I wish nothing more than to see this great kingdom flourish under his reign.” They reached the top of the hill overlooking Thyrra. From this distance, they could see no movement below. “My home is to the east,” Shahar said, pointing to his right. They rode onward for another thirty minutes, at last arriving at a small house beside a grove of date palms. The house appeared undamaged, but there were no inhabitants in

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 89 sight. Several hundred yards from the house, Tamir dismounted his horse and drew his sword. Shahar followed suit and, although he was far from a swordsman, pulled a small dagger from its sheath and held it at the ready. “This is my home,” Shahar said, watching with wistful sadness the sturdy-looking stone structure and the small well out front. “I will go in first,” Tamir said, motioning Shahar to stand back. “Stay here, and wait for my signal that it is safe to approach.” The old man nodded, and Tamir noticed that the hand holding the dagger trembled. Tamir crept around the back of the house, moving with stealth past a small vegetable garden at the side and reaching the entrance moments later. There was no sound from within, and he eased through the door, his weapon at the ready. The house was deserted. He walked from room to room but saw no sign of a struggle. Perhaps Shahar‟s family had been taken captive by the King‟s men. He sighed, knowing how Shahar would continue to fear for his family‟s safety, and that they would need to go into Thyrra to investigate further. He sheathed his weapon and walked back toward the front door to tell Shahar what he had found. But before he reached the door, he heard footsteps from behind him. “Tamir,” called a familiar voice. “You!” Tamir reached for his sword and turned. His hand, however, froze in midair. He tried to move his legs, but he found that they were also immobilized. “Where are the humans?” he demanded.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 90 The tall man who stood before him laughed heartily, his amber eyes fixed on Tamir‟s. He was dressed in a silk shalvar of the deepest purple, a pair of embroidered slippers on his feet. His bare chest was covered with bold tattoos— simple designs rendered in the darkest of black pigment—a series of straight lines that radiated from his neck. His head was shaven and sported several other tattoos. “Have you forgotten my name, little Tamir?” the Jinn asked, taking in Tamir from head to foot and nodding in obvious appreciation. “No, Lord Amir, I could never forget you,” Tamir replied. “And I could never forget the look of satisfaction on your face as you took my powers from me, nor what you did to me before you released me.” “Did you not enjoy it?” Amir asked with a sly grin. “I had thought—” “It was your right, of course,” Tamir replied. “I was Jinn. As my teacher, you were at liberty to do with me as you wished.” “As Jinn, you enjoyed the pleasures that I showed you,” Amir observed with sardonic satisfaction. “It was in your nature. Have you become so human that you no longer take pleasure in the joys of the flesh, my lovely Tamir? More the pity, then.” Amir walked over to Tamir, who still could not move. “And after your foolish behavior, it was my intervention alone that spared Kuri the same punishment as you.” “I know,” Tamir answered, his face betraying both anger and frustration with himself to remember that he had put Kuri in such danger. “And I am grateful for that.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 91 “Grateful enough to come with me?” Amir asked. “Come with you?” “My master can make good use of you,” Amir answered, the edges of his mouth turning upward in something between a grin and a sneer. “Who is your master, that he would make good use of me?” “The King, of course,” laughed Amir. “But you had already guessed that, hadn‟t you?” “You know I have no powers to offer,” Tamir retorted. “What could I possibly offer the King?” Amir smirked and shook his head. “I am surprised,” he said, his eyes never wavering from Tamir‟s, “that you would underestimate your teacher. You were a fine student, Tamir.” Tamir said nothing, but felt himself grow very cold. You were right, Neriah, he thought in bitter realization. I am naïve. And I have now put you in danger. “I don‟t know of what you are speaking,” he said after a pause. “I realize that my skill with a sword is quite—” Amir laughed again. “You are a terrible liar,” he said. “Humanity doesn‟t quite suit you. You were always too trusting—too kind. Fine qualities in a Jinn, perhaps, but in a human… they will be the death of you.” “What do you want?” For the first time since he had been released from his prison cell, Tamir longed for his lost powers. “You will come with me,” Amir stated. “And what will I receive in return for my cooperation?” Tamir demanded.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 92 Amir‟s expression was triumphant. “You are in no position to bargain with me, boy. Still, to have your… cooperation, as you so artfully put it, I may be willing to grant you something in return.” “The humans,” Tamir asked. “Are they alive?” “The two women who live in this dwelling?” “Yes.” “They are alive. As is the old man outside.” “Release them,” Tamir said. “Return them to the camp, and I will not defy you.” Amir raised an eyebrow. “This prince…,” he began, considering his words, “he is the one, isn‟t he? The one for whom you have sacrificed so much?” Tamir did not answer, but for the first time he understood what he had seen in Amir‟s eyes, ten years before. He is jealous, he thought, with some surprise. “Your silence will not save him. Your prince will come for you. And when he does, my master will—” “If you harm him, I swear I will kill you!” Tamir shouted. Amir guffawed and waved his hand. Tamir saw the room around them vanish into a white blur. “They will be returned unharmed,” he heard Amir say as he lost consciousness. “And perhaps, when there is no human left to bind your heart, you will thank me.”

“WHERE is he?” Neriah demanded, pacing back and forth in his tent. Shahar knelt with his face to the ground. In the

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 93 doorway stood a middle-aged woman and a dark-haired girl of fifteen, both looking quite stunned. “M… m… my lord,” stammered the old man. “I do not know. He went into the house, and the next thing I knew, we were standing outside of your tent.” “It was magic,” Kuri said, striding into the tent without waiting for Neriah‟s invitation. “This is the work of a Jinn.” “You are sure of this?” asked Uryon, frowning. “I can sense the traces of his magic upon these people,” she replied, her expression hard. “And it is powerful magic too. This is the work of an Ancient One.” “An „Ancient One‟?” Neriah repeated. “The oldest and most powerful of my people,” Kuri explained. “And Tamir?” Uryon asked, trying to avoid Neriah‟s angry glare. “I do not sense him,” she said with a frown. “Even in his weakened human state, I have always been able to sense his presence when he is near. He has been taken somewhere.” “Leave us,” Neriah ordered, pointing to the entrance of the tent. “I will speak with her alone.” “But, my lord…,” protested Uryon. “We will speak later, Uryon,” Neriah said in dismissal. Uryon hesitated, then bowed, following Shahar and his family out of the tent. Neriah turned and walked over to the bed, picking up his sword from where it had been propped against the carved wood. He unsheathed the weapon and ran his fingers along the flat side of the blade. The metal sang, vibrating with his touch.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 94 “You love him, don‟t you?” asked Kuri, observing Neriah. “That‟s none of your concern,” Neriah replied a bit too quickly. “You know something more about this—about why they‟ve taken him—don‟t you?” “It‟s obvious, isn‟t it?” Kuri countered. “You know it too.” “My father took Tamir prisoner in order to get to me,” Neriah answered, turning around to face her once more. “But how did he know…?” “That you care for Tamir?” Kuri finished. She shook her head and laughed. “You humans! You think you understand us, that you can use us to your benefit. But you don‟t realize what we are capable of. It would take very little for one of my kind to trace Tamir. And without any powers, he wouldn‟t have any idea that he was being watched. He is vulnerable. More vulnerable than you humans, because he does not realize what it is to be one of you. He still thinks of himself as Jinn.” “I should never have sent him alone.” “It wouldn‟t have mattered. If your father has contracted with a powerful Jinn, he would have captured Tamir regardless. It was just a matter of time.” “But I don‟t understand,” Neriah countered. “Why not just use the Jinn to capture me? Why the ruse?” “Even the power of the Jinn has its limitations,” Kuri explained. “Although I am not sure I understand how it happened….” Her voice trailed off as she became lost in thought. “How what happened?” Neriah demanded, losing his patience.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 95 “A Jinn may not directly attack a human who has contracted with another Jinn,” Kuri explained. “Your father would not be able to order the death of my master—not through magic, at least.” “But that doesn‟t explain why this Jinn wouldn‟t be able to harm me,” Neriah observed. “No,” Kuri said, shaking her head, “it doesn‟t. Unless you contracted with Tamir.” “There is no contract between us,” Neriah snapped. “Besides, could a Jinn without powers even enter into such a contract?” “I don‟t know,” Kuri answered. “I have never known another Jinn who was punished in such a manner. I am sure there are others, of course, but I have not known them myself.” “In the end,” Neriah concluded, sheathing his sword and strapping it around his waist, “this speculation serves no purpose. I must find him and bring him back.” “But you said it yourself,” Kuri protested. “They took Tamir to lure you.” “Then I will count on your protection to fend off my father‟s Jinn,” Neriah said as he walked out of the tent. Uryon, who had been standing by the tent waiting for Neriah, now approached them. “My lord,” he said, “you do not intend to go to Tazier yourself, do you?” “You will stay here,” Neriah said. “Prepare the men.” “My lord,” Uryon protested, “the assault on the city was not planned until a month from now.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 96 “With a little luck,” Neriah replied, “we will bring him back without your help. I will contact you if I have need of you—Kuri will let you know.” “My lord, I don‟t think—” Uryon began, but Neriah cut him off. “I will not have the Jinn murdered on my account,” Neriah said. Their eyes met for a moment, and Uryon pursed his lips but said nothing. He knew better than to argue with Neriah when his mind was set.

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Chapter Nine The Flesh is Weak TAMIR awoke on a comfortable bed in a large, brightly lit room. He sat up, blinking and rubbing his eyes to try to clear his head. “It seems you are weaker than I thought,” he heard Amir say. The large Jinn‟s voice sounded metallic and made Tamir‟s head throb. “Weaker?” “Human,” Amir replied with a sigh. “I seem to have injured you.” “I‟m fine,” Tamir replied, his anger rising as the memory of what had happened in Thyrra returned. He gritted his teeth and got up from the bed, fighting dizziness. He was determined not to show Amir any weakness. Amir smirked and drew closer to Tamir. “Good,” he said as his eyes roamed over Tamir‟s naked body. “Where are my clothes?” Tamir demanded. “You have no need of clothing at this moment,” Amir responded. He touched his fingers to Tamir‟s chest. “You agreed to cooperate with me in return for the safety of those humans.” “Are they safe?” Tamir asked. Amir laughed. “You know a Jinn cannot lie. I speak the truth. They are alive and well.” Tamir released the breath he had been holding. A Jinn could avoid the truth or tell half-truths, but Amir‟s words

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 98 had been unequivocal. Shahar and his family were safe. But what of Neriah? he wondered. “You have my cooperation,” Tamir said, although he trembled at what it would mean. Amir reached his hand out and touched Tamir‟s cheek. The touch was electric, enticing. So this is what the touch of a Jinn feels like to a human, Tamir thought. Amir smirked. “You didn‟t realize that you would be more susceptible to my touch now, did you?” “No,” admitted Tamir. He shrank from the large Jinn. He knew that his ability to resist this power was limited, at best. “My touch is pleasurable to you, is it not?” “Yes,” said Tamir. “But I have pledged myself—” “To the prince?” Amir offered. “Yes.” The powerful Jinn laughed again. “What do you know of human vows? You are still one of us, even though your body is weak. You were born to give and receive pleasure.” Amir ran his hand over Tamir‟s chest, and Tamir moaned with need. “It is written on your soul, Tamir.” “Please,” whispered Tamir. “It is not the same for humans. He would not understand….” “Can you resist me, then, human?” Amir asked, a challenge in his eyes. He continued to trace the outlines of Tamir‟s muscles, pausing at his nipples and rolling them between two fingers. Amir‟s hands vibrated with the magic of the Jinn, a magic far too powerful for a mere human to resist. Tamir felt himself falling into a trance, transported by Amir‟s touch. “Ah…,” he moaned, closing his eyes.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 99 Amir was triumphant. “Of course you cannot. Few humans can. And you—you don‟t understand enough of what it means to be human to resist, do you?” “Please,” Tamir begged, “I love him. Don‟t force me to betray him.” Amir said nothing but pushed Tamir back onto the bed. “You are far more beautiful than when I was your teacher,” he said, pulling off his pantaloons so that he, too, was naked. Tamir could not help but admire Amir‟s powerful body. He appeared to shimmer in the sunlight, his dark, tribal tattoos now even more pronounced than before. Every inch of the Jinn radiated strength and confidence. Amir was a commanding presence, and he was well aware of it. Before, when Amir had been Tamir‟s mentor and teacher, Tamir had been given no choice but to accede to Amir‟s physical demands, but in truth, he had enjoyed sharing the older Jinn‟s bed and had learned much under his tutelage. Now, however, Tamir felt overwhelmed by Amir‟s presence, his own desire painful. He cursed his body for responding with such wantonness. I am weak, he thought with a bitter taste upon his tongue. Weak and unworthy. Amir studied Tamir‟s face for a moment, relishing the outward manifestation of Tamir‟s internal conflict. “You desire me, Tamir,” he said with a grin. “Do not fight me.” He grasped Tamir‟s chin in his large hand and pulled him up from the bed. Cradling Tamir‟s head in his other hand, he proceeded to lick and bite at Tamir‟s neck, whispering words of lust in the language of the Jinn until Tamir shivered in arousal. The older Jinn then claimed Tamir‟s lips and

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 100 pushed his tongue into his mouth, tracing the outline of Tamir‟s teeth and tasting his sweetness. “Please,” whispered Tamir, his cheeks wet with tears. “I could not bear to lose him again.” “You have no need for him,” Amir intoned. “I will give you everything you need.” And with these words, he straddled Tamir and took Tamir‟s manhood in his hands. It was almost more than Tamir could bear—the feeling of electricity on this, his most sensitive part. He felt what was left of his mind fade into a sea of pleasure, crying out in ecstasy. He thought of nothing, neither of Neriah and the love he bore for him, nor of his infidelity. “That you respond to my touch with such abandon makes you all the more desirable,” Amir said as he grabbed a bottle of oil from the table beside the bed and rubbed it over his own erection. “You have the sensitive soul of a Jinn, but the compliant body of a human.” He pushed Tamir‟s legs back over his chest and pushed into Tamir wantonly. “Uhhh,” groaned Tamir as Amir thrust in and out, grunting with unbridled lust. Tamir clasped Amir‟s powerful arms and held on for fear that he might fall into an abyss of pleasurable sensation. With each thrust, he felt his human body grow warmer from within. Amir‟s magic had entered his blood and was working its way to every part of him. Amir slowed for a moment, then withdrew from Tamir, who looked up at his former mentor with obvious disappointment. Amir chortled. “Don‟t worry,” he said, as he released Tamir‟s legs, “I am not through with you yet. I want to enjoy our reunion; I will not be rushed. Unless, of course, you have already tired of my touch?” He oiled his hands once

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 101 more and caressed Tamir‟s hardness as he spoke these words. “No,” Tamir said, his voice sounding distant and detached. He closed his eyes and inhaled as Amir pressed his thumbs up and over the tip of his manhood, watching Tamir‟s face with growing satisfaction. “You belong with your own kind,” Amir said, his resonant bass serving to add to Tamir‟s growing rapture. “I can keep you safe. I can make you feel things that no human could ever make you feel.” Tamir opened his mouth to protest, but Amir proceeded to trace the entirety of Tamir‟s body with his tongue, pausing from time to time to pay particular attention to Tamir‟s most responsive parts. When at last Tamir thought that he might faint from the intensity of Amir‟s touch, the Jinn entered him once more, and he cried out with desire. Amir licked his lips as he began to move back and forth, working his hands over Tamir‟s hardness in unison with the movement of his hips. “What does it feel like, as a human, to have the body of a Jinn within you?” he asked as he ran his hands through Tamir‟s crimson hair. “It feels like fire,” Tamir gasped. “My body is ablaze with lust. You have reawakened that part of me that was Jinn… that I had forgotten. My desire, my hunger….” His voice trailed off as a wave of heat pulsed through his mind and the room around him seemed to disappear. His single thought was of his powerful need to be with one of his own kind. “That‟s it,” coaxed Amir, “embrace your hunger. You can never forget what it was to be Jinn, can you? Let me fill the need in you. Let me help you to remember.” These words

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 102 were punctuated by Tamir‟s cries of pleasure and Amir‟s shudder and satisfied moans. Later, left alone in the room after the sun had fallen, Tamir sat on the floor trembling, his back to the white stone wall. He pulled his knees up to his chest as he had done when he was a child. Human tears of guilt and shame flowed down his face, and his heart felt as though it were rent in two. Neriah. Beloved. Please forgive me.

FROM the top of the trail overlooking the valley, Kuri and Neriah could see the city of Tazier in the distance. Its high white walls stood in sharp contrast to the lush fields surrounding it. Neriah felt his eyes burn with unshed tears to see the city of his birth once more. He had not been back since he had so narrowly escaped with his life. “He is here, Neriah,” Kuri said, closing her eyes. “He is alive.” “Good,” Neriah said. He did, not attempt to hide his relief at the news. They had spoken little during the two-day journey, although Kuri had done her best to try to draw the prince out of his silence. She didn‟t need Neriah to tell her how much he cared for Tamir; she could sense the intense emotions that Tamir‟s absence had stirred within him. She wondered if Tamir had any idea how completely he had won over Neriah‟s cold heart. “We must disguise you in order to enter the city walls,” she said. “They will be looking for a man with your features.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 103 I can change your appearance, if you wish. It will not fool a fellow Jinn,” she went on to explain, “but it will suffice for any human.” “Do it, then,” Neriah replied. Kuri nodded and studied Neriah‟s face much like an artist would study her subject. Then, reaching her hand toward him, she focused on his eyes. For a moment, the cool blue there seemed to sparkle in the sunlight, then changed to a warm hazel. “What a strange sensation,” Neriah remarked, frowning. “I will change your hair, as well,” she said as she untied the leather that held it back. Neriah‟s silky hair fell about his shoulders. The corners of her mouth turned upward in obvious appreciation. “It is a pity, though,” she said. “It is quite lovely, you know.” “Be done with it,” demanded Neriah, who took no pleasure in her compliment. “Of course,” she replied with a soft grin. Neriah‟s hair turned a dusty blond in her fingers, the color spreading throughout. “And perhaps your nose, as well.” Neriah felt his face grow warm as her hand passed over his skin. “Would you like to see the result?” she asked, pulling a mirror from thin air and handing it to him. Trying not to betray his surprise, he took the mirror and raised it to his face. It was a stranger‟s expression that met his eyes, and he touched his face with his free hand. His skin felt the same, as did the shape of his nose, but the illusion was remarkable. “I am impressed,” he said.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 104 “You must stay away from the King‟s Jinn,” she warned. “He will see through you, and he will sense the magic I have used.” “He?” Neriah asked. “How are you sure the Jinn is not female?” “I can sense his presence as well,” Kuri replied. “I know him. He is very powerful, this Jinn. And there is something else about him you must know, Neriah….” “Tell me.” “Amir was Tamir‟s teacher, his mentor, his”—she paused, knowing the reaction that would come—“lover.” Neriah‟s face grew hard. “We must go,” he said as he mounted his horse. Kuri did the same, and they headed back onto the trail that led to the front gates of the city. “Relationships between teacher and student are not uncommon amongst my people,” Kuri continued as they rode. “Jinn are far from monogamous. We have few of your taboos about love. A teacher‟s duty is to train his student to pleasure humans and to serve them.” “He is no longer Jinn,” Neriah said. Despite his dismissive tone of voice, Kuri‟s words left him ill at ease. “That is true,” Kuri replied, looking concerned. “But he is not human, either. Whatever you believe about him, the bond he shares with Amir is not one he can easily ignore.” “Are you saying that he willingly went with this… Amir?” “I do not know,” she replied. “I do not doubt that he loves you, more than any other human. Still….” Her voice trailed off and she frowned. “He did not leave of his own free will,” Neriah said with conviction. He would not even entertain the thought that

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 105 Tamir would have wished to go with the other Jinn. “He swore an oath to me, and I to him. I will not discuss this any further, more so with the likes of you.” Kuri laughed. “You test my patience, woman,” Neriah said. “And you mine, Your Majesty,” she replied. “But my master has given me to you, and you need my help, so it appears we will have to tolerate each other. For Tamir‟s sake, at least.”

AMIR gestured to the King‟s guards, who grabbed Tamir‟s arms and bound them behind him. “Where are we going?” Tamir demanded. He was dressed in just his shalvar. His feet and his chest were bare. “The King wishes to speak with you,” Amir replied. “I have done my best to keep you to myself, but I am bound by contract to obey his command. I will protect you.” “I don‟t need your protection,” Tamir protested, as they walked down a long hallway toward the heart of the palace. Several minutes later, they reached a large room with a throne set up on a dais. On the throne sat an older man— Neriah‟s father, no doubt. Despite his age, the King was still quite handsome, with the same dark hair and deep blue eyes as his son. Unlike Neriah, however, the King was shorter and broader-chested. At that moment, it became clear to Tamir that this man detested anything to do with his firstborn son. The look of hatred in his eyes was striking. What a pity, thought Tamir, that the King had never understood Neriah‟s potential as a leader and as a man.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 106 At the King‟s side stood a young man with blond hair and green eyes, and an old man, tall and thin, with long white hair and an expression of contempt on his face. Tamir knew of that man: Barak, the King‟s closest advisor and grandfather of the crown prince, Saria—Neriah‟s halfbrother. Tamir also knew of Barak‟s treachery and manipulation. He had learned of it after rescuing Neriah, ten years before. Tamir guessed that the young man—still a boy, in truth—was Saria. Barak had been a wealthy noble who had staked his reputation on his daughter‟s marriage to the King. But his daughter had not been the King‟s first wife, nor had she been the King‟s favorite. Those honors had already been bestowed upon Neriah‟s mother, Sabeehah, making Neriah the King‟s firstborn and the crown prince. Barak, perhaps realizing that he would not get far by relying upon his daughter‟s wiles, had managed to ensconce himself in the court as one of the King‟s advisors. Not long before Neriah‟s mother was murdered, there had been an attempt to assassinate the King. Barak had been the mastermind of the plot but was never implicated. To draw suspicion from himself, he had manipulated the Royal Guard into falsely accusing Neriah‟s mother of treachery. The King—upon Barak‟s advice—had ordered both Sabeehah‟s execution as well as her son‟s. When the guards had come to arrest them, Sabeehah refused to tell them where to find her son, and they had killed her on the spot for her silence. “Your Majesty,” said Amir, bowing to the King. “This is Tamir.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 107 Tamir said nothing, but looked the King directly in the eye. When he did not bow, one of the guards pushed him down onto his knees. “You are Jinn?” the King asked Tamir. “I was Jinn,” Tamir replied, “but I am no longer.” “Amir tells me you are my son‟s slave,” said the King. “I am no man‟s slave,” rejoined Tamir. “But I have sworn Prince Neriah my loyalty and my life.” “Where is his encampment?” asked Barak, motioning to one of the guards. Tamir remained silent. Barak nodded, and the guard hit Tamir across the face. “How many men follow him?” the old man asked, his upper lip curling in a sneer as though Tamir were the vilest of creatures. Still, Tamir did not speak. This time, the guard struck him so hard that he fell over onto the marble floor and hit his chin. He could feel the warm blood run over his jaw. The King now looked at Amir. “This would be far simpler if you could infiltrate his camp.” “I cannot touch your son, Majesty,” Amir replied, “nor can I enter into his domain. I am at a loss to explain why.” From where he lay, Tamir could see both men‟s expressions and realized that this had not been the first time that the King had challenged Amir‟s powers. Kuri is bound to Sheik Atallah, he thought as he studied their faces, and I have no power to contract with Neriah. What is it that keeps Amir away?

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 108 “This slave is Jinn,” said the King, studying Tamir with interest. “Isn‟t it possible that he has entered into a contract with my son?” “Impossible,” Amir snapped. “As his teacher, I myself stripped him of his powers. Even if a contract had existed then, it would have been broken the moment his magic was taken.” “The Jinn are not to be trusted, Majesty,” Barak interjected, eyeing Amir with suspicion. “Enough!” the King commanded, irritated. “Take that one”—he pointed at Tamir—“and make him talk. If what Amir says is true, he can feel pain like any human. See that my wrath is made plain.” The guards bowed and picked Tamir up off the floor, dragging him out of the room. Then he turned to Amir and said, “You still believe my son will come for him?” Amir nodded. The King stood up and turned to face Barak. “Do what you need to make him talk,” he said, “but keep him alive for now.” “Of course, Your Majesty,” Barak replied. “It will be my pleasure.”

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Chapter Ten The Plan THEY dragged him up from the dungeons, at the edge of consciousness, throwing him onto the floor of Amir‟s chambers with his hands still bound behind his back. He understood enough of human anatomy to know that he had broken ribs where they had hit him with a flat metal implement that he did not recognize. He could not see out of one eye; it was swollen shut from the beating he had taken from his captors‟ fists. He was pretty sure that his nose was broken, although the blood that had run over his mouth and chin had stopped and was now crusting over. He had told them nothing of Neriah. After what could have been hours or perhaps just minutes, Amir entered the room and waved a hand to light the oil lamps. He had not expected to see Tamir, and almost stepped on him as he walked into the room. He knelt down at Tamir‟s side, untying his hands and examining him to determine the extent of his injuries. “You are a fool to protect him,” he said, although his voice was kind. “You must truly love him.” Tamir did not answer, in part because he had nothing more to say on the subject and in part because he was in so much pain that he simply could not form the words. “You‟re bleeding internally,” Amir informed him. “I can heal those injuries, but I cannot heal the rest, or the King

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 110 will know and be displeased.” Tamir nodded and Amir placed a hand on Tamir‟s chest. Tamir felt some of his pain dissolve into gentle warmth that spread throughout his body. “I will also relieve your pain, at least for a short time. It will return by morning, but it is the best that I can do under the circumstances.” He pressed his palms against Tamir‟s temples, and Tamir felt the weight of his agony lift. “Thank you,” he managed to whisper. Amir picked him up and laid him on the bed, brushing his matted red hair back from his swollen face. “Such a pity,” Amir said, “to see such a handsome face damaged. You must tell them what you know. They will learn it sooner or later, without your help.” “No,” said Tamir, the strength of his voice returning. Amir poured some water from a pitcher into a washbasin at the side of the bed, then conjured a cloth and dipped it in the water. He proceeded to dab at Tamir‟s swollen face, rinsing the cloth from time to time. The water in the basin grew reddish brown from his blood, its surface shimmering. “Why did you contract with the King?” asked Tamir as Amir continued to minister to him. “You wish to know why I choose to work for someone so corrupt?” laughed Amir. Tamir nodded. “You have begun to think like one of them, you know. Since when would a Jinn care about the politics of men? No,” he continued with a smirk, “I would never claim my motives to be anything but selfish. I chose to contract with him because of you.” “Because of me?” Tamir struggled to sit up, taking the hand that Amir offered him. “I don‟t understand.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 111 “I have missed you, Tamir,” Amir said as he pulled Tamir closer to him. “I wondered what had become of you.” He ran a large finger over Tamir‟s bruised lips, and Tamir felt his body respond in spite of himself. “When I heard that you had found that prince again, I knew I must try to reach you.” “Amir,” Tamir murmured, closing his eyes. “Master. You taught me so much. You were good to me. I know it is because of you that I am still alive. I know you pled with them to spare my life.” Tamir shook his head in regret. “But I cannot remain at your side. My heart belongs to another.” “And yet your body says otherwise,” Amir reminded him as he ran a seductive finger down Tamir‟s chest. “Tell me that you no longer desire me, and I will leave you be.” “I cannot,” said Tamir. His voice broke with the admission. “Please. Do not force me.” “I have never forced you to submit to me, nor will I now,” replied Amir, kissing Tamir. Tamir‟s lips parted, allowing Amir to probe his mouth with his tongue. Tamir trembled. “If I were still Jinn, I could resist you,” Tamir moaned, tears running down his cheeks. “But now, I cannot help but desire you. I am a vile thing to be so weak.” “You are far from vile,” Amir whispered, licking Tamir‟s neck and finding the soft flesh of his earlobe. “You are beautiful, my Tamir. Let me show you….” He pulled Tamir‟s filthy shalvar away, leaving him naked on the bed. For a few minutes, he tenderly traced the cuts and bruises on Tamir‟s body with his fingertips, and as before, Tamir felt electricity in that touch. He arched his back upward to meet Amir‟s hands. He heard himself moan as his need grew.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 112 Amir leaned over the younger man‟s body and took Tamir‟s hard length into his mouth, tasting every inch of his flesh, pulling and sucking until he tasted a drop of precious liquid from its tip. “I do please you, don‟t I?” Amir asked, looking up at Tamir‟s face. “Yes,” groaned Tamir. “Oh, yes.” Amir grinned, then went back to work, sucking, licking, and biting with eagerness. “I will be gentle with you tonight, my Tamir,” he promised, caressing the younger Jinn‟s face and meeting his eyes. “Tonight, you must relax and let me pleasure you.” Tamir remained silent. He knew that Amir would not listen, and he knew just as well that he also desired this. He wondered if the men that he had seen smoking the sap of flowers in dark rooms of the city when he was a child felt as he did: knowing that what they were doing was destroying them but unable to ignore the siren call. Amir conjured a small bottle of pale blue liquid and poured it into his hand, rubbing his palms together. “This will help your body heal,” he said as he moved his hands over Tamir‟s shoulders and working the oil into his muscles. “It will also help lessen your pain, when it returns.” “You are kind,” Tamir said, his voice little more than a whisper. Although he resented his former mentor for taking unfair advantage of his weakened, human state, he knew that Amir did not understand his hesitation or his guilt, and Tamir would not place the blame for his unfaithfulness on anyone but himself. Amir proceeded to rub the oil over his erstwhile lover, paying particular attention to Tamir‟s wounds and massaging away the tension in his broken body. Tamir

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 113 drifted off to sleep, forgetting the torture that he had suffered at the hands of Barak‟s men. He awoke to the feel of Amir‟s mouth upon him once more and panted like a dog, begging for more, until Amir took him to the brink of release and beyond, eagerly swallowing what he had to offer and afterward pulling the blankets over him. Tamir slept to the sound of the cool breeze wafting through the palace windows and dreamt of the homeland he had left behind long ago.

WITH Kuri‟s help, Neriah entered the city gates without incident that evening. There was no doubt, however, that the Royal Guards knew to expect him. They were stopping men of Neriah‟s age at the gates. He knew he was fortunate to have had Kuri‟s help, but at the same time, it angered him that he needed the disguise at all. This was, after all, his kingdom and home. “I know a place where we can spend the night,” Kuri said once they were out of earshot of the guards. Neriah‟s glare told her that he had not intended to wait any longer in his effort to retrieve Tamir, and she pulled him into a narrow alleyway, pinning him against one of the buildings there. “Take your hands off of me,” he ordered her. She did not back down, holding him with superhuman strength despite his protests. “Such rash behavior will get you killed,” she chided him. “Tamir is alive because you haven‟t been captured. The minute you are their prisoner, his life is finished. Even if your life means so little to you, I won‟t let you throw his away!”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 114 “Release me!” he demanded, his eyes ablaze with anger. “Not until you regain your senses,” she retorted. “Atallah spoke highly of your prowess as a leader and a warrior, but at this moment, you‟re acting like a fool.” Neriah scowled at her, but said nothing this time. “I know how much you care for him, Neriah,” she said, “but you cannot just walk up to the palace doors and expect to escape with him, not without getting yourself killed in the effort. I cannot use magic within those walls unless I have the permission of the Jinn who resides there. We will need to find a way to retrieve Tamir unharmed and escape with our own lives.” “You are right,” he admitted after a time, his face still tense. Kuri laughed. “I do not find this situation particularly humorous,” he added. “I‟m sorry,” she replied. “It‟s just that you seem to have such a difficult time admitting your feelings for Tamir.” His eyes grew dark with anger and she frowned, realizing that she had pushed him too far this time. “I apologize,” she said with a sigh. From her expression, Neriah knew that the sentiment was genuine. “I fear for him as well. It was wrong of me to make light of your concern for him.” “It is true that the Jinn are different from humans,” he mused, pursing his lips and then exhaling. The tension in his jaw eased, his anger with her now abating. “We are not the vile creatures you make us out to be,” she replied as she gestured for him to follow her down the street. “We are born to bring humans pleasure, with both our bodies and our magic. But there are certain human

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 115 emotions that we just do not comprehend. We live to please you, and yet at times, we find it difficult to understand you.” Neriah thought of Tamir and his struggle to master his emotions. Have I been too hard on him? he wondered. “He loves you, Neriah,” she said in a tender voice that bespoke her own love for Tamir. “He would forgive you anything.” Neriah stared at her. “No, we Jinn cannot read minds,” she continued with a childlike grin. “But we can sense the emotions of humans. This was always Tamir‟s greatest strength. He would never admit it, but I believe that losing that ability has been the hardest thing he has had to face.” Neriah said nothing, choosing instead to contemplate her words. Indeed, he thought, it had been Tamir‟s kindness even in the face of his own cruelty which had opened his heart. He was far more afraid for the Jinn‟s well-being than he had thought, and the realization troubled him. He had laughed at Tamir‟s naïve declaration of love months ago, but he had come to depend upon that love to give him strength. He would not lose Tamir now—he could not! Kuri led Neriah onward through a series of narrow alleys, then stopped at a small doorway where she knocked on the door. “What is this place?” Neriah asked. “The home of an old friend,” she said as the door opened. “Kuri!” exclaimed the old woman who answered the door.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 116 Kuri kissed the old woman on both cheeks. “Adilah, it has been far too long.” Kuri then turned to Neriah and said, “I‟d like you to meet my friend—” “I am honored, Your Majesty,” said the old woman, taking Neriah‟s hand in hers and looking into his shocked eyes. “You are Jinn?” asked Neriah. Her eyes were amber, dulled with time, but still full of life. Her clothes were those of a peasant, but there was something in her bearing that made Neriah take note. He could feel the power of the Jinn radiate from her stooped body, and he wondered if she were one of the “Ancient Ones” Kuri had described. The old lady patted his hand, and her face lit with pleasure. “I have known Kuri since she was a child. I would know her magic anywhere. I also know you, Prince Neriah.” “We have met?” he asked. Kuri shot Adilah a look of warning over Neriah‟s shoulder, and the old woman nodded. “In the marketplace,” she explained, “years ago, when you were just a boy. We would watch you from afar—you, the future King of Tazier.” Kuri breathed a sigh of relief. In truth, Adilah had met Neriah in the marketplace, but it had been she who had helped Neriah flee the city after Tamir had rescued him from the Royal Guards. Kuri inwardly chastised herself for forgetting. Perhaps one day, Neriah would know the truth of his first encounter with Tamir, but she did not wish him to learn of it in this manner. Adilah gestured them inside, and they followed her into a small living area, where a very elderly man was seated at

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 117 the fireplace, asleep. “Khalid,” said Adilah. “Wake up! Kuri has come to see us.” “Kuri?” said the old man, opening his eyes and standing up with some difficulty. Kuri walked over to him and hugged him. “Khalid,” she said, her eyes brimming with tears of joy, “it is so good to see you again. I have missed you more than you can know.” “As have I,” he replied. “Although I confess I have followed your path with some interest since you left the city.” He ran his withered fingers over Kuri‟s face, and Neriah realized with surprise that the old man was not only Jinn, he was blind. “You are even more beautiful than I remember, my sweet Kuri,” he said with a sigh. “You are too kind,” she replied, hugging the old Jinn once more. “And who is your companion?” Khalid asked after a moment, turning toward Neriah. “I am Neriah, my lord,” said the prince. “And I thank you for your kind hospitality.” Kuri looked startled at Neriah‟s honesty. “The prince?” the old man said, surprised. “I am pleased to know that you are still alive. We had worried that—” “Indeed,” Adilah said, interrupting the old man, “although he does not remember when we met, years ago.” “I see,” Khalid said, pursing his lips as if to say that he understood. “No matter,” he continued, “we are honored to have you in our home.” “And how is Tamir, Kuri?” the old woman asked. “You know Tamir?” Neriah interrupted in surprise.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 118 “Of course,” replied Khalid, his face brightening at the mention of Tamir‟s name. “When he and Kuri first came to Tazier, we made sure that they were fed and clothed. Tamir is like a son to us. When we heard that he was punished for—” “We are here because Tamir has been taken prisoner by the King‟s Jinn,” Kuri interrupted, anxious to steer the conversation away from Tamir‟s past. “Prisoner?” repeated Khalid. “Amir took him? For what purpose?” “You know of the King‟s Jinn, then?” asked Neriah. “Of course,” Adilah answered. “Amir is much respected among our people. But he, of all Jinn, would not wish to see Tamir harmed. He has always—” “Regardless of his feelings for Tamir,” Kuri interrupted once more, feeling a bit like a daredevil performer dancing on a very fine rope of truth, “Amir has indeed taken him prisoner.” Khalid sat back down heavily in his chair, and Adilah gestured to a pile of pillows on the floor. “Please,” she said, “make yourselves comfortable. I will make some tea.” Neriah and Kuri sat as Adilah scurried out of the room, Neriah frowning at Kuri‟s odd behavior but saying nothing. “I knew, of course, that Amir had entered into a contract with your father,” Khalid said a few minutes later, as Adilah poured them a fragrant tea scented with ginger and cardamom. “I thought him a fool to do it, but he would not be dissuaded.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 119 “Amir has never cared much for the politics of men,” Adilah observed, shaking her head. “I am sure he had other motives for doing such a thing.” Neriah shot a pointed look at Kuri, who ignored him and said, “Adilah, we need a place to spend the night. I realize this is short notice, but….” “We would be honored to have you both stay, for as long as you wish,” Khalid replied without hesitation. “We need stay but a single night,” Neriah said. “Tomorrow, we will retrieve Tamir from the palace and leave the city under cover of darkness.” “But how will you accomplish that if you cannot use your magic, Kuri?” asked Adilah, looking concerned. “That is something which Prince Neriah and I must discuss,” Kuri replied. “Well then,” said Adilah, “why don‟t I prepare some dinner for us, and the two of you can speak in private? There is a small courtyard in back of the house. You will be undisturbed there. And if there is anything else either of us can do to help you, please let us know.” Several minutes later, Kuri and Neriah sat in the courtyard under a small flowering tree. Around them were high walls screening out the rest of the city, although the sounds of people and animals could be heard on the breeze. The sky was now dark, and several stars were visible overhead. For a few minutes, they sat in silence, Neriah taking in the scent of the orange groves and feeling the familiar longing for his home weigh upon his heart. “I thought Jinn were immortal,” said Neriah at last, their tea finished.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 120 “Adilah and Khalid are thousands of years old,” Kuri explained. “Just as Jinn are born and grow from children to adult, so adult Jinn will die of old age with time. But our lifespan is so much longer than a human‟s that it is easier to say that we are immortal. Tamir and I are about your age, Neriah,” she added. Neriah considered this. The thought that Tamir might be far older than he appeared had never occurred to him before. “And now that he has lost his powers…?” he ventured, after a moment‟s reflection. “He will age as a human and die, like you.” “If he survives that long,” Neriah retorted, his expression hard. “We will make sure that he does,” insisted Kuri. “You seem to have an idea of how we might retrieve him,” Neriah said, looking at her with irritation. “I would appreciate your sharing it with me.” Kuri hesitated. “You are afraid to tell me something,” Neriah observed. “You fear that I will be angered by your words.” “Yes,” she admitted. “I will… restrain myself,” he told her, “and listen to what you have to say without, as you put it, „losing my senses‟.” “As you wish,” she replied with a wary eye. He nodded. “My plan is dependent upon one thing,” she explained. “And what might that be?” “That Amir still loves Tamir,” she said. Neriah‟s eyes grew dark with jealousy, but “Continue,” was all that he said.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 121 “The King will want to get whatever information he can about you and your men from Tamir,” she continued. “They have been torturing him.” “How do you know this?” he demanded. He stood up and clenched his fists in anger. “You promised that you would not overreact, my lord,” she chastised, her eyes narrowed. He said nothing, but glowered at her. “I know this,” she explained, “because I am Jinn, and I can sense more than just Tamir‟s presence.” “What do you sense?” asked Neriah, struggling to restrain himself. “It‟s strange,” she replied. “At first I felt Tamir‟s pain. Agony, you might say. They are doing everything short of killing him. But then, an hour ago, his pain just… disappeared.” “Disappeared?” repeated Neriah. “Yes,” she answered. Then, after a moment‟s pause, she continued, “There is just one way for Tamir to still be alive and his pain to be gone.” “This Jinn… this Amir,” interjected Neriah, “is helping Tamir.” “Precisely.” “And you believe that Amir does not wish to see Tamir injured.” “I can find no other explanation,” Kuri answered. “Amir has always loved Tamir. Even with the burden of a contract, he would do everything in his power to prevent Tamir from being harmed.” “He would go so far as to allow Tamir to be rescued?” She hesitated, then said, “Yes.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 122 “And if you‟re wrong?” “What other choice do we have?” she asked. “If we are to retrieve Tamir from the palace, we must trust that Amir will do nothing to stop us unless he is ordered to do so by the King. Neither of us is strong enough to fight Amir.” “Your reasoning is sound,” said Neriah, putting down his empty teacup. “But how will you let Amir know of our plans?” “I will speak to him,” she replied. “He already knows that I am here, and I‟m sure he has guessed that you are with me.” “All right,” agreed Neriah. “But I sense that there is something else that you are withholding from me.” Kuri frowned. “You are far too perceptive for a human,” she replied. “Tell me, or I will not cooperate with this plan of yours.” “Amir…,” she began, hesitating, “he will want something in return for his assistance.” Neriah laughed. “What could he possibly want that you or I can give him?” Kuri looked uncomfortable. “Ah. I see,” Neriah said. “He will want me to give up Tamir—to push him away and deny my feelings for him?” “Yes,” whispered Kuri. She looked away. “He cannot take Tamir against Tamir‟s will, can he?” “No, but—” “Then I have nothing to fear,” said Neriah, relieved. “Tamir has sworn his loyalty to me.” “Amir is Jinn, Neriah,” Kuri warned. “He—”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 123 “Enough,” Neriah growled, cutting her off once more. “We will let Tamir choose for himself. I will not speak of this again.” There were footsteps from inside the doorway to the house. “Dinner is prepared,” Adilah told them. “Will you join us?” “Of course,” Neriah replied. “I thank you for your hospitality, Lady Adilah.” Adilah blushed at the title, then walked back into the house. Kuri looked at Neriah as if to implore him to consider the matter at greater length. “I will hear no more of it, Kuri,” he said, foreclosing further discussion and following Adilah inside.

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Chapter Eleven Aftermath NERIAH and Kuri entered the palace at sunrise. Kuri, dressed in the finest silks and covered in jewels, her hair resplendent in the early morning light, had little trouble convincing the guards that she had been sent at Lord Amir‟s request to entertain the King. Neriah, with his now-blond hair, pretended to be Kuri‟s brother and escort. Once inside the gates, however, Neriah vanished into the back passages of the palace—those reserved for servants and slaves—to locate Tamir. “I am here to see Lord Amir,” Kuri announced to the guards inside the living quarters of the palace. After their initial shock at seeing such a beautiful woman unescorted and seeking the Jinn, they confined her to a small room near the entryway while they called for Amir. Having left Kuri waiting for Amir, Neriah climbed the servant‟s stairs to the third floor of the palace. He had overheard some of the staff complaining about having to prepare such a late breakfast for the King‟s Jinn and had followed the servant girl who bore a tray of food to the Jinn‟s rooms. He hid behind a large tapestry at the end of the hallway as she knocked on a door. The door opened although there was no sign of anyone on the other side, and the girl deposited the tray in the room, then scurried past Neriah‟s hiding place.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 125 Neriah waited several minutes, listening for other servants, before deciding that it was safe to approach the room. By now Amir would be downstairs, speaking to Kuri, and, if Kuri was correct, Tamir would be in Amir‟s rooms. Tamir, Neriah thought, feeling his heart pound in his chest, if they have harmed you…. He crept to the door where the servant had entered minutes before and turned the handle without making a sound. Finding it unlocked, he pushed the door open a crack to glance inside. What he saw made his blood rise with fury: Tamir was leaning against the far wall of the room, naked. A large man, whom Neriah realized must be the Jinn, Amir, was thrusting in and out of Tamir from behind, grunting and sweating. But it was not the unbridled lust of the Jinn that caused Neriah the most grief; it was the look of sheer wantonness on the face of Tamir and his shouts of pleasure. For a moment, Neriah stood transfixed, watching the large Jinn pull Tamir‟s head back by his long red hair and clasping Tamir‟s manhood in his other hand, moving his hand over it with abandon. Tamir moaned as the Jinn continued his powerful movements, and he leaned his buttocks back to meet the larger man‟s hips as if drawn by invisible strings. “Tell me what it feels like,” the Jinn commanded, his powerful voice resonating through the room. “Like fire through my veins,” Tamir replied, his voice thick with desire. “Tell me that you desire me, Tamir,” demanded Amir, beaming with satisfaction.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 126 “I want you, Master,” Tamir replied as he cried out once more. Amir shuddered and growled, relishing the moment of climax and coaxing the same from Tamir. Neriah forgot to breathe, shaking his head as if to clear the image from his mind. Then, gasping, he grabbed the doorframe, trying to steady himself as his head reeled from the shock of what he had just seen. He tried to speak, but his voice came out as a grief-stricken moan. The sound made Tamir look to the doorway. “No!” he cried, his expression one of shock to see Neriah standing there. “My lord, I—” Neriah backed out of the door, then ran off down the hallway. Amir withdrew from Tamir, who grabbed a blanket from the bed and attempted to run after the prince. But Tamir was still injured and unsteady from the beating of the night before, and he stumbled and fell as he reached the corridor. By the time he had struggled to his knees, Neriah had vanished. “Neriah,” he whimpered, closing his eyes in pain. “Neriah. Beloved….” He felt two strong arms lift him from the stone floor. “Let me go!” he shouted at Amir. “Please, let me go to him. I need to explain….” “Explain what, my beautiful Tamir?” asked Amir, triumph in his amber eyes. “That you weren‟t enjoying it? That you didn‟t cry out in ecstasy?” “No,” whispered Tamir, knowing that Amir was right— that there was no explanation he could give to Neriah that would erase what the prince had seen with his own eyes. “Please, no…,” he moaned, covering his face with his hands.

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MORE than an hour later, Kuri still awaited Amir. Angered at the considerable delay and concerned for Neriah‟s safety, she was just about to confront the guards when Amir entered the room. The large Jinn looked quite irritated at having been disturbed from his slumber—or so she guessed; the Jinn were not early risers. He glanced at Kuri, then dismissed the guards with a simple, “Leave us.” They did not hesitate, looking quite relieved to leave the Jinn‟s presence. “My, my, Kuri,” said Amir as he bowed to her, “it has been quite a long time, hasn‟t it?” “It wasn‟t all that long ago that you took Tamir‟s powers,” she countered with a glare. He smiled affably, unconcerned with her response. “You look quite lovely, you know,” he said, looking her over with obvious appreciation. “You are more than welcome in my chambers anytime.” “Thank you, my lord,” she parried, “but it is my understanding that your heart is already taken.” Amir laughed. “You would be correct, of course, but there is always room for more company in my bed. We are Jinn, after all, aren‟t we?” “Yes,” she replied. “We are. Tamir, however, is not.” “I beg to differ,” he answered. He was enjoying the verbal sparring. “Tamir is still Jinn, even if his body is not.” “Enough of this chatter,” she said, losing her patience. “You know why I‟m here, don‟t you?”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 128 “Of course,” Amir replied. “You and your prince”—he spoke the word as though it were a pejorative—“want to reclaim Tamir.” “I wouldn‟t have put it quite that way, but yes, we are here to bring him back.” “I will not interfere unless my master orders me to,” Amir replied. “But—” “But you seek something in return,” Kuri finished, her arms crossed over her chest. “That was not what I had intended to say,” Amir replied. “I meant just to let you know that they have taken Tamir— they will torture him again, and I have tired of sensing his pain.” Kuri paled, remembering what she herself had sensed the night before. “Then you have no intention of claiming Tamir as your own when your contract with the King is at its end?” she asked, gazing at him with suspicion. She was surprised that the Jinn was so willing to give up any claim to Tamir. “No,” Amir answered. “However, I would be more than pleased if he realized the truth of his situation and came to me of his own free will.” “And what is the „truth of his situation‟?” “That he belongs with his people. That he belongs with me.” Amir‟s face reflected perfect confidence. “He has, no doubt, told you that his heart belongs to the prince,” Kuri responded. “Of course he has,” Amir replied, “although he does not object to giving his body to me.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 129 “I know,” she snapped, doing her best to control her temper, “I sensed it. But you know he had no choice. He—” “But I gave him every choice, my dear Kuri,” said Amir, gloating. “Each time, he has chosen to share my bed.” Kuri frowned, her eyes narrowing. “You are far more beautiful when you smile,” Amir noted. “What are you up to?” Kuri asked, feeling as though she were missing something important. “What have you done to Tamir?” “I told you, little one,” he said, “I have done nothing that he did not consent to.” Her lips parted and, with a flash of clarity, understanding came to her. “You weren‟t sleeping in late,” she said, a sense of horror growing within her. He raised his eyebrows but said nothing. “You made me wait here… you wanted….” “Yes?” “Neriah,” she gasped. “He saw you two together, didn‟t he?” “Perhaps,” Amir replied. “You knew he would never understand… you wanted him to see you!” “It is not my concern that humans do not understand the Jinn,” Amir laughed. “How can you be so cruel!” she shouted. She moved to slap him. He caught her arm with little effort and stopped it. “Run along and save your precious Tamir,” he told her. “Neither you nor I wish to see him dead. I will grant you

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 130 permission to use magic for the sole purpose of retrieving him from the palace,” he added. She gritted her teeth, knowing that there was nothing more she could do. “Thank you, my lord,” she hissed as she waved her hand and transformed herself into a mousy servant girl, running out the door and past the guards. Neriah, she thought with rising panic, where are you?

NERIAH sat on one of the balconies overlooking the great courtyard—the same courtyard through which he had run to escape his father‟s men, ten years before. He remembered little from that time—something which had always bothered him—but he remembered well the feeling of being lost, alone, unwanted, and unloved. He had, since then, closed his heart to everything and everyone, and it had kept his heart from breaking under the weight of his grief. Until, that is, Tamir had reawakened what he had thought he had lost forever. But now…. Now, he struggled to find enough anger to replace the pain of Tamir‟s betrayal, to find something to hold on to. I opened my heart to you, he thought, fighting bitter tears, and you betrayed my trust. He would not weep. He was a prince, after all. He had been strong before, in the face of his father‟s perfidy. He would be strong now. To be fair, Kuri had warned him, and he had ignored her. His faith in Tamir‟s professed love had blinded him and, above all, he had underestimated the extent to which Amir would fight to claim Tamir for himself. He had no doubt that the powerful

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 131 Jinn had arranged for him to see Tamir in the throes of ecstasy. He can have you, if he wants you, he told Tamir in his mind, standing up. Still, he would not permit his father to use his former lover as a pawn. He would retrieve Tamir and send him on his way. The door to the balcony opened, and he started, but it was Kuri who stepped outside. He almost failed to recognize her, with her dull brown hair and servant‟s clothing. “I am sorry, if I had realized…,” she began, but he cut her off. “We will see that he is released from my father‟s clutches,” he told her. “If he chooses to remain here to assist my father against us, I will kill him.” “Kill him? But—” “Enough!” he interrupted, his anger threatening to erupt. “I have decided to spare his life because of what he did to rescue Shahar and his family, but I will not abide him remaining in this place.” “But he loves you!” she protested. “I will hear no more from you or your kind,” he hissed. “For now, all I need is to know where he is being held. “He is in the dungeons,” Kuri replied. “Amir has granted me the use of my powers for the sole purpose of retrieving Tamir. I will make sure that your way is not impeded. I will meet you when you have recovered him.” Neriah nodded, and they headed back inside—he toward the back stairs and she to the main entrance.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 132 NERIAH had not been in the dungeons since he was a small child—he and his brothers had often played there, oblivious to its darker uses. Unlike then, when the empty halls had echoed with their childish laughter, there were many occupied cells now, recognizable by their closed doors. Petty criminals, he guessed as he passed those cells and glimpsed the pathetic creatures housed within—poor and starving— victims, he guessed, of his father‟s austere rule. He felt his anger grow to see the plight of his people, and he renewed his vow to see his father dead for his misdeeds and avenge his mother‟s murder. He reached the end of a long row of occupied cells. It was dark here, so far away from the entrance, but he could make out a prone figure with a head of long red hair at the back of the last cell. He pulled the keys he had taken from the guard (while Kuri had enchanted him) and opened the cell door. “Get up!” Neriah growled as he stepped into the cell. He reached his hand out to Tamir, his voice harsh and rough with emotion. With all the strength he could muster, Tamir grasped Neriah‟s hand and struggled to hold on. Neriah pulled hard on Tamir‟s arm, and the Jinn gasped in pain. “Damn you, Jinn,” Neriah snapped, “we cannot waste any more time here.” “I am sorry,” Tamir said, his voice thin and pained. “You should not have come.” “You‟re right,” Neriah snarled, the memory of what he had seen still fresh in his mind. “I shouldn‟t have. But I am here nonetheless.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 133 Tamir staggered to his feet, managing to stand as Neriah led him out of the darkness and into the relative light of the corridor. Neriah looked back at Tamir, as if to reassure himself that the other man was not an illusion. But what he saw overwhelmed him with emotion. Tamir‟s face was swollen and bloodied. His left arm flopped at his side and appeared broken in several places. His bare chest was covered in bloodied cuts and deep lashes from what Neriah guessed had been a whip. Although Neriah could not see Tamir‟s legs underneath the dirty shalvar he wore, he could see that Tamir was putting all his weight on his left leg, and guessed that his right ankle was sprained or perhaps broken. Even the arm with which Tamir now struggled to hold on to Neriah was bruised and cut, and Tamir‟s hair was matted and bloody. Neriah knew he should not have been surprised to see Tamir‟s broken body. Kuri had told him that Tamir had been tortured the night before, and Neriah knew well of what his father was capable. But these injuries were new. Tamir had been tortured since Neriah had seen him in Amir‟s embrace. Neriah fought the temptation to take Tamir in his arms. To see him so brutalized pained him. But how can you love him, after what he has done? he reminded himself. He clenched his jaw and said, “My father sought to gain information about me from you.” Tamir said nothing but looked down at the floor. In spite of himself, Neriah put a hand to Tamir‟s broken face. “You would have died before you revealed anything,” he said, his tone softer and full of pity as he acknowledged the other man‟s character. “I know you, Tamir.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 134 “It was the least I could do,” Tamir replied, turning away so Neriah would not see the tears welling up in his eyes. “Can you walk?” asked Neriah, his voice cold with anger once more. “I… yes… I think I can,” replied Tamir, struggling to move. Neriah maneuvered himself into position to support Tamir‟s body with his shoulder. Tamir managed to move several feet down the corridor, but his legs buckled beneath him. “Tamir!” Neriah cried out as Tamir lost consciousness.

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Chapter Twelve Broken “HOW is he?” asked Neriah as Kuri exited his tent. “You can see for yourself,” she replied, scowling at him. “I have no wish to see him,” he answered defiantly. “I wish to know if he will live.” “He will live,” Kuri said, her voice flat. “Good,” replied Neriah, turning to walk away. “You will have to face him sooner or later,” she shouted after Neriah. He ignored her and continued to walk in the direction of Uryon‟s tent. She let out a long breath, then entered Neriah‟s tent once more, sitting down beside Tamir, who lay on the bed with his eyes closed. “He refuses to see me,” said Tamir. His body, with Kuri‟s help, had begun to heal, although his injuries had been severe. It would be at least a few days before he would be well enough to leave the tent. “He is angry… hurt,” she answered, stroking his hair with her hand. “I betrayed his trust, Kuri,” Tamir whispered miserably as his eyes brimmed with tears. “You could not resist Amir,” she countered. “And that damned fool of a Jinn knew it too.” “Amir loves me, Kuri,” Tamir told her. “He is not evil. He just believes that I belong with him—that I belong with our people.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 136 “Fool,” she repeated under her breath. “If I ever get my hands on him….” “He is far stronger than you,” Tamir sighed. “And he has done nothing wrong. He is what he is: a Jinn.” “And what about you? What will you do now?” “When I am well enough,” Tamir answered, “I will leave.” “Where will you go?” “It doesn‟t matter. Somewhere where I will not be a burden to those whom I love. Somewhere where I—” “Damn you, Tamir,” Kuri all but shouted, “you selfpitying, stupid fool! Neriah loves you still, in spite of everything. What will happen to him when you leave?” “He will take back the kingdom, and he will be king,” Tamir answered. “He will be miserable without you,” she retorted. “Without you, he will descend further into his grief and pain. What kind of king will he make if his heart is dead?” “He will learn to—” “No,” she said, her mouth set and her eyes glittering. “He won‟t, and you know it.” She stood up and shook her head, scowling with anger. “I‟ve had enough of this selfindulgent, frustrating….” She broke off and headed out of the tent, leaving Tamir in stunned silence.

KURI found Neriah later, on the outskirts of the camp, sitting with his back against a sturdy tree. “I see you‟re wallowing too,” she said. She knew it was a cruel thing to

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 137 say, but she didn‟t care—she had had enough of watching the two men suffer. “Leave me,” Neriah replied, his expression like stone. “No,” she snapped, “I will not leave until you‟ve heard what I have to say.” Neriah said nothing, but he looked away from her. Undaunted, she sat down next to him, tossing her long hair back and fixing on his face until he turned back to match her glare. “I know what you think you saw in the palace,” she said. “I saw what I saw,” he stated with stubborn resolve. “You saw Amir having his way with Tamir,” she answered. “You can call it whatever you wish,” he replied, “it matters little.” “Amir wishes Tamir for himself.” “He can have Tamir,” Neriah retorted, feigning indifference. “I don‟t care.” “You lie,” she observed. “And it does matter what I call it. Tamir had no choice in the matter.” “He was enjoying himself,” Neriah countered, shaking his head and furrowing his brow. Kuri could sense the abyss of pain which threatened to swallow Neriah whole, and she winced at the depth of it. “Yes,” she replied. “That is true.” He looked surprised at her admission, but she continued, unconcerned. “Any human would react in such a way to the touch of a Jinn.” “He is weak. Pathetic.” “He is human. As are you,” she said, watching his expression with careful interest.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 138 “And your point is…,” he began. “My point,” she said, “is this.” She pulled his face toward her and kissed him full on the lips. He shivered at her touch and moaned as she slid her tongue into his mouth. His arms, which had been at his sides, now moved on their own to embrace her, and he felt himself respond to her body. “I…,” he whispered, his breath ragged with lust. “I….” In that instant, he wanted nothing more than to take her there, on the hard ground beneath the tree—to have his way with her. She pushed him away and stood up, looking down at him with contempt. He fell backward and could do no more than blink in shock, unable to form words to express his surprise at what had just transpired between them. “Jinn exist to please humans,” she said, her voice like ice. “Our magic runs far deeper than the little parlor tricks you ask us to perform in your service. You cannot resist us. It is for that reason that we are prohibited from sharing our bodies with humans without a contract. This is so that we cannot abuse you!” Neriah said nothing, still reeling from lust, astounded by his reaction to her touch. “Do you understand, now, how Tamir might not be able to resist Amir‟s touch?” she asked. “He is neither human nor Jinn, Neriah. He desires nothing more than to be loved by you. But he grew up as one of us, and he longs to be with his people as well. He did not want to betray you. He was prepared to die to protect you.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 139 Neriah frowned, but Kuri was sure that she had seen a flicker of comprehension in those cold, blue eyes. “Please, Your Majesty,” she said, moderating her tone somewhat. “I know you are angry, and I expect your heart will need time to recover… but you must not let him go without considering what I have said.” She paused, then bowed and walked away, leaving Neriah alone with the echo of her words.

THE next morning, having slept in Uryon‟s tent rather than face Tamir, Neriah returned to his own tent. He stood in the entrance, watching the redheaded Jinn sleep on his bed. Approaching in silence, he stood over Tamir, noting that the bruises and cuts on his face had now almost healed, thanks to Kuri. The broken bones would take a bit longer, but she had reassured him that they, too, would be healed in a day or so. Tamir, he thought, feeling pain rise in his chest, how can I forget what has happened so that I might forgive you someday? No answer came, but this much he knew: he would not let the Jinn leave. His heart ached, despite his efforts to quell the pain. He sat down by Tamir‟s side, watching the steady rise and fall of the other man‟s chest. He reached for the jade pendant around his own neck and rubbed it with his fingers. It warmed to his touch, as it always did, and he looked down at the carved moon and twin stars on its surface. What was it about those stars that reminded him of Tamir?

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 140 “Your Majesty,” whispered Tamir, wondering for a moment if he were dreaming to see Neriah sitting there. “Shhh,” Neriah hushed him. “Kuri tells me you are still very weak. I do not wish you to tax yourself.” “I am fine,” said Tamir. Neriah said nothing, but his handsome face looked pained. “I will leave here tomorrow,” Tamir said. “Thank you for allowing me to stay this long. You have been very kind to me.” “No,” Neriah replied, “I haven‟t been kind. In fact,” he continued, his mouth tight with guilt, “I was quite cruel, when you first came to me. It seems that neither of us is without our flaws.” “Is that what it means to be human?” Tamir asked. “Perhaps,” the prince replied. For a minute or two, neither man spoke. At last, Neriah said, “I do not wish you to leave, Tamir.” “You don‟t? But….” Neriah chuckled. “You never did learn when to refrain from speaking, did you?” “No,” Tamir answered. “I wish you to stay here,” Neriah repeated, this time meeting Tamir‟s eyes without flinching. “I cannot tell you that I have forgiven you for what you have done. I do not know if or when—” “I have not stayed at your side because you let me into your bed,” Tamir interrupted. Then, seeing Neriah‟s look of

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 141 surprise at this comment, he added hastily, “Although I have treasured every moment we have spent in pleasure.” Neriah smiled, but there was true sadness in his eyes. “I have stayed with you because I wished to be of service to you,” Tamir continued. “I wish to see you become king. I wish to see you happy. Even if we were never to be lovers again, I would remain by your side as long as you wished it, if you asked it of me.” “I am glad of that,” Neriah responded, lifting his hand and tracing Tamir‟s full lips with his fingers. Then, realizing what he had done, he pulled his hand away and stood. “I will see that you are given your own tent, with the men,” Neriah said, as he turned to leave. “Thank you, my lord.” “Oh,” Neriah said, remembering something and turning back to Tamir. “I forgot to give you this.” He picked up a small packet from the table near the doorway and walked over to the bed once more. “Kuri found this,” he explained, “before we left the palace. I thought you might want it.” Tamir opened his mouth to protest, but Neriah added, “You will take it, and you will not speak. Understood?” Tamir nodded, taking the packet from Neriah. “Good,” the prince said, turning and walking out the door. For a few minutes, Tamir just stared at the place where Neriah had left. Then, gingerly, he unwrapped what Neriah had handed him. There, resting on the silk cloth, was the jeweled dagger that Neriah had given him less than a week before. Tears ran down Tamir‟s cheeks as he ran his fingers over the blade.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 142 I shall be worthy of your trust, he thought. Even if it costs me my life.

“YOU are troubled, my Prince,” his lover whispered, pulling him closer. “My heart is pained,” Neriah answered. “And yet to feel something is proof that your heart lives.” “No,” he protested, “it is only proof that I have failed to protect it well.” His lover stroked his hair, delicate fingers caressing his neck and cheek. “You will be happy, my love, but you must never again close your heart.” “How do you know this?” Neriah stood up and walked away from the bed. “Even you have left me. It has been months since we have been together, since you told me that you loved me.” “You have not needed me,” answered his lover. “Your heart has been full of love.” “You are far more faithful than he,” Neriah retorted. “He has taken my love and broken it.” “And still you love him.” “Yes. I do. But I do not know that he loves me.” “You are being untruthful now, beloved Prince,” cajoled his lover, “for I can feel his love as surely as I feel yours.” “How can you know this?” asked Neriah, turning back to the bed. “Alas, beloved, I cannot tell you, though I wish that I could.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 143 “Leave me,” Neriah commanded. “I have no need for you or for him.” “I will never leave you, beloved,” his lover replied, his voice like a caress, “for I know your heart.” Neriah awoke alone in his bed. He thought about the dream and wondered why his dream lover only shared his nights when Tamir was absent from his side. No answer came. It was early morning, before sunrise, but he knew that he would not sleep again. Instead, he dressed and walked out of his tent. Overhead, the moon was high, and the sky abounded with shimmering stars. He longed for the Jinn and for the brief interlude of companionship that he had enjoyed at Tamir‟s side. I have no need of companionship, he told himself, fingering the jade pendant without thinking, as he often did in times of turmoil. I will live to serve my people. That is enough. He started, having heard footfalls a short distance away from where he now stood. “Who is there?” he demanded, realizing that he had no weapon with which to defend himself. “Tamir,” came the reply. “I did not mean to startle you, Your Majesty. I could not sleep.” “Nor could I,” Neriah responded. “May I join you?” Tamir asked, struggling to see the prince‟s expression in the shadows cast by the moon. “Yes,” Neriah replied, knowing full well that he should tell the Jinn to leave.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 144 Tamir walked over and sat down on the ground, several feet away from Neriah, pulling his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms about them. “To be honest,” he said, “I am surprised that you did not order me back to my tent.” “I had considered it,” Neriah answered, joining Tamir on the grass. “But I would be lying if I denied that I had been thinking of you, just a moment ago. And to see you here….” He glanced down at the pendant, which he had again taken in his fingers. “It is strange,” Tamir remarked, “that although I have no more powers, I still can sense your emotions above all others.” He glanced at the piece of jade in Neriah‟s hands and, for a moment, almost smiled. “Tell me about your homeland,” Neriah said. Tamir looked up at him in surprise. “I have often wondered. If you can tell a human, of course.” This time, Tamir did smile. “I cannot tell you where it is or how to get there,” he replied, “but there is nothing that would keep me from describing it.” Neriah leaned back on the grass and put his hands behind his head. “It is not unlike your home,” Tamir began, a faraway look in his eyes as he remembered his childhood. “My homeland is but one large city, surrounded by high mountains—impenetrable to any but the Jinn. It is very beautiful, forever lit by warm sunlight in the day, blanketed with stars at night. The buildings look much like the walls of the palace in which you grew up, made of shimmering white stone and decorated in midnight blue.” “If it is so beautiful,” remarked Neriah, “then why did you leave?”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 145 “Every Jinn child must leave, when he or she is thirteen years old,” Tamir explained. “We must learn to make our way in the human world.” “That is very young to be alone in a world you know little of.” “Not so young,” Tamir answered. “And we are never truly alone—we are apprenticed to a master, a Jinn who will teach us in the ways of humans.” “And pleasure,” noted Neriah. “Yes,” Tamir agreed, looking a bit forlorn, “and pleasure.” “Tell me about Amir,” Neriah asked, after a lengthy and uncomfortable pause. Tamir looked taken aback at Neriah‟s words, but Neriah added, “I want to understand.” Tamir sighed. “I came to Tazier with Kuri. We are the same age; we grew up together in our homeland. Such a pairing is not uncommon with Jinn.” “Pairing?” “A young male and female Jinn sent into the human world together,” Tamir explained. “It is hoped that we will”— Tamir looked uncomfortable now—“mate.” “And did you? „Mate‟, that is?” asked Neriah, feeling his jealousy rise at the thought. Tamir shook his head. “No,” he replied. “Kuri is like a sister to me, and although I have bedded women, I have always preferred those of my own gender.” “Was that difficult for you? If you were supposed to mate….” “No, it was not difficult,” answered Tamir. “We Jinn are creatures of pleasure. Humans, like Jinn, have preferences.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 146 As long as we please humans, our preferences are not a hindrance. In time, I would have been required to attempt to father a child, regardless of my preferences, but such a thing is not forced upon the young.” “Unlike in my world,” Neriah observed wryly. “No doubt my brother has already been betrothed to a princess from another kingdom, as would I have been, were it not for….” His voice trailed off. “But I was asking you about Amir,” he began anew, sitting up again so he could see Tamir‟s expression. “Amir is one of the most powerful of our kind,” said Tamir. “I was born to two very powerful Jinn, so it was natural that I was apprenticed to someone of Amir‟s stature.” Neriah frowned; the thought that Tamir had parents, just as he, was a concept that he had not well considered before now. “Do you ever see your parents?” he asked, a wistful quality in his voice. “I have not seen them since I was imprisoned, years ago,” replied Tamir. “I was exiled. I cannot return. My parents are free to come and go in this world at will. They are quite old, and they have chosen not to come to the human world since my release.” Neriah looked troubled at this revelation, remembering with some pain his own mother, whom he still missed at times. “Do not pity me,” Tamir replied. “The relationship between Jinn and their makers, as we call them, is not the same as for human children and their parents. The bond with our master is far stronger.” “And far more complex, it would seem,” remarked the prince, his tone belying the bitterness in his heart.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 147 “Yes. Our masters teach us how to live and fight as humans. They teach us how to survive in your world, and how to use our magic in the service of humanity. They also school us in the ways of love and pleasure.” “Kuri told me that you and Amir were lovers, years ago,” Neriah said, trying his best not to betray the fresh grief that had come to rest in his heart. “Yes,” answered Tamir. “Although he did not touch me without my consent, and not until I was fifteen years old. He was always kind to me, Your Majesty. It was he who saved my life when I….” He stopped speaking, realizing he could say no more. Silence fell over the two men, and Tamir stood up, turning away from Neriah and clenching his fists at his sides. “I am sorry. I cannot tell you more.” “I understand,” Neriah said. “Still, I am glad that you told me as much as you have.” He stood up and walked behind Tamir, putting his hand on the Jinn‟s shoulder. “We will move against Tazier in one week,” Neriah said. “I am grateful that you will be by my side.” Tamir pulled away, then turned around and knelt on the ground. “And I am grateful that you have seen fit to give me the chance to redeem myself in your eyes, Your Majesty,” he said, his head bent low. Neriah‟s jaw tightened, fighting the urge to touch Tamir once more. That part of our relationship is over, he told himself. From now on, he is your subject—nothing more.

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Chapter Thirteen The Contract TWO days before the planned attack on Tazier, as Tamir was leading the horses out to graze in a small pasture, he spotted Amir at the edge of the field. The large Jinn, as usual barechested and dressed in no more than a silk shalvar, stood still with his muscular arms crossed over his broad, tattooed chest, watching Tamir. Tamir wondered how long the Jinn had been standing there and cursed his inability to sense his erstwhile mentor‟s presence. Frowning, he first saw to the horses, then walked across the lush grass to greet Amir. “Tamir,” Amir said with a broad grin, “it is good to see you well.” “I am told I have you to thank for my good health,” Tamir replied. In spite of himself, seeing the older Jinn aroused a flurry of emotions in him, not the least of which was a humming physical desire which he found difficult to ignore. “I had no wish to see you harmed,” Amir replied. “Besides, you have given me my freedom once more, for which I am grateful.” “Freedom?” “Counselor Barak convinced the King that I was no longer worthy of serving the throne,” Amir explained with a smirk. “Barak asked me if I knew of the plans to rescue you.” “And you, as a Jinn, told him the truth,” Tamir stated.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 149 “Of course,” answered Amir. “And the King dismissed you?” Tamir said. He shook his head in astonishment. “How shortsighted of him.” “Barak‟s desire to control the kingdom will be his downfall,” Amir answered with a shrug of his shoulders, “and the King is too foolish to see what is happening right before his eyes. The King underestimates his eldest son‟s determination to see him dead, and he suffers fools. And he is too full of himself to see Barak for what he is.” “You seem pleased.” “I am,” Amir replied, reaching out to touch Tamir‟s cheek, “I explained my reasons for contracting with the King. Now that you are safe….” Tamir pulled away, although it took all of his will to do so. “I am also pleased to see that your beautiful face was not damaged.” “I have Kuri to thank for that,” Tamir replied, stepping back from the Jinn so that he was no longer within his reach. “I hear that the prince will make his attempt upon the palace soon,” Amir said. “Yes,” Tamir replied. “I am relieved that we will not have to fight you as well as the King‟s men,” he added. “And yet I sense fear within you.” Amir‟s large amber eyes fixed on Tamir‟s. “You know the prince will not succeed, even with Kuri‟s help. His forces are too far outnumbered.” Amir was right, of course, although Tamir was loath to admit it. “I am disappointed that you have not yet asked me why I am here, my beautiful Tamir,” Amir continued, undaunted. Tamir‟s face grew hard, but he remained silent. This time,

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 150 Amir laughed. “But I do forget sometimes what a good student you always were,” he said, looking pleased with himself. “Now that you know I‟ve been released from my contract, you‟ve already guessed at my intentions, haven‟t you?” “I am not interested in your games,” Tamir said, feeling his temper rise. “Spit it out or leave me be!” This drew a hearty round of laughter from the baldheaded Jinn, and Tamir, losing his patience, turned and headed back to the horses. Amir stopped laughing, then sighed and shook his head. “You are far too serious for your own good, you know,” he commented. “But do you intend to ignore the best chance you have of keeping your beloved prince alive?” At this, Tamir stopped and turned around. “I thought that might interest you,” Amir replied with a smirk. “What do you propose?” asked Tamir, his expression now glacial. “A contract.” “A contract?” repeated Tamir. “With me?” “Indeed,” replied Amir. “You are human now, after all.” “What are your terms?” Tamir asked, as his thoughts spun like a desert wind. This was something which he had not even considered: that he might be able to contract with one of his own kind—or what used to be his own kind—now that he was human. If there were a way for him to ensure Neriah‟s safety…. “I will give your prince the kingdom,” Amir said, his face quite serious now, “in return for your heart.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 151 This time, it was Tamir who laughed. “I could never give you my heart, and you know it,” he pointed out. Amir shook his head. “I do not seek your heart in the human sense of the word,” he explained, “although I would be pleased to win it with time. No, I seek your companionship, your loyalty, and your body, for as long as I desire it. And in return, I will ensure that King Neriah dies a very old man.” Tamir saw a flicker of movement from over his shoulder as a flash of brilliant blue light flew toward the ancient Jinn. Amir raised his hand and deflected the attack as one might swat away an annoying insect. “So good to see you, Kuri,” Amir grinned. “Thank you for the warm welcome.” Ignoring Amir, Kuri stormed over to Tamir and grabbed his arm so hard that it hurt. “You can‟t be thinking of accepting his offer,” she shouted at him. “Haven‟t you learned? What will Neriah think of you if he hears of this?” “He and I are no longer lovers, Kuri,” Tamir interrupted. “He does not wish it. It would not be a betrayal, and it is my duty to see him on the throne.” “But he still loves you, you fool!” she answered, her blond hair flying about her face like a whirlwind in her anger. Amir, who had been watching this exchange with mild interest, now interrupted. “I tire of this,” he said, feigning irritation. “What is your answer, Tamir?” “I accept,” Tamir replied without hesitating. “I will give myself to you in return for seeing Neriah on the throne.” “Tamir…,” whispered Kuri, horrified.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 152 “Then it shall be so,” Amir responded in the formal words of contract. “I shall see him on the throne, and you shall be mine.” “I will tell Neriah,” Tamir said, knowing that Amir would not hesitate to do so himself. “I owe him that much.” His face was pained, and his heart heavy, but he no longer feared for Neriah. There were few Jinn more powerful than Amir. The prince would be safe. Kuri, tears streaming over her cheeks, threw her arms around Tamir. Tamir did not protest, but when she released him from her embrace, he turned and walked back toward the tents in silence, leaving the two Jinn alone. “You are cruel, Amir,” she said, wiping her face and glaring at the older Jinn. Her eyes were hard with anger. “I am anything but,” Amir countered. “He is one of us, Kuri. You are naïve to think otherwise. He will not be happy unless he is amongst our own kind, and I will treat him well.” “You will destroy him,” she replied with deep sadness, “and you will gain nothing in the end.”

“MY LORD?” “You may come in, Tamir,” Neriah responded, poring over a large map of Tazier and frowning. “Thank you, Your Majesty,” Tamir replied, walking into the tent. Neriah looked up from the map and nodded to the other man. “Uryon has told you of the finalized plans, then?” “Yes,” Tamir answered, “he has.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 153 “And do you approve?” Neriah pressed. “Yes,” Tamir answered. “I look forward to the day when I can call you „King‟.” Neriah frowned. “And yet you seem to be troubled. Do you wish to speak with me about something?” he asked, now giving Tamir his full attention. “There is something I must tell you. It is about Amir,” Tamir began, looking ill at ease. Neriah fought to control his expression. The mention of the ancient Jinn still stirred powerful emotions within, despite the fact that almost two months had passed since they had returned from Tazier. Although his friendship with Tamir had grown stronger in that time, the two men had not lain together again as lovers. After having found Tamir in the throes of passion with Amir, Neriah had even begun to wonder if Tamir missed that intimacy with the other Jinn— and how could Neriah even hope to compete with a Jinn‟s magic? “What do you hear of him?” was all he said, however. “Your father has released him from his contract,” Tamir replied. Neriah laughed. “No doubt at Barak‟s insistence,” he noted with sardonic pleasure. “Yes.” “All the better, then, for our assault on the city,” Neriah said, looking relieved. “I had worried that Amir might cause us trouble.” He frowned. “But how do you come by this information, Tamir?” “I have seen Amir,” Tamir answered simply.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 154 For a moment, Neriah said nothing, his imagination running wild. “I see,” he finally said. “You wish to resume your relationship with him, then.” “No…,” began Tamir, “I….” “You are no longer my lover—you are no longer bound to me in that manner,” Neriah said, doing his best to look indifferent even as he ignored the dull pain in his chest. “I do not own you.” “I know,” Tamir said tentatively, “however—” “I cannot deny that it gave me great pleasure to share my bed with you,” Neriah interrupted. “But I make no claim to you other than as your commander and sovereign.” “I will not betray your trust again,” Tamir said. “But you must know that Amir has offered to assist us in retaking Tazier.” “Amir has?” Neriah asked, surprised at this turn of events. “Yes, Your Majesty,” Tamir answered. “He will help you.” “And why should he help me?” Neriah asked, feeling his heart pound in his chest, knowing full well what price would be paid for the Jinn‟s help, but not wanting to believe or imagine it. “He will help you because I have given myself to him in exchange,” Tamir answered, his jaw tensing with the effort to control his emotions. “Given yourself to him?” repeated Neriah, for a moment forgetting to breathe. “It is the price of the contract,” Tamir replied through taut lips.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 155 Neriah swallowed, the pain in his chest now having spread to his entire body. “I hardly think the word „price‟ is correct,” Neriah heard himself say in anger. “I have seen how you respond to him—I have heard your cries of lust, seen your face….” Realizing that he risked losing control and striking the Jinn, Neriah turned away, his fists clenched so tightly at his sides that his fingernails drew blood. Tamir‟s expression was one of guilt and self-reproach, but he said with determination, “My Prince, I only wish to see you achieve that which you desire above all. You shall become king.” “And…,” Neriah hesitated to ask the question that burned within him, “is this… arrangement what you desire?” “Yes, my lord,” Tamir said with conviction, his eyes never leaving the prince‟s. It was, he told himself, not really a lie. His only desire was Neriah‟s happiness, although he knew that Neriah would construe the answer to mean that he desired Amir. In that moment Tamir realized that he had become fully human. He had acted both selfishly and selflessly in the same instant, and he would now have to pay the price for his humanity and suffer the loss of the one thing that meant more to him than any other. Neriah‟s face appeared quite pale in the dimly lit tent, but his expression remained unchanged. He made a conscious effort to relax his tensed jaw and said, “Then we shall both have what we desire.” Tamir nodded and hastened his way out of the tent. Neriah watched Tamir leave, then secured the flap that covered the tent‟s entrance. He tried to go back to his study of the maps, but gave up after realizing that he had been

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 156 staring at them, unseeing, for the better part of an hour. Dejected, he walked over to his bed and sat down on the edge, his eyes burning with unshed tears. He pulled the jade pendant from under his kameez and rubbed it absent-mindedly, the pain in his heart intense. This is what I desire, he thought, subjugating his pain as he had so many times over the years, isn’t it?

AMIR was waiting for him when Tamir entered his tent after dark. He had not seen Neriah since he had told the prince of his contract with the Jinn, and for that he was grateful. As a Jinn, Tamir had never doubted that his self-sacrifice was necessary—his entire existence had been to serve humans. But now, he found himself second-guessing his decision to not be truthful with Neriah about his feelings. “Feeling sorry for yourself, eh?” Amir ventured, seeing the look on Tamir‟s face. “Our contract does not include sharing my feelings with you,” Tamir snapped as he pulled his kameez off and tossed it aside. He dipped his hands in the bowl of water in the corner of the tent, splashing his face and rinsing away the dirt. “No,” Amir replied, stepping behind Tamir, “you are correct. But I am less interested in your feelings than in… other things.” He put one arm around Tamir‟s bare chest to hold him and the other cupped his chin, pulling his head roughly backward. He licked Tamir‟s neck and Tamir, in spite of himself, moaned. “You must forget him,” Amir intoned with obvious lust.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 157 “I cannot,” Tamir replied, cursing his body as it responded to Amir‟s. “Then lose yourself in pleasure,” Amir prompted. His hand caressed Tamir‟s chest and slipped beneath Tamir‟s shalvar to find the hardness there. Tamir groaned, pressing against Amir‟s hand with wanton desire. The large Jinn now released Tamir‟s chin and laid his hand on Tamir‟s temple. “Forget,” he whispered in Tamir‟s ear. “No,” Tamir protested, “please… I don‟t want to forget….” But even as these words left his lips, Amir‟s magic reached into Tamir‟s mind and wound its way around it. The image of Neriah‟s handsome face and deep blue eyes faded, replaced by raw hunger. Amir pulled down Tamir‟s shalvar, looking over the smooth skin of Tamir‟s buttocks appreciatively. “That‟s it,” Amir whispered again as he rubbed his hands over Tamir‟s skin. “Allow yourself to submit to me and to your lust. Remember what it is to be a Jinn, and take pride in that.” Tamir did just as Amir suggested, growling like an animal as the Jinn spread his legs and inserted a large finger between his taut cheeks. He felt Amir‟s hand on his hard length and felt his desire grow. But then, inexplicably, the image of Neriah returned once more: of dark blue eyes, the smooth line of the prince‟s jaw, and the hair that felt like silk between his fingers. Silent tears spilled over his cheeks, although he did not complain when Amir entered his body and began to thrust in and out of him. What Tamir could not know was that, at the same time that he had seen the image of Neriah‟s face, Neriah had been sitting on his bed, clasping the jade pendant and rubbing its surface.

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NERIAH dreamed that he was sleeping in the same room in which he had, so many other nights, slept beside his nameless lover. He rolled over, expecting his lover to be there waiting, but instead discovered that he was alone, the ache in his heart unbearable. I knew you would both leave me, he thought, as tears comprised of years of pain and emptiness moistened his cheeks. You promised that you would never leave me, but you have left, just as he has. He stood up, determined not to wallow in his misery, seeking the anger that he knew would mask the pain once more. He strode over to the open window and looked out. But this time, he did not see lush gardens and rolling hills; he saw a city, bustling with life, familiar. “Tazier,” he whispered. He was home. He glanced downward at his hand and saw upon it the royal ring—the King’s crest engraved into the blazing red stone. “Am I king?” he wondered aloud, running his fingers over the surface of the gem, feeling his heart quake within his chest. But what happiness can come, in the end, to a king whose heart has been broken? he thought, tasting the bitterness of his solitude upon his lips. “Do not despair, beloved,” he heard his lover whisper on the wind. He whirled around to see his lover’s face, but there was no one there.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 159 NERIAH wandered the camp, unable to sleep after awakening from the dream. He had never been much of a believer in premonitions. And yet, the dream seemed different than the others, not only for the overwhelming loneliness it had left with him, but also because it had felt so real. Am I destined to be king, then, but to spend my nights without love? There were far worse curses to bear, he knew, and yet during the brief time that he had spent with Tamir at his side, he had begun to rely upon the Jinn as his strength. Now, however, he knew that would never again be possible. He was, in the end, alone. You have brought this upon yourself, he thought. He realized his folly at having pushed Tamir away after what had transpired in the palace. You have no right to be angry with him. But it was not anger that he felt at this moment, but overwhelming grief. Perhaps he is better off without you, he thought with a sigh. You seem to show little but cruelty for him, although even in his weakness, he never meant to hurt you. The night grew cooler; winter would soon arrive. Neriah shivered as he walked through the silent camp, trying to gather his thoughts and his courage for what was to come. After a few minutes, he came upon a solitary figure. For a moment, he did not recognize the Jinn, but when recognition came it was with a stab of pain to his chest—a pain with which he had begun to grow accustomed. “Amir,” he said, his face hard. “Your Majesty,” Amir responded, with a brief inclination of his head. He was leaning back against a tree, looking sated and relaxed. Neriah felt his gut tighten. There was no

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 160 doubt in his mind that Amir had just come from being with Tamir. “Tamir has told me that you will assist me in taking the throne,” Neriah said, attempting to not react with outward emotion. “You will make a fine king,” Amir replied, his words an obvious surprise to Neriah. The large Jinn laughed. “Did you believe that, because of my desire for Tamir, I would be unable to understand such a thing?” “Yes,” Neriah replied. “I suppose I did.” “And still you do not express anger toward me,” observed Amir. “How noble.” Neriah said nothing in reply. “You know, of course, that he can never be yours?” said Amir, his tone matter-of-fact. “Yes.” “And yet you love him,” Amir responded. “I loved him,” Neriah corrected. Amir shook his head and grinned. “And I thought Tamir was a poor liar,” he chuckled, rubbing his chin. “Think what you wish,” Neriah retorted, even though he knew that the Jinn spoke the truth. “It matters little now.” “For better or for worse,” Amir said, his face now serious, “Tamir loves you more than life.” “Indeed,” Neriah replied with a hardened expression. It was clear from his tone that he did not believe Amir. “But despite what he believes, Tamir is not human,” the Jinn continued. “He needs to be with his own kind. Under

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 161 my direction, and with my help, his powers may be restored in time.” “You could do that?” Neriah asked. “Not of my own accord,” Amir admitted, “but I believe I can convince the Jinn Regent to commute Tamir‟s sentence.” Neriah suppressed a sigh. Who am I, he thought, feeling miserable, to take away Tamir’s chance to return to his people and regain his powers? “I would never wish to stand in the way of Tamir‟s happiness,” he told the Jinn. “But I ask one thing of you,” he added with uncharacteristic deference. “You may ask it,” Amir replied. “Please see that he does, indeed, find happiness,” said Neriah, his eyes meeting the Jinn‟s in rare and transparent honesty.

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Chapter Fourteen Unbound THE first group of fighters left camp the next day, led by Kuri and Uryon. They would meet Sheik Atallah and his men in the mountains outside of Tazier and enter the city by stealth. Tamir, Amir, and Neriah prepared to depart the next morning, leaving behind the women and elderly servants at the camp. “Take care of yourself, Tamir,” Shahar chided as he brought the horses around. “I have gotten quite dependent upon your assistance, you know.” He grinned and maneuvered himself so that Neriah could not hear, then added, “And take care of the prince as well.” “You know that I will,” Tamir replied, putting a hand on Shahar‟s shoulder. “And we shall both live to see him king.”

THEY reached the foothills outside the city by late afternoon the next day, having abandoned the main road for the slower route through the forest. The few people that they encountered along their way were made to forget, thanks to Amir. To see the ease with which the Jinn enchanted those souls unfortunate enough to cross their path, Neriah could not help but think how the Jinn could have dominated humanity. How easy would it have been, he wondered, for the Jinn to rewrite human history?

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 163 “The Jinn,” Tamir had told Neriah, “cannot wield power equivalent to entire human armies, nor can they return life to the dead. But they can influence the thoughts and emotions of humans, which is a power far more dangerous. Use these powers wisely, and you will win the crown.” And yet, thought Neriah, Tamir has always put others’ interests above his own. If all Jinn are as kind…. In spite of himself, Neriah understood the gift that Tamir had given him. With Amir‟s powers, they would have the advantage over the far more numerous Royal Guard. But at what price? Neriah thought, as he had so many times since Tamir had told him of his bargain with Amir. His heart ached, as it always did when thinking about the redheaded Jinn, and he willed his thoughts to return to the task at hand. Several hours later, Amir rode up alongside Neriah. “Kuri reports that our men have infiltrated the city,” he said. Neriah breathed a silent sigh of relief; they had passed their first hurdle. It was now up to him, he knew, to secure the kingdom.

THEY arrived at the front gates of Tazier after nightfall. Leaving the majority of his men outside the city to await his command, Neriah, Amir, and Tamir entered without incident. Once inside the gate, they were met by Kuri. “Our men are in place,” she told them. “It took some time, but I was able to get them all through the gates. They have taken up their positions around the palace.” “Good,” replied Neriah. “And Uryon?”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 164 “He will meet you by the entrance to the palace, Your Majesty,” she answered. “Are you still sure about this?” she added, frowning. “I am,” Neriah replied. Amir sighed heavily. “You will get nowhere with this course of action, Majesty,” he said. “We have had this discussion before, Jinn,” Neriah replied with conviction. “It is not your decision to make. Are you not powerful enough to ensure my continued good health?” The challenge could not have been more direct. Amir snorted, then glared at Tamir, as if to say, This human is a fool, like all the rest, but Tamir met his gaze with determination.

THE moon had risen by the time they reached the main entrance to the palace. Neriah and Uryon were flanked by Amir and Tamir, now disguised as servants carrying gifts for the King thanks to Amir‟s magic. Neriah glanced at Tamir, who looked back at him with dark eyes. Even with Tamir‟s hair now a very forgettable brown and his face unrecognizable, Neriah felt his heart draw strength to know that the Jinn was near. Amir was completely covered in a dull cotton shalvar kameez, with a full head of black hair. Now unable to show off his impressive body, the Jinn looked forlorn. This fact pleased Neriah to no end, of course, and Neriah made sure that Amir carried more than his fair share of the gifts upon his broad shoulders.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 165 Striding up to the gate, Neriah declared, “We are here to see the King.” “The King sees no one unannounced,” the guards replied, sneering at Neriah and his companions. “Tell him that his son, Prince Neriah, will speak with him,” Neriah replied, undaunted. There was no anger on Neriah‟s handsome face. His expression was that of a man of privilege regarding those whom he considered lesser men— an expression with which the guards were quite familiar. One of the guards sniggered, while his companion looked perturbed, wondering if Neriah was, indeed, the King‟s son. “The prince? And why should we even bother to tell his majesty,” the first guard taunted. “The prince has been dead for—” “Would you prefer the King learn later of your stupidity?” Neriah retorted, gazing into the guard‟s eyes. “If you are correct, and I am not the prince, you can kill me, if you‟d like. If you are wrong, and I am who I say I am, it will be your death, I daresay.” The guard looked at his counterpart, who shouted something to the other guards inside of the gate. A moment later, the gate opened to reveal six guards and an officer, swords at the ready. “This man claims to be Prince Neriah,” the guard told the officer, looking flustered. “Prince Neriah?” the officer repeated. “But—” “Tell my father that I wish to speak with him,” Neriah said once more, “and that I wish to discuss a truce.” Then, pulling his dagger from his waist, he handed it to the officer. “He will recognize this. Give it to him as a pledge of my good faith.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 166 The officer stared at the jeweled dagger, blanching in recognition. “This is the royal seal,” he murmured in surprise, running his fingers over an engraving at the bottom of the hilt. He hesitated for a moment, looking Neriah over, then turned to his men and ordered, “See them inside. I will inform the King‟s Advisor.” The soldiers nodded, then motioned for Neriah and the others to follow them, surrounding them as they escorted them through the large courtyard and into the palace. They were taken to a small room off the entrance and disarmed. Here they waited for almost an hour, surrounded by guards, until a white-haired man flanked by two more guards walked into the room unannounced. Eyes narrowed, he approached Neriah with suspicion. Stopping several feet away from the prince, Barak took his measure of Neriah, then raised an eyebrow in recognition. “You have changed since our last meeting, Your Majesty,” he said, his voice cold. “If by our „last meeting‟,” replied Neriah, his manner equally cool, “you mean when your men murdered my mother and attempted to take my life, then yes, I suppose I have changed. I am no longer a frightened boy, Advisor. I am a man, and the Crown Prince of Tazier.” “We will see about that,” Barak replied. “You have been gone a long time, Your Majesty. Your brother, Prince Saria, stands to inherit the throne in three months‟ time.” “So I have heard,” Neriah said, unruffled. “I wish my brother no ill. I wish just to reclaim my rightful place.” “Will my lord not permit Prince Neriah an audience with his father?” Uryon pressed, cold fury belying his controlled tone.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 167 Barak studied Uryon for a moment, then appeared to dismiss him, saying with obvious contempt, “Captain Uryon, I had heard that you had abandoned the King‟s favor and took up with the likes of—” “Do you speak for my father, then?” Neriah interrupted, at the limits of his patience. “Or is my father too weak to greet his firstborn son?” “His Majesty is dining with your brother, Prince Saria,” Barak answered. “He has asked that I escort you to him. He has agreed to speak with you.” “Good,” said Neriah, nodding to his three companions. Uryon looked wary, but said nothing—he had questioned the prince‟s intentions before, and he had gotten nowhere persuading him to act otherwise. “He has asked that you come alone,” said Barak. “Would you have the Prince of Tazier present himself to the King without a servant?” Neriah asked, appearing insulted. “Am I to carry the gifts which I have brought to honor my father?” Barak frowned, then responded, “You may bring a single servant with you, Your Highness, to carry your gifts.” Amir began to pick up the packages, but Neriah shook his head. “I will take my manservant,” he said, looking at Tamir, who bowed low. Uryon shot a look of warning to Neriah, but Neriah ignored it and turned back to Barak. “Very well,” Barak replied. “You will follow me, Your Highness.” Tamir picked up the gifts and followed Neriah, glancing back at Amir as Barak and the guards led them around a corner and down a long passageway. At Neriah‟s insistence,

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 168 they had all left their weapons with Kuri. “Regardless of what we believe of him,” Neriah had told them, “I will give my father one last chance to surrender without a fight. I want no blood on my hands if I can help it.” Amir had laughed, but Tamir and the others had understood Neriah‟s hope of a peaceful transition. They followed Barak for several minutes through the palace until they came to a large room which Tamir recognized well: the throne room, where he had been brought before Neriah‟s father. There, Barak turned to face Neriah. “I have been gone a long time, Advisor,” Neriah said as he looked around the room, “but I know well enough that this is not the dining room. Where is my father?” “He will not be joining us,” said Barak, signaling to the guards to close ranks around the prince. “Have you even told him that I am here?” demanded Neriah, his temper rising. “Your father knows that you are here,” Barak answered with obvious enjoyment. “He has no need to speak with you.” Tamir put the packages he had been carrying down on the floor, his eyes meeting Neriah‟s. They had discussed hiding weapons in the boxes, but Neriah had refused. They would have to manage until they could get word to Uryon and Amir of their predicament. Barak now gestured to the guards, two of whom grabbed Neriah‟s arms and held him. Barak then nodded to a third guard, who walked over to Neriah, standing just inches from him. “What are your plans?” Barak asked.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 169 “Plans?” Neriah responded, eyes narrowed. “My plans were to speak with my father, to discuss the future of our—” Barak inclined his head to the guard standing in front of Neriah, and the guard hit Neriah with the back of his hand. Tamir shouted and moved toward Neriah, but was restrained by the guards who had also surrounded him. “Come, Prince Neriah,” Barak said with a sneer, “you are not such a fool as to believe that words alone will deliver you the kingdom?” Neriah glared at Barak. “I seek peace,” Neriah replied. “I do not wish more bloodshed.” “The only blood that will be spilled is yours,” Barak answered without hesitation. The guard hit Neriah again and kicked him in the stomach. Neriah doubled over. Tamir struggled once more to throw off his captors, but there were too many of them. “How dare you touch him!” he shouted at Barak, who ignored him. “You are a difficult man to kill, Neriah,” Barak said. “For years, I have been sending the best assassins to hunt you down. And yet you always seem to survive. But it seems you have now made it simple for me. You will not survive this time.” There were loud noises and shouts from the corridor outside as Amir and Uryon ran into the room. The guards holding Tamir were the closest to the doorway, and all but one of them released Tamir to fend off the newcomers. As Tamir struggled to free himself from the remaining guard, he saw Barak approach Neriah and raise his dagger. “Neriah!” he shouted, freeing himself at last and lunging between the two men. He wrested the dagger from Barak‟s hands and let

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 170 it fall to the floor with a clatter. Barak laughed. “Brave fool,” he said contemptuously. Tamir felt a sharp pain between his shoulders and froze, looking down at his chest. The point of a sword was visible there. Tamir grabbed at his chest as Barak‟s guard withdrew the blade. Tamir looked over at Neriah and, seeing him safe, smiled at him. A moment later he fell to the ground, still clutching his chest. “Tamir!” shouted Neriah, unable to break free of his captors. There was a flash of light as Amir blasted the guards surrounding the prince, sending them flying off of their feet and dashing them against the stone walls with a flick of his wrist. They all collapsed onto the ground, unconscious or dead. “Kuri, come!” Neriah heard Amir mutter as he made his way toward Barak. The old man had backed away from Neriah and was looking for a way to flee the room without being noticed. Amir‟s face twisted with anger, and he grabbed Barak by the throat. “I will enjoy killing you,” he growled. “No, Amir!” Neriah shouted, as he ran over to the injured Tamir. “I wish him alive. He will be tried for his crimes. My people must learn the truth of his treachery.” Amir eased his grip, but did not release the old man. “Tamir,” Neriah moaned. He fell to his knees next to the injured Jinn. Tamir‟s face was once again his own—Amir had released the enchantment that had disguised them both. Neriah pressed his hand to Tamir‟s chest, but it did nothing to staunch the blood. “Amir,” he commanded, shouting to the Jinn, “you must save him!”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 171 Amir shook his head. “I cannot repair such a grievous wound, Your Majesty,” he said, releasing Barak to Uryon. Uryon said nothing, but stared at Tamir in dawning horror. “Use your magic,” Neriah demanded. “Heal him!” Amir joined Neriah by Tamir‟s side, placed his hand on Tamir‟s chest and closed his eyes. His jaw tightened as he opened his eyes once more and looked at Neriah. “I can slow the bleeding,” he said, his voice soft. “But I cannot save him.” “Damn you, Jinn!” shouted Neriah. “Use your magic!” “A Jinn cannot restore life or stop that which is inevitable,” Amir said, his face contorted in pain. “Don‟t you think that I would heal my lover if I had the power to do so? If he were still Jinn—” Amir‟s hand glowed with a gentle golden light, and Tamir stirred. “Tamir,” called Neriah, putting his hand to Tamir‟s cheek and pushing the reminder of Amir‟s power over Tamir out of his thoughts. “I am sorry,” Tamir said. His eyes met Neriah‟s. “I have become much slower than before.” “Why must you always insist on speaking?” Neriah asked, his eyes burning with unshed tears. “You saved my life, you fool.” “I am glad,” Tamir said, struggling to put his hand on Neriah‟s. Neriah clasped the hand in his. “You must not die,” Neriah whispered. “I…,” he hesitated, then, deciding that he had nothing more to lose in the admission, he said, “I love you, Tamir.” Tamir‟s fingers gripped Neriah‟s, and he smiled once more. “Then I will die having realized my heart‟s desire,” he

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 172 said, his voice just audible. Neriah‟s tears now began to fall, and this time—for the first time—he did not try to fight them. Kuri ran into the room, followed by Atallah and several of Neriah‟s men. “Neriah,” Amir interjected with alarm, seeing the look of concern on Kuri‟s face. “We must leave. Kuri will attend to him. She is far more skilled at healing than I. There are more guards on their way.” “I‟m not leaving him,” hissed Neriah as Kuri knelt on the other side of Tamir, putting her hands on his chest and looking at Amir in horror. She pursed her lips but said nothing. “Amir,” Tamir whispered, gathering what strength he could muster, “you are still bound to protect him, regardless of what happens to me.” Amir nodded and grabbed Neriah by the shoulder. “You must go, Your Majesty,” he told the prince. “I must keep you safe. I have sworn—” “Do not touch me!” Neriah shouted, jerking away from Amir. Amir‟s large hand caught in the chain around Neriah‟s neck and broke it. The jade pendant flew into the air. Neriah reached out to catch it, but as he did, the pendant began to emit a bright light, filling the room; it appeared suspended in mid-air. After a few seconds, the light faded, and the pendant dropped to the ground. Amir picked up the piece of jade, turning it over in his palm. “What is this magic?” Kuri asked, wide-eyed as she pulled her hands away from Tamir in shock. Tamir‟s entire chest was now glowing of its own accord. “It is nothing that I have done,” Amir replied, looking just as astonished. “But I recognize this amulet.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 173 “You…?” Neriah began. He frowned and looked at Amir. “Yes,” the Jinn replied. “I myself gave this necklace to Tamir, when he was first apprenticed to me. He saw it in the stall of a vendor in Tazier and admired it.” Hearing these words, Neriah was overcome with understanding and confusion. “The pendant…,” he stammered, “it was… Tamir‟s?” “Amir!” shouted Kuri, lifting her bloodstained hands from Tamir‟s chest. “Look!” The blood from Tamir‟s wound, which had slowed just marginally with Kuri and Amir‟s combined magic, had now stopped flowing altogether. The open wound that Kuri had been covering with her hands had grown smaller, and the edges appeared to be healing. “His life force is returning,” Kuri gasped as she put her hands to Tamir‟s face. She could feel the warmth there, where moments ago his skin had been cold. “I… I cannot thank you enough,” Neriah said, lifting Tamir‟s head and holding it against his chest. “But I did nothing, Your Majesty,” she replied, looking bewildered. “His body is healing on its own.” “My Prince,” Tamir whispered. I will never leave you, beloved—Neriah heard the voice echo in his mind, triggered by the sound of Tamir‟s voice—for I know your heart. Neriah‟s head felt as though it were about to explode, and he put his hands to his temples with a low groan. This time, it was not a mere echo; the memory came unbidden, returning like a wave crashing upon the sand. “Why would you do this for me?” The voice was his.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 174 “Because I could,” came the reply. The voice was familiar. He felt strong arms encircle him. He felt loved and at peace. “But you know nothing about me. You owe me nothing,” he insisted, uncomprehending. Why would this beautiful boy care for him so completely? What had he ever done to deserve such affection? “But I do know you, Sheva,” was the answer whispered in Neriah‟s ear. “You’re kind and brave and strong. It’s the least I could do for you.” “Tamir…,” gasped Neriah, staring at the injured Jinn in stunned surprise, “I remember… you.” Although weakened by his injury, Tamir heard Neriah‟s words and was startled by them. “It was you, all those years ago. It has been you, all along. You are the lover in my dreams!” “I…,” Tamir whispered, astonished. “But how can you… remember this? I took your memories….” “You did?” Neriah asked, shocked. “I gave you the pendant,” Tamir answered, his voice a bit stronger now. “I enchanted it… as a good luck talisman…. I meant for it to protect you, knowing that I could not… do so myself.” This time, it was Amir who spoke. “You must have imbued the stone with some of your power.” “My power?” Tamir asked, now sitting up with Neriah‟s help. “It is not unheard of,” Amir answered. “A Jinn may transfer a portion of his power to an object.” He chuckled, then added, “It is the basis for the old legend of the „Jinn in a bottle‟.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 175 “Have your powers returned, then?” Neriah pressed Tamir. “No,” replied Tamir with a grimace, the pain in his chest proof enough for him. “I am still human. But, for a moment, I could feel my body begin to heal as it had years ago.” “When the chain was broken,” Kuri said, her expression full of wonder, “the power you left with Neriah all those years ago was returned to you, Tamir. It was enough to save your life. It also ended the spell you put upon Neriah—the spell that made him forget what had happened between you two— because you spent the last of your power.” “Your Majesty,” Amir said, “there are more guards on their way. I cannot hold off so many with my magic. If you wish to speak with your father, this is your last chance.” Neriah looked at Tamir. “We will have time to speak later,” Tamir murmured. “He will live, Majesty,” Kuri assured him. “I will keep him safe. I swear it.” Neriah, who still held Tamir, put his lips to the Jinn‟s head and said, “You will tell me all that happened.” Tamir smiled. “Yes… beloved,” he whispered, so that just Neriah could hear. Neriah stood up, gently passing Tamir‟s body to Kuri. “It is time to end this,” the prince declared, standing up and walking toward the doorway. “Yes, Your Majesty,” Amir replied with a wide grin.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 176

Chapter Fifteen Reunion KURI confirmed with her scouts that Barak had spoken the truth when he had said Neriah‟s brother and father were having their dinner. Neriah, now reassured that Tamir would survive, led Amir down the long hallway toward the dining rooms. As they ran, Amir conjured Neriah‟s sword and tossed it to him. From time to time, they would pass by guards, swords at the ready. Each time, Amir dispatched the guards with little effort, clearing the way for Neriah. They reached the dining hall minutes later. Word had already traveled of their escape, for they met a much larger group of guards outside the entrance to the Grand Hall. As before, Amir defeated the guards with little difficulty, their swords no match for his powerful magic. “Go ahead, Majesty,” he said, waving a hand into the room. “I will see that you are not interrupted.” Neriah nodded and rushed through the doorway. The hall was immense, its high ceilings painted deep blue and accented with tiny gold stars. Neriah had almost never eaten here as a child. This room was and had always been for the adults of the palace, a place to see and be seen amongst the courtiers and wealthy sheiks. In the center of the room was a low-lying table, carved from a single, enormous slab of white marble. It had taken many men years to complete the intricate carved detail at the center— an elaborate latticework of stone with inlays of gold and

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 177 silver. All around the table were pillows for seating, cut from the finest silks in dazzling jewel tones. Tonight, however, just two men were seated at the massive table, and Neriah recognized them both. He strode with purpose to where they sat, unconcerned by the servants who stood by, openmouthed and unable to move. Both Saria and the King rose to their feet. For a moment, Neriah said nothing, glancing at his father and then taking the measure of his brother. Saria stood almost as tall as Neriah, but where Neriah‟s hair was the color of night, his brother‟s hair was the color of raw, undyed silk. Saria‟s green eyes were the same as Neriah had remembered and—Neriah noted with some relief—there was kindness there, as well as fear. Saria did not recognize his older brother. Turning back to his father, Neriah chastened, “It is not fitting for the King of Tazier to deny his firstborn son an audience.” The King frowned, his eyes dark with fury. “How dare you come here and interrupt my dinner?” he demanded. At this interchange, Saria stared and whispered, “Neriah?” His face grew white with the shock of recognition. “But you are alive… my dear brother!” The young prince ran up to embrace his older brother, pausing as he released Neriah from that embrace to meet his eyes. Neriah was stunned and overjoyed by his brother‟s warm reception, although he did his best not to lose his composure. After the initial surprise of seeing Neriah had begun to wear off, Saria rounded on his father. “Why did you tell me that he was dead?” he demanded, anger plain in his voice.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 178 Neriah was surprised by his brother‟s boldness and lack of fear of their father‟s ire. “This is not your brother,” the King answered, his face masklike and hard. “No,” Saria insisted. “I would know his face anywhere, Father. Why have you lied to me? You know how I grieved for him… how I adored him.” “He is nothing,” the King said, cutting across Saria. “He and his whore of a mother—” Neriah slapped his father across the face, silencing the King. In a voice like ice, he said, “I will not have you speak of her in such a way. She did nothing to hurt you. She loved you with all of her heart.” “She betrayed me,” the King retorted. He glanced over at the entryway to the large room. Uryon stood there, holding Barak, whose hands were now tied behind his back. Barak said nothing, but there was obvious fear in his eyes. “She did nothing of the sort,” spat Neriah. “You trusted the wrong man, Father. Your advisor lied to you. It was he who sought to murder you, and when his schemes were unsuccessful, he blamed them on Queen Sabeehah. She died to save my life, and now I will have yours in payment.” He raised his sword parallel to the floor and even with his father‟s neck. His jaw tight with rage, he pulled his arms back and prepared to swing. “You took the word of your advisor over hers,” he said, his eyes full of fury. “You never even considered that she might be innocent.” The realization that he himself had jumped to conclusions regarding Tamir was not far from his mind.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 179 “And what do you know of it?” demanded the King, unmoved by Neriah‟s actions and words. “The King‟s word is law. Right or wrong, you have no authority to challenge my deeds.” “Your deeds? And what of the miserable state of your people? Have I no authority to challenge that, either? They suffer under your heavy hand. I have seen how many you have relegated to the dungeons merely for stealing food so their families will not starve. How can you justify these deeds in the name of the throne?” Neriah retorted. His hand shook as he continued to hold the sword ready. “Brother! Please,” Saria begged. “You must not do this!” Neriah froze. “And why not?” he demanded. “I saw what he did to her. I saw her broken body, her blood….” “Neriah,” Saria implored. “Brother.” He walked over to Neriah and placed his bare hand on Neriah‟s sword, his face now just inches from Neriah‟s. “He is an old man. If he did the horrible things that you say he did, he must answer for his crimes. But to kill him for revenge—” “And what would you know of it?” Neriah countered, his brow furrowed and his eyes ablaze. “You were just a child.” He is still just a child, thought Neriah, despite his man’s body. He is barely older than I was when my father tried to kill me. “Yes,” Saria admitted, still holding the blade of Neriah‟s sword, “I was a child—a child to whom you were always a kind and loving older brother. I hoped to be strong like you when I grew to be a man. And when I believed you dead, my heart was heavy with grief.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 180 “Saria…,” Neriah began, then broke off, overwrought with emotion. Saria released his grip on Neriah‟s sword. Several drops of blood fell from Saria‟s hand where the blade had cut the younger prince‟s skin. Neriah dropped the weapon, and it clattered on the marble floor. “I remember you, dearest brother,” said Saria, reaching for Neriah and putting his hand on the other man‟s shoulder. “I remember how you spoke to me of justice and how generous you were to me and to your other brothers. I never wanted it, but I knew that if I did become king, I would rule Tazier as you had taught me. “ “Saria,” Neriah began again, “I cannot let—” “If what you say is true, brother,” Saria persisted, “then your anger is justified. To think that all these years, we were told you had been killed…. And yet,” he finished, “you cannot throw your scruples away now. Especially not now, when you will become the next king.” Neriah looked at his father and shook his head. He knew that the old King would never admit the mistake he had made in relying upon Barak‟s advice. And yet, his anger and need for vengeance still burned hot in his chest. He bent down and picked up his sword, then looked at Amir. “Give my father a sword,” he ordered. Amir raised an eyebrow but said nothing. A sword appeared in the King‟s hand, and the King frowned at it, then looked to Neriah. “You will fight me, Father,” Neriah said, raising his own sword in front of him. “We will end this here.” “Neriah…,” gasped Saria.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 181 “Please, brother,” Neriah replied, “step back.” Saria obeyed, paling at the resolve he saw on his elder brother‟s face. “A true king must always confront the possibility of death,” the King said, his eyes set on Neriah‟s. “You must learn this, Saria, if you are to rule Tazier.” “But I never wanted to rule,” protested Saria, as Neriah and his father stepped closer once more, glowering at each other with obvious hatred. The King raised his sword to meet Neriah‟s. Neriah stepped back several feet, then nodded almost imperceptibly. An instant later, their two blades met, singing as they moved against each other. “You will not rule this kingdom,” the King hissed, turning and swinging his sword from his waist. Neriah pointed his sword downward to block his father‟s blade, and the room resonated with the sound of metal against metal. “You are slow, Father,” Neriah said with a shake of his head. “Your heart is not in this fight.” “What would you know of my heart?” the King demanded, lunging at Neriah, who easily side-stepped his father‟s blade. “You doubt your rash decision,” Neriah observed, thrusting his sword toward the King. “You have begun to question your advisor‟s loyalties—I can see it in your eyes.” The King did not reply, but stopped Neriah‟s blade so that the two men stood, wrists touching, blades pointed at the ceiling. For a moment, their faces were inches apart as they pressed against each other. Then Neriah pushed harder,

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 182 forcing the older man backward. The King struggled to regain his balance. “A king does not question his decisions, once made,” Neriah‟s father rejoined, trying to catch his breath. Neriah did not answer, studying his father as if considering him anew. The King lifted his sword over his head and swung it down at Neriah. Neriah stepped aside, but he did not respond. Once more, the King raised his sword, this time lunging at Neriah, aiming for his chest. Neriah moved to the left, his father‟s blade missing him by a fraction of an inch. “Why do you stand there and do nothing?” the King demanded after several more passes missed their mark. For a moment, Neriah did not respond. Then, unexpectedly, he dropped his sword to his side and just observed his father. His lips parted and his brow knitted, as if he were contemplating a thought that had not occurred to him before. “Neriah…,” warned Saria. Neriah shook his head in his brother‟s direction, but he did not raise his sword. From where he stood, Uryon, too, was distressed to see Neriah adopt such a passive stance. The King‟s eyes narrowed, and the edges of his mouth turned up in something like a sneer. “You think I will just cede my authority to you, don‟t you?” he growled. “But you will never take my kingdom!” He ran at Neriah, his blade aimed at Neriah‟s heart. And in that instant, Neriah‟s face began to relax, as if the answer he had sought was now clear to him.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 183 “Neriah!” shouted Uryon, forgetting himself and calling the prince by his given name. Neriah glanced in Uryon‟s direction and their eyes met. Then, with astounding speed, he turned his body, and his father‟s sword passed by his side, under his arm. Neriah grabbed his father‟s wrist and twisted it until the King dropped his sword. With a single, fluid movement, Neriah released his father‟s arm and pushed him away, raising his own sword so that the tip of the blade touched his father‟s chest. He held the point of his weapon there but did not move. “You are weak, Father,” he stated, his voice calm and controlled. “But, as much as my need for revenge has lived within my heart for years, I no longer wish to kill you.” The King stared at Neriah. “You see, Father,” Neriah continued, “I no longer need for you to acknowledge my right to the throne. I know for myself that I am worthy of it.” “My lord,” Uryon murmured, “after all these years….” Neriah nodded to his captain. “For years, I have closed my heart to your words, Uryon,” he said. “You warned me that my revenge would cost me in the end. And you were right, my friend,” he continued. “It nearly cost Tamir his life. I will not chance the kingdom as well to my impetuous heart.” “In wisdom, you have far surpassed your sire, Your Majesty,” Uryon responded with pride. “Will you stand by me, brother?” Neriah said, turning back to Saria. “My lord,” Saria replied. He kneeled before Neriah. Neriah shook his head and reached out to pull Saria up from the floor.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 184 “I will not have you bow to me,” he said. “It would mean far more for me to have you as my advisor and friend.” There was movement in the doorway as Kuri entered, her arm supporting a very pale Tamir. They were flanked by several dozen of Neriah‟s men. From the other side of the room, more fighters—Atallah‟s men—appeared. “Your Majesty,” said Kuri, “the palace is secure. Those of your father‟s men who continue to oppose you have been detained. The rest have sworn loyalty to you.” “Take Advisor Barak and my father to the dungeons,” Neriah ordered. “Upon my command, neither is to be harmed. Understood?” “Of course, Your Majesty,” Kuri replied with a quick nod of her head. “Amir,” Neriah said. “See to it that Tamir is tended to.” He turned a weary but peaceful smile to the Jinn and added, “We have much to talk about, but you must rest first. I will be by to see you soon.” Amir, despite Tamir‟s protests, picked the smaller man up in his arms and carried him from the room. Neriah felt the familiar ache in his chest to see Amir care for Tamir. You have no right to feel jealousy, he chastised himself. You let him go. He does not belong to you anymore. He will never be yours again.

“TAMIR. Why are you not in bed, resting?” “Your Majesty,” Tamir replied, turning around to face Neriah. He had been looking out of the palace window at the city below. Now, he got down onto his knees and bowed.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 185 “Do not bow to me,” Neriah answered, walking over to the Jinn. “Please.” “This is how it should be,” Tamir replied, getting up with some difficulty. Neriah took Tamir‟s arm to help him up. The feel of Tamir‟s skin was, as always, enticing. Neriah reminded himself that the Jinn belonged to Amir now and resolved not to show his response. “You are still weak,” he said as he helped Tamir sit in a chair near the fireplace. He could better see Tamir‟s pallor in the firelight and felt his body tremble with the effort to move. “It is nothing,” Tamir replied. “This body will heal soon enough.” “I am thankful that you are alive,” Neriah said. He sat across from the Jinn and met Tamir‟s eyes. There was deep concern etched in his face, and he inhaled, avoiding the urge to touch Tamir. Tamir was silent. “My father has surrendered the throne,” Neriah explained. “Amir has arranged for him to live out the rest of his life in exile. He has seen to it that my father will never again seek to rule the kingdom.” “And Barak?” asked Tamir. Neriah frowned. “For years, I have dreamed of killing him and my father,” he said, “for what they did to my mother. He will be tried for his treason. His future no longer rests in my hands.” “And yet you had the chance to kill him,” Tamir observed. “Why didn‟t you? His death would have been justified.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 186 Neriah stood up and walked over to the fire, watching the flames dance. “I remember everything,” he said wistfully. “How you healed my broken body and cared for me. How you offered me food and a safe place to hide. How you healed my heart. But I still don‟t understand why.” He paused before he continued. “I know that, for you, it was probably nothing more than your duty as a Jinn to care for me. Still, I would have thought, after you claimed to have loved me from afar, you would have wanted….” His voice trailed off, and he took a long breath, turning around to face Tamir. “My duty?” Tamir wondered aloud. “No. I cared for you not out of duty, but out of love. When I caused you to forget, that was my duty, for had I not, they would have done it for me.” “They? You mean the Jinn?” Tamir nodded. “Yes.” “Then the crime for which you were punished…,” Neriah began, the weight of Tamir‟s words now reaching him. “You lost your powers because you saved my life, didn‟t you?” “Yes,” Tamir replied, “and it nearly cost Kuri her powers as well.” “Kuri?” “Amir interceded on her behalf,” Tamir explained. “She was not to be punished so long as I kept my silence about how I mended your body and cared for you.” “And now that the truth is known?” Neriah looked concerned. “Amir has reassured me that the Jinn will not harm Kuri. He believes it was his own mistake that the amulet was

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 187 forgotten. In the end, the secret was never revealed by my lips.” “Quite convenient for Amir,” Neriah laughed bitterly. “He has gained everything that he wished for and will not suffer for his mistake.” “I am glad for his mistake,” admitted Tamir. “I didn‟t want you to forget me. I left you with the dreams, hoping that someday I would see you again. It was wrong. It caused you pain. I caused you pain.” Neriah knelt down in front of Tamir and took his chin in his hand. “You weren‟t wrong,” he explained with fervor. “Not only did you save my life, but you left me with the memory of love, Tamir. Without it, I am sure I would have utterly surrendered my soul to the darkness of hate.” “But—” “Did you believe the dreams were painful for me?” Neriah interrupted, meeting Tamir‟s eyes. “Yes,” replied Tamir. “Never, beloved,” Neriah whispered, running his fingers over Tamir‟s lips. He ached to kiss those full lips. But he is not yours to love anymore, Neriah reminded himself, averting his eyes so that Tamir would not see his pain. He bowed his head for a moment, then stood up again. “The two stars on the pendant,” he said, walking over to the window and pulling the jade pendant from under his kameez, “they represent us, don‟t they?” “Yes,” answered Tamir. “Please. Tell me about what happened, how you came to find me all those years ago,” Neriah said, still looking out over the city.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 188 “There isn‟t much to tell,” Tamir replied. “I told you that I would often watch you at the palace. I saw your kindness to the other children, the way you would help your brothers. You always took the time to tend to them when they would skin their knees or cut themselves playing. You would help them with their studies. You taught Saria how to wield a sword. I watched all these things, and I envied your brothers. “As time went by, I realized that I had grown to love you, although you had never even met me. Kuri used to laugh at me for being such a romantic fool. And when she told me that the Royal Guards were chasing you—that they sought to kill you—I had to protect you, regardless of the consequences. But before I got to the market square, you had already jumped from the wall. You were badly injured, helpless. I could not leave you there to die or allow the guards to capture you.” “You knew the consequences of your actions,” Neriah said, awestruck, “and yet you did not hesitate.” “A Jinn lives to serve,” Tamir replied. Then, thinking better of these words, he added, “But I am not being entirely honest with you. I rescued you in part because I wanted to meet you. I wanted to touch you… to know your kindness for myself. And, that night, I could feel your pain so acutely, my heart felt as though it were rent in two.” “You offered your body and your heart to me that night,” recalled Neriah. “I felt safe. Loved….” For several minutes, neither man spoke. Recovering his composure, Neriah said in a more regal tone, “Amir tells me that you will leave the palace tomorrow for your homeland.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 189 He says that the Regent may reconsider your punishment in time.” “Yes.” “I am happy for you, Tamir,” said Neriah. “You belong with your people.” Tamir said nothing. “I will not see you again,” Neriah whispered. “Will I?” “No,” Tamir answered, his voice just audible. “Then be well, beloved,” Neriah bade him, mustering all his strength. “You will forever be in my heart.” He walked out of the room without turning back, leaving Tamir alone once more. Tamir put his hands to his face and began to cry.

NERIAH closed the door behind him. His face was drawn, his heart heavy. He looked up to see Amir, leaning against the wall of the corridor, arms folded across his tattooed chest. “Remember your promise to me,” Neriah told the Jinn as he walked away. “See that he finds the measure of happiness that he deserves.” Amir nodded but said nothing.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 190

Chapter Sixteen The Choice Three Years Later

KURI leaned back on the pile of silk pillows and studied Amir intently. “How is Tamir?” she asked. “His body has long healed, of course,” Amir replied. “Only his body?” she pressed, a knowing look on her face. She had not seen Tamir for herself, but she had heard whispers amongst the other Jinn about the powerless Jinn whom Amir kept as a “plaything.” “He is well cared for,” Amir answered. “I am a considerate lover. He wants for nothing.” “I have no doubt of your prowess in bed,” she answered. “But if he is well, why have you asked me here?” Amir frowned, regretting his decision to summon Kuri from the human world. “Neriah was crowned King of Tazier more than two years ago now,” he said. “The kingdom is prospering under his rule.” “And?” she prodded, absentmindedly twirling a strand of her long blond hair between her fingers. “And since then, I have been concerned for Tamir‟s wellbeing,” Amir admitted with a scowl. “Tamir does not complain, but he seems preoccupied. He has lost weight. There are days when I cannot persuade him to eat. He rarely smiles. His skin is pale, his hair—”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 191 “And this surprises you?” she laughed, interrupting and tossing her hair back. “You understand so little of his heart. He is not a pet, Amir, to be kept like a dog. He is a man.” “The Regent has agreed at last to restore his powers,” Amir responded, as if this fact somehow compensated for Tamir‟s servitude. He watched Kuri for her reaction. “Thanks to you, no doubt,” she replied. “But why bring me here, if you have everything so well in hand? To hear you explain it, Tamir will become Jinn once more, and with the return of his powers, his heart will heal. That‟s what you believe, isn‟t it? Or are you fearful that he will leave you once you hold no more power over his body?” “He will not leave,” Amir replied, his lips now taut against his teeth. And Kuri knew that, despite his bravado, she had struck a chord. He was afraid, this powerful Jinn who until now had feared nothing. “No,” she countered, “he won‟t leave. He would never break his word to you. He will continue to honor your contract. Neriah‟s safety is more valuable than his own life.” To this, Amir said nothing. “Have you told him that the Regent has consented?” she asked. She realized as soon as the words left her lips that Amir had not, in fact, told Tamir. “No, I have not found the proper moment to do so,” Amir answered, sounding defensive. “Is that so?” Kuri laughed and stood up, then walked up to Amir and stared into his eyes. “You are afraid.” Again, Amir said nothing but glared at her. He is afraid for Tamir’s life, she thought, her own fear mounting with her growing understanding. “He‟s miserable,

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 192 isn‟t he?” she asked aloud. “You have done everything within your power—and that power is quite remarkable—to give him happiness. And yet, his heart is still broken.” “A Jinn‟s heart does not break,” retorted Amir. “He is no longer Jinn, you fool,” Kuri insisted, although her tone was kind. She paused for a moment, then asked, “Have you withheld news of the Regent‟s decision because you fear he would not want his powers restored?” Amir did not reply. “That‟s it, isn‟t it?” she demanded. Amir now looked pained. “I fear for him, Kuri,” he said, sounding desperate and vulnerable for the first time. “Then release him,” she replied, her voice hard. “Allow him to choose. Or be content to watch him wither before your eyes.”

AMIR lay back on the bed several mornings later. He was naked, his hands under his head, as he gazed up admiringly at Tamir. Tamir, as always, had acquiesced to Amir‟s physical demands without complaint. And yet, as Tamir washed his face in the basin at the edge of the room, Amir could see his companion‟s hands shake with weakness. He hasn’t eaten in days, thought Amir, with a faint shudder of guilt. He cannot go on like this. Kuri is right—he will die. “The Regent has agreed to hear your plea for clemency,” he said. He sounded quite pleased with himself despite his unspoken misgivings. Tamir said nothing, but pulled on a shalvar and brushed his hair, tying it with a small green ribbon. “I‟d have thought you‟d be pleased to hear it, Tamir,”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 193 Amir pressed. “If he is willing to listen, he is unlikely to deny you. That is his way.” “I am grateful that you have spoken with him on my behalf,” Tamir answered. “You are very generous, Master.” Amir frowned. “Is this not something you desire, Tamir?” he asked, sitting up and looking at the younger Jinn in mild irritation. “I thought—” “What Jinn in my position would not desire it?” Tamir said, although his words sounded hollow. “I am glad to hear that,” Amir replied. He got up from the bed and pulled on a pair of fuchsia pantaloons. He stretched his large muscles, pulling his neck from side to side and grunting in satisfaction. “Although, when you are Jinn once more, perhaps you will enjoy my company less.” “You are a generous lover,” Tamir answered, knowing that was what Amir wanted to hear. It was true; Amir was skilled and attentive. And yet the emptiness that he had felt since they had left Tazier had deepened with time. Since the news that Neriah had been crowned king had reached the kingdom of the Jinn, Tamir had felt nothing: just numbness. With the throne came responsibilities. Neriah would eventually choose a wife. And then…. Amir walked behind Tamir and put his arms around the other Jinn‟s chest, then kissed Tamir‟s neck. “You have always been kind, Tamir,” said the larger man, resignation in his voice. “But even I know when I have lost.” “Lost?” “Kuri was right,” replied Amir. “About what?” Tamir asked.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 194 “That I would never win your human heart,” Amir said, his expression one of great longing. “What I didn‟t realize,” he continued, “is that I had lost it long before I had found you again. It had already been won. Still, I thought I would be content to have your company alone. I was wrong.” Tamir said nothing. “I do not want to see you suffer, my beautiful Tamir,” Amir said, caressing the younger Jinn‟s cheek with his large fingers. “What will you choose?” “Of what choice do you speak, Master?” Tamir asked. “I have given you my word. I will remain with you as long as you desire it.” “The Regent is willing to restore your powers,” Amir repeated. “But if you do not wish it….” Tamir turned around and looked at Amir, appearing confused. “I don‟t understand. If you wish it, why would I ever have a choice in the matter?” Amir sighed and turned Tamir around. “I would give you that choice,” he said, “and more.” “More?” “Yes,” Amir answered. He looked at Tamir with a strange, wistful expression. “Master,” said Tamir with concern. “Have I displeased you? Have I done something to insult you? If so, I—” “You have done nothing wrong,” Amir replied. “I do this because it is my desire to see you happy.” “But Master, I am—” “Do not say it,” interrupted Amir. “We both know that you are no longer Jinn and that you can lie.” Tamir looked down at the floor, remaining silent.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 195 “Tamir,” Amir said, his tone now formal, “I hereby relinquish my claim to you.” “What?” gasped Tamir, raising his head and staring at Amir. “You have fulfilled your part of the bargain. I will continue to protect the King, but you are free to decide your fate.” “You…,” Tamir began haltingly, “you would give me my freedom and allow me to choose?” “Yes.” “And if I decide to relinquish my powers forever….” “The Regent has agreed that you may continue to live as a human, for as long as that might be,” answered Amir. “But there will be no second chances. Your decision will be final— your fate will be forever sealed.” “I…,” began Tamir, then stopped, overcome and at a loss for words. Amir brushed Tamir‟s face once more, running a single finger over Tamir‟s lips. He sighed deeply. “I do love you, my beautiful Tamir,” he said, his voice like a gentle caress. “I want nothing more than for you to stay at my side. But I will no longer hold you to your contract. I can no longer watch you suffer.” “Master,” said Tamir, his eyes wide and dark with emotion. “You have already decided, haven‟t you?” Amir stated. There was deep sadness in his expression. Tears ran down Tamir‟s cheeks. “You have been so kind to me,” he said, then put his hands to Amir‟s face and kissed him sweetly on the lips.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 196

AS

HE had done so often in the three years since he had

become king, Neriah sat on the grass in the rose-scented garden in the shadow of the mountains, his eyes closed in meditation. His long, dark hair blew in the soft breeze that wafted through the fragrant orange groves. Dressed in fine purple silks, his pale skin shone like the surface of the moon, and his broad chest rose and fell with each slow, deliberate breath. But despite the beautiful evening and the lush cocoon of the trees and flowers, his heart was heavy, and his soul was lonely. “Your Majesty.” “Saria,” he answered, opening his eyes. His expression naturally softened when he saw his brother. “May I speak with you?” asked the prince, kneeling before Neriah on the grass, his green eyes sparkling in the moonlight. “Of course,” replied Neriah. “I seek your consent to marry,” Saria said. “Marry?” Neriah looked surprised to hear this. Upon assuming the throne, Neriah himself had released his younger brother from his betrothal to a princess of a nearby kingdom. “She is not a princess,” he explained. “But she is kind and beautiful. And….” He hesitated, looking quite forlorn. “And you love her,” Neriah finished. “Yes, Brother.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 197 “Then of course, you have my permission to wed,” Neriah replied, the edges of his mouth turning up. Saria bowed. “Neriah, I—” “You need not thank me, Saria,” Neriah answered. “I am happy for you. And your happiness is more than enough thanks.” For a moment, neither spoke, although Saria looked as though he wanted to say something but could not quite bring himself to do so. “You wish to tell me something, don‟t you?” asked Neriah. Saria nodded. “Please, little brother,” Neriah said, now grinning, “do not hesitate. I promise I will not chastise you for speaking your mind.” Saria blushed, then stammered, “I… I am afraid for you… Neriah.” “Afraid? Why? Has not the kingdom prospered under my rule? Is there some danger of which I am unaware?” “No,” Saria replied, “but….” He swallowed hard, then said, “You seem so pained, so… lonely. It hurts my soul to see you this way.” Neriah was silent, but his expression was kind. “I…,” Saria continued, biting his lip and looking down. “I wish to help you, Neriah.” “You are very kind,” Neriah said, his mouth still smiling but his eyes quite sad. “You remind me of someone I used to know. He, too, had a generous heart.” Saria bowed so deeply that his head almost touched the ground. “I…,” he began again with a voice muffled against the grass, “I know I may arouse your anger, but I… I wish to give you something.” “Give me something?” Neriah repeated.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 198 “I do not wish to see you alone,” Saria said. He lifted his head and gathered his courage. Then, his words coming so fast that it took Neriah a moment to understand them, he blurted out, “I have brought you a slave.” Neriah‟s face grew hard. “I will not have slaves in my kingdom,” he responded, his tone hard. Saria‟s face grew red, but he did not back down. “He need not remain your slave, of course,” he amended, “but he is my gift to you.” Neriah now stood and glared down at Saria‟s kneeling form, his arms across his chest. “I will have none of this, Saria,” he snapped, “even from you.” Saria stood up and, although he was somewhat shorter than Neriah, he raised his face so that his eyes met his brother‟s. “I ask just that you see him, Your Majesty,” he said, stressing the title. “If he does not please you, you may give him his freedom, and I will never again defy you.” Neriah began to speak, but Saria turned to the garden entrance. In the shadows, Neriah could see a figure silhouetted against the white stone wall. Glowering at his brother, Neriah dismissed him, saying, “We will speak of this later, Saria. Leave me.” Blanching, Saria bowed, then ran from the garden without another word. For a long moment, Neriah said nothing. Then, addressing the man in the shadows, he announced, “I will not keep slaves in my kingdom. Leave here—you are free to go.” He turned his back to the slave and sat down once more. He would speak with Saria again later. Even the boy‟s kindness could not compensate for such brash behavior.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 199 “But I had heard that, years ago, you did keep a slave,” came a resonant voice from behind him. Neriah‟s breath caught in his throat and his shoulders tensed. For at least a minute, he said nothing. Then, recollecting himself, he whispered, “Years ago, I took a lover. He was kind and brave and good. But I drove him away. My heart has been empty ever since.” “It will not do for a king to live alone,” the newcomer replied, kneeling behind Neriah. “Is there no one who can ease your pain, Your Majesty?” “There is just one soul who can heal this heart,” Neriah answered, feeling that very heart pound madly in his chest. “But he belongs to another.” “But you are wrong, Your Highness,” came the reply from lips so close to Neriah‟s ear that the young king could feel the man‟s breath against his neck. “He belongs to you, if you would choose to have him.” Neriah closed his eyes, letting the tears spill onto his face. A gentle hand brushed the wetness away, and he felt powerful arms encircle him with warmth. “Beloved,” Neriah whispered. “Will you have him, then, this slave? Will you have him, knowing that he is human and that he will never again possess the power of a Jinn? Knowing that he will grow old and die?” “I will hold no slave. But I would have you, gladly, even if it were for just a night,” Neriah replied, opening his eyes and turning to see his beloved. Tamir pulled Neriah‟s face to his, kissing the lips he had dreamed of every night since they had parted. Neriah tasted

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 200 of salty tears and orange blossoms. The kiss deepened, and Neriah moaned as his need grew. “But how?” he gasped, as their lips finally parted. “Amir has released me from our contract,” Tamir answered, relishing the feel of the other man‟s skin beneath his fingers. “But when I spoke with Kuri, she told me the Regent was to pardon you, that—” “I chose to be with you,” interrupted Tamir. “But your people—” Neriah protested. “Shhh,” Tamir hushed the King. “There are times, I have been told, when it is not appropriate to speak.” Neriah laughed good-naturedly, but he obliged. “I was given the choice of returning to my kind and reclaiming my powers, or to return to this world,” Tamir explained. “I chose you, my beloved Neriah.” “I have dreamed of you every night,” Neriah said. “And yet, I fear that I can never bring you such magical pleasure as could a Jinn.” The admission pained him, but he felt compelled to speak of it now. “I chose you,” Tamir repeated. “You, my King, are my life. I could not imagine an eternity without you. I have never found such pleasure with any other, be it human or Jinn. I have loved you since the first day I saw you. I have wanted no one else. If you will take me as I am, with nothing to offer but my heart, and as many days as I may be fortunate enough to live… then I am yours. Forever.” Neriah‟s whispered, “Yes,” was lost as his lips claimed Tamir‟s.

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 201 Tamir‟s face appeared to glow in the moonlight. The eyes that had been dull and pained mere days ago now were alit with love. “Beloved,” he whispered, his lips brushing the young King‟s. Neriah, unable to hold himself back, pushed Tamir onto the soft grass and covered his cheeks in kisses. Tamir sighed and closed his eyes, inhaling Neriah‟s sweet fragrance and feeling his body relax. Neriah pulled Tamir‟s kameez over the mane of wild red hair and, for a moment, traced a single finger from the base of Tamir‟s neck down his chest, pausing to look back into Tamir‟s eyes before untying the waist of Tamir‟s shalvar. Slowly, his eyes traveling over Tamir‟s lean torso, he pulled the fabric down to reveal Tamir‟s obvious need. “I want to pleasure you as well,” Neriah said with a sly look at Tamir. “I do not want a slave, Tamir. I want a lover, with whom I can share my soul and my life.” Tamir‟s heart hammered in his chest in anticipation as Neriah took him into his mouth. Unlike before, Tamir did not protest but struggled to catch his breath. And as Neriah began to tease and suck at Tamir‟s hard response, Tamir‟s moans rose on the soft breeze. Later, after he had devoured every drop of Tamir‟s sweet release, Neriah shed his own clothing. Only now did he permit Tamir to minister to his own physical need. He ran his long fingers through Tamir‟s hair, tugging Tamir‟s head backward to reveal amber eyes and the passion that burned within. Tamir‟s mouth claimed Neriah‟s, and he tasted himself on the King‟s lips. Finally releasing Neriah from his mouth, he rolled over on the grass. “No,” Neriah said, putting a strong arm on Tamir‟s shoulder and turning him back around. “I want to look into

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 202 your eyes.” And, supporting Tamir‟s lower back, he permitted Tamir to guide him between tight buttocks, as he had done years before, when they were not much more than children. And there under the moonlight, amidst the flowering shrubs, the cries of the two lovers wafted, like the fragrance of the orange trees, above the palace.

LATER, as the sun began to rise over Tazier, Tamir lay within Neriah‟s arms. Neither man had slept, although both were exhausted and spent from their night of lovemaking. “But how did my brother come to bring you here?” Neriah asked, his body and his heart at peace for the first time in years. “We had met before, your brother and I,” Tamir explained, “when I was held captive here at the palace. When your father‟s men threw me into the dungeons”—his voice trembled at the memory of the torture he had endured at the former King‟s hands—“he brought me food and water.” “Saria has always had a kind heart,” Neriah said. “After Amir released me from the contract,” Tamir continued, “I came to the palace. But I did not know if you would have me. I did not wish you to care for me out of guilt. I asked to see Prince Saria instead. He told me of how you had refused to take even a handmaiden to your bed. That is when he told me that Uryon had spoken of a man who used to be a Jinn—a man who had stolen your heart.” “It seems the captain of my royal guard has been speaking out of turn,” Neriah said with an amused smile. “I will see that he receives a suitable punishment.”

The Dream of a Thousand Nights | Shira Anthony 203 “In truth,” Tamir continued, “I still hesitated… until the prince told me that you had proclaimed you would not take a wife, and that, in time, you would hand the kingdom over to the eldest child of one of your brothers.” Neriah kissed Tamir on the cheek, then sat up in bed and withdrew the gold chain and pendant from around his neck. Tamir‟s face lit up with pleasure to see that Neriah still wore it. “It no longer has any power, either,” Tamir observed. “That is not true,” Neriah answered, letting the pendant fall back against his chest and taking Tamir in his arms. “You underestimate its power, as well as yours. Beloved.”

About the Author

In her last incarnation, Shira Anthony was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as Tosca, Pagliacci, and La Traviata, among others. She‟s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle. Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs, and when she‟s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she‟s not working, she can be found aboard a thirty-foot catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. Shira can be found on Facebook, Goodreads, or on her web site, http://www.shiraanthony.com. You can also contact her at [email protected].

Copyright

The Dream of a Thousand Nights ©Copyright Shira Anthony, 2011 Published by Dreamspinner Press 382 NE 191st Street #88329 Miami, FL 33179-3899, USA http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. Cover Art by Anne Cain [email protected] Cover Design by Mara McKennen This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this eBook can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the Publisher. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press at: 382 NE 191st Street #88329, Miami, FL 33179-3899, USA http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ Released in the United States of America September 2011 eBook Edition eBook ISBN: 978-1-61372-115-5