Yusuf trotted up the long causeway leading to the citadel of Aleppo, with John riding beside him. They had ridden in silence during the long trip back from the desert. They passed through the gate and into the citadel grounds, where they stopped and dismounted before the stables. Yusuf met John’s eyes as he handed him the reins to his horse. He took a deep breath. ‘I-I wanted to say-’
John raised a hand, stopping him. ‘There is no need. We said all that needed to be said in the desert. We are still friends; that is all that matters.’
Yusuf nodded. He reached out, and they clasped hands. ‘I will see you this evening when we train the men.’
‘This evening,’ John agreed and led the horses to the stables.
Yusuf headed for the palace, skirting the field at the centre of the citadel, where a dozen mamluks were playing polo. One of them knocked the kura through the goalposts and whooped in triumph. Watching him, Yusuf thought back to his childhood and the first time he had bested his brother Turan at polo. He shook his head. Then, beating Turan had seemed the most important thing in the world.
Yusuf entered the palace and went to his quarters. He was not surprised to find Faridah waiting for him. She took one look at his face and smiled. ‘Thank Allah, you did not do it.’
‘I could not.’
She crossed the room and kissed him. ‘You did the right thing.’
‘Yes,’ Yusuf murmured.
Faridah released him and stepped back. ‘Asimat has sent a message. You are to go to her quarters.’ Yusuf frowned. ‘You do not wish to see her?’ Faridah asked. ‘What has happened?’
‘I do not wish to discuss it.’ Yusuf went to the door. ‘I will return soon.’
When Yusuf reached the harem, one of the guards informed him that Asimat was in the gardens. Yusuf left the palace and crossed the citadel grounds to the rose garden, where the trimmed hedges were in full leaf and full bloom. The guards waiting outside nodded to Yusuf, and he entered, winding his way towards the centre of the maze of pathways. Looking back, Yusuf could see the guards’ heads rising above the hedges. Their eyes were fixed upon him.
Yusuf found Asimat at the centre of the maze, sitting beside a low, circular pool with water bubbling up in the centre. She smiled when she saw him. He bowed. ‘Khatun.’
‘I am glad you came,’ she replied, standing and moving to him. ‘I thought I had lost you in the earthquake, Yusuf. It made me realize something.’ She lowered her voice. ‘I-I love you.’
Yusuf stepped back. ‘Do not say that.’
‘Why not?’ Asimat’s brow furrowed. ‘Do you not love me?’
Yusuf looked away. ‘We must not see each other again.’
‘What do you mean?’ She grabbed his arm. ‘Look at me!’ Reluctantly, he met her eyes. ‘You love me. I know you do.’
‘It does not matter. I will not betray my lord.’
‘It is too late for that. You have already betrayed him.’
‘No.’ Yusuf took her hands in his and spoke urgently. ‘The earthquake was a sign, Asimat. What we are doing is wrong, but Allah has given us a second chance. We must return to the path of the righteous.’
Asimat pulled her hands from his. ‘A sign from Allah? Do not be foolish!’ Yusuf said nothing. He turned his back on Asimat, but she grabbed his arm, spinning him around to face her. ‘You would give up the kingdom, then?’
‘If I must.’
‘I see.’ Asimat stood straighter, and the warmth faded from her expression. ‘You have greatness within you, Yusuf, but you fear it. To be great, you must be willing to seize your opportunity, no matter what the cost. You must be willing to betray anyone at any time. Anyone.’
‘And you, Asimat? Would you betray anyone to see your son on the throne?’ She nodded. ‘Even me?’ Asimat met his eyes, then looked away without speaking. Yusuf shook his head. ‘It is no wonder Allah has cursed your womb. You are everything I despise.’
Asimat slapped him, hard enough to snap his head to the side. ‘You do not love me, coward,’ she spat. ‘You never have.’ She turned and strode away.
Yusuf did not move as she left the garden. He knew he had done the right thing, but he felt ill, sick to his stomach. He picked one of the blossoms – a damask rose – and smelled it. ‘I do love you, Asimat,’ he murmured. Then he dropped the flower and crushed it under his boot.