“Tired?” he asks.
Khatoun nods. The table seems suddenly quiet.
“How long is it taking these days, in a wagon?”
“We set off before dawn,” Khatoun says, looking across at Iskender before adding, “The journey was fine, thank you.”
“And now you’re ready for sleep, I can sense that. Tomorrow night you will join us for conversation and games after supper, but tonight your wings may carry you where they will. To infinite heavens, Insha’Allah.” And with this he nods at Sophia who stands expectantly, ready to show Khatoun to her room.
“I’ll be back with coffee,” Sophia says, pushing Iskender back down into his seat. “Cards. You and me against Abdanour and Sammi. We’d better win or you’ll lose your fez once and for all.” She grabs a lamp from the wall and leads Khatoun out of the room, the row
