Twenty-three-old Princess Nadira sat by her chamber window, watching as the guests arrived on their camels, horses, and even in sedan chairs. This did nothing to ease Nadira's sadness, in fact, if anything, this was worsening it. Two months ago, she had been forced to leave her beloved home in Alamut, and taken to Persia to live with her older sister, Tamina, and her new-brother-in-law, Dastan.
Now, seeing the guests come to honor Dastan's birthday with a feast, was a painful reminder of how she was in a new land and surrounded by many unfamiliar faces.
"Nadira?"
Nadira turned and saw Tamina, dressed in her finest clothes & jewelry, and folding her arms. She often did this when she was angry.
"What is it, Tamina? "Nadira asked.
"The guests are arriving, and you've not even taken a step out of this room."
"Why must I speak to strangers? No onw I know is attending Dastan's birthday, so it would seem silly for me to socialize."
Tamina sighed. "I know you would've prefer to stay in Alamut, but you cannot sulk in your chamber like a spoiled child."
When Nadira said nothing, Tamina approached her and laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Come downstairs. I beg you. If not for yourself, than at least for my sake."
Nadira turned to Tamina and nodded. "For you, sister. Nothing else."
Nadira followed Tamina downstairs and to the apadana, where all the guests were speaking amongst each other, laughing and drinking as well. As Tamina went to socialize with her guests, Nadira began to wonder around. Despite her royal status and having quite a way with people, she felt incredibly shy amongst the group of strangers.
"Princess Nadira."
Nadira turned around and saw a man, wearing black robes with a keffiyeh cloaking his head; Nadira was hardly able to see his face.
"I've only been to Alamut on few occasions, when I was still under the service of the Persian army. I had just killed two men, not far from your palace, and I could see you at your window. You've grown since then." The man explained.
"Who are you?" Nadira asked.
The man did not speak, and suddenly seemed nervous. Nadira approached him slowly.
"I asked you a question. Who are you? What is your name?"
"My name is of no importance, Princess."
"Nadira!"
Upon hearing Tamina's voice, Nadira turned to her sister, who stormed up to her and laid a hand on her shoulder.
"I've been looking for you. What are you doing?"
"I was speaking with this man."
"What man?"
Nadira turned slightly and saw that the man had vanished entirely. She searched for him, but could not seem to find him anywhere. He was gone.
"A man. He wore black, and knew who I was." Nadira said.
"Everyone in Persia has learned your name, Nadira."
"But he had been to Alamut before, and had seen me at my window."
Tamina sighed. "Nadira, I'm sure he had been mistaken. Besides, whoever he was, he's gone now."
Nadira nodded slowly and followed Tamina through the bustling crowd.