In the King's Quarters

The king returned to his quarters and decided to go through some reports. He figured it would do him well to focus on some pressing issues at hand to take his mind off of Farah.

About an hour or so into his work, the door of his study creaked open without any permission or announcement. There was only one person who would have dared to enter in such a way.

"My King," purred Roshanak as she entered the room and stood behind him.

"Roshanak" he acknowledged without even looking up from his work.

Roshanak put her hands on his shoulders and began to massage circles with her thumbs near his neck.

"My King, you work too hard" said Roshanak in a silky tone.

"I have a duty Roshanak, to all those who depend on me: My kingdom, my people, my counsel-"

"And what of your duty to your wife?" whispered Roshanak into his ear, continuing to massage his neck. She reached over to caress his face, only to have him stop her hand and turn to face her.

"Roshanak," he said firmly, "I came here to go through my reports and cannot do so with constant interruptions. Please, I have much to do and so little time."

Roshanak was both annoyed and offended at this rejection of her advances. How could he push her aside and resist her like that?

"My King, I only seek to please you-"

"You can please me by letting my finish my work" he replied firmly, cutting her off. Relenting, he sighed and took Roshanak's hands in his own and kissed Roshanak on the forehead. "I apologize if I came across as harsh. You just caught me at a bad time."

Internally, Roshanak was seething, but she was the master of keeping a straight face, and she did so once again in front of the King.

"I shall leave you to your work, My King" she said, putting on an air of obedience and understanding, and quickly brushed her lips against his. She then showed herself out of his study.

King Sherfiruz sighed deeply. He couldn't help but feel a little bad that he had been a bit cold towards Roshanak. Still, he was busy and his mind was focused on his reports.

Or was it?

The thought crept into his mind. He thought he was focusing on his reports, but when Roshanak brought her lips close to his face, all he could think of was Farah.


Roshanak returned to her quarters and dismissed her servants.

"Leave me. I wish to be alone" she barked, waving them away.

Roshanak then retreated to a small room in her quarters. From a special box, she removed a small chest. Reaching for the pendant on her neck, she placed the bottom part into the keyhole and twisted it, unlocking the chest. Inside was a small amulet with mysterious carvings. Reaching for a small knife she kept by, she poked her finger against it lightly until she drew blood. She then placed her bloody finger against the centermost carving until it filled the carved space and recited an ancient incantation. The amulet began to glow and a whispy, black smoky figure began to emerge.

"Much has happened since the last time we spoke." snapped Roshanak. "I have much to tell you."

The smoky figure arranged itself into a man with charred blue-black looking skin, glowing symbols all over his body, hair that looked like it was smoking, and spiked chains that were embedded into his arm. The most striking part of the specter was his resemblance to King Sherfiruz.

The specter returned a malicious grin, his yellow eyes glowing with excitement.

"It's about time you paid me a visit, Roshanak."