Disclaimer: I do not own The Wrath and the Dawn. It belongs to Reneé Ahdieh. The dialogue and action in the Khalid/Shahrzad scenes are from the book.

A/N: Thank you all, my lovely reviewers and readers!

So just note about this chapter, I added a bit of my own stuff to the scene where Yasmine meets with Khalid, and also added some of my own Khalid scenes. Hope you enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 12: Yasmine

(Corresponds with Chapters A Dance on a Balcony and Realizations Upon Explanations of The Wrath and the Dawn, pages 255 - 285)

It was at the conclusion of dinner, when the servants were collecting their plates, that Khalid spotted her red-brown curls at a nearby table.

Yasmine.

He had nearly forgotten that she would be there that night. He had been too preoccupied with keeping an eye on her father...and being transfixed by his own wife.

As she turned her body to face him, he caught Yasmine's gaze. Khalid immediately looked away. He hoped she wouldn't...do anything to show her infatuation with him. He knew she loved him, and she knew he didn't love her, but that didn't stop her from continuing to show that she loved him most of the time. Hopefully, she'd restrain herself this time, especially since he was with his wife.

While Yasmine was certainly beautiful and the two of them grew up together, he never felt anything more for her than just a cousin. She was a fine, accomplished woman...but she was the daughter of Salim. It was his father's wish for him to marry her before he died, and Khalid did everything to disobey his heartless father's requests. But she never seemed to fully accept that he didn't want her, even after he married Ava, making her an occasional annoyance in his life.

A group of musicians gathered near the dais and warmed up their instruments. As they began to play the first few notes of a harmonious tune with a steady beat, Khalid noticed someone moving toward the dais. When he looked, he immediately regretted it and averted his gaze.

It had been Yasmine.

What was she doing?

He heard the low chatter among his guests increase as well as a groan that he was certain came from Jalal.

From the corner of his eye, he could tell she had begun dancing, and as she swayed her body to the music, she gradually came closer to his table.

Khalid continued to look away, not wanting to give her any satisfaction by watching her. It might have encouraged her, and he definitely did not want to do that. Plus, he felt so uncomfortable. Why would she do this? Was this her way of trying to infuriate Shahrzad? What did she expect him to do?

Everyone in the room was watching her. He felt Yasmine's eyes on him as she approached. When the song ended, she stopped dancing, but continued to make her way to Khalid.

Stopping in front of Shahrzad, she looked over at him.

"Hello, Khalid," she purred.

Letting out a breath, Khalid finally looked up at her. "Hello, Yasmine."

Yasmine smiled at him, which just made Khalid even more uneasy.

After a moment of awkward silence passed between them, Khalid realized an introduction needed to be made. "Yasmine, this is my wife, Shahrzad al-Khayzuran," he said while tilting his head in Shahrzad's direction. "Shahrzad, this is Yasmine el-Sharif."

Yasmine bowed before her. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise," Shahrzad replied in an enthusiastic manner that Khalid could detect was a pretense. She had an unreadable expression upon her face.

Yasmine turned her attention back to Khalid and proceeded to ask about his kingdom, his horse, how he enjoyed the new bathhouse he recently had installed at the palace, and just about every facet of his life it seemed, with her father occasionally piping in. Khalid gave them stilted responses, wondering when this conversation would end.

As Yasmine inquired about him, Khalid noticed from the corner of his eye that Shahrzad was engaged in a hushed discussion with Jalal. Then, midway through his conversation with Yasmine, he saw Shahrzad hurriedly leave the table without even a glance at him. It seemed that she was...annoyed. But why would she be annoyed?

As he was engaged in this fruitless conversation, his mind wondered what was wrong with Shahrzad. He needed to find her.

"Have a pleasant evening, Khalid," Yasmine finally finished after sensing his disinterest. She bowed and turned to leave the dais.

Once she was out of earshot and seeing that the general had now engaged Salim in conversation, Jalal leaned over to Khalid and whispered, "You didn't tell Shahrzad about Yasmine?"

"No. Should I have?" Khalid replied.

"If you intend for Shahrzad to remain your wife, yes."

After receiving a perplexed look from Khalid, Jalal sighed and continued. "You have never understood women, Khalid. You are in big trouble with your wife."

But...what did he do?

"Why?"

"Well as Yasmine was dancing for you, Shahrzad was clearly getting jealous. I bet that's why she ran off. She probably could no longer stand the sight of her," Jalal stated before taking a sip of his wine.

Ugh. He needed to find her. But Shazi, jealous? He thought she was better than that. She didn't need to worry about Yasmine. Shahrzad was the only woman to capture his heart.

He probably should have told her about his past with Yasmine, but it didn't seem to be necessary for her to know.

"Where did she go?" Khalid asked.

"I saw her meeting with some of the guests. I can't tell where she is now."

Khalid sighed. He moved to get up, and his eyes searched the room for her, but he was unable to spot her. Stepping down from the dais, he started making his way through the multitude of people. At one point, he thought he saw her cerulean mantle, but he was detained by an emir who wanted to tell him how much he admired the construction of the palace.

And considering how he was trying to rid himself of his monstrous and haughty image to his bannermen, he couldn't brush the man off.

After graciously thanking him for his comments, he went back to searching for Shahrzad. He had lost sight of her mantle. As he walked around, more of his bannermen wanted to pay their respects, frustrating Khalid even more.

He needed to find Shahrzad! Why would she go visit with the guests without him?

When he turned past one of the columns, he first saw Vikram, and then saw Shahrzad standing across from him with one of the guests.

"Shahrzad," he called out from a few paces away before striding over to her.

"Shahrzad," he repeated when she gave no response.

"Yes?" she casually replied without looking at him.

"I've been looking for you," he said seriously.

Turning to face him, she answered him angrily. "A thousand apologies, sayyidi. I was talking to Yasmine and lost track of what truly matters."

She really was enraged by what happened with Yasmine. What did she talk to Yasmine about?

"I see," he said. Shahrzad stared back at him with fury filling her eyes.

Why was she so greatly upset by this? He didn't think it would bother her this much.

"Have you met Tariq Imran al-Ziyad, sayyidi?" she asked as she gestured to the young man standing before her, next to Vikram.

Khalid put aside his own frustration with Shahrzad as he turned to finally look at this man, who was a bit taller than him. This Tariq initially appeared displeased to see him, but then bowed with a hesitant smile on his face.

"Sayyidi. I am Tariq Imran al-Ziyad, son of Nasir al-Ziyad, Emir of Tarleqan."

Khalid nodded. "I hope you enjoy your stay in the city."

"With such hospitality, sayyidi, I'm certain I will," Tariq stated with a bright grin that made Khalid slightly leery of him.

Following the brief chat with the curious Tariq Imran al-Ziyad, Shahrzad was willing to greet more of the guests alongside Khalid. She clearly was still mad at him as she wouldn't look at him or say a word to him in between their conversations with his bannermen. But when conversing with his bannermen, she remained pleasant, and she completely charmed and dazzled all of them. Just as he knew she would.

After they visited with the majority of the guests, Shahrzad excused herself to retire to her room, leaving Khalid unable to talk to her about Yasmine. There was so much they both needed to say when he had found her with that tall boy earlier. He could tell her fiery temper was bubbling beneath the surface, holding back from hurling angry words at him.

He desperately needed to apologize to her. He couldn't stand her being so furious with him!

Later, when the festivities for the evening concluded and every guest had been welcomed by Khalid, he planned to head straight for Shahrzadi's chamber. But as he was leaving the hall, Salim asked to walk with him on his way to his guest chamber causing Khalid to have to make a detour.

Their conversation contained nothing of interest. Salim just had to get in his few typical jabs about his parentage. Khalid didn't even bother to allow himself to be irritated by his words. Because his wife managed to verbally attack him and insult him that evening, he knew Salim was just trying to fight back so his pride wouldn't feel so wounded.

He was tremendously proud of Shazi and that was another reason why he so badly wanted to see her that night. With every word she spoke, he felt more and more enamored with her. He needed her to know that.

When Salim finally bid him goodnight, Khalid eagerly headed down the corridor leading to Shahrzad's chamber. But when he turned the corner, he ran into Uncle Aref who asked if they could discuss Salim's arrival and their preparations to ensure the safety of the palace.

Khalid sighed. But he needed to see Shahrzad!

However, he knew this brief meeting (and he would make sure it was brief) was important. He couldn't risk Salim snooping around or attacking Shahrzad in the middle of the night to pay for her insults.

Shahrzad, unfortunately, would have to wait a bit longer.

After their meeting in Khalid's antechamber, the general was off to implement the additional protective measures they discussed.

Finally, Khalid was able to go to Shahrzad's room.

As usual, Vikram was standing guard outside of it. Khalid greeted him with a slight nod, and Vikram nodded back as he stepped aside from the doorway.

Khalid placed his hand upon the handle, but stopped himself. Most nights, Khalid just walked right in without even a knock. But, this time, he knew she was angry with him, and there was a chance she still didn't want to speak with him, as was the case earlier that evening.

So as to not risk infuriating her anymore by barging in, he decided to knock on the door this time.

Impatiently, he waited to hear footsteps coming toward the door or her voice calling out.

Instead, he heard nothing.

Was she already asleep? Or was she so incensed with him that she refused to open the door?

Khalid sighed and waited there a few minutes just to make sure she wouldn't suddenly decide to open the door.

At one point, he thought he heard a slight pitter-patter against the marble floor from inside her room, but the door never opened. It must have been his imagination or wishful thinking on his part. Turning around, he headed back to his chamber and ignored the questioning glance that Vikram was giving him.

Still, he just couldn't understand why she'd be so upset about this. Yasmine was nothing to him. And his Shazi shouldn't be bothered by such petty things.

He would just have to wait until tomorrow to speak with her.

The next morning, Khalid had to focus on entertaining his guests with a day of hunting, which meant he wasn't sure when he'd be able to talk with Shahrzad. His heart sunk when he realized it most likely wouldn't be until that evening.

But as he and Jalal walked down the corridor to the open-air gallery with his uncle Salim and bannermen following them, he spotted her and his heart raced.

She was heading in the direction of the Grand Portico, with Despina and Vikram following close behind. When their paths crossed, all the men greeted her and Khalid fought the strong urge he had to embrace her.

Salim then stepped forward to approach her. Khalid eyed him warily, but remained where he stood. His Shazi knew how to challenge his beast of an uncle. She didn't need any help from him. From the corner of his eye, he saw his cousin move forward as if to stand in front of her to guard her, but Khalid stuck out his hand to stop him.

With an eagerness to hear the bold words she'd have for Salim today, he watched her. She didn't appear fearful at all.

"Good morning, my lady! I trust you had a nice evening," Salim said cheerily.

"I did, my lord. And you?" Shahzad replied after she bowed.

He nodded. "A very nice evening. My daughter tells me she had a lovely conversation with you and was glad to have made your acquaintance."

"I did enjoy my conversation with Yasmine, my lord. It was - enlightening."

Khalid was still awfully curious as to what they talked about.

"I believe she used the very same word, my lady," Salim said.

"I find that rather appropriate, my lord. Given our exchange."

"As silver-tongued as a viper," he said with a chuckle. "Tell me, my lady, do you ever miss a moment to strike?"

"I fear that would be unwise, my lord," she remarked with a devious smile. "Especially in a den of snakes."

Salim shook his head. "You must visit us in Parthia, for our snakes have far less occasion to strike. Yasmine and I insist upon it. The next time Khalid comes to Amardha, you must join him so we can return your hospitality."

"It would be an honor, my lord." Shahrzad bowed her head.

Salim turned to look at Khalid with a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Truly, nephew. She is a treasure. See that you keep her safe."

And there was the threat he was expecting to hear from his uncle. It infuriated him, but Khalid didn't dare move or show that his comment angered him in any way. That would only encourage Salim and delight him.

Khalid then headed over to Shahrzad, and once again had to fight the desire to embrace her there in front of everyone. As he looked at her, she looked back up at him.

He was continuously in awe over how she came to be his bride. This fearless woman abounding in courage and strength…

He beamed at her with pride and gratitude, praying she would understand what he was trying to wordlessly tell her.

She gave a slight nod.

After he bowed before her, he allowed his hand to rest over his heart, attempting to show her how much she meant to him.

Then he reluctantly began to walk away, leading the group of men outside into the garden. But as they went, he found himself constantly looking back at the palace.

He really needed to speak with Shahrzad. He needed to make sure all was well between them, but how would he be able to discreetly leave the group during the hunt...when he was the caliph? He wasn't sure he'd be able to wait much longer.

Suddenly, he heard Jalal's voice ring out loudly beside him. "Sayyidi, I do believe you left something rather important in the Grand Portico."

Khalid glared at Jalal. He didn't need him to announce that to the entire party and make it so obvious.

"Perhaps you should attend to it and join us later for the hunt," Jalal continued with a bright smile.

He hated when Jalal smiled like that. With another peek at the palace, he realized he would take the opportunity to leave. Weaving through the men, he whispered his apologies to them.

As he neared the Grand Portico, he could hear Despina and Shahrzad's voices carrying out, followed by a burst of laughter he knew belonged to Shahrzad. He quickened his pace.

"You laugh very loud - as if you are the only one in the world," Despina remarked.

"That's funny. My sister says something very similar," Shahrzad replied.

"I assume it makes little difference to you."

"Why? You'd prefer I stop?"

"No, I would not," Khalid said as he walked through the entryway and saw the two women looking around at the different art pieces that were displayed, with Vikram standing guard nearby.

Upon seeing his arrival, Despina bowed. "Sayyidi."

He nodded in return. "I cannot speak for Despina. But you do laugh too loud. And I hope you never stop."

He loved the magical sound of her laugh. As he had told her in the souk, it felt like it held the promise of tomorrow.

Despina scurried out of the Grand Portico. Khalid never appreciated her more than he did at that moment.

When Shahrzad turned her attention to him, she wasn't smiling and seemed to be debating something as she eyed him carefully. Without a word, she moved to go past him to exit the Grand Portico, but Khalid grabbed her elbow to stop her. He wouldn't let her get away.

"I knocked at your door last night," he told her.

"I was tired," she said while averting her eyes from him.

"And angry with me," he added for her.

Shahrzad looked up at him and scowled. With a better look at her eyes, he was able to discover that she was actually furious at him.

"No," he said. "Irate."

"Let go of me," she said, and Khalid obeyed.

"I understand why. I was remiss in not telling you about Yasmine. I apologize. It won't happen again."

"Remiss?" Shahrzad shouted as she turned to him and let out a bitter laugh.

"I - "

"Do you know how foolish I looked? How foolish I felt?"

How could she let Yasmine affect her like this? He sighed. "She wanted to hurt you, and it troubles me to see how successful she was."

"How successful she was? You miserable, unfeeling ass! You think I'm angry because of what she did? Because she danced for you? My God, Khalid, how can you be so intelligent and so inexcusably dense in the same instant?"

Taken aback by her harsh words, he flinched.

"Shahrzad - "

"This has nothing to do with her. You hurt me, Khalid Ibn al-Rashid," she yelled. "The secrets - the locked doors I will never be given keys to - they wound me. Time and again, you wound me and walk away!"

He really screwed up this time. Jalal was right.

He closed his eyes and frowned as her words reverberated throughout the room. Her outrage was like a dagger to his heart. He hated hurting her, but giving her all the answers she wanted...it could cause her even more harm and bring her more pain.

Opening his eyes, he went to touch her, but she stepped out of his reach. He didn't let that stop him, so he grabbed both of her wrists and brought her hands up to his face. "Strike out at me if you wish, Shazi. Do whatever you will. But don't inflict the selfsame wound; don't leave."

He wouldn't let this conversation end in harsh words. He needed things to be right again. Having her hands rest against the sides of his jaw, he let his hands slide down her arms as he awaited her response.

She remained still, and her expression was impassive.

She would never be satisfied or content until she knew what he was hiding, he realized. He would have to tell her...one day, he knew. But, not today...

With his right hand, he pushed her hair out of her face and inhaled her lilac scent. "I'm sorry, joonam," he whispered. "For the secrets. For the locked doors. For everything. I promise to tell you one day. But not yet. Trust that some secrets are safer behind lock and key."

"I -" she began to say before biting her lip.

"Forgive me, a thousand times over, for wounding you," he told her softly before kissing her forehead.

He watched her as she closed her eyes. Gradually, she shifted her arms to his chest and then wrapped them around him. Khalid reciprocated the gesture, feeling thankful that their quarrel was over. They continued holding each other, enjoying the moment. It had felt so...right...to hold her again after not permitting himself to embrace her for the past two weeks.

But the moment was disrupted by a sudden and unexpected thump against the ground. Letting go of Shahrzad, he pushed her behind him and unsheathed his shamshir. He saw Vikram step forward as well, with his sword ready to defend. With his uncle staying at the palace, he had to be prepared to fight at any moment. Who knew what Salim would be up to.

"Khalid!" Shahrzad exclaimed as she gripped his shoulder. "What are you doing?"

Anxiously looking around, Khalid found the tall curious boy - Tariq Imran al-Ziyad - walking into the Grand Portico with a guard following closely behind.

Khalid's eyes remained aflame with rage as he watched Tariq approach.

The boy gave him a goofy, lopsided smile. "Are we not meeting here for the hunt?" he asked.

This boy was a complete imbecile and now a potential threat.

A/N: FYI after this part in the book, there is a scene from Khalid's perspective in which he's all mad and suspicious of Tariq and tells Jalal to find out everything about him. Just letting you know in case you want to go back and re-read that part of the book :)

Next chapter up is with the assassins!