lively

The eastern sun blazed so fiercely that even the thick silk on the windows offered no protection from the heat. The snow-white palace towered over the desert, seeming like a mirage. Here, opulence crossed the line: expensive fabrics cascaded from the cornices, pillows piled high on the marble, pearls hung from doorknobs, and gold was left undiscovered. The ruler had no fear of theft; it was impossible to carry everything off, and he ignored the disappearance of a cartload of gold bullion. Persia never asked for aid; all states were in its debt.

"Your Highness!" the boy with the parchment cried out of breath. "You can't buy a panther; you already have a tiger and a lion. Will they get along?"

Crown Prince Livius let out a bored sigh.

• Leave your doubts behind.

He headed to the harem wing, which he detested, since it belonged to his late father. Livy wanted to unfurl the "flower garden," but centuries-old customs forbade it. Walking through the corridors, he gave instructions, dodging laughing concubines playing barefoot, or embarrassed ones hiding their faces. This place exuded peace, but the prince had come here on business, to see the manager, to discuss the contents and fabrics for them.

“And, Ruth...” he began, but stopped when he felt a jolt to the top of his head.

A grape rolled across the white stone. Livius frowned and looked up. You stood on the carved balcony, your elbows resting on the railing. In your hand was a handful of grapes.