“Of course, of course.” He selected a smooth leather pouch and checked it was securely fastened. “I would never send anything else for Kasim.”
I nodded my thanks and fumbled as I reached for some coins.
“No, no,” Samir said hurriedly. “You mustn’t worry about such things in the urgency of the moment. I know I need have no concern that my bill will be paid in time.”
“Thank you.” I gave him a tight smile and fled with my new acquisition.
I had barely made it five steps, however, before I collided headlong with someone.
“Ouch!” My best friend frowned at me, rubbing at the spot where our two heads had collided.
“Where are you running off to at such an early hour?” Kali asked with a pout. “I spotted you and was hurrying over to say hello, but you weren’t looking at all.”
“Sorry,” I said shortly. “I must hurry home.” I held up the pouch. “I’ve just been at Samir’s stall getting medicine for Kasim.”
“He’s sick?” Kali frowned. “I’m sorry.” She hesitated and leaned closer. “But I know you too well to think the worry in your eyes is all for him. What’s going on?”
I grimaced. She did know me too well. “I can’t say. Sorry, Kali. Not this time.”
She rocked back in surprise, and I expected her to press me, but her eyes dropped to the pouch. She placed a warm hand on my wrist.
“You have to hurry. But I hope you know I’m always ready to help you—no matter what trouble you’ve gotten yourself into. That’s what friends are for.”
Moisture pricked at my eyes, her kind words balm after the stresses of the night. I wouldn’t put Kali at risk by dragging her into my mess, but her willingness meant a great deal.
“Thank you, Kali.” I tried to put my feelings into my tone since I couldn’t stay to talk.
“Yes, yes, I know, I’m the bestest of friends.” She smiled and waved for me to hurry on.
I obeyed, brushing past an elegant middle-aged woman in an elaborately embroidered ankle-length robe. Several servants followed behind her, looking annoyed at the early morning excursion.
“You always get the best prices if there isn’t a crowd,” I heard her say to one of them and shook my head.
Yasmine, the widow of one of the city’s richest merchants, didn’t need to worry about bargaining for the cheapest possible price. Such miserly behavior fit all the stories of her, though. Perhaps she had one of her famous parties coming up and hoped to negotiate a better bulk price in person.
I shook off thought of parties, remembering I was supposed to be hurrying back to a sick man. Forcing my exhausted legs into a run, I dashed the rest of the way home.
The kitchen was as full as usual, but an unnatural quiet lay over it. Every conversation was being conducted in a whisper, and no one laughed.
“I sent up my best broth,” Yara told me, “but he barely touched it.” She looked strained and anxious, but no one would find it odd in the circumstances.
I gave her hand a squeeze before announcing I would look in on Layla when I delivered the medicine and see if she needed any help.
At the door of Kasim’s bedchamber, which Layla only opened a crack, I was told in a loud voice that he was worsening, and I should fetch Ali.
I lowered my voice to a quiet whisper before replying. “Nyla came back, I assume? She’s not still with Ali and Mariam?”
“She’s in here with me,” Layla whispered back, her grimace making it clear she wasn’t appreciating the company.
I grimaced in sympathy and announced I would run for Ali.
My running pace lagged on the way to his house, more of a jog than a sprint. But it was a longer distance, and I wasn’t used to so much dashing around. At least my curiosity helped to drive me forward. With Nyla gone, I could safely ask Navid what she had wanted.
As I ran, I also thought of Rek and Adara. Had they woken up as usual in the palace and easily gone about their days? Or were they struggling to pretend that it had been a normal night spent in their beds?
At Ali’s house, I saw the red ribbon had been removed from their front gate. Frowning, I unlatched it and slipped inside without knocking. At the door of the house, I knocked, however, and Agnes answered. One look at her face told me she knew something, at least, although I didn’t dare comment without knowing how much.
Navid appeared behind her, clearly relieved to see me.