Contents
Chapter Forty-Three: Sefa
Overview
Amid Sedain preparations and the arrival of Nizahl troops in Lukub, Sefa resolves to steal or destroy Sultana Vaida’s ring. Vaida reveals she recognized Sefa all along and intended to use her as proof of Nizahl treachery if needed. Vaida boasts Kera tracked the Mirayah from Mahair. Cornered, Sefa attacks Vaida with a chair.
Summary
In a frantic Lukub palace preparing for Sedain, Sefa leaves the kitchen with a knife, intent on stealing or destroying Sultana Vaida’s ring. Hearing that Commander Arin’s Nizahl regiment is at the gates, Sefa hopes he could stop Vaida if she fails. She hides in Vaida’s chambers to ambush her.
Sefa dozes and wakes to Vaida already inside, preternaturally calm. Vaida wraps a shawl around Sefa, constraining her arms, and probes her presence. When Sefa feigns ignorance, Vaida reveals she recognized Sefa’s true identity from the beginning, seeing through her glamor as a descendant of Baira.
Vaida explains she kept Sefa close as a contingency: if her agent Kera failed to find the Mirayah, Sefa could be exposed as a Nizahl-linked infiltrator to justify breaking the Zinish Accords and rally nobles. Vaida adds that Bausit led Kera to the Mirayah’s trail near Mahair and Kera pursued it.
Vaida reminisces about Arin’s implacability and admits she finally saw his savagery when provoked over a Jasadi girl, confirming his possessive ruthlessness. Realizing Vaida never intended to release her and that the ring remains a dire threat, Sefa seizes the moment and smashes a chair into Vaida’s head.
Who Appears
- Sefa (alias Zahra/Sayali)Sultana’s attendant planning to steal or destroy Vaida’s ring; learns Vaida knew her identity and attacks her.
- Sultana VaidaRuler of Lukub; reveals she recognized Sefa, planned to use her as leverage, and claims Kera tracked the Mirayah.
- SalwaYoung servant who tells Sefa Nizahl soldiers and the Commander are in Lukub.
- BirtaOverworked cook who ejects Sefa from the chaotic kitchen.
- Arin of NizahlCommander reported in Lukub; discussed by Vaida as dangerously possessive when provoked.
- KeraVaida’s agent who followed the Mirayah’s trail from near Mahair.
- BausitAssociate who connected Kera to the Mirayah’s trail.