Chapter 26: Nahri

Nahri opposes Jamshid’s plan to ride in the Navasatem procession using an adaptive saddle, fearing he’ll be hurt. Jamshid insists, showing improvement as he walks without his cane to tend a patient. Concerned by Nisreen’s distance, Nahri drags her mentor to the balcony with soma to force a candid talk.

Nahri seeks clarity on the backlash from publicly healing shafit. Nisreen admits Nahri broke Suleiman’s code but praises her courage and insists she prefers to serve quietly rather than lose her. Nahri confesses fear of Ghassan’s retribution and exhaustion with court scheming. Nisreen steadies her, praises the inclusive hospital, and blesses Nahri’s care for Jamshid.

Pressed about her future, Nahri wonders if she should reconcile with Muntadhir and produce an heir for safety, but Nisreen urges Nahri to consider her own desires and promises change soon, vowing to remain by her side. Comforted, Nahri prepares for Navasatem.

At the throne room ceremony closing the generation, Nahri endures the Qahtani-dominated space and Ghassan’s scrutiny while noting Ali’s conspicuous absence. After the ritual ends, the palace fountains abruptly boil and drain through cracked basins. Muntadhir denies involvement; the crowd laughs it off, but Nahri sees Kaveh watching with a fleeting, satisfied smile. Uneasy, she agrees to visit the Grand Temple with Muntadhir and decides to brew a truth serum to test Kaveh after the holiday.