This Woven Kingdom, #2
These Infinite Threads
by Tahereh Mafi
Contents
Thirty
Overview
Sarra bursts in, berating Cyrus and revealing that thousands of Jinn have stormed the castle, demanding proof of Alizeh and clarity about her intentions to marry and rule. The city teeters on violence, forcing Cyrus to prioritize Alizeh’s safety.
Alizeh chooses responsibility over secrecy and steps forward to face her people.
Summary
On the brink of an intimate decision, Cyrus and Alizeh are interrupted by relentless knocking. Cyrus, anguished, pulls away and opens the door to Sarra, who immediately launches into a furious tirade about his absence and apparent illness.
Soon Sarra reveals the crisis: thousands of Jinn have arrived in Tulan, storming the castle and threatening violence unless Alizeh appears. They demand proof that Alizeh is real and unharmed and want to know whether she intends to marry Cyrus and take the throne. The threat escalates to setting the city on fire.
Cyrus, alarmed, asks for specifics and tries to assert control, insisting the crowd must be calmed before Alizeh can safely appear. Sarra blames Cyrus for bringing Alizeh and the impending chaos, while Cyrus focuses on securing conditions for Alizeh’s safety.
Realizing hiding is impossible and that the Jinn are her responsibility, Alizeh resolves to act. She steps from the shadows, choosing to face her people despite the danger and the uncertainty surrounding her future with Cyrus.
Who Appears
- AlizehConfronted with a Jinn uprising demanding her appearance; chooses to reveal herself and accept responsibility.
- CyrusInterrupted with Alizeh; learns Jinn besiege the castle; tries to ensure her safety before she faces the crowd.
- SarraStorms in, berates Cyrus, and reports the Jinn masses’ violent demands about Alizeh’s safety, identity, and marriage.