Seven

Kamran strides through the palace amid unusual displays of deference, unsettled by the sudden servility and by thoughts of Hazan’s betrayal. He wrestles with why Hazan would turn after years of loyalty, questioning whether Hazan knew of King Zaal’s crimes or aided Cyrus for revenge.

Omid catches up, pleading for Kamran to wait. Kamran, determined to give Hazan a swift death as an act of mercy, dismisses Omid’s protests and reflects on having appointed the twelve-year-old as home minister after Zahhak’s return. Despite disliking the boy, Kamran trusts Omid’s honesty.

Omid reports Miss Huda seeks an urgent audience about King Cyrus. Kamran, contemptuous of her past indiscretions with the press, refuses to see her. He scorns the idea of relying on someone he views as attention-seeking and untrustworthy.

When Omid adds that Miss Huda has Alizeh’s carpet bag, Kamran halts, shaken by the mention of Alizeh. He orders that Miss Huda be escorted to the morning room, choosing to meet her. The decision exposes Kamran’s unresolved attachment to Alizeh and his desire to learn her secrets.

Left alone, Kamran acknowledges that Alizeh still exerts power over him despite her perceived monstrosity. He resolves that only her death might free him from these feelings, even as he moves forward with Hazan’s execution plans.