Page 42 of Death and Desire

“Yes.” Isaac nodded, his hands fidgeting with his cane.

“Fine.” She held out her right hand. He took it, shaking on the agreement. “But keep your distance at the bazaar...both of you. I want to enjoy my afternoon.”

“As you command, sister dearest.”

At Isaac’s mock bow, Violet rolled her eyes.

“Come along then.” She tugged Dina into motion, skirting around the two men who were determined to ruin her trip at every opportunity.

True to their word, her brother and David maintained their distance. Dina fell into step beside her and squeezed her hand.

“Are they always so persistent?” Dina pushed a lock of dark hair away from her face.

“Yes. It’s exhausting,” Violet confessed. “Fortunately, we have an understanding.”

“It must be nice to have someone who cares so deeply about your well-being.”

Violet’s heart twisted at Dina’s observation. “I am blessed, but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating.”

“Would you rather have Khalid in their stead?”

Her teasing question lingered in Violet’s mind far longer than it should have.

“I take your silence as dislike at the proposition.”

“I don’t dislike him...” Violet shrugged, unable to reconcile the weight of her thoughts with the reality of the situation. No one would believe her if she revealed the truth...if itwastruth? She couldn’t begin to untangle reality from illusion. “There’s just something about him I can’t quite unravel.”

“He is mysterious, to be sure.” Dina turned to her, her excitement making her skin glow. “But that makes him all the more enticing.”

“Thenyoushould pursue him.” The moment the words left her tongue, Violet resented them. Khalid trustedherwith his secret. Their bond, while strange and not wholly welcome, was unique, and the knowledge of this gift gave her a smidgen of satisfaction.

“My father would rather see me with someone influential, someone who could expand his business holdings.” Dina shrugged. “What and who I want is immaterial.”

Violet’s heart softened toward her friend. She understood the pain of such an arrangement and wished there were some way to help.

“Perhaps you should marry my brother.”

“Don’t tempt me.” Dina’s eyes sparkled. “At least I’d gain a sister.”

“You will always have me, regardless.”

Their laughter faded as the sweet, cloying scent of spices touched her nose.

“Welcome to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.” Dina gestured with a flourish when they stepped onto the busy, colorful street.

The scent of fresh baked pastries and bread hit her first, followed by an exotic blend of spices and simmering delicacies being fried behind vendor stands. Any similarities to markets she’d been to in the past were overshadowed by vibrant colors and gathering crowds. The market stretched as far as she could see in either direction. Stalls bedecked with fabrics and garments, others laden with brass trinkets and carved metals for decoration and everyday use. Booths overburdened with fresh fruits and vegetables. Mouthwatering roasted meats filled the air with delicious temptation. The warm aromas drifted together in a unique blend, capturing her imagination and stirring her hunger.

As they joined the crowd, chatter in multiple languages floated around her, a tapestry of cultures, trapping her in the melodic lilt. English, French, Arabic, Italian. She closed her eyes and savored the sounds, the scents, and basked in this moment of uninhibited freedom.

It was the most beautiful place in the world, bursting with life.

Ignoring the grumbles of her brother several paces behind her, Violet linked arms with Dina and ventured down the crowded street. She paused at an open vendor with large barrels of spices. Dina translated the signs, indicating each in turn.

“Cumin, nutmeg, cardamom...” Dina pointed to a bin full of seeds. “Oh, this one is fenugreek.”

“That’s cinnamon.” Violet grinned at being able to recognize the familiar spice, but curiosity pulsed through her. “What’s that?”

“Shatta,” Dina replied. “It’s an extremely hot pepper powder.”

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