Summary

Chapter 25

Ali is swimming and recalls his mother’s merciless swimming lessons, a measure of his mother’s that caused her to never be allowed to see him alone again. Zaynab comes to check in on Ali’s health and informs him that Nahri has been making demands, negotiating the terms of her marriage to Muntadhir. Zaynab also informs him that Muntadhir does not want to marry Nahri because he is aware of the difficulties of mixed tribe daevas. Zaynab and Ali make plans to have tea the following day.

Ali goes to Khanzada’s to find Muntadhir. There, he sees Dara and Jamshid drinking together. As they are carousing nearby, Ali speaks with Muntadhir, who expresses suspicion that his brother has been plotting to overthrow him. Muntadhir calls over Jamshid and Dara. He offers Dara a governorship in Zariaspa. Then he taunts...