“And it is also my will,” said Tony severely, “that if at any time in the future Nasim comes into my presence, she must have some clothes on! After all, I’m human!”
“Aye, Majesty!” said Abdul. Nasim coyly pulled a drape about herself.
“That’s all!” said Tony.
He turned his back. The camel litter swerved away. The Queen seemed to be trying to stifle laughter. Ghail looked utterly infuriated.
“Well?” said Tony.
“If the Queen,” said Ghail furiously, “commands that I sacrifice my modesty to the King of the Djinns so that he can see if he wishes to purchase me—”
Tony said just as angrily:
“Hold on! I haven’t talked business to the Queen yet! But I’ll talk it now!” He turned to the much-amused Queen. “Majesty, I understand that I’m the King of the Djinns. Most of the riches I’m supposed to have are fake, as you know. But if there aren’t any real riches, I’ll make these djinns of mine work until there are! And I’ll pay you any sum you care to name if you’ll set Ghail free so she won’t be a slave any longer.”
His conscience spoke approvingly. Tony snarled at it. The Queen almost choked on her laughter. Ghail’s face went blank. She stared incredulously at Tony.
“And—and then what?” asked the Queen.