"What would Prince Jadar say to such a trade?" Arangbar sipped from his wineglass and shifted slightly, his eyes again barely in focus.
"Why should he object? He's never here. And surely he'll be ready to obey Your Majesty and return to defend Qandahar after he completes his campaign in the south. The threat from the Persian Safavis in the north is already growing."
"I doubt very much he will agree so easily to march north again. Not yet. Though I pray to Allah that he would."
"Then this will give him all the more reason."
"He may not see it as a reason. He may see it as a betrayal. You know he's temperamental."
Hawksworth suddenly found himself wondering if the trade had been planned with Allaudin. It was obvious Nadir Sharif had been taken completely by surprise.
"Then I suppose it's best dropped." Janahara turned her face away. "You can just forget I ever asked."
Arangbar looked crushed. He sipped thoughtfully on his wine for a moment.
"Perhaps if I consulted Prince Jadar first." He paused to study his empty wine cup. "The jagirs were granted . . ."
"Perhaps Your Majesty thinks Prince Allaudin should have no estates at all? Perhaps you think he is not yet fit?"