"I think we can persuade His Majesty to raise your personal rank to twelve thousand zat and your horse rank to eight thousand suwar, twice what you have now."
"Then I will go." Allaudin tightened his cloak, beaming. "I'll drive the Safavid king's Persian troops back into the desert."
"You are as sensible as you are brave. I will speak to His Majesty tonight."
Allaudin grinned a parting salaam, squared his shoulders, and pushed his way through the portiere and into the sunshine. Nadir Sharif watched without a word until he had disappeared into his own tent.
"Was that entirely wise, Majesty?"
"What else do you propose we do? It will keep him in Agra. I'll see to that. You don't really think I'd allow him to leave? Anyway, it's time his rank was elevated. Now all he needs is a son."
"I'm sure he'll have one in time, Majesty. The Hindu astrologers all say Princess Layla's horoscope is favorable."
"The Hindu astrologers may have to help him do a husband's work if they want to save their reputation."
"Give him time, Majesty." Nadir Sharif smiled. "And he'll have more heirs than the Holy Prophet."
"All the Prophet's children were daughters." She took the paper, inserted it into the gold case, and began tying the string. "There are times you do not entirely amuse me."