1637: The Peacock Throne, стр. 16

“No, aside from their gunnery expertise, which is easily purchased without his approval, the viceroy has no significant military power inland.”

“Then…perhaps he has some inkling of the histories that came to your father’s notice?”

“Likely. He has a number of Jesuits in his company, and they carry news”—he hefted the papers in his hand—“for their pope.”

“And so the viceroy makes certain the prince he has been told will win the war is content with his ferenghi neighbors,” she said.

He nodded in seeming agreement, returning his attention to the many reports and messages spread before him.

Nur did not fully believe it: their conversation had the air of someone not so much exploring a thought but more of presenting facts already evident. She puzzled over it for a moment but made no headway. Her resources—mental and physical—were well and truly depleted.

“Have you eaten?”

“No, Shehzada.”

“Please do. I will have more questions for you once I have finished reading.”

“As you wish, Shehzada.”

Nur ate sparingly, but as much as she could stomach, knowing she had to keep her strength. The camp around them slowly grew quieter as the men bedded down for the night.

Easing a cramp in her leg, she sighed.

He turned his head to regard her. “You are in some discomfort?”

“I find I am old for the rigors facing us,” Nur said, instantly regretting it. Do not provide truths to your enemies they might use to cut you, fool.

He put one paper down and unfolded another without looking at it. “Why, then?”

“Whatever do you mean, Shehzada?” she asked, suddenly very alert.

“Why do you ride with me? You know I would see you well provided for should you decide to stay behind.”

So you—and history—can conveniently forget me?

Not.

This.

Woman.

She smiled, hiding her anger. “What prompts the question now?”

“An idle question, but one I would have you answer.” He looked at the paper in his hands, but his eyes did not move as they do when one is reading.

“I bear some small conceit that I might prove of assistance to you, much as your great-grandsire Akbar’s aunts worked on his behalf.”

Aurangzeb grinned, looked up at her. “I see. Should I expect you to find me a wife, then?”

“Not until you proclaim yourself emperor.”

The smile disappeared as quickly as a snuffed-out candle. “I have made no claim to the throne.”

“And you have been wise to avoid doing so, Shehzada. Not while Shah Shuja can destroy your army simply by stopping your supplies.”

It was Aurangzeb’s turn to sigh. “He need not even stop all of them reaching us, just a fraction.”

“So again: I see the wisdom in your decision, just as I know you cannot persist in that position.”

He refused to answer the implicit question, said instead: “Two weeks from now both our armies will be out of supply. Dara has already shut them off at the source.”

Allowing him to deflect her question was easy; given the importance of the subject he offered instead: “Is Shah Shuja aware of that?”

“I assume nothing, but my brother’s rate of advance—or, retreat, I suppose—from the Deccan is too slow to get out of the drought-afflicted area before he starts losing men and horses.” He retrieved a chalice from the tray and drank, as if speaking of the drought made him thirsty.

“And even should he decide to give battle, such a fight would cost the victor too many men.”

Nur nodded. “Your men wonder, Shehzada, what you will do when you meet with Shah Shuja.”

He smiled. “My men?”

Sensing a trap, she proceeded carefully. “Yes, my servants say there is much wonder and consternation among the men.”

“But you do not experience this consternation?”

She cocked her head and said, “You will do what you must, Shehzada.”

“And what is it you think I must do, Nur Jahan?”

“Dissemble.”

It was his turn to regard her sidelong. “All the world knows I am no good at that. Too devout, they say. Too rigid, they say.”

I can almost hear Gargi’s urgent whisper: “Careful, old girl, he has many spies, and he listens to them.”

Nur leaned forward. “That you have made others believe such is why you will rise to rule them all, Shehzada.”

Aurangzeb met her gaze with eyes steady, still, and dark as the deepest tank. “You will carry my words to Shah Shuja and negotiate our first meeting.”

Nur bowed her head. “You honor me, Shehzada.”

“You may now go and find your rest. I will have specific instructions and letters for you tomorrow.”

It was only later, as she woke from a few hours of restless sleep, that she realized how thoroughly he’d made certain he would not have to answer her question.