“What did you find?” Zafir’s voice cut through the quiet.
I looked at him over the book. “I thought you didn’t want me reading aloud.”
“Which is true. But something is forestalling you.”
I showed him the image that was duplicated on my wrist. “Does this mean I’m still bound to the genie because I made a wish, even if I’m all the way on the other side of the world now?”
Zafir took the book, studied the picture, then reached out to take my hand, slowly turning it so he could examine my wrist. “It’s possible,” he murmured. “Genies can have multiple masters, so I would assume that unless you wish for the bond to be broken, you would still be connected. Very little is known of genies, and the few masters who have successfully controlled genies for long periods of time are very meticulous and thoughtful about their wishes. If he has had the lamp you described for a long time and is wealthy, one can presume that he is one of the few successful at controlling a genie. He won’t make a hasty wish.”
I rubbed against the mark. “I don’t want to be bound to some phantom smoke spirit. Let him have it.”
“A smart master wouldn’t wish for anything until all loopholes are closed.” Zafir brushed my fingers away so he could continue to examine the swirling tattoo circling my wrist. His hand was cool and hard, and if I didn’t hate him so much, I might have enjoyed the touch. “Imagine, for example, that someone wishes to find their true love.”
“I don’t see how that could be bad.”
“What if they find them but the love dies the next day?”
“Oh.”
“Or someone who wishes for power could be placed in a high political position then immediately assassinated.”
“I see.”
“Take Rahil, for example. You told me that he gave one of his wives an apothecary and alchemy lab, then he claimed that she later drowned trying to get an ingredient.”
“Right.”
“My guess is that he wished for the genie to make that modification to his manor to keep his wife happy, but then she died trying to stock it. He got his wish, but the genie had its revenge for being used. I know you said that Rahil was the one who killed his wives, but it could be that the genie was responsible for some of those deaths as well.”
“So why do you want to find a genie and make a wish if they will twist everything you say?”
“Because I’m not foolish enough to wish to be on the other side of the world.”
I frowned and pulled my wrist away. “At least it saved me from being murdered.”
“Yes, your genie must have taken mercy on you. Perhaps it favored you over its former master.” Our eyes locked. There was something unfathomable about the way Zafir looked at me, and I found myself becoming transfixed with how deeply black his eyes were.
He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Next shelf.”
CHAPTER 16
The afternoon wore on painfully slowly. I shelved book after book, pausing occasionally to read about genies or ask Zafir about the meaning of different passages. He answered carefully and methodically each time, with just as much expression as a rock. The only flicker of emotion I caught was when he would quickly look away if I noticed him glance in my direction, as if he thought he would be burned.
My hope of Julian coming with an invitation faded with each passing hour. Had I not caught his interest enough? Our plan was already precarious, and it all hinged on my being able to seduce a man when I couldn’t even get Zafir to smile. Other women could get men to fall at their feet, but I would’ve had just as much success if I tried to seduce a cactus.
By the time afternoon arrived, my arms ached from lifting stacks of books all morning and I finally dropped into one of the chairs. “Three of your precious bookcases are now alphabetized, dusted, and organized. You’re welcome.”
“You should wear something more suited for work nexttime,” he commented without a word of thanks. His gaze flicked down to where dust covered the dress I had deemed so attractive earlier that morning. He was right. Something durable and comfortable would have been a much better choice, but I would rather wear a dozen uncomfortable outfits than admit it. “Are you hungry?”
“Extremely.”
Without another word, Zafir rose and went to the door. A moment later, the chain went taut and I was forced to follow, but we didn’t go far. Zafir rang the bell just outside his stuffy quarters, and an enormous, hairy guard showed up within a few minutes.
“Bring a meal for two,” he told the guard flatly.
“For two?” The guard looked past him at me, then his eyes darted down to the chain. “Why, Zafir…”
“It’s none of your business, Razo,” Zafir said in clipped tones.
