This Woven Kingdom

Prince Kamran grapples internally as he witnesses the mistreatment of Alizeh. While he engages in a conversation with his aunt, Duchess Jamilah, his thoughts are preoccupied with Alizeh’s circumstances. Kamran is baffled by her submissiveness despite the evidence that she is more than capable of defending herself, especially when her life is in danger. Puzzling over her decisions, he concludes that her position as a servant must offer her a degree of anonymity and protection, which makes her occupation an ingenious cover. Kamran’s internal turmoil is exacerbated because he is in Baz House as a spy at the behest of his grandfather, King Zaal. The king believes that the girl has powerful allies, so Kamran has been tasked with investigating her quarters. While Kamran disagrees with the conspiracy, he acknowledges the challenge of appeasing the king without endangering Alizeh.

Kamran negotiates the details of fulfilling his task to spy on Alizeh in Baz House. To deceive the watchful servants, he behaves dramatically until he believes that he is off their radar. Sneaking upstairs, Kamran expects to find Alizeh living in squalid conditions due to her position as a trial servant in the house. However, he is surprised to find that her closet-room is cozy and tastefully adorned. As he inspects the room, he is caught off guard by Alizeh, who threatens him with what he perceives to be a knife but turns out to be scissors. The two engage in an intense conversation, revealing mutual knowledge of each other’s identities. Alizeh accuses Kamran of sending men to kill her, but he denies this. Their discussion is charged with tension as Kamran grapples with his mission, his loyalty to his grandfather, and his undeniable attraction to Alizeh, while she expresses feelings of betrayal and suspicion.

Alizeh is dismissed from Baz House and finds herself emotionally and physically distraught after all the upheaval in her life, along with the imminent dangers she still faces. As she grapples with her precarious situation, she unexpectedly encounters Prince Kamran. Their intense bond, the truth of which is affirmed by the nosta tool that Hazan gave to Alizeh, leads the seamstress and the prince through a whirlwind of emotions from playful banter to deep declarations of affection, culminating in a passionate kiss. Despite their evident connection, Alizeh is painfully aware of the looming threats from the king and Prince Kamran’s upcoming nuptial choices. While Kamran yearns for a future with Alizeh, she decides that they must separate for the sake of their personal safety and the stability of their kingdoms. This decision leaves Kamran heartbroken.

Frenzied, Kamran races through the mansion, overtaken by emotions that both scare and energize him. As he is lost in his emotions, he is abruptly pulled back to reality by Duchess Jamilah, his aunt, who shows concern for his distraught state. Kamran reflects on the depth of his feelings for Alizeh, appreciating her genuine nature and lack of pretension. She neither glorifies nor fears his royal status, making her judgment of him pivotal to his self-worth. These reflections are interrupted by the presence of Hazan, who bears urgent news, hinting at another looming challenge.

Alizeh enters Deen’s apothecary shop, seeking a remedy. A cloaked figure, believed to be Hazan, had been observed asking about her earlier. The shopkeeper is intrigued by her concealed appearance and initially assumes that she is disfigured. After a brief exchange, Alizeh makes a trade, exchanging a rose for a very specific remedy. As she exits, the shopkeeper presents her with an unexpected gift: a meticulously wrapped box containing a stunning gown meant for her, which he claims was left by a tall man with an interesting hat—potentially Hazan.

Taken aback, Alizeh inspects the gown and finds it to be of exceptional quality and perfect for an upcoming event. She and Deen share a moment of understanding and empathy about the pressures of societal expectations and the masks that people wear. They acknowledge a sense of kinship, given that both feel forced to hide their true selves. As Alizeh departs, preoccupied with the gown and her exchange with Deen, she remembers a note that came with the gift. It informs her that if she wears the gown, only those who wish her well will see her, implying protection and intrigue surrounding the upcoming evening at the ball.

The grandeur and strategic defenses of the Royal Palace, nestled in Narenj Canyon, are described in intricate detail. Kamran stands with King Zaal on a drawbridge overlooking a river, reflecting on his memories of their surroundings. Flashbacks reveal a traumatic childhood event, in which Kamran eagerly awaited his father’s return from a war only to discover his father’s decapitated head instead. Overwhelmed by grief, the young Kamran attempted suicide by jumping into the raging river but was saved by his grandfather.

Pulled back to the present by his grandfather’s voice, the prince is compelled to discuss his inexplicable interest in Alizeh and his recent actions at Baz House. The king expresses disappointment, questioning Kamran’s judgment and susceptibility to his emotions. The conversation then shifts to politics and the imminent arrival of King Cyrus from Tulan, hinting at potential conflict. The chapter closes with an emotional revelation; the king made peace with their enemies to protect Kamran from witnessing further violence.

In a room at Follad Place, Alizeh and Miss Huda engage in a revealing conversation. Alizeh reflects on Miss Huda’s earlier conduct, deducing that her vulnerabilities stem from deep-rooted insecurities. As the conversation delves deeper, Alizeh assures Miss Huda of her genuine intent to protect her from her own murderous mother, evoking a soft, unexpected response from Miss Huda. The atmosphere thickens when they discuss an unfinished gown. Alizeh confesses she has been dismissed from Baz House and lacks the resources to complete the dress. While initially outraged, Miss Huda senses Alizeh’s desperation and suggests that Alizeh finish the gown in her room. In a bid to expedite her departure, Alizeh reveals her Jinn identity and her capability for invisibility. Miss Huda, taken aback by this audacious revelation, rebukes Alizeh, highlighting her own esteemed lineage. As the chapter reaches its climax, Alizeh decides to remove her snoda, a symbol of her disguise, exposing her true identity. As a result, Miss Huda, with widened eyes, recognizes Alizeh.