remained on all the record books from the time she crossed the Maldara border.” He smiled. “Kiya, beloved daughter of Cleopatra VII.”
“What? It was actually true?”
“Perhaps. If it wasn’t, Kiya told a good story.”
“You said record books. Not just her journal?”
“Come on, what do you think? It was over two thousand years ago. The records were only vague references other than Kiya’s accounts. And the Kiyanis became almost as savage as the natives who attacked them when they invaded their territory. But they were smarter, and they had more civilized methods of torture and murder than the tribes had seen before. So they beat them back and started to build their empire.”
“Which evidently was no Alexandria. It’s pretty much as undeveloped now as when they came here.”
“They had several obstacles to overcome. A few Zahras and similar male counterparts appeared over the centuries. They were low on family values and high on world domination.” He was driving off the highway and onto the bumpy dirt road that led to Robaku. “Like most families, good and bad. But with the Kiyanis, it just seems to be exaggerated. They go up and down like a roller coaster.” He pulled up to the museum and shut off the car. “Here you are.” He got out and ran around to open the door for her. “See? What else could you want? Chauffeur service, and I even provided you with entertainment to keep you amused.” He was unlocking the door to the museum. “Now I’ll get you settled and make sure that it’s okay to leave you.”
“Of course it’s okay.” She got out of the car and joined him as he opened the door. “I only have a little headache now.” And her knees were still damnably weak. But she ignored both because she was still fascinated by the story with which Gideon had been regaling her. “Did Zahra ever show you this journal?”
“Of course.” He nodded. “Not the original. But it had been copied multiple times over the centuries.” He smiled mockingly. “It was at a time when she was still enthralled with the idea of me as a consort and wanted to impress me.”
“And were you impressed?”
“It was…interesting. But her take on it was even more interesting.” He stepped aside for her to enter. “Now story time is over. Sit down. You’re not as steady on your feet as I’d like.”
“I’ll get a cup of coffee and an aspirin and I’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure you will.” He turned on the lights. “Go sit down,” he said again. “I’ll make the coffee. I could use one myself. I seem to have been telling you tales like some male Scheherazade all the way from Jokan. Do you suppose Scheherazade got hoarse from talking all night?”
“She had motivation. She was under a death sentence if she didn’t keep the sultan entertained.” She dropped down on her stool. “And you’re no Scheherazade, Gideon.” She suddenly chuckled. “Sorry, I just had a vision of you dressed up in a veil and harem outfit. I may never be able to look at you again without seeing it.”
He flinched. “You really know how to hurt a guy.” He was pouring water into the coffeemaker. “Oh, well, I have enough confidence in my manly vigor to be able to suffer through it.” His gaze went to the reconstruction of Amari, which was still on the dais on her worktable. “He’s still here. It seems a long time since I brought Hajif and Leta here last night.”
“It was a long time.” Her gaze shifted to Amari. “A lot happened…” She suddenly straightened on the stool. “And Hajif must have wanted to get in here to get Amari. They were so eager to take him home. But the door was locked, and we weren’t here. I thought I’d be back before they were ready for him.”
“And then you were so rude as to develop food poisoning and kept them out. I believe they’ll forgive you.”
“But I’m back now, and there’s no reason why they have to wait any longer.” She got to her feet and steadied herself on the worktable for a minute as that blasted weakness swept over her. “I’ll go down and tell them that they can—”
“No,” Gideon said firmly. “I’ll go down and get them if you don’t think they can make it through the night.” He pushed her back down on the stool. “Rest.”