Act 3, Scene 1 - The Jewel Of Mahin

 

Act 3, Scene 1 The Jewel Of Mahin

Sayid walked toward Mahin, his daughter, his heart filled with worry. They stood in the vaulted hall near the exit, sunlight filtering through the high windows.

“Mahin, my lapis lazuli,” he said softly, taking her hand in his.

“If something happens to you, what will become of me?” His voice wavered slightly, betraying his concern.

Mahin smiled reassuringly and squeezed his hand.

“It’s okay, Father. We won’t let them take me down so easily. You’ve defeated enemies before; you can do it again!”

Sayid chuckled, his pride in her unwavering spirit evident.

“True, true. But I’m still worried, so I’ve assigned Darius as your personal guard. I trust no one else. He was the only one who spotted the Sayeh-Kushan, that assassin from the guild. He saved your life.”

“Thank you, Father,” Mahin replied. “I’m sure Darius can keep me safe, especially with the rest of your forces backing him.”

Sayid nodded, his face growing serious.

“There’s something else. I’ve been speaking with Niyaz Korshidian about your engagement to his son, Arash. It’s almost finalized…”

“…But I want you to meet him first and take it slow before it’s set…”

“It’s important he treats you well and proves himself a good husband.”

“If he ever lays a hand on you, bullies you, or treats you poorly, just let me know. I’ll send him to the frontlines, where he’ll never return. No man will ever use you.” Sayid said to his daughter Mahin with concern.

Mahin smirked, her confidence shining through.

“If he’s a good husband, I’ll be an obedient wife who rules with an iron fist. Does that match what you were thinking?”

Sayid stifled a laugh, pride gleaming in his eyes.

“Yes! That’s my girl!”

He pressed her hand one last time before leaving to attend to pressing matters.

Mahin, left to her own thoughts, stepped outside and found Darius waiting for her.

In the courtyard, guards patrolled with sharp eyes, their boots echoing against the stone.

Further away on the training grounds, the clash of swords rang out as soldiers practiced, the sound of metal striking metal cutting through the air.

Servants rushed left and right, their arms full of supplies, hurrying to carry out Master Sayid’s commands.

The heat pressed down heavily, wrapping everything in a stifling embrace, while the faint sounds of Persepolis stirred beyond the walls—a distant, bustling murmur of life outside.

“So, Darius,” Mahin said, her tone teasing, “tell me—why are your hands so smooth for a soldier? I must admit, you’ve intrigued me.”

Darius raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

“I dip them in goat’s milk every night.”

Mahin crinkled her nose.

“Goat’s milk? Quite the expensive habit for a soldier. Why?”

Darius smiled, his heart racing in her presence. 

Every time he saw her, she seemed to grow more captivating.

“I’m a master goldsmith and jeweler,” he admitted.

“I have my own shop in town. I used to apprentice under Master Parviz.”

Mahin tilted her head, her curiosity piqued.

“Prove it to me. Make me something! And don’t think I won’t know if you cheat! I know every jeweler in town and all their latest designs.”

Darius gazed back at her, entranced by her beauty.

Her blue dress shimmered in the sunlight, and the golden jewelry she wore only hinted at the brilliance he could create for her.

To him, Mahin wasn’t just beautiful—she was radiant, a star among stars.

Only he could craft something worthy of her.

“What’s your favorite gemstone?” he asked, seeing an opportunity to prove his worth.

“Lapis lazuli,” she replied without hesitation.

“Deal,” Darius said firmly, determination flickering in his eyes.

Mahin grinned, pleased with herself.

“I knew you weren’t a poor man when I first saw you.”

Darius chuckled softly.

“I used to be, but not anymore.”

Their moment was interrupted by the approach of another man, dressed in brocade and silk, his posture exuding the confidence of nobility.

“Arash,” Mahin said, acknowledging him with a polite nod.

“Mahin, dear,” Arash began, his voice smooth and practiced.

“How have you been? I heard about the attack and was so relieved to hear you were unharmed. Would you care for a walk?”

Before responding, Mahin took Darius’s firm arm and pulled him close.

“Why are you holding his arm?” Arash asked, a note of irritation creeping into his tone.

“Because I trust him,” Mahin replied without hesitation.

“He saved my life. Besides, he won’t even glance my way. Darius, the stoic man! When I trust you as much as I trust him, perhaps you’ll be allowed to hold my hand, too.”

Arash’s confident demeanor faltered, and he realized winning Mahin’s favor would not be as simple as he had assumed.

Darius said nothing, his face as composed as always, but inwardly, her words left him conflicted.

His heart raced at her touch, the warmth of her hand on his arm stirring feelings he had tried to suppress.

Yet, her teasing remark about him being unaffected pricked his pride. Did she think he was made of stone?

But Arash’s jaw tightened. He was used to being the center of attention, and Mahin’s teasing rejection stung more than he wanted to admit.

As they walked, Mahin’s laughter rang out, a melody that made Arash feel both envious and determined.

He had expected her favor to come easily, assuming their engagement had already sealed his place in her life.

Now, it was clear he had underestimated her.

Arash realized he couldn’t afford to take Mahin for granted.

He would have to prove himself not only as a worthy suitor but also as someone strong enough to stand against rivals—even a man like Darius.

When Arash finally left, Darius turned to Mahin, his curiosity getting the better of him.

“Why did you use me to make him jealous?”

Mahin smirked, her sharp wit on full display.

“Because you men have your power and freedom. I have only my beauty—a double-edged sword—and my wits. I must use them well to figure out what kind of man I’m expected to marry.”

“Dozens of men will compete to win my favor, and if Arash can’t handle the jealousy of one simple soldier, how will he handle me as a wife then?”

” I can be quite a handful—I like to stir up trouble every now and then,” she teased, her smile full of mischief.

“If a man wants to win my favor he has to fight to get it,” she said and smiled.

Darius’s voice was steady but brimming with determination.

“I will fight for you, Mahin!”

Mahin paused, turning to him with a smile that quickly turned into laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

“Darius, you already work for me.”

Darius just smiled mysteriously back.

He was quite taken aback by her charm, wit, and cunning. Her mind was entirely something else.

She wasn’t merely beautiful; she was perfection, more than he had ever dreamed she could be.

Darius didn’t desire a woman promised to another, but Mahin wasn’t engaged yet—and he was not one to let an opportunity slip away without a fight.

Mahin, for her part, wasn’t a woman who gave herself lightly. She was waiting for her worthy husband.

She moved with confidence and cunning, weaving her beauty and wit like armor.

Darius knew winning her favor would mean proving himself in more ways than one—not just as her protector, but as a man worthy of standing by her side.

Her words carried a playful edge, but the way she looked at him—something he couldn’t quite place—and it made his heart race.