Outside, the heat hung heavy, and the thick dust swirled through the bustling streets of Persepolis.
Darius strolled into his shop, dressed in a finely tailored, deep blue tunic with subtle gold embroidery and a matching sash.
He had paired them with fitted trousers—elegant and perfect for making an impression without coming off as trying too hard.
Darius found Master Parviz already busy at work.
They even had a secret door connecting their shops.
Darius considered himself an extension of Master Parviz’s legacy, operating as an underbranch beneath the master’s guidance.
His goal was never to compete but to honor and repay Parviz for everything he had done for him.
“Hello, Master!” Darius greeted the old man with a respectful bow.
“How have you been?” he asked, his eyes glinting as he took in Parviz’s appearance.
Despite his years, the old man remained impeccably presentable, carrying himself with an air of dignity and pride.
Parviz wore loose-fitting trousers in a rich petrol green, paired with a silky kandys-robe of the same hue, adorned with intricate gold brocade.
Beneath the robe, a luxurious tunic peeked out, completing his refined taste.
A heavy golden chain draped around his neck, and his fingers glittered with rings of his own exquisite design.
Even his shoes, polished to perfection, spoke of a man who took pride in his appearance.
Master Parviz was, without a doubt, a true gentleman.
Parviz, immediately sensing the joy in Darius’s mood, drew him in for a firm embrace, patting his back heartily. “Not bad, son, not bad at all! You’ve grown so tall and broad. I swear, you look different every time I see you!”
With a knowing tilt of his head, Parviz chuckled. “So, tell me, Darius, who is your new flame?”
Darius inhaled sharply. This old fox always managed to figure things out before he even said a word!
With a resigned gesture, he grinned. “Well, Parviz, she doesn’t know it yet, but she will be my future bride!”
Darius excitement was evident. “Remember the girl I told you about, the one who inspired me to come to you and learn jewelry making? It’s her!”
Parviz’s eyes widened with delight. “Well, Darius! This is wonderful news! I’ll do everything I can to make her feel welcome. I can’t believe you actually found her!”
“I know!” Darius beamed.
“It’s not easy, but I’ll do my best to win her over. We’ll stop by later today. Since our shops are next to each other, I’ll need your help to prepare. She wants lapis lazuli—the blue gold.”
“Ah, such a fine choice!” Parviz nodded enthusiastically.
“I’ll gather all the tools, sketches, and quills. We’ll make sure everything is perfect!”
Darius took Master Parviz’s wrinkled yet smooth hands in his own, placing his other hand firmly on top as he gave a strong shake. “It’s a deal then. See you later!”
It didn’t take long for Darius to hurry back.
He approached Mehrdad, his golden Akhal-Teke stallion, knowing the magnificent horse always drew attention.
Normally, he would avoid such a display, but today was special.
Darius greeted Mehrdad with a carrot from his pocket.
The stallion ate it greedily, neighing in satisfaction.
“Mehrdad, you bad boy! We’re picking up Mahin today, so be gentle for the ladies, alright?” Darius whispered into Merhdad’s twitching and attentive ears.
Mehrdad neighed and scraped his hoof against the stone-paved street in agreement.
He couldn’t deny his new master, who had taken him on so many adventures lately.
His legs ached with the longing for another adrenaline rush as he prepared to gallop through the streets once more.
Darius knew it was intentional, but he genuinely hoped Mahin would agree to sit in front of him for protection.
He wanted to hold her close without causing a scandal, savoring the chance to catch her exquisite scent.
She truly smelled luxurious.
As for the maids and other soldiers, he had considered them too.
He had arranged a wagon for her ladies-in-waiting and any accompanying servants.
Everything was above board; he had nothing to hide and would restrain himself.
His excitement grew at the thought of Mahin seeing his designs.
He had crafted hundreds of pieces over the years, inspired by her, and now he would finally show her some of his best work.
Sayid’s soldiers waited at the gates of Zarrin Qal’eh, the Golden Castle, home of the warlord and merchant Sayid, father of Mahin. Their residence was truly magnificent.
Mahin waited inside, in the garden near the fountain, where the tulips were bursting with color and the fuchsia-pink bougainvillea.
Its vibrant flowers and lush green branches, gave the garden a well-maintained, oasis-like feel. And Mahin, the crown jewel, stood at the center.
Her heart raced at the thought of Darius—he was so mysterious and steadfast, it was hard not to stare at him.
She tried to be as casual and carefree as possible when she addressed him, but her nerves betrayed her as he approached, dressed in deep blue.
She immediately noticed his appearance—gone were his thick armor and heavy sword.
Before she could stop herself, she blurted out, “You’re dressed so differently today—what happened?”
She immediately bit her tongue, cursing her lack of composure. Wouldn’t a simple “Hello, been better?” have sufficed? She gritted her teeth at her own clumsiness.
“We’re undercover, Mahin dear. Can’t you tell?” Darius said mischievously. “How could I possibly go jewelry shopping while clanking around in heavy armor under the scorching sun? I’d be nothing but a sweaty nuisance for you!”
Mahin raised a hand to cover her mouth, stifling a laugh at his witty response. “A sweaty nuisance! Well, that would have been bothersome! Is this version of you perfumed as well?”
“Not really, but I did use soap. You can ask my dear mother!” Darius grinned. He, too, didn’t care for the stench of sweat that often lingered on soldiers.
Mahin laughed. “I’m guessing, if your mother resembles you even just a little, I would be delighted to meet her someday.” Her voice was polite, sugar-sweet, and calm.
“Perhaps you will, someday,” Darius replied courteously, his heart swelling with even more longing. Just the sight of her delighted him more than she would ever know.
”Would you care for a ride on Mehrdad, or would you prefer to sit in the wagon I’ve prepared?” Darius suggested, silently hoping she would choose the ride.
“Wagons are for servants, horses are for ladies!” she replied, a wild glint in her eyes, as she stretched out her hand toward Darius.
“This is Mehrdad, Mehrdad, meet Mahin! Be gentle now!” Darius said, and Mehrdad obediently lowered himself, his golden coat shimmering in the sun as Darius lowered his foot from the saddle.
Mahin gasped, “He’s so well-behaved! Good boy, Mehrdad!” she exclaimed. Mehrdad’s heart swelled with pride at the compliment, and he pranced around, showing off.
Darius whistled and chuckled, “Such a ladies’ boy, Mehrdad!”
Mahin laughed, the sound like a spring breeze, so refreshing that Darius couldn’t get enough of it. She caressed Mehrdad’s velvet-like fur.
“I can’t believe you tamed this beast. He used to be my father’s biggest headache!” Mahin said in awe.
“Nobody understood him,” Darius explained. “He just had a limp foot and too much pride to show it.”
“Even so, not just anyone can capture the heart of such a grand, wild horse! My father’s best trainers couldn’t do it—he refused to bend to their will!”
Darius simply nodded, spurring his heel, and they set off down the streets of Persepolis, with guards, horses, and servants in tow.
Mahin’s heart swelled, feeling freer with each step. The suffocating weight in her chest eased. Her shoulders relaxed, and a sense of calm washed over her.
Darius couldn’t believe he had his arm firmly around her waist. She was a natural rider, he could tell. With each sprint of Mehrdad, Mahin kept up effortlessly, moving in perfect rhythm with the horse.
His heart raced, filled with forbidden feelings and longing.
As they approached the shop, both laughing at something Darius had said, they froze in place. Standing next to Master Parviz was a customer—none other than Arash Korshidian, son of Niyaz Korshidian, dressed ostentatiously in purple brocade.
“Mahin!” Arash called out, his tone was unusually sharp. “What are you doing here? With Darius? You told me off because you had a meeting with him?”
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