“My lady,” says Aladdin, extending an arm toward the sun, “I give you gold as a token of my love.”
“All I want is you,” I reply. I turn and kiss him, pulling him against me, feeling the warmth of the dawn in my hair. Then I rest my head on his shoulder, simply feeling his arms around me, his heart beating against me.
“Are you cold?” asks Aladdin. “You’re shivering.”
“A little.”
“I’ll go get a blanket. And breakfast. If I can find the kitchen.”
“Galley, love. It’s called a galley.”
“Right. Galley. Got it. I’ll ask the captain. What was his name?”
“Sinbad, I think?”
“I’ll be right back.”
But I catch his hand. “I’m all right. Don’t go yet.”
He stays with me, and together we watch the sun stain the sea and sky a thousand and one shades of gold. My thumb rubs the ring on my finger, its dents and contours as familiar to me now as my hand.
So this is what it feels like to have all your wishes come true.
The End
Acknowledgments
Zahra’s story has been calling to me for years, but without a wildly talented team alongside me, this book would never have been possible. I owe a mountain of gratitude to the team at Razorbill and Penguin Random House: Jessica Almon, my peerless editor, thank you for believing in me and in Zahra, and for your critical insight as this story took shape. Working with you has been such a wonderful experience, and I’m so lucky to have your guidance! Thanks to Ben Schrank, who has believed in me since the beginning. Phyllis DeBlanche, for combing this book line by line and making sure all the i’s were dotted and the t’s crossed. Thanks to Theresa Evangelista for your gorgeous cover art. Tara Shanahan, Anna Jarzab, and the tireless team of marketers and publicists who helped Zahra find her audience: many thanks!
Lucy Carson, you’ve encouraged, guided, and inspired me all the way, and I don’t know where I’d be without you. You’re part agent, part jinni, part warrioress, and if I had three wishes to give, they’d all be yours!
Like Caspida and her Watchmaidens, no writer could get far without the support and encouragement of friends, and I have many to whom I owe special thanks: Lauren Miller, Tamara Ireland Stone, Beth Revis, and Megan Miranda, you were some of the very first people I told this story idea to, and without your encouragement I might never have mustered the courage to write it. Morgan Matson, Marie Lu, Jen Johansson, Brodi Ashton, Jennifer Bosworth: You were there at every stage, whether it was encouraging me early on to write it, helping me hash out the first draft with fierce word battles, or brainstorming titles around the pool. I couldn’t ask for a more inspiring group of women to have around. A very special thanks goes out to Jessica Brody, without whom I’m not sure this book would have ever seen the light of day. Thank you for being my plotting guru, and for lending me your late-night brainstorming superpowers, your willingness to read, chat, or advise at any moment, and your friendship.
Certain family members were vital to the creation of Zahra and her world: my sister Katharine, the real-life Habiba, who helped with Arabic translation. My husband Ben, always there to support and encourage beyond everything I could ask for. You’re my rock, my heart, my best friend. And finally, Papa. For years you asked me to write a book inspired by your homeland, and at last I can say I’ve done it! I’m so lucky to have the greatest grandfather in the world, and this book is, of course, all for you.