The Arabian Nights, Volume 3 (of 4)

In the glittering court of Balsora, a kingdom that bows to the distant caliphs, King Zinchi surrounds himself with two starkly different viziers. Khacan, generous and beloved, wins the respect of everyone from merchants to scholars, while his counterpart Saouy broods in miserliness and spite. A lively council debate turns to the age‑old question of what makes a companion truly worthy of a ruler’s attention.

Compelled by the discussion, the king tasks Khacan with locating a slave whose beauty is matched by wit, modesty, and keen intelligence—a perfect partner for the demanding life of governance. As Khacan dispatches courtiers across the city, the rivalry with Saouy deepens, and rumors of a mysterious Persian merchant bearing an extraordinary captive begin to surface. The hunt for this exceptional woman sets the stage for a tale of intrigue, rivalry, and the subtle art of choosing a companion beyond mere appearance.