“You have a beautiful laugh. Like the promise of tomorrow.”

“Get up, Shahrzad al-Khayzuran. You kneel before no one. Least of all me.”

“Love is—a shade of what I feel.”

“Shazi, I prefer the color blue to any other. The scent of lilacs in your hair is a source of constant torment. I despise figs. Lastly, I will never forget, all the days of my life, the memories of last night—For nothing, not the sun, not the rain, not even the brightest star in the darkest sky, could begin to compare to the wonder of you.Khalid.”

“My soul sees its equal in you.”