The common man's footsteps are better than the sultan's court! This is usually said by a truly ascetic man, or one who has no hope of ever reaching the sultan's court. But for it to be said by someone who was a sultan in a bygone era, and then ended up as a reluctant companion to another sultan, in another time and another land, is a rare occurrence, and a sign of a dire consequence.
Is there anything more agonizing than to be a sultan in a paradise with flowing rivers, only to be cast out, disgraced and defeated, to your final exile, becoming a companion to the sultans who sheltered you in their lands? You must seek their permission, kiss their hands, and sit respectfully wherever the chamberlain seats you, never uttering a word until the sultan addresses you. And when you do speak, you must be careful not to let a single phrase slip your lips that violates the etiquette of sultanic conduct—of which you know better than anyone—for it could bring you misfortune!

Latest releases from Bookfanar website