Ahmed bowed his head and pulled at one lapel to view the front of his shirt. There was a slight spot of blood blooming on the pale cotton. A reminder of Victoria's passionate grasp earlier that morning.

He looked up at Orchid as he pressed his jacket to his chest. "Yes," he said.

Orchid turned his head into the dining room and lit a cigarette. "If the waiter comes back, I will make him leave me," he said as if it were a threat.

"Go ahead," Ahmed said. He didn't care if Orchid used his mind tricks to manipulate waiters, not if they caused him discomfort when they were supposed to be serving him. "But it's all right if you leave. I had so many questions, but now, I think I've nearly figured things out."

"Thank you, I will go," Orchid said.

"Could you just tell me, please. Do you really not know how you are going to vote?"

Orchid looked directly at Ahmed. He stood, then refocused on Ahmed. "Have you seen the dress I made for Victoria?"

"You didn't answer my question."

"It's quite a lovely dress. I think I will try speaking to Sialkot a moment before going to my room."

Ahmed watched Orchid cross the dining room to sit at Lakshmi Sialkot's table. She nodded her head a lot, but there was something in her posture that Ahmed took as discomfort.

Finishing lunch, Ahmed went upstairs.

He paused in the hall. He believed that as his first wife Majnun would be expected to stand beside him. She would be expected to smile at the crowds and, if he were elected, she would be expected to make speeches and perform volunteer work.

He wanted to go to her and ask that she step down, let Victoria be the one in the public eye. He feared Majnun would accuse him of playing favorites.

Ahmed smoothed back his hair and knocked at Majnun's door. When she called for him to enter, Ahmed used his copy of the keycard to open the door. 

Majnun was resting in bed, not dressed.

"Are you ill? You should be dressed."

"I don't feel like going," she said.

Ahmed shook his head.

"Let Victoria be the political one. I won't have time."

Ahmed breathed a sigh. "What is this Majnun?"

"I'm pregnant...I think."

Ahmed bent over the bed and stopped just short of kissing Majnun. "Majnun!"

She smiled up at Ahmed. "We're to have another child."

"I'm happy." Ahmed kissed his wife.

"I wanted another child," she said.

"What can I do?" Ahmed asked.

"Get ready for your debate. I have faith you will secure your legacy for our sons."

Sons?

"I hope," Majnun added.

"Yes..." Ahmed had not expected this news and stood yet beside the bed.

"I will be well here."

"Should I-?" Ahmed began, "That is, if you are asked after...?"

"No public announcement," Majnun said, "but of course you may quietly tell your friends. And Victoria."

Ahmed kissed Majnun again and then he left the room.

Victoria's room was next door. Ahmed tried to decide what news he would present first. THen he knocked.

Victoria came to the open the door, but stood blindly pushing an earring into her earlobe even as she held the door with one hand.

Ahmed hesitated only a moment then said, "Majnun is pregnant."

Victoria pressed her lips together in a tight smile, but quickly her expression softened to a wide smile. "That's good news," she said.

Ahmed had his first unobstructed view of her dress. He knew enough to recognize it was a modern gown similar in design to a anarkali suit; this one was pale green in color, had a modest, high collar, and was embroidered with flowers along its flared skirt.

"This is the dress Orchid made?"

"Yes, I thought since it was so beautiful I might wear it to both debate and reception."

"Narcissuses," Ahmed noted, "like on the state crest."

"Yes." Victoria smiled.

Orchid knew many things that he kept to himself!?

Weeks ago, at least one week ago, Orchid must have made this dress, before Ahmed had ever taken an interest in Darkling, before he had made up with Victoria. Surely, Orchid understood how this dress could sway an audience.

Ahmed realized: Orchid had known all along who he would vote for.

"He's going to vote for me," Ahmed whispered.

"Did he tell you that?"

"Victoria, the dress! I am no fashion expert, but I have some understanding of public relations and politics. Orchid had already decided everything when he gave you the dress. It's...iconic."

Victoria stepped to the mirror. "I suppose it will make a good impression."

"You will, Vicky," Ahmed said, "If you will agree to stand by me."

"I'll stand by you, Ahmed."

"Now there is only the matter of which of my suits and shirts will look best beside you."

THE END

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Secret-not-secret: The Jinnah family will appear again in the novel Saints of Evil. Orchid and Morpheus appear in multiple works within the Empty World series.