Alhaitham’s bored eyes glanced around the lavishly decorated hall. Why his father had decided to host this gathering between here and the Indian monarchy, he hadn’t the faintest idea. Alhaitham hoped it wasn’t for a marriage arrangement, but the more he glanced around the room he noticed that barely any women (except for occasional wives of the attendees) were there. Slowly, the chatter died down, his father made the regular toast and, of course, entertainment started.