Nor was the balance itself suggestive of anything less than a portentous occasion. The measure of a king demanded kingly measures. Its weighing pans were two cushioned platforms, gilded and inlaid with jewels, suspended from each end of a central beam by heavy gold chains interwoven with silken cords. The beam itself, and its supports, were carved from rosewood, inlaid with jewels, and plated with gold leaf. This event of universal joy was never witnessed by more than a few of Arangbar's closest circle. The first tier of court officials were permitted in watch, family members, favored officers with rank over five thousand horse, and a minuscule list of select foreign ambassadors. Hawksworth tried to look formal and attentive, but his mind was still reeling from the news. All the way to the Red Fort he had tried to sort out the implications. That crafty bastard Spencer. He well deserves to be Director of the East India Company. It's perfect. He timed it perfectly. Why did he decide to send a second voyage? Did they accidentally rendezvous with the _Discovery_ at Bantam? Or was it no accident? Could Elkington have ordered them north? Or maybe it's some sort of scheme with the Hollanders? Who could the Captain-General be? Spencer, you deceiving whoremaster. You double-crossed Elkington, never told him about the letter from King James, and now you, or somebody, has double-crossed me. Or saved the mission. There's sure to be a bounty of gifts for Arangbar. If they can make it around Goa, and avoid the Portugals. . . "Ambassador, this way." Nadir Sharif was standing near the balance, motioning him to the front. "Ambassador, His Majesty is overjoyed at the news of the English fleet. He has asked that I seat you here, next to me, so I may translate the Persian for you and allow you to prepare a full report to your king." The prime minister had changed to formal dress, with a tapestried turban and cloak, under which were skin-tight, pastel-striped pants. He wore a necklace of enormous pearls and in the sash at his waist was a gold-handled _katar _set with emeralds. He was barefoot. "This is an ancient yearly custom of all the Great Moghuls.'' Hawksworth quickly unbuckled his shoes and tossed them by the edge of the vast carpet, near the arcade. "Seat yourself here next to me and I will explain everything to you. His Majesty thinks the news of your trading fleet is extremely auspicious, coming as it did on the first day of his birthday celebration. He wants to return the honor by allowing you to join him in the royal circle at the wedding of Prince Allaudin and Princess Layla." "That's very gracious of His Majesty. And when do you think he's planning to sign the_ firman _approving English trade?"