The Tale of Kamar al-Zaman

In the kingdoms of the East, Prince Kamar al-Zaman was renowned for a beauty that rivaled the moon, yet he steadfastly refused to marry, much to his father’s grief. Far across the world in China, the equally beautiful Princess Budur shared this same disdain for matrimony. Their paths crossed through the meddling of two djinns, Danhash and Maimunah, who argued over which royal was more radiant. To settle the dispute, they magically transported Budur to the Prince’s bedchamber while he slept. Each woke momentarily to find a stunning stranger beside them, exchanged rings as a token of affection, and fell into a deep, enchanted sleep. When the djinns returned them to their respective homes, both royals awoke in a state of lovesick despair, convinced they had seen a vision. Years of separation and supposed madness followed until Kamar al-Zaman’s foster brother, Marzavan, tracked the Prince’s ring to China. The lovers were finally reunited and wed, but their journey home was marred by fate. A bird stole a precious talisman, leading Kamar al-Zaman on a long chase that separated him from his bride. Princess Budur, showing immense courage, disguised herself as a man to safely travel, eventually becoming the ruler of a distant kingdom. It was only through chance and a game of chess that the Prince finally found her, proving that no distance or disguise can hide a love written in the stars.