بخش 4
Prose Version
The story continues with Soudabeh, the queen, setting her eyes on Siavash. She sits on her throne, adorned with jewels, and summons Siavash, asking him to visit her and meet her sisters. Siavash visits the harem, where Soudabeh is surrounded by beautiful maidens. She praises his beauty and suggests he choose a wife from among the maidens. Siavash is modest and reserved. Soudabeh then reveals her true intent, confessing her love for him and offering herself and her kingdom to him if he agrees to be with her. She threatens to destroy him if he refuses. Siavash, horrified, rejects her, remaining loyal to his father and his principles. He tries to let her down gently to avoid a scandal, but she persists. When Siavash leaves, Soudabeh, fearing exposure and rejected, tears her clothes and scratches her face, screaming that Siavash attacked her. The commotion alerts King Kavus, who finds Soudabeh in disarray. She accuses Siavash of trying to force himself on her. Kavus confronts Siavash, who denies the charge and explains Soudabeh's advances. Kavus investigates, smelling Siavash's clothes (which smell of camphor/innocence) and Soudabeh's (which smell of wine and musk), and realizes Siavash is telling the truth. However, Soudabeh plots further. She employs a sorceress who is pregnant to induce a miscarriage and provide two dead fetuses. Soudabeh claims these are the children she lost due to Siavash's attack. Kavus is shaken. Astrologers examine the fetuses and determine they are not of royal lineage, exposing the fraud. Despite knowing the truth, Kavus hesitates to punish Soudabeh due to his love for her and fear of political repercussions with Hamavaran.