"But Suleiman Shah, son of Kutalmish, will win back the authority that should have belonged to his father," Turandot insisted.
"Yes, only not in Kutalmish's way—but in Tughrul's." Eric turned from Turandot and continued toward the inner part of the mansion.
Turandot faltered, pausing for a moment. "Suleiman Shah has never forgotten his father's path. He will be even greater than his father."
Perhaps it was the long corridor of the mansion that made Turandot's voice sound so small and insignificant.
Turandot caught up to Eric, closing the distance between them. They were close enough for any words to be heard, but Turandot did not repeat herself, nor did she launch into effusive praise for Suleiman Shah.
A short while later, Turandot led Eric to a private chamber and then departed.
Turandot did not reappear. Instead, an Attendant would periodically arrive to tell Eric to continue waiting.
Eric waited in the chamber for a considerably long time.
