"Harun," Lakshmi repeated his name as if testing its sound. A simple name for a simple man. She said nothing more for a moment, but she seemed to like the sound of it. Her gaze searched his face after his question, though she lit up as she came to a decision. 

"There is something of mine in the palace that requires liberating--a lamp that is mine," She told him frankly. "A snake by the name of Raul snatched it from its rightful place and seeks to besmirch...me." She seemed quite bitter as she spoke of the khedive, expression darkening considerably. "It's proof of my lineage, so to speak. Without it, I am unable to return to my home in the Isle of Aljana. Simply put, so long as it is in his possession, I have little choice but to follow his every order. I am utterly at his mercy."

Lakshmi gave a small sigh as she closed her eyes, letting the silence linger for a moment. Opening her eyes, she gave Harun a small smile, completely at ease. "That said, I don't expect your services for free, of course," She assured him. "Aside from fulfilling the very noble deed of rescuing a damsel in distress, I have every intention of paying you whatever you wish. These days there is much to be desired, wouldn't you agree? Be it riches or fame, I can give it to you. All you need to do is ask."