In answer to David’s query, Kamal Qumsiyeh explained that under the late Emir it had been his task to run the palace and advise on protocol. There were about a hundred and forty staff working in the palace itself plus thirty or so eunuchs plus about sixty women in the harem, which was administered by the Chief Eunuch. “Your Magnificence also owns the Ruby Palace by inheritance from the late Crown Prince via the late Emir, and of course the Emerald Palace in your own right,” he continued, “Naturally, you are the only whole man allowed to enter the harem, except by your explicit invitation, Master. The Ruby Palace harem has a further thirty women and the associated eunuchs.” David reflected that it must be difficult to work for a man who could say, “Off with his head,” and be obeyed. If these men had worked for his grandfather, there was no reason to sack any of them today. Time would tell if he could work with them. A huge black man of obvious North African descent was presented as the Chief Eunuch. David repeated his order about his mother’s accommodation and the man said it had already been arranged as he wanted. He then withdrew, taking the Princess Zubeydeh with him. Hajji Darwish Dosmukhamedov was the next one presented; he explained that he had run the economy of Kobekistan. The nation had lots of income from oil and therefore had no economic problems beyond deciding how to spend all that wealth. David began then to appreciate how absolute a ruler he was; he decided what this enormous wealth was spent on, and every penny of the country’s income was in practical terms his private income from which he paid everybody and bought everything.