When King Kay Kavus rested upon the Kianian throne, a silver-tongued courtier whispered into the monarch's ear the lore of Sudabeh, the magnificent daughter of the King of Hamavaran. Her stature surpassed the elegant cypress, her dark musk tresses flowed like a captivating lasso, and her lips dripped with honeyed sweetness. The King's heart stirred with longing, beholding in this union a match fit for the sun and the moon. Without delay, Kavus chose an elite, wise, and eloquent ambassador, dispatching him to the realm of Hamavaran to convey a royal proposal.
The Iranian envoy arrived at the court of Hamavaran and delivered Kavus's grand proclamation: that the sovereign of Iran, whose throne rests upon ivory and whose crown illuminates the world, sought an alliance through marriage. To join with the lineage of Kay Qobad was an unmatched honor that would grant Hamavaran the mighty shield of the Iranian Empire. Upon hearing these words, the King of Hamavaran felt his head grow heavy with sorrow. Sudabeh was his only child, precious beyond sweet life itself. Yet, recognizing that he lacked the forces to withstand Kavus's wrath, he swallowed his grief and chose peace over ruinous war.
The King summoned Sudabeh to his presence and revealed the Iranian emperor's demand. The insightful princess counselled her father with grace, reminding him that Kay Kavus was the supreme monarch of the earth; to ally with him was no cause for grief, but an absolute shield of security and joy. Seeing his daughter's composure and wisdom, the King of Hamavaran assented. He seated the Iranian envoy above his own nobles and sealed the betrothal in accordance with their ancient rites.
For a full week, magnificent preparations ensued. A vast caravan was assembled: three hundred handmaidens, forty royal litters, and a thousand mules, horses, and camels laden with fine silks, gold coins, and priceless treasures. Sudabeh set out toward Iran like a gleaming crescent moon. When she arrived before Kay Kavus, her extraordinary radiance left the king awestruck—her eyes like deep, sorrowful narcissi, her lips like laughing rubies. Grateful for such divine perfection, Kavus uttered the name of Yazdan, assembled his Mobads and wise counselors, and celebrated a glorious wedding according to the sacred traditions of the Kianian kings.