As Prince Shapur grew into the stature of a tall, graceful cypress, he remained ever at his father Ardashir's side, serving not merely as a prince but as a wise counselor and minister. Yet King Ardashir found no day of respite from continuous warfare; whenever he quelled a uprising in one realm, another rebellious adversary raised its head elsewhere. In his heart, Ardashir prayed earnestly to Yazdan, the Creator of the World, longing for a realm free of enemies where he could rule in justice and divine devotion.
Seeing the King's fatigue, his auspicious minister suggested sending a messenger to Kayd of India—a renowned sage and astrologer who understood the movements of the celestial spheres and the hidden fates of kings without seeking any earthly reward. Ardashir selected a noble, sharp-witted young messenger and sent him to India laden with fine Arabian horses, gold dinars, and precious silks. The messenger was instructed to ask Kayd whether Ardashir would ever secure peace over the seven climes or if he should cease exhausting his army and treasures.
Upon arriving in India, the envoy presented the tribute and revealed the King's secret query. Kayd, moved by empathy, brought out his astrolabe and Roman astronomical tables, carefully calculating the positions of the stars governing Iran and Ardashir's destiny. He then declared to the envoy: 'Go unto the King and say that lasting tranquility shall descend upon his throne, and his armies shall rest, only when the royal bloodline of Ardashir unites with the seed of Mehrak-e Nushzad. Should these two lineages merge, strife shall vanish, treasures shall multiply, and Iran shall achieve all its desires.'
When the envoy returned and delivered Kayd's prophecy, Ardashir's heart burned with anguish and his face turned yellow as saffron. Infuriated at the thought of uniting with his mortal enemy's bloodline, he swore never to allow anyone of Mehrak's seed into his house. Learning that Mehrak had left behind a single daughter, concealed in the city of Jahrom where no eye had beheld her, Ardashir dispatched a squad of ruthless horsemen to track her down and burn her alive.
Yet, warned of the danger, the maiden fled and sought refuge in the home of the village chief in Jahrom. The chief sheltered her with immense honor and hid her from public view. There, hidden from the King's vengeance, Mehrak's daughter grew tall like a magnificent cypress, possessing incomparable wisdom, divine radiance, and breathtaking beauty—a maiden unmatched throughout the entire realm.