Two weeks had passed since Gordyeh arrived at the Sasanian court when King Khosrow Parviz swore by the sun, the moon, and the royal crown, requesting that the famed warrior-woman recount her battles and demonstrate her legendary martial skill. Gordyeh bowed with utmost grace and requested a warhorse, saddle, bow, lasso, spear, armor, helmet, and a quiver packed with poplar arrows.
The King commanded his servants to adorn the lush Rose Garden and erect a magnificent throne among the blossoms. Twelve hundred beautiful maidens of Rome and Turkestan filled the garden until it seemed no path remained, led by Shirin, who walked before them like a radiant sun. Gordyeh dressed herself in finely forged armor, set her spear butt against the earth, and leapt into the saddle of a coal-black charger like the rushing wind. Wheeling her steed beneath the canopy of trees, she raised a roar like a dark storm cloud, recreating her fierce combats of the past.
Witnessing Gordyeh riding fully armed past the golden throne, Shirin grew apprehensive and jealous. She warned Khosrow against entrusting weapons of war to one of enemy blood while the King sat unarmed upon his seat. Yet Khosrow only laughed, reassuring Shirin that Gordyeh harbored nothing but loyalty and affection. Marveling at Gordyeh's towering stature and warrior spirit, the King praised her as flawless against the tides of fate.
Khosrow then revealed his grand design: just as his four supreme generals commanded twelve thousand cavalrymen each to guard the realm, his golden seraglio housed twelve thousand noble maidens. He bestowed upon Gordyeh the absolute guardianship and administration of all these women, decreeing that none might speak or act within the palace without her command. Gordyeh rejoiced at this high honor, which freed her from the malicious whispers of her foes, and pressed her face to the earth in grateful praise of the King's divine glory.