“He’s losing it,” Yassen said.
“He’s in shock,” Elena said.
Jangir sank to the ground and rocked back and forth, hands clutching his knees as he whispered. Elena recognized the chant at once.
Holy Bird, may You grant forgiveness in Your fire to us blessed few.
Jangir whispered it again and again, eyes squeezed tight, knuckles white as if the chant was the only thing that could save him, the rock amid the chaos of a sandstorm.
As if his belief could absolve him of his sins, she thought. A part of her refused to pity Jangir. He had orchestrated the massacre in the park, lied that the protestors had been armed. She was sure that when he had returned to his home that night, he did not shake like he did now.You didn’t seek the forgiveness of the Phoenix then, so why would She forgive you now?
Jangir continued chanting, face fervent—like Saayna. Like the priests and all the Ravani who believed in the Phoenix with all their hearts.How do you believe so deeply? Even when you’re wrong? When you’re forsaken?A pang shot through her, deep and aching. Elena rubbed her burnt fingers. She had applied aloe to heal, but she still remembered the bite of the fire, the sear of its heat.
Yassen touched her hand, slowly uncurling her fists.
“You’ll hurt yourself if you keep rubbing the burns,” he said softly.
“I can’t help it,” she said, but as Yassen held her hand, she stopped herself from pulling away. “What is it?”
“You were brave,” he said, gazing at her reddened fingertips. “Back at the temple, at the arena. Now.” His eyes met hers. “You may not be able to hold fire, but you have more strength than the king to confront this kingdom’s wrongs. Like the Phoenix, burning the wicked and bringing justice.” He gave a wry smile.
“See, that’s where you’re wrong,” she said. “I’m not like the Phoenix. I can’t even commit to believing in Her.”
“I saw you,” he said. “In the temple, the way you looked up at the statue, the longing in your eyes. You have more faith than them all. You have faith in Ravence.”
Elena blinked. All this time, she had thought herself lacking—in faith, in authority. She could not hold fire because she did not believe deeply; and she could not be a strong queen without Her fire. She was not ruthless like her father.But Ravence is mine, just like it is his.And she would still lay down her life for it. Elena trembled to be seen so clearly, so completely, but Yassen did not waver. He held her gaze, hand beneath hers, and she found herself sharing his soft smile.
“I see you, Elena,” he said quietly.
The door opened, and Ferma entered. Yassen immediately dropped her hand, moving away as Ferma turned to greet them.
“Th-there you are,” Elena said quickly and frowned. “Diya said you took sick leave yesterday. Are you feeling all right?”
Ferma’s braid, usually so neat, was loose, unkempt, with strands sticking out haphazardly.
“I was feeling a bit… under the weather. But I’m better now,” Ferma said, sharing a glance with Yassen. “Sorry that I’m late.”
Elena took Ferma’s hands in hers, searching the Yumi’s face. “Ferma, are you sure you’re fine?”
“Yes. Step into the field and I’ll show you.” Ferma grinned, and Elena nodded, the unease in her chest loosening. Slightly.
“We’ll talk more once this is over,” she whispered so that only her Spear could hear.
“Look, he’s finally done,” Yassen said.
Elena turned, saw that Jangir now sat on the edge of his bed. He was no longer shaking, but he glanced around the room, as if waiting for something to leap out of the shadows.
She went to the panel. “Jangir, can you hear me?”
Jangir peered at the two-way mirror. “Y-Your Highness? Oh, thank Phoenix Above! You must release me and ask Varun about the reports.”
“Jangir.” Elena sighed. Her father had made no press release regarding the man. He had stayed in his rooms, refusing to take visitors. She bit her lip. A part of her had hoped that maybe, just maybe, he had heard her and would act.
She pressed the comms again, voice flat. “Jangir, you are to remain here until I’m queen. Then, you’ll be put on trial before your peers to answer to the charges that will be brought forth by my government. They will include murder, treason—”
“You are wrong,” Jangir spat. “I am no murderer, no spy. Ask the king! I demand to see him.”
“That will not happen,” Elena said.
