Hethought ahead, that needling voice said.He’s always thinking ahead.
She began to weave through the gathering, keeping her eyes on Jangir. He studied the crowd, felt their anger build, and did nothing to calm it. Elena thought she saw a ghost of a smile on his face, but she was too far to tell for certain.
“There he is,” Ferma hissed, pointing. A large man, shorter than Elena, stood at the fringe of the crowd.Varun.Jangir’s right-hand man watched his boss with a dark, clouded expression. His gold cap perched precariously on his head, as if on the verge of falling off.
“This way.” Ferma tugged her free from the throng of bodies.
“The other kingdoms ignore our pleas, and the Jantari are cunning,” Jangir continued. “They will lie and hide their sins while our sons and daughters suffer. War is coming, my friends, and we must be ready. Enlist. Quell your fears and strengthen your hearts. We have the fire of the Phoenix on our side. And She will never leave us so long as the king is here.”
So long as the king is here. And what of your shining, soon-to-be queen?Elena thought bitterly as they approached Varun.Will you listen to her just as well as you listen to your king?
“Brother,” Ferma called out in a customary Ravani greeting.
Varun turned. He had thinning hair and beady eyes that were always roaming, always watching. His gaze landed on Elena and a weary smile broke on his face. “Have you brought me worthy news, dealer?”
“News that should be shared in private,” Elena said.
Varun hesitated, looking toward the stage, but Jangir was still spinning his tale, holding the crowd rapt.
“Let’s go inside the tea shop,” he said.
When they entered the store, the rich, earthy scent of tea leaves greeted them, and Jasmine, the owner, bustled over at once. Her eyes widened when she saw Elena’s clothed face. She was the only one who knew about Elena’s disguise; Ferma, ever quick to react, kept steering Varun toward a table at the back, and Elena pulled Jasmine aside.
“Your Highness,” Jasmine began, but Elena held up her hand.
“As far as he knows, my name is Aahnah,” Elena said in a low voice. She nodded toward Varun. “Do you understand?”
Jasmine stiffened, her face turning pale. But before Elena could ask what was wrong, Ferma beckoned her.
“Just bring us a pot of tea,” Elena said and hurried over.
She sat down across from Varun, Ferma by her side. Elena touched her scarf, ensuring that only her eyes showed.
“I have something you might like to see,” she said, switching her accent to the rolling drawl of someone from south Rani.
“Ach, people always say they have something to show me.” Varun waved his hand. “And they show their faces to me. If you can’t even do that now that we’ve become acquainted for a few moons, then I’m not interested.” His eyes met Elena’s. “Show me your face, dealer.”
“It’s of someone powerful. That’s all you need to know,” Elena said coldly.
“I know many powerful people. And many who claim to know things about them.” Varun picked up a biscuit from the plate before Jasmine even set it down. He crunched it noisily as she poured their tea. “Your business is in trading secrets. So, this better be one I haven’t heard.”
“This is about Jangir.”
Varun paused chewing for only a moment, but Elena caught it. She smiled beneath her scarf.
“What about Jangir?” Varun asked, too casually.
“We heard you wish to replace him,” Ferma said, her voice muffled from behind her scarf.
Varun laughed. Crumbs fell from his lips as he took another biscuit. “Nonsense.”
“And we found a way that you can, without raising questions.”
Varun sipped his tea, hissing when he burned his tongue. He seemed to be on the verge of shouting for Jasmine when Elena pulled out the holopod and set it carefully on the table. Varun stopped.
“What is that?” The laughter was gone from his voice.
Elena shared a sidelong glance with Ferma, as they had rehearsed. He took the bait.
