Something released in my chest, that dark feeling that had been gathered since I’d seen her destroyed on the floor of the dungeon dissipating.
She didn’t look my way. Instead, her dark eyes were blazing. I followed her gaze to Mishah, standing with her arms around Zaye, laughing at something she’d said to her.
Mishah had told me that she’d betrayed Yaseema to the Viceroy, in the hopes that they’d stop her leaving with the crown, but that she’d regretted it immediately.
I had my own anger with her decision, but Yaseema should carry its bulk. I understood the thought process about what Ramishah had done, even if I didn’t agree with it. But now the Viceroy had the crown, and we needed to take it back before he properly used it.
Yaseema strode forward, her expression fierce, anger flashing in her eyes.
I felt such immense relief at seeing it, indignation instead of the pain and fear and sadness.
I quickened my steps, trying to intercept her but ended up reaching Yaseema just as she reached Mishah.
“Mishah,” Yaseema said, her voice filled with hurt.
The people near us quieted. Others turned to listen—nearly the entire camp had come out to greet Mishah, the rebel leader who had rallied nearly this entire resistance.
She’d been here when we’d brought Tal and Yaseema but had slipped out as quickly as she’d come.
She’d had to get back to the palace as soon as she’d helped me—but not before giving me a scolding about what I’d done, despite the relief I saw in her eyes.
I knew it was idiotic, and I’d given up a major advantage the rebels had. I knew I could have stayed at the palace and tried to steal the crown back a lot easier than the situation we were in now. But seeing Yaseema standing in the middle of the rebel camp alive, healthy and full of anger, I couldn’t bring myself to care.
Mishah pulled away from Zaye and stared back at Yaseema.
“I see you’ve recovered then. Managed to get yourself caught by the Viceroy, did you?”
I sucked in a breath.
Yaseema reared back, hurt flickering across her face. But she steeled herself quickly.
If Mishah’s plan was to enrage Yaseema further, it was certainly working—her eyes flashed with outrage and she seemed about ready to do battle. She pushed her spectacles up farther on her face and took a step forward, her hands planted on her hips.
I cleared my throat, noticing the entire rebel camp was now witnessing this interaction. We needed to stay united and rally behind each other—including Yaseema—if we were going to be successful against Reza.
“Maybe we can take this conversation to my tent and discuss our strategy going forward? Mishah, I can’t imagine you have long before you have to get back to the palace.”
Yaseema whirled around upon hearing my voice, her expression like a wounded animal.
I winced, realizing what she must be feeling—both Mishah and I had been working against the Court of Salt right in front of her without breathing a word to her. And at what point did the line blur between us and I should have told her?
When Yaseema and Mishah had become true friends?
When I had kissed her?
When we’d held each other in bed?
“What a good idea,” Zaye said firmly. “Let’s go, Mish.” She tugged on Mishah’s hand.
When Mishah didn’t say anything, I gave a great sigh. I nodded toward the group that had begun to gather and gave Mishah a pointed look before heading back to my tent. I was worried I’d be alone, but after a few seconds I heard the reprimands of Zaye and the grumblings of Mishah behind me.
I turned as they lifted the flap of my tent and filed through, with Yaseema bringing up the rear as she tentatively stepped through the doorway.
Mishah folded her arms across her chest, clearly not about to explain anything. I rolled my eyes.
“By the River, Mishah.” I turned to Yaseema, who was watching Ramishah as if she didn’t know who she was. “Mishah came to find me as soon as the Viceroy took you to the dungeons. Yes, we worked together, but she helped to get you out.”
“And when I killed the general? He was telling the truth wasn’t he? He was attacking her because he found out she was a rebel.”
