“I’ve handled it,” she said firmly. “There’s no need to drag either of you into this.”
Kaelendrin’s grin returned. “You’ve proven yourself a survivor, but even the strongest doesn’t have to stand alone. There’s strength in numbers, Yara. Let us stay and help.”
Her breath hitched.Strength in numbers.As much as she wanted to stand her ground, the truth of his words lingered. Having them here—Kaelendrin’s ease and Alarik’s quiet steadiness—felt like laying down part of a burden.
Her gaze flicked over them; the dust on their tunics, the fatigue she could see in the lines around their eyes. They’d come far, crossing the ocean, desert, and who knew what else—for her. That realization alone was enough to stir something warm and aching in her chest.
“You look like you could use rest and refreshments,” she said quietly. “What about joining the family’s fire? The Xians are kind andgenerous. They won’t mind helping two travellers in need of a hot meal.”
Kaelendrin’s eyes brightened with surprise. Before he could respond, Mei Mei darted up, her face glowing with excitement.
“Yara! Níang and Lao lao said your friends should come to supper!”
The girl beamed at the princes. Kaelendrin let out an unguarded laugh. Alarik’s lips curved faintly—a rare glimpse of warmth breaking through his stoicism. The weight that had lingered between them lightened, just enough for Reiya to feel the shift.
“That settles it,” she said, nodding with a soft smile. “You’ll join us for supper.”
Alarik inclined his head. “A wise traveller never refuses a warm fire or a good meal.”
Mei Mei tugged at her hand. “Let’s go together.”
Kaelendrin crouched slightly to meet the girl’s eyes. “We’ll catch up soon, little miss. The road’s left its mark on us. We wouldn’t want to bring dust to your fire.”
She pouted but relented. “Alright. Bà parked near the big tree at the end of the caravan. Look for the red and yellow wagon!”
As Mei Mei tugged her away, Reiya cast one last glance over her shoulder. Kaelendrin’s easy grin remained, and Alarik’s steady gaze lingered on them as they stepped away.
There was so much she wanted to share. Though time didn’t allow for a lengthy conversation now, but perhaps, after the meal . . .
A small, hesitant smile curled on her lips as she gingerly waved at them.
It was bound to be an interesting supper.
Chapter Twenty-One
KAELENDRIN
Kaelen watched as Reiyana—Yara, now—retreated with Mei Mei, the child tugging her toward the caravanserai, raven curls bouncing with every step. Relief crashed into him, unravelling the knots that had held him rigid through every road and market they’d combed.
She was here.Safe. Close enough to touch.
His hands trembled, and he curled them into fists. The first urge had been to pull her into his arms. The second—to shake her and demandwhy.
Why did you run?
Since they’d left Bashkor, he and Alarik had woven through the towns and outposts along the Great Salt Road, chasing whispers and dead ends for days. Whenever doubt crept in, he’d told himself: One more road. Just one more.
And Alarik, though weary, had echoed him—both keeping each other sharp, both too stubborn to admit their worst fear.
Kaelen hadn’t allowed himself to imagine this part—the moment when the search ended. But now that it had, relief settled in, leaving him weightless, as if he’d been carrying something unseen and only now felt its absence.
He hadn’t asked why she’d dyed her hair, but he could guess. A precaution. A disguise.
But blonde or raven-haired, he would’ve recognized heranywhere.
“You’re not as good at hiding it as you think,” Alarik’s voice broke into his thoughts, low and steady.
Kaelen turned, catching his brother’s gaze. “Hiding what?”
