Page 75 of Heart of Night and Fire

As they waited for the line to move, more fans and well-wishers greeted Aarav. Refrains of “the Tiger” followed more growls and laughter. Keeping her eyes closed, Zarya smiled to herself again, happy that Aarav had found their admiration. Maybe he’d be less of a pain in her ass from now on.

“I’ve been looking for you!” came a female voice from somewhere in front of Zarya.

She opened her eyes. Before her stood a plump rakshasa, who came barely to the height of her shoulder. With her other hand, she gripped Aarav’s arm tightly, as if he might bolt.

“Have we met?” Zarya asked the woman, straightening up.

“No, no. But the boys have told us so much about you,” she said.

Her black hair was shot through with streaks of silver, tied into an elegant twist on top of her head. Her smooth face made her appear ageless, and she was dressed in a low-cut blouse and an ornately decorated green sari in a style favored by the nobles.

“About how Row kept you prisoner!” She leaned in and lowered her voice to a stage whisper, pretending to be discreet, but everyone around them turned to stare.

“I’m sorry,” Zarya said, trying to keep her tone polite. “But who are you?”

“I’ve been dying to invite you for dinner,” said the mysterious rakshasa, completely ignoring the question. “I said to myself, ‘Diya, next time you’re in the city, you’re going to track down these newcomers and invite them to the manor.’ And here you are! The boys are on leave from duty and are coming home for a few days. You’ll come, too! We’re celebrating the blessed union. It’s going to be a splendid event.”

Aarav and Zarya exchanged confused glances.

“By boys, do you mean Vikram and Yasen?” Zarya asked.

“Yes, who else would I mean? We’ll make it a surprise! Vikram has been trying to keep you to himself, hasn’t he? But I’ve got my spies.” The woman wagged a finger and winked at Zarya. “And the party is tomorrow—we’ve been planning it for weeks. The whole family is just dying to meet you.”

“Uh…” Zarya said, looking at Aarav for help. He just shrugged.

“I’ll send the carriage for you tomorrow morning. It’s beautiful in the countryside, and you’re very pale. Everyone needs time away from the city. It’s much too crowded here.”

She pinched Zarya’s cheek.

“Ow!” she cried.

“But don’t tell the boys.” Leaning in, she spoke again in a loud whisper, obviously meant to be heard by everyone. “I can’t wait to see their faces.”

Zarya rubbed her cheek but smiled. Clearly, this woman adored Vikram and Yasen.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. And don’t worry about bringing anything. We’ll take good care of you.” With a wave, she walked off with her generous hips swaying from side to side.

“Who was that?” Zarya asked Aarav, watching the woman leave.

“Vikram’s mother?”

“Maybe? I guess we’re going for a visit to the countryside?” she said.

“Apparently so. It would do you some good, though. She wasn’t wrong—you really do look awful.”

Zarya snarled as Aarav bolted for his life, disappearing into the bakery.

* * *

As promised, their ride pulled up in front of the haveli the next morning. It was hard not to gape at the green-and-gold carriage that waited for them, flanked by liveried footmen in white dhotis, royal blue vests, and bright red turbans, their backs ramrod straight.

On the other side of the carriage stood a contingent of six armed guards, all bearing weapons and wearing the queen’s uniform.

“Who knew Vikram’s family was this fancy?” Aarav asked as he slid into one of the plush green velvet seats. “I can’t believe he sleeps in the army barracks when he’s got money like this.”

“I suppose a soldier is always a soldier,” Zarya replied, taking the seat across from him. Aarav flipped through the various drawers and compartments that lined the interior of the carriage.

“Aha,” he said, pulling out two glasses and a crystal decanter filled with wine from a small cupboard near their feet. The footman poked his head inside, scanned the small space, and apparently satisfied, closed the door, latching it in place.