Page 111 of Dance of Stars and Ashes

“Have a good night?” she asked, mirth dancing in her eyes. Zarya was sure she’d never seen the merdeva this cheerful before.

“Maybe,” Zarya said as Suvanna barked out a laugh and then spun on her heel and ran to the front of the boat, hopping up onto the prow.

“Let’s go!” she shouted as everyone followed onto the vessel one by one.

Between Apsara’s wind magic and Suvanna’s water magic, this was sure to be a swift journey. Zarya noted the lake was still, smooth like glass, the morning sun reflecting off its surface.

As she peered overboard, she noted the fish and sea life moving about in the crystal-clear water where she could see straight to the bottom and to a bed of soft sand. She took a seat next to Rabin, who was already looking a little peaked, before the boat sprung to life, skimming over the water.

“Are you okay?” Zarya asked. He looked only slightly less pale than during the journey across the Dakhani. He nodded and leaned back, closing his eyes.

“I know you don’t like changing in front of others, but is this better?”

With his eyes closed, he heaved out a long breath. “It freaks everyone out.”

“Don’t tell me you care about scaring anyone?” she joked.

His hand found hers on her lap, and he squeezed it. “I’d rather stay here with you.”

The earnest way he said those words made her heart twist.

She leaned in, speaking close to his ear. “Well, that’s very sweet, but you don’t need to put yourself through this for my sake.”

“Zarya, may I have a word?” She turned to find Row hovering over them, that frown she knew so well on his face. Row’s gaze flicked to Rabin, who had managed to open his eyes. Despite his nausea, Rabin hooked up an eyebrow, clearly demonstrating he wouldn’t be intimidated.

Zarya did not want to have a word. Not at all. But she supposed the conversation was inevitable. Still, she’d been hoping Row would at least wait until they were both alone.

“Now. Please.”

He said it in a way that brooked no argument, so Zarya huffed out a breath and nodded. He turned then and walked to the other end of the boat, clearly expecting her to follow. At least they’d have some privacy.

“I think I’m in trouble,” Zarya whispered under her breath. Rabin’s eyes had drifted closed again, but he reached out and squeezed her knee.

“Don’t take any of his shit, Spitfire.”

Zarya snorted and stood, crossing the boat where Row stood staring out over the water. At her approach, he turned and gestured to a bench.

“Will you have a seat?”

She rolled her neck and, feeling like a chastised toddler, settled next to Row with a heavy sigh. This felt very familiar—like the time they’d sat together in the garden before Row had disappeared from her life all those months ago.

That conversation hadn’t ended well, either, and she didn’t have high hopes going into this one.

“Zarya, I want to caution you on the relationship you seem to be forming with the commander,” Row said, his tone careful.

Though she’d expected it, she couldn’t help her annoyance. She ran a hand down her face. “Why?”

“It’s just—I’ve known Rabin a long time.”

“And?”

“And, I’m not sure this is a good idea. No one knows where he’s been all this time, and I don’t understand his intentions in returning to Daragaab now. You are inexperienced in these matters, and I want you to be cautious…”

Row trailed off, his gaze flicking to her as he pressed his hands between his knees.

“I assume you know I’m not interested in hearing this, and that’s why you look so nervous right now?” she asked.

His shoulders dropped, and he rubbed his temples. “Just take things slowly. You’ve only known him for a few weeks. He’s lived a long time, and I’m sure he has many secrets.”