Page 43 of Dance of Stars and Ashes

Zarya grabbed a pillow and buried her face in it.

“It was mortifying. I’m such an idiot.”

Yasen was still laughing, his entire body shaking.

“It’s not funny!” Zarya said but found herself smiling at him.

“These Ravana men are certainly your weakness, aren’t they?” Yasen wiped a tear from his eye.

Her laugh was dry. “Tell me they don’t have any more brothers. Or a handsome cousin I could make a fool of myself with.”

Still snickering, Yasen was now enjoying himself immensely.

“No more brothers that I know of, but there is a sister. As for cousins, I’m sure there are dozens scattered about. Maybe you’re best asking for detailed family histories before you throw yourself at anyone else.”

Folding her arms tightly, she slumped down in the cushions and pouted. Just a little bit.

Yasen glanced over at Rabin. “For what it’s worth, he was the one who flew into a rage at Gopal when he had me and that vanshaj woman beaten.”

Zarya recalled the horrid tale Yasen had shared with her the night Rani Vasvi had died. “He did?”

“Yeah, he was furious. He called Gopal an immoral piece of shit who was too in love with himself to hold the position of nawab right to his face. I thought Gopal was going to pop a vein.”

She covered her face with her hands and groaned.

“So, you’re telling me under that gorgeous but scary exterior is a man with a heart of gold?”

Yasen grinned. “Well, I didn’t say that. But he is gorgeous, isn’t he?” Yasen looked over to where Rabin was still staring at them. “I swear he got even better-looking while he was away.”

“That isn’t helping, Yasen.” Zarya gave him a pointed stare, and he drew her in with an arm, giving her a squeeze.

“Also, he lied. He absolutely wants to do both.”

“Whatever,” Zarya mumbled, but something lightened in her heart.

“I’m right. I know that look. Trust me. He’s ready to name his sword after you, and I don’t mean the one on his back.” As he turned towards Rabin and raised his glass in salute, Zarya picked up a pillow and smashed it into Yasen’s face, spilling his wine down the front of his shirt.

“Hey!” he cried, reaching for a napkin to dab at himself.

“You deserved that,” Zarya said.

Yasen shook his head, still chuckling.

“Didn’t you once tell me that moody and brooding wasn’t your type?”

“Oh, shut up,” she said, and he laughed again.

At that moment, a hush fell over the courtyard as all eyes returned to the Jai Tree. The foot of the tree was no longer black. Whatever Amrita, Tarin, and Vikram were doing had started to take effect. The ruined trunk split and cracked, then fell away, leaving smooth, white bark behind. The dead pieces tumbled off and turned to dust.

White bark climbed up and up, spreading across the branches. As ash blew on the wind, flowers bloomed. Silver, gold, copper, and bronze. Huge, glossy, luminous blooms reflected in the moonlight. Hundreds of them burst to life, their fresh, sweet fragrance sweeping over the courtyard on a perfumed breeze.

After several minutes, the transformation was complete; the tree was even grander and more magnificent than before. Everyone in the courtyard burst into applause, tears streaming down faces, arms reaching out to embrace one another. Music began to play, and some of the attendees stood up to dance.

As everyone celebrated, the tree began to glow with silvery light before a cloud of translucent ribbons spun out of the floral canopy and lifted into the atmosphere. Zarya craned her neck to watch Amrita’s magic swirl in the air before the thread broke apart and spread across the sky, spearing for the edges of Dharati and touching the city’s walls. The net of silvery light illuminated their upturned faces.

The queen’s magic grew brighter, small points of light racing along the ribs that formed the barrier of protection before they dimmed and then melted into the air. Everyone cheered as the protective magic surrounding them settled in place. The city was shielded once again.

“That was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen,” Zarya said.