Page 12 of Storm of Ink and Blood

He seemed so serious, and she wondered what was going through his head. It was hard to separate her desire to know these people from the things they allowed to happen in their home.

“Zee!” She turned at the sound of her name to find Yasen shoving through the crowd. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“And I’ve been right here,” she said, practically hearing the roll of his eyes.

He fell silent as they watched the float pass, his eyes glued on Miraan.

“He’s cute,” Zarya remarked before she tipped her head and squinted. “In a severe kind of way.”

The corners of Yasen’s mouth pressed together, but he didn’t respond. They continued watching until the procession had passed, trailed by a few more acrobats, elephants, more soldiers, and a smaller float with some fancily dressed people that Zarya assumed were lesser nobility. They elicited far fewer cheers and benedictions from the crowd, and she couldn’t blame them.

The way they all sat there wrapped in their jewels, staring with mistrust at everyone on the street, made them look like a petulant bunch of children. Where the royal family knew how to engage the masses, these only repelled.

When everyone had finally passed, Yasen grabbed Zarya’s arm and pulled her over.

“Come on,” he said, dragging her through the crowds.

“What’s going on?” she asked. “Why were you looking for me? Is everything okay?” She realized that Yasen hunting for her in the middle of the street might be a worrisome sign. “Has something happened?”

“Relax,” he said with his usual exasperated air. “Wouldn’t I tell you if something bad happened?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure,” she replied, and he laughed.

“Good point. Don’t worry, this is a good surprise.”

“Okay,” she said, still skeptical but willing to concede he probably was being truthful. As much as he liked to tease her, he also knew when to be serious—sometimes.

A short while later, they arrived at the doorway to their apartment.

“Well, this isn’t very exciting,” she remarked. “In case you’ve forgotten, I live here.”

“You’re so annoying,” he said, and she laughed.

They ascended the stairs and Yasen threw open the door. Curiosity eating at her now, she stepped into their apartment, half expecting some wild animal Yasen had decided to purchase in the market to knock her down while he stood over her and told her that its teeth weren’t that big.

“What?” she asked, scanning the empty apartment until she saw two familiar figures standing on the balcony.

“Apsara!” she said, throwing her arms around the winged woman before she pulled away and then faced Suvanna, whom she did not attempt to hug. “What are you both doing here?”

Apsara and Suvanna exchanged a glance, and then Apsara said, “We heard you could use some help.”

“How?” Zarya asked, exchanging a worried glance with Yasen.

“Row,” Apsara answered. “I was asking about you, and he mentioned everything you’ve been up to. Fear not, your secrets are safe.”

During her months in Dharati, Zarya had sensed the innate goodness of the Chiranjivi. They were noble and had never been corrupted by their unique power. Perhaps that was exactly why the gods had selected them in the first place.

“Then I’m so happy you’re here! Did Yasen make you some tea?”

Suvanna arched an eyebrow and stared at him. “He neglected to get to that part.”

“Would you like some tea?” Yasen asked in a deadpan voice.

“Love some,” Suvanna replied, her expression stone cold.

“Very well.”

Yasen spun around and made his way to the small kitchen in the corner of the room while the women settled at the table that served as their dining space.