Page 126 of Storm of Ink and Blood

“I missed you, too.”

Row embraced Zarya tightly, then shook hands with Apsara and Suvanna.

Everyone had yet to notice the last person hovering at the edges.

It was then Ajay and Vikas fell silent, peering at the hooded stranger.

“Who’s that?” Vikas asked.

That was when Miraan stepped forward and pulled off his hood.

“You might call me an interested party.”

FORTY-THREE

“Your Highness,” Ajay said, immediately dropping his head and bowing as Vikas did the same. Ajay’s worried glance darted to Zarya and she understood his fear. She still wasn’t sure why they’d revealed their secret, illegal operation to the prince, either. “What are you doing here?”

Miraan returned their bows with his hands pressed to his heart. “That is a long story.”

They all stared at him, waiting for him to continue. He cleared his throat, perhaps feeling a touch awkward under their intense scrutiny.

“Is there somewhere we could sit?” he asked, looking around the hall.

“I’m sorry. Where are my manners?” Ajay asked, stirring out of his shock. “Can we get you something to drink or eat, Your Highness?”

“Sure, we’re starving,” Yasen said. “We’ve barely eaten in days.”

“I wasn’t talking to you,” Ajay said, and Yasen’s expression turned into a mock pout.

“No, please,” Miraan said. “Get them all something to eat. I sincerely apologize for the way you were treated in my home.”

“Why don’t we gather in the kitchen?” Ajay asked. “If it’s not too simple for you? There’s plenty of room for everyone, and we can talk.”

“Good,” Yasen said, not waiting for the prince’s response as he strode ahead and began raiding the cupboards for anything he could get his hands on.

They all filed into the kitchen and took stools around the large island before he dumped a mound of food in the center. Zarya reached for a plate and started piling it high. She was filthy and could definitely have used a bath, but she was too curious and hungry to care right now.

“Please tell us what this is all about?” Row asked a moment later. “Does your family understand what you’re doing? You’re sure it’s safe to be here?”

Miraan stared around the room for a long time before blinking and then turning to face Zarya. “May I ask you some questions first?”

She nodded. “I suppose, but I don’t get what you’re doing here or why we should be trusting you.”

Miraan pressed a hand to his heart. “I would like to tell you everything.”

Zarya sat up and nodded. “Okay. Then ask.”

“Who are you? Are you truly our sister?”

Zarya reached for her glass and took a sip of her water. Her throat had suddenly gone very dry. Everyone waited quietly for her to set it back down. “I am. Well, your half-sister.”

She looked at Row, and he dipped his chin, silently giving her permission to share the story about her upbringing, including his role.

“Your mother had a lover,” she said, wincing at the words, hoping they didn’t sting.

But Miraan showed no surprise. “Yes. Many, I believe. It is not a secret that she never loved our father, and theirs was only a marriage of convenience.”

“Did you know who any of them were?”