Page 56 of Storm of Ink and Blood

I spoke with Koura about your friend’s condition, and he didn’t have any answers to offer without seeing her in person. He promised to write to the healer you mentioned—they are acquaintances—to see if he can offer any guidance.

Amrita is healthy, and the baby is doing well. I’m including a sketch of the seed since you asked. It’s really quite beautiful, though my artwork certainly is not. I do wish you were here. I think she could use a friend.

Take care of yourself. Give my regards to Yasen.

Row

TWENTY

After they left Vikas and the others to continue practicing their magic, Zarya and Yasen headed for the Chandras’ flat.

“Do you think they’ll burn the whole house down?” Yasen asked skeptically, peering over his shoulder. There had already been a few near misses with a pillow, the edge of the rug, and Suni’s hair, but they all understood the importance of discretion.

If anyone were to discover their collars were gone, there was no telling what the consequences would be. If this had truly never happened, there would be no precedent, but given the way the royals had been behaving of late, Zarya had no doubt the punishments would be severe.

“They’ll be fine,” she said, following Yasen’s stare as a flare of bright orange light illuminated the window. “I managed, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, but I think that was sheer luck.”

Zarya huffed out a snort. “I’m flattered by your faith in me.”

Yasen grinned, and they continued their walk through the busy evening streets packed with people heading home from dinner or the theater.

Zarya’s stomach twisted with nerves at the thought of seeing Rania. She was going to slam the door in her face. But Zarya needed to share what she’d accomplished this week, whether Rania wanted to listen or not. Ajay, at least, would speak with her.

A short while later, they found themselves standing at the door of the Chandras’ flat. Yasen waited for her to gather her courage as she willed herself to knock.

With her fist poised, she looked at him, and he smiled.

“It’ll be okay,” he said.

“Will it?”

He winced. “Eventually.”

She blew out a breath and then rapped three times. It took a few seconds before the door popped open. Unfortunately, it was Rania. Zarya had really been hoping Ajay would answer.

“What are you doing here?” Rania hissed, her eyes narrowing. “You are not welcome.”

She tried to close the door, but Zarya blocked it with her foot, one hand pressed against the surface.

“Please. I wondered how Farida was doing, and I have something to tell you.”

“Get out!” Rania snapped, obviously just as angry as ever. Zarya pressed her lips together before she caught sight of Ajay coming out of the kitchen, probably to see what all the commotion was about.

“I did it!” Zarya shouted over Rania’s head. “I did it!”

“Rania!” Ajay said, striding over. “Let her speak.”

Rania bristled at the command but then fell silent.

“I did it,” Zarya repeated. “I freed four vanshaj from their collars.”

“You were practicing on others!” Rania screeched, already done with holding her tongue. “Have you no scruples? You think their lives are worth nothing?”

“They volunteered!” Zarya countered. “They understood the risks!”

“And that makes it okay?” Rania spit back.