Page 67 of Storm of Ink and Blood

Looking down at himself, he was almost surprised to find he was back in his regular black clothing.

“What happened?” Abishek asked. “You stopped talking.”

“For how long?”

“Only a moment, but your eyes grew distant.” The king sat forward. “Did you see her?”

“Yes,” Rabin said with a small half-smile as he propped his elbow up on the mantle. “She learned how to call me.”

“And why did she call you tonight?”

Rabin laughed to himself. “She said she just wanted to see how it worked.”

“But?” Abishek asked.

“But… I’m sure that’s partly true, but I also think she wanted to see me.” He looked at the king. “She told me she’s in Ishaan.”

The king leaned back, folding his hands over his stomach. “And what is she doing there?”

“If I know Zarya, it’s because she wants to meet her family.” Rabin’s gaze shifted to Abishek, who watched him carefully.

“Did you get the sense she had done so?”

Rabin shook his head. “I don’t know. We never discussed it.”

Abishek studied Rabin for a moment. “I see. And? Now, what will you do?”

Rabin stood straighter. “I would like to go and see her.”

The king nodded. “Then you should do that.”

Rabin pushed himself from his spot by the fire and dropped into the plush armchair next to Abishek. “There’s something I need to tell you,” he added, deciding it was time to come clean. “I haven’t been entirely forthright with you about Zarya.”

His brows rose in a question. “Yes?”

“My feelings for your daughter are not only that of the paramadhar bond.”

He fell silent, allowing his words to sink in. Several emotions crossed the king’s face that he couldn’t interpret. Would he be angry or welcome this?

“I see,” Abishek finally said. “And does she reciprocate these… feelings?”

Rabin shook his head. “I think she did, but then…”

“She thought you betrayed her.”

“Exactly.”

Abishek crossed a leg over the other and reclined in his seat. “Many years ago, paramadhar were far more common, and those who ventured into physical or romantic relationships typically went on to regret it.”

Rabin clenched his hands as he leaned forward, propping his elbows on his thighs, drinking in every word. “Why? The handbook cautioned against it, but it doesn’t really explain the reason.”

Abishek blew out a breath and picked up the drink on the side table. “Should you choose to perform the Bandhan, you will both be connected by powerful magic. You’ll be privy to your masatara’s deepest emotions. Any feelings beyond those of a platonic nature can make the bond feel… too intense. It grows stronger over time and often becomes all-consuming. There was more than one paramadhar through history who lost themselves to the passions that ate away at their spirits. Only those of the strongest mind can resist falling prey to its hold. I must caution against this.”

Rabin nodded. “I suppose that makes sense.” His hand curled into a fist. “But Zarya and I are different.”

“Are you sure?” Abishek asked. “Some masatara abused the relationship, bidding their paramadhar commit unspeakable acts in their name. They were so overcome with their desires that they were helpless to resist. I believe it’s that very reason the gods withdrew this particular magic, and very few pairs have been seen since.”

Rabin knew his mentor wasn’t trying to be difficult, but Abishek never took anything at face value. He always asked questions and attempted to poke holes, seeking the truth in everything.