Page 10 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

“Tell me about being masatara and paramadhar,” he said, folding his hands on the table and leaning forward. Zarya and the king glanced at Rabin as she waited for him to take the lead. How did he want to reveal this, and how much did he want to share?

“What would you like to know?” Rabin asked.

“Do you intend to perform the Bandhan? Kishore could start preparations as soon as he returns from an errand he is currently tending for me.” He turned to Zarya. “He is my personal mystic.”

Rabin’s gaze jumped to Zarya, the corners of his lips pressing together before he met his mentor’s gaze. “We have already completed it,” Rabin said. “In Ishaan.”

Abishek’s eyebrows pulled together as his gaze traveled over Rabin’s face. “I see. Did you not think to consult with me on this first?”

Rabin exchanged another look with Zarya. She squeezed her thighs, her defenses rising at Abishek’s tone, almost like he was chastising a toddler and not speaking with a grown warrior.

“It was necessary to aid the rebellion. And we did not want to delay.”

Abishek leaned on his elbows. “I’m not sure I understand.”

Rabin was about to speak, perhaps to apologize or explain everything, but Zarya interrupted. She had already sensed that she might need to intervene when it came to Rabin and the king, and that was already being confirmed.

“It was our decision to make. We chose this. Together. And our reasons are our own.”

Abishek’s gaze moved to her, his expression flattening.

She stared at him, refusing to feel anything but indignant that he thought it was his place to question their choices. He’d met her all of ten minutes ago, and Rabin wasn’t even technically his subject or a citizen of this realm. She was beginning to understand why Rabin insisted on keeping their marriage a secret.

“Of course,” Abishek said, his expression softening. “I am only surprised as I thought you would take some time to consider it.” He looked at Rabin. “It is a rather big decision to make. One that could have far-reaching consequences.”

“One I made willingly,” Rabin offered immediately, and Abishek nodded.

“I’m sorry,” he said, addressing Zarya now. “I’m new to being a parent. It seems I have much to learn.”

She returned his nod, trying to rein in her annoyance. “I’ve managed on my own so far.”

“Forgive me,” Abishek said, pressing both hands to his heart. “I did not mean to overstep.”

Zarya studied him for a moment, sensing his remorse was genuine, before tipping him a small smile. “It’s fine. I’m sure we both have a few things to learn.”

“Kishore is considered the most skilled of his kind. I would have been happy to offer his services,” he continued.

She did her best to affect a pleasant smile. “That’s kind of you, but again, we managed fine.”

“Would you allow him to examine the bond once he returns? I’d prefer if he ensured it was done properly.”

Zarya’s mouth opened. Thriti had seemed more than competent, and Zarya was sure the mystic had known exactly what she’d been doing.

“Please,” Abishek asked. “It would make me happy.”

She found herself nodding. “Sure. Of course. As long as Rabin is okay with it.”

Rabin nodded, and Abishek smiled. “Wonderful—he’s eager to meet you.”

Zarya waited for him to elaborate on why that was or why it mattered, but instead, he swept out a hand and called for dessert. They spent the next hour drinking and eating while Abishek asked questions of Yasen and Miraan, delving into the details of their lives. He seemed genuinely interested and concerned for all of them.

As they ate, Zarya finally felt herself relaxing.

She’d been so nervous about arriving, but the king wasn’t what she’d expected at all. Yes, he was a bit overprotective and perhaps a little autocratic, for lack of a better term, but he was a king, and that was his nature.

But he also seemed genuine in his eagerness to know her, and she didn’t sense anything sinister or amiss despite all of Row’s warnings. How he engaged with Miraan and Yasen also suggested a sincere person living under his somewhat abrupt exterior.

When everyone had eaten their fill, Abishek turned to Zarya again.