Page 11 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

“I would love to talk more about your nightfire,” he said. “I’m still somewhat in awe that Asha’s prophecy was fulfilled after all this time.”

Zarya hesitated, searching for any hidden meanings in the question. Row had been so sure Abishek would want her nightfire.

“What would you like to know?” she asked carefully.

“More about how it works. If you are willing, I’d love to see it. I’ve read the accounts of the Ashvins and the way they described it. As Rabindranath has probably explained, I’ve always been fascinated with magic of all kinds. Particularly a gift as rare and ancient as this.”

“He did. I also have some questions to that end.”

“Of course. I’m happy to share whatever I can.” He clapped his hands together. “I do hope you’ll all stay for a while. You’re welcome to remain for as long as you need, and you’ll be safe within my walls.”

Zarya swallowed the sudden knot in her throat.

She’d expected to feel every emotion when meeting her father. She hadn’t been given much time to prepare for this, and they all crowded for space in her heart.

Abishek looked at Zarya again, a soft smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. He raised a glass and tipped it to everyone seated around the table, finishing with her.

“Welcome, my daughter. I am so very pleased that you’ve finally come home.”

THREE

Rabin was tense, his shoulders tight and his guard up. A return to Andhera usually expanded his lungs with relief and fresh, clean breaths, but when those mountains had come into view hours earlier, he’d been seized with a sense of ominous premonition.

He’d nearly turned back at that very moment but convinced himself he was being ridiculous. Row’s warnings had crept under his skin, and he was letting them get the best of him.

Besides, they truly had nowhere else to go right now.

He took a sip of his drink, studying his mentor. Rabin had convinced Zarya to come, but something itched at the back of his intuition. He’d been so focused on finding her. On bringing her to this place where he’d felt such peace that maybe he’d talked himself into something he never should have.

But Abishek was more than pleased to see Zarya, and there was a light in the king’s eyes that Rabin had never seen before. Immediately, he felt guilty for his uncharitable thoughts. Abishek had saved his life. He was a complicated man, of course, but he wasn’t a monster.

The group continued chattering around the table in Abishek’s solarium, but Rabin could see how exhausted Zarya, Yasen, and Miraan were thanks to the dark circles ringing their eyes.

As Rabin took another sip of wine, Abishek gave him a look that suggested he was displeased. Rabin wasn’t surprised by the king’s reaction to their completing the Bandhan without his input. But if he’d wanted them to wait, why hadn’t he said so when Rabin left to find Zarya? Did Abishek think Rabin couldn’t or wouldn’t make his own decisions?

“Zarya,” Abishek said after another few minutes. “You and your companions must be exhausted, and I’ve kept you talking for much too long.”

Zarya shook her head. “Oh no, it’s fi—” A yawn cracked from her mouth mid-sentence, and she covered it with the back of her hand. “I suppose we could use some rest.”

Abishek gave her a soft smile. “Of course. Omar will see you to your rooms.” He then glanced at the door where Omar was already waiting with his hands behind his back.

“Good night, then,” Zarya said, standing up. “It was nice to… meet you.”

She stared at Abishek for a moment and then blinked before her gaze met Rabin’s. He could see the shine of tears in her eyes, and he inhaled a deep breath.

Then Omar turned as Ekaja joined the four of them, leaving the king alone in his solarium.

Ekaja marched alongside Rabin, her posture erect as she stole curious glances his way. She knew he was hiding something. She could read him like a book. Honestly, he was surprised Abishek hadn’t picked up on it already, but he’d been so captivated by Zarya that perhaps it had thrown him off.

Rabin left Omar to see Zarya and the others to their rooms before ducking into his own. He unbuckled his weapons and stripped out of his leather armor, leaving him in a thin cotton shirt and leather pants. He shook out his hair and rolled his neck before toeing off his boots and striding over to the window.

Scanning the snowy landscape sparkling under the light of the stars and moon, he inhaled a deep breath, trying to find that calming place. But he couldn’t relax.

Something was nagging him, but he didn’t understand what.

He was just nervous. He’d wanted their meeting to go well. And mostly, it had. Abishek had always been quick to anger when he didn’t get his way, even if the other side had no way of knowing they’d caused offense.

Rabin was just feeling the weight and the responsibility of bringing Zarya to Andhera. He’d said he’d protect her and meant it with every breath. Now he lived with his duty to never let her down.