Page 111 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

“Tell us everything,” he said, indicating a spot for Yasen to sit.

He ran through the events in the Jai Palace. When he was done, every man in the room was silent, the shock in their expressions clear.

“The seal is weakening,” Rudra said. “How do we stop this?”

“Rani Vasvi’s former steward is looking for answers in the library, but I’m not holding out much hope,” Yasen said.

Everyone started talking, speaking over one another as they offered up various theories and ideas to solve this mystery.

Eventually, Miraan interrupted and raised his hands. “I’m not sure this is productive,” he said. “We need to focus on issues we can influence.”

The room fell silent as he continued. “As we’ve discussed, I cannot approach the palace, so I’m asking you to be the voice of reason. If Dishani will no longer listen to me, she might consider the request from one of you.”

“We could threaten to withdraw support and back you as king,” Rudra said carefully as every man in the room shared wary looks.

Yasen watched Miraan for his reaction as several emotions crossed the prince’s face.

“I have never desired my sister’s crown, but if that’s what it takes to end this, then there may be no choice.”

A tense silence circled around the group. What they were discussing was treason. But Miraan had already set that cart in motion the first time he’d sent money to the Rising Phoenix.

“Then we shall state our case,” Rudra answered. “Are you all with me?”

His gaze fell on the five other men who wielded influence in this queendom. One by one, they nodded until every man had agreed.

“Then let’s hope we don’t lose our heads,” Rudra said, lifting his glass in a toast. “To King Miraan. The future of Gi’ana.”

Every other man in the room raised their glasses, murmuring their support.

Yasen watched the entire thing, wondering if this would work.

Miraan, a king. It made sense.

As if feeling Yasen’s eyes on him, Miraan looked over, his jaw hard and his eyes brimming with the weight of the choice he was making.

And the consequences and possibilities of what came next.

After they finished their discussion and Rudra and the others had made plans to visit the palace, Yasen and Miraan headed for the rebellion’s hideout in the forest.

When they arrived, they were surprised to find how much had changed in their absence. Their numbers had swelled as more vanshaj were secreted out of the city. Dozens of makeshift homes spread through the trees and well into the distance. Yasen could see where Apsara and Suvanna were busy training their army in a large open field.

He spotted Row chatting with Ajay, Vikas, Farida, and Rania and made his way over with Miraan. As they approached, they all stopped talking.

“I can tell from your expressions that Row has told you everything,” Yasen said, and they all nodded.

“Any progress on your side?” Vikas asked Miraan.

He filled him in on everything while Yasen scanned the forest. When Miraan was done, Yasen asked, “Where’s Zarya?”

“She isn’t here,” Ajay said.

“We haven’t heard from her at all,” Farida added.

Yasen’s eyes narrowed as wary premonition crept up the back of his scalp. “She hasn’t sent any letters. None at all?”

“Sorry, no,” Ajay answered.

Yasen’s jaw clenched, his teeth grinding together. She promised she’d write every day. That’s when his gaze met Row’s.