Page 143 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

“No,” Row said. “You are not blaming yourself for any of this. You weren’t given a choice.”

She nodded as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and tugged her against him. He kissed the top of her head, and then their gazes drifted to the castle as if they might see her through the stone walls.

“Go and look for her,” Zarya said.

He shook his head. “I spent twenty years hoping she was alive, and I’m not sure I’m ready to end this chapter yet. For now, I can believe just a little longer.”

Looking back at Zarya, he touched her cheek. “Besides, you need me,” he answered. “We can’t finish this without the Chiranjivi. Everyone will die.”

Rabin saw the truth in his eyes. He was scared. Terrified to learn that after all these years of searching, he’d come so close only to lose her again. Zarya didn’t argue. She just nodded.

“Maybe we should take Ekaja up on her offer?” Yasen asked. “Get a few hours of sleep at least.”

Rabin glared up at the city walls. “I never want to set foot in there again.”

Yasen nodded. “Understood. Then we’ll freeze our asses off in the snow.”

Rabin laughed. It was a boisterous sound that echoed through the forest. He must be losing his mind. Everyone turned to him with a shocked look.

“Did you just laugh?” Yasen asked, and Rabin shook his head.

“Of course not.”

That brought a brief smile to their faces.

A few minutes later, several palace servants appeared with clothing and food. Rabin noticed Zarya touching her throat. Their tattoos were gone. It had worked. This hadn’t all been for nothing.

Urvi appeared before them, and Zarya jumped to her feet.

“Urvi,” she whispered. “It’s gone.”

Urvi nodded. “I… they’re all gone.”

“I know you said you didn’t want this, but⁠—”

Urvi shook her head. “I did want it. Of course I did. I was afraid, but… they’re all gone. What will the king say?”

“The king is dead,” she said. “Soon, everyone will know it. Whatever happens, he is no longer your concern.”

“Dead?” she said. “So, you… are our queen, then.”

Zarya’s mouth opened and then closed. “No. I…”

“Zee!” Yasen called. “We need to go!”

“Take care of yourself,” Zarya said as she hugged the other woman and accepted the clothes.

Once they were ready, Rabin searched for a clearing where he could shift.

“Rabin!” Ekaja called before he got far. “I’m sorry. I want to make this up to you.”

He glared at her, his teeth grinding. “I’m not sure how you ever could.”

She grabbed his arm. “Will I see you again?”

“I don’t know.”

Then he pulled away and stalked into an open space before turning to see Zarya and Row walking up to Ekaja.