Page 170 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I don’t want that. I never wanted that.”

“Then who will lead?” Ekaja asked, a worried groove forming between her brows. “The king’s death means the nobles are already maneuvering to take Andhera from you. They will succeed if you don’t return to claim what is yours.”

Zarya looked at Rabin and studied him before turning back to Ekaja. “I have no desire to return to Andhera ever again. My father nearly killed me, and he kept my mother locked up for decades. It holds only dark memories for me.”

“You could make new ones,” Ekaja insisted. “It’s your home. Andhera is your blood.”

“He wouldn’t have wanted that,” Zarya said. “Maybe…” She shook her head. “I never wanted to be a queen. I want a different story for my life, nor can I expect Rabin to return.”

She reached out and took his hand. He covered it with hers and smiled softly, grateful that she knew him so well.

“I want you to do it,” Zarya said. “It was my understanding that if my father died without an heir, you were to take up his position.”

“I couldn’t,” Ekaja said, shaking her head.

“But you will,” Zarya said. “Don’t worry—it will be only temporary.”

Rabin frowned, wondering where Zarya was going with this.

Ekaja appeared equally confused. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, it’s time for a different kind of future. One where every citizen is represented. I want you to create a place where the Taara Aazheri have rights and a say in how Andhera is run. I want the nobles to share what they have with those who barely survive the winter. Seek out Dav and Suria at the inn. This was their vision, and they are more than capable of helping you.”

Ekaja’s mouth opened in stunned shock. “I couldn’t. I wouldn’t know how.”

“You’ll figure it out,” Zarya said. “You are strong and smart. Brave. And I suspect kind, as well.”

“I—” Ekaja started to protest when Zarya raised a hand.

“It’s the least you owe me,” she said matter-of-factly, and Ekaja snapped her mouth shut. “I will never return, but I need to know the people my father left behind are in good hands.”

Ekaja exhaled a sharp breath and then dropped her head. “I will do my best.” Then she slowly stood as her gaze swept over Rabin. “Will I see you again?” she asked.

Rabin breathed out a heavy sigh. They’d shared so much over twenty years. She’d been there for him when no one else was. He understood better than anyone what it was like to fall under Abishek’s spell.

Slowly, he nodded. “Maybe…”

She exhaled a soft breath. “Thank you.”

Then she turned around and stalked out of the room.

When she was gone, Zarya laid a hand on his arm. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.”

She glanced at the closed door. “Do you think what I made her do is unfair?”

“Not at all,” he answered.

“Do you think she can do it?”

He exhaled a laugh. “If anyone can, it’s her.”

Zarya pressed her lips together. “I can’t go back.”

“Neither can I.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I figured as much.”