Page 171 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

“Andhera isn’t your responsibility, Zarya. You have no obligation to become its queen.”

She nodded. “Then I hope she succeeds.”

“I do, too,” he answered, truly meaning it and hoping that someday Ekaja could find the peace and the life she deserved.

Yasen stood in the solarium of Ishaan’s palace, staring out over Rahajhan and towards his home. Former home.

They were preparing to leave for Daragaab tomorrow. He didn’t especially want to return, but after what they’d seen in Taaranas, they had to check on Amrita and Vikram. Tarin had sent a letter claiming they’d both fully recovered, and Amrita was due to give birth any day.

With any luck, they’d get a chance to see the baby, too. He liked the idea of being an uncle.

“Yas,” came a voice, and he turned around to find Miraan standing in the doorway.

Yasen had been waiting for this and knew he couldn’t avoid it any longer.

“You’ve been hiding from me,” Miraan said as he approached. There was no accusation in his voice, only a touch of hurt.

“I haven’t,” Yasen said, though his lie was obvious.

“Where have you been sleeping?”

Yasen pressed his mouth together. “First, in Zarya and Rabin’s room while they were recovering. But when they were feeling better, they kicked me out.” He pulled a face, and Miraan laughed.

“And after that?”

“I found an empty bed.”

Miraan nodded. “I scared you. That’s why you’re avoiding me.”

Yasen blew out a breath and ran a hand down his face. “You did, but it’s not because…” He broke off. “It’s not because I don’t feel the same.”

The words hung between them, and a spark of joy flared in Miraan’s eyes, there for a moment and then gone.

“Then what is it?”

Yasen waved a hand up and down. “You’re literally a king now. I am nobody.”

“You are not nobody, Yasen Varghese. Why would you say that?”

Yasen made a sound of disbelief. “Compared to you, I am. You can’t be with me. You need to be with some rich noble.”

Miraan’s jaw turned hard, and he stepped closer, cupping Yasen’s face in his hands. “You are not nobody. You are worth a thousand rich nobles. Do you hear me?”

Yasen blinked, emotion pressing at the back of his throat. The way Miraan said it with such steadfast conviction almost made him believe it.

Miraan released him and stepped back as he smoothed down the front of his jacket. “Just promise you won’t leave. Stay with me, and let’s try this.”

“You might break my heart,” Yasen said, his voice raw with an emotion he’d never felt before. It was probably the most vulnerable thing he’d ever said out loud.

Miraan’s forehead creased. “I vow to do everything in my power not to.”

Slowly, Yasen nodded.

“Besides, it may be you who breaks mine,” Miraan said. “But I need you to understand that it would be worth the risk.”

Yasen exhaled a long sigh. Was he brave enough for this?

“Yeah, me too,” he finally said with a nod.