Page 29 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

He offered her one more careful look before he spun on his heel and strode out of the room. It wasn’t the answer she’d been hoping for, but he wasn’t completely shutting her down.

She flipped through the book on the table, but her heart wasn’t in it anymore, at least for today. She also fiercely missed Rabin, and it was throwing her off. Keeping their distance was driving them both a little nuts. With the mind plane still blocked, Zarya desperately wanted some alone time, and she was climbing out of her skin.

Deciding she was done with her research for today, she slammed the book shut and went in search of her husband. He’d promised to take her into the city tonight.

It didn’t take long to find him entering the castle with Yasen, Miraan, and Ekaja, all windswept, their noses and cheeks pink from the cold.

“How was the Cradle today?” Zarya asked.

“These two are insane,” Yasen said, stomping his booted feet to generate warmth. He pointed at Rabin and Ekaja, who both rolled their eyes.

“If you’re too weak to handle it, don’t blame us,” Ekaja said with a cackle.

Zarya was relieved to see Miraan out of his room and actually smiling.

“Are you done in the library?” Rabin asked, and Zarya nodded.

“For today. Are you still up for a visit to the city?”

“Of course.”

“Anyone else?” Zarya asked.

“No, thanks,” Yasen said. “I’m sitting by the fire to warm my frozen toes for the rest of the night.”

“Me as well,” Miraan answered. “I have some letters to write home.”

“I also have duties I need to attend, but thank you,” Ekaja said, and they all said good night before parting ways.

After retrieving their coats and boots, Rabin held out an arm, and Zarya took it before he steered her out of the castle. They’d only briefly had a chance to visit the city, and Rabin promised to take her somewhere special tonight. There was also someone he wanted her to meet.

They descended the castle’s wide staircase and then strolled down the path leading into the city, entering a boulevard lined with vendors selling preserved fruit and vegetables, dried meat, and flour.

Zarya had learned it was difficult to obtain fresh ingredients this deep in the mountains, and the spoils from Andhera’s hunters were rare and expensive, out of reach for the average citizen.

Most had to content themselves with dried provisions, especially in winter. She contrasted that knowledge with the bounty of food they enjoyed in the castle with a sour kind of bitterness. She’d considered commenting on it several times but felt she was already walking a fine line with her questions about the vanshaj.

The elevation climbed into flat cliffs at the city’s far end, supporting several rows of large houses belonging to Andhera’s nobility. They were simple in their construction, built to withstand the harsh climate, but were grand in scale. Zarya suspected food could be found in abundance in these homes as well.

They passed stands selling roasted nuts and glass tumblers of steaming chai while Zarya inhaled deeply, taking in everything with wonder.

From her reading, she knew Andhera wasn’t particularly noteworthy compared to Rahajhan’s other great cities. It was nothing compared to Dharati’s opulent streets, Ishaan’s intricate architecture, Vayuu’s airy sky city, or Svaasthy’s massive buildings carved right into the ridges of soaring sandstone cliffs.

Andhera was practical, built to withstand the harsh winds and driving snow. The extreme temperatures that made you wonder if your very blood might freeze in your veins. But Zarya appreciated it with the same awe she reserved for everything. If there ever came a day when she viewed the world with only cynicism, she’d rather be dead.

“Come,” Rabin said, tugging on her hand. “This way.”

Zarya allowed him to lead her through the city and past the western gate. Beyond it they found a path lined with a few small homes before branching off.

Rabin gestured for her to follow down an inclined, rocky path. The edges were dusted with snow, and small bushes broke through the crust.

“Where are we going?” she asked as they continued their ascent.

“Somewhere I think you’ll appreciate.”

She stomped up the path, huffing and puffing. She wasn’t used to this heavy clothing, and the fur-lined boots weighed her feet down.

“Almost there,” Rabin promised as they curved around another bend and exited the tree line to find an open cliff. He waited for her to catch up before they approached the edge.