Page 47 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

Zarya accepted the tea and sank onto the divan, sipping it as she stared at the crackling logs. She thought of the fireplace back home in the seaside cottage and how they’d rarely ever had the occasion to use it. She smiled as she thought of how much Row had missed the north. She also realized she’d just referred to the cottage as home without it calling up a rash of bitter memories. My, how so many things had changed.

She heard Urvi moving about the room as she nursed the warm mug, holding it between her cold hands and again thinking of the other night.

Why had Abishek tried to ambush her with Amir instead of just being upfront? She could have headed off any notions that she was available or was open to having any part of her future decided for her.

When Rabin had intervened, he’d read the situation correctly, and it had probably taken every ounce of his restraint not to pick Amir by the collar and hurl him off one of the castle’s high balconies.

He obviously loathed Amir in a way that felt personal, and she wondered if they had any sort of history. When she’d asked, Rabin had clammed up, and she decided not to push it.

It was a little possessive and over-the-top, but Zarya smiled anyway. She’d signed up for this when she’d bound herself to a man like Rabin.

Once Rabin had freed her from Amir’s clutches, he’d told her that Amir had been rumored to become Abishek’s heir, though he had no idea what the plans were now that Zarya was in the picture. He’d also told her Ekaja was Abishek’s stand-in until he made it official.

With no blood heirs—until now—he’d been waiting for the right Aazheri to come along. Ekaja preferred to remain in the role of his commander but had agreed to his request because she refused to let him down.

It didn’t matter either way. Zarya needed to return to Ishaan as soon as possible, and she wasn’t doing anything with Amir.

She planned to search for Abishek later to clear all of this up. Despite the strides they’d already made, he’d been her father for all of five minutes. He had no right to think he could govern her life or her choices.

“Is everything to your liking?” Urvi asked. “You haven’t touched your food.”

Zarya looked up, her gaze wandering to the line of stars around Urvi’s throat. Zarya also wanted to discuss the promised demonstration as soon as possible. They’d need to organize it quickly so as not to delay their departure any longer.

“Yes, I’m sorry. I’m not hungry.” Zarya sat up and gestured to the seat across from her. “Would you like to have a seat?”

“Why?” Urvi asked, confusion denting the space between her brows.

“I know nothing about you. I’d love to chat if you’re willing.”

The woman looked around the room like someone was about to catch her indulging in an illicit activity, but Zarya tried to affect a reassuring expression. She wanted to test the waters with Urvi but couldn’t ask about her collar outright. She also wanted to know more about this woman and what her life in Andhera had been like.

She understood her father was a ‘complicated’ man. That his relationship with the vanshaj was questionable, and despite his assurances that he respected the mission of the rebellion, he obviously regarded them as little more than furniture.

Urvi looked around the room again and then carefully made her way to the chair opposite Zarya.

“Can you tell me about your life in this castle? How long have you worked here?”

Zarya cringed at the deliberate terminology and the idea that she was a paid worker with the same rights and freedoms as one of Rahajhan’s free citizens. “Sorry,” Zarya said. “I don’t want to dishonor the role you play here. I understand that ‘worked’ isn’t the right way to describe your position in this castle and this kingdom. That you’re not here by choice.”

Urvi blinked, her expression crumpling with confusion. “Why are you saying such things?”

“Because someone needs to say them.”

Zarya schooled her expression into neutrality. She wanted to appear calm and sure of herself so Urvi might feel the same. Urvi watched her for several moments before she finally nodded slowly.

“Yes, I understand what you mean. There’s no polite way to describe it.”

“No, because this isn’t a polite situation. But hearing that makes people uncomfortable. Especially those with the most to lose should things ever change.”

“Change?” Urvi asked, her eyes widening. “I hear the rumors. Uprisings in Daragaab and Bhaavana. I’ve heard…”

She trailed off, her cheeks blushing pink as if she were afraid of even thinking about it.

“What have you heard?” Zarya asked.

“One of the kitchen maids has a cousin who lives in Ishaan. He sent a letter. That’s where you and your companions came from, yes? Lord Ravana? He was there as well?”

Zarya nodded. “Yes. And the stories are true.”