Page 58 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

“Soon,” Yasen said, though his words sounded more confident than he felt. He hated leaving her behind. Despite Rabin’s assurances, he was worried. “But in the meantime, we’re here to help however we can.”

“You could help Apsara and Suvanna train the army,” Farida suggested.

“Consider it done,” Yasen said.

He was done with fighting, but for this, he would return to that life one more time. They’d need to assess their weapons stock and create some kind of order within their ranks. Then write up ledgers with names so they could keep an eye on their numbers.

“What are you planning to do about the Jadugara?” Miraan asked.

“We’re deflecting them as much as possible,” Rania answered. “Sending them on wild goose chases. Their power is slipping away, and they’re lashing out.”

“We’ve also been keeping an eye on them,” Suvanna said, gesturing to Apsara. “Intervening whenever they try to harass anyone. A few tried to arrest us.” She barked out a wicked laugh. “They’re all dead now.”

Vikas blew out a breath and ran a hand down his face. “We’ve been trying to quell the riots amongst those who remain in the city, but it’s been impossible so far.”

Yasen had been impressed with Vikas from the day he’d met him. When he’d saved him in that gambling den, he’d shown no fear. When Zarya had freed him, he’d accepted the change in his destiny with stoicism. When he’d been made the leader of an entire rebel movement, he’d stepped into the role like he’d been born into it.

And now, when everything had gone to shit, he was bearing the weight of it all in a way that would have seen most people crumble.

Everyone fell into silence as they watched the area slowly empty.

“We proceed with our plans,” Farida said. “We resume Operation Starbreak and do whatever else we can to dissuade the rioters. We understand why they’re angry, and though I’d prefer to channel my rage in other ways, we also can’t deny this to those who need it as an outlet.

“But we also need to keep moving forward. We try again. We learn from our mistakes, and we take the palace down. Nothing changes if we can’t convince those in power to amend the laws, no matter how many collars we break.”

Everyone around the circle nodded.

“I think I need to talk to her,” Miraan said. Yasen gave him a sidelong look, but he didn’t object. At least not externally. Internally, the idea of Miraan going anywhere near his batshit crazy sister made his stomach twist. He didn’t like that he cared this much about the prince, but there it was. Eventually, he’d have to detangle himself from these feelings, but that was a problem for another day.

“She’ll arrest you immediately,” Row said. “You’ve seen the price she’s put on your head.”

“I have to try,” Miraan said. “I will send a note seeking amnesty so that we may discuss these matters. My sister is many things, but she is a woman who takes pride in her honor. I believe any promise she makes not to harm me.”

Everyone shared skeptical looks around the circle. Yasen’s mouth pressed tight, holding in the tirade he wanted to unleash on Miraan.

The prince then turned to Vikas and Farida and bent at the waist. “If you’ll allow it, I would like to act as the liaison between the resistance and the Madans. We all know that change must come from the top for it to be permanent, and I am best positioned of anyone here to make that happen.”

Vikas and Farida traded another look before she nodded. “I do think that makes sense. But we don’t want to put you in danger.”

Miraan shook his head. “I accepted the risks the first time I sent money to the Rising Phoenix. At that moment, I committed myself to the very end. I cannot stand idle and allow this to continue while I have the power to do something.”

He inhaled a deep breath.

“My sister has ruled with fear and abuse for long enough. It’s time for me to do what I should have done from the very start and either convince her to see the error of her ways or, finally, take her down.”

EIGHTEEN

Zarya held another party invitation in her hand. She sighed before pinching the bridge of her nose as pain throbbed behind her eye. Despite Abishek’s promise, Kishore had been delayed yet again, and she’d spent almost every evening since entertaining at Abishek’s side while she answered a million questions about the Bandhan with Rabin.

But she hadn’t minded it all completely.

Abishek spoke of her with such pride and joy, and it touched the piece of her heart that had always craved this. He was constantly looking out for her, ensuring she was comfortable, and included her in every conversation. And when the night was over, he’d tell her how much he appreciated her presence and valued her place in his life. It also helped that every event came with the gift of a new dress to rival the previous one. She stared at the sparkling fabrics hanging in her closet, already lamenting that she’d probably have to leave most of these behind.

He was also warming up to her requests about the vanshaj. He’d spoken with several higher-ranking nobles to discuss the issue. Not surprisingly, some were reluctant, but several had agreed to attend a demonstration of the removal. The king planned to gather everyone before they left for Ishaan. Hopefully, soon.

She was growing weary of life at Abishek’s court. They were all fake, constantly posturing and maneuvering, brokering alliances and breaking them when something suited them better. Abishek had made it clear he hoped Zarya would accept the role as his heir, and she wanted to please him, but she also didn’t see herself spending her life amongst these people.

Now the last thing she wanted was to attend another party, but the king had promised Kishore would return to Andhera tomorrow, and she wanted to get this over with. She could suffer through one more event. Rabin’s condition was deteriorating before her eyes, though he was doing his best to pretend he was fine. She knew him too well to believe it.