Page 71 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

“Inevitable?” Abishek said, arching a brow.

“Yes,” Zarya said.

The silence in the room stretched. Rabin hoped the king didn’t really care that much about what they did, but he would care that Rabin had disobeyed a direct order.

“And I’m sorry, but this isn’t your call,” Zarya said. “We are both adults and free to do what we want.” She sucked in a sharp breath. “As I’ve already explained, your efforts with Amir are wasted. Besides, it surprises me that you’d consider a man with such a reputation as a suitable partner for your own daughter.”

She said the words pointedly as Rabin judged Abishek’s reaction.

Abishek’s brows pinched together. “You understand I’ve named you my heir. Whoever you marry will effectively become the ruler of Andhera.”

Rabin felt how she tensed at that statement.

“If I’m to be your heir and take over in your stead, then I will rule, not who I marry.”

She issued the words with a challenge.

“Of course,” Abishek said. “I only meant that you are inexperienced in the ways of my court and would perhaps like to have some guidance from someone familiar with Andhera and its dealings.”

“We’re married,” Rabin said a moment later. He couldn’t keep this in any longer. “You might as well know that in naming Zarya your heir, I will stand beside her. I understand Andhera and its dealings and would be happy to offer anything she needs.”

Rabin watched something pass over the king’s face. Something like rage and disappointment. It was there for a flash and then gone, but maybe a part of him had always known this would be his reaction. When he examined the root of his feelings, maybe Rabin also wanted to hide this because he already knew Abishek might have cared for and even loved him. But in the end, Rabin wasn’t Aazheri and would never be good enough for his daughter.

“Married?” he asked, turning to Zarya. “Is this true?”

“It is,” she confirmed. “We were married in Ishaan shortly before we left.”

Zarya’s chin lifted as if bracing for his wrath.

The king’s gaze fell on Rabin again, another flash of judgment passing over his expression. “I gave you a direct order,” he said.

“You did,” he replied. They held each other’s gazes while Abishek’s jaw hardened and his eyes turned dark. What was going through his head?

“I know you wanted me to marry an Aazheri,” Zarya said, and Rabin felt the sting of those words cut straight to the bone. “But that was never a consideration for me.”

Abishek remained still for another moment before he finally nodded. “I suppose… you are right, and this is not a decision I get to make.”

Rabin’s shoulders eased a fraction. He wasn’t entirely sure what he’d feared. A withdrawal of Abishek’s approval? His anger? His hate? Disappointing him in all the same ways that he’d disappointed his biological father? But he already had. He recognized that familiar spark in the king’s eyes. It was the same one he’d witnessed in his father so many times.

“Okay, well, that’s settled, then,” Zarya said. “We’re sorry for keeping it from you, but we worried about what you might say. But this is done, and it cannot be undone. We have pledged ourselves to one another in all the ways that connect us, and we will honor that until the end of our days.”

Abishek’s gaze swept over her. “I understand,” he said.

“We have some decisions to make about our plans,” Zarya said. “I need to check on Row and Yasen and the others, and we must return to Ishaan soon. Before we leave, I’d like to perform the demonstration the nobles asked for—when can we arrange that?”

“We’ve been trying to find a time that will suit everyone,” he said. “But I’ll let them know it’s become more urgent.”

“Great,” Zarya said as she stood up from the table while Abishek watched them both. Rabin threaded his fingers through hers as the king’s attention moved between them, lingering on Rabin for several prolonged seconds.

As they turned to leave, Abishek called out, “Rabindranath, may I speak with you alone for a moment?”

Rabin tensed and turned around before checking with Zarya. “Give me a minute.”

She nodded and slipped out of the room before Rabin approached the king.

“Will you sit?” Abishek asked, gesturing to the chair across from him.

Rabin slid into it and sat forward, prepared for anything. A verbal lashing. The king’s disappointment. Whatever it was, he would endure it.