Page 72 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

“You’ve been quiet since you returned,” Abishek said. “I’ve seen very little of you.”

Rabin exhaled a short breath. “I think… I’ve been avoiding you.”

Abishek arched a dark brow. “Because you knew I’d be displeased. I can become rather unpleasant when my orders are dismissed.”

Rabin dipped his chin. “I grappled with the decision. But I had to do what was best for me and Zarya.”

Abishek’s mouth pressed together, his chest expanding with a deep breath. He appeared calm, but the king was skilled at masking his emotions.

“I am angry,” he said. “I won’t deny it. Disappointed. But… you did bring my daughter home, and I haven’t thanked you for that.”

“I’m sorry,” Rabin said. “I hope you can forgive me.”

Abishek offered a considering tip of his head. “How are you feeling? Is the Bandhan affecting you?”

Rabin nodded. “I think it is. I don’t feel quite myself. Another reason I’ve been quiet.”

“I do wish you’d stay,” he said next. “Besides what Kishore can do for you, I enjoy having her here. I enjoy having you both here. The castle isn’t the same without you.”

Rabin’s shoulders finally eased at the warmth in the king’s tone. Despite his insubordination, perhaps he’d survive Abishek’s wrath.

“Zarya is worried about the resistance.”

“Yes,” Abishek said with a smile. “Happy wife, happy life, yes?”

Rabin exhaled an amused snort at that. “Yes. Something like that.”

“I understand,” Abishek said. “Go forth with my blessing, and please tell me if you need anything.”

“Thank you.” Rabin dropped his head in a gesture of respect. “I’m sorry again. We never meant to deceive you.”

“Love makes one do impulsive, sometimes reckless things, doesn’t it? You’ve always been that way. I shouldn’t be surprised.”

Rabin frowned. He didn’t really think that was a fair assessment of his character, but he let the comment go. He was just grateful Abishek wasn’t angrier.

“Thank you again,” Rabin said, pushing up from his seat. “Where is Kishore, anyway? It’s unlike him to be away for so long.”

Abishek sighed and wrapped his hands around his armrests in a gesture of weariness. “Initially, I sent him to speak with the mountain clan leaders. They’re still causing me problems, and they’ve always been more amenable to speaking with the mystics. I was hoping they might be persuaded to open some key mountain passes.”

“And?”

“And it’s ongoing,” he said. “After I wrote to him about your Bandhan, he said he’d need some specific ingredients to rectify the issue. Since he was already near the source, he thought it made more sense to gather everything before returning home.”

“Why didn’t you tell us this?” Rabin asked.

Abishek shook his head. “Sometimes, I forget I don’t have to keep everything close to my chest. Old habits die hard.”

“I see.”

After a short bow, Rabin again turned to leave.

As he crossed the room, Abishek called out to him one more time, “Rabindranath, should you ever defy a direct order from me again, understand there will be consequences.”

Rabin came to a stop and peered over his shoulder. The king watched him unblinking as Rabin dipped his chin.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” he said before striding from the room, trying to ignore the apprehensive shiver crawling down his spine.

TWENTY-TWO