Page 80 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

She paused. “So, after I was born.”

A beat of silence passed between them. “Yes, I suppose. Why?”

“And after she disappeared.”

Again, Rabin hesitated, wondering where she was headed with this line of questioning.

“I’m not exactly sure when she disappeared, but yes, it likely happened before I arrived.”

She didn’t answer as she continued looking out the window.

“Zarya, why would he do this?”

She huffed out a sharp breath before she pushed away from the window.

“I don’t know,” she answered. “Let’s keep looking.”

Then she stalked out of the room.

TWENTY-FIVE

Yasen stood with an elbow propped up on the mantel of some snooty noble’s home. With the manor compromised, Miraan had appealed to a friend for shelter and a place to hide from Dishani’s wrath.

Rudra seemed nice enough, but Yasen was wary of trusting him to keep their presence a secret. Miraan had contacted more of his rich friends and invited them to discuss the rebellion. Now the seven men sat facing each other, talking and arguing.

“Miraan, this is madness,” one of them said. Yasen thought his name was Pransh. “Your family will kill you.”

“I don’t care,” Miraan said, and Yasen did his best to restrain a loud sigh. Miraan kept saying he didn’t care about his life or his safety. But Yasen cared. Maybe a little too much.

“Where are the vanshaj now?” Rudra asked. “How are they faring?”

“Hiding in the forest,” Miraan said. “I will not reveal their location. But they are gathering weapons and training in combat and their new magic. They will attempt another coup if my sister won’t listen to reason.”

“And what of those left in the city?” Pransh asked.

“They’re trying to get everyone out. It must be done slowly and cautiously, lest they draw the attention of the Jadugara,” Miraan said.

Yasen listened as they all discussed strategies and ideas, weighing the pros and cons, some more willing than others to throw their lot in with Miraan.

“Do you know anything of this army my sister is bringing in?” Miraan asked.

“I don’t,” Rudra answered. “At first, I assumed it must be the Kiraaye Ka, but I’ve spoken with their captain, and he confirms he hasn’t been in contact with the princess.”

Yasen raised an eyebrow, wondering why this fancy noble was in communication with the mercenary leader from Bhaavana.

“Then who?” Pransh asked.

“I don’t know,” Miraan answered.

They resumed their conversation for a while longer until they agreed to meet again tomorrow. They hadn’t come to any definite conclusions, but Yasen was relieved that some were willing to help.

After the door closed on the last visitor, Rudra excused himself, stating he had business to attend. When they were alone, Yasen said, “I need to get going. Row is taking me to Dharati soon.”

“I still don’t know about this plan,” Miraan said.

“Dharati is my home. And I’ll be with Row. He’s a badass who no one would cross.”

Miraan’s mouth pressed together. “I’ll still worry.”