Page 82 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

Yasen pushed himself from the wall. “I suppose not.”

They exited the haveli and crossed the plaza towards the Jai Palace. Yasen had always loved the sight of those sky-blue gates and the flowering canopy casting its shadow over the city. It had always felt like protection, and though he’d never admit it out loud, it also felt like a warm hug.

His gaze scanned the plaza full of people holding signs with messages about freeing the vanshaj, chanting and shouting at everyone who passed. Row’s and Yasen’s gazes met before proceeding through the crowd.

They drew up to the gates, studying the guards who were monitoring the protestors with a wary eye.

“Aren’t you worried about being arrested?” Yasen asked, referring to the near miss in the library with Zarya and Rabin a few weeks ago.

“Not particularly,” Row answered. Perhaps it made sense. Row was pretty ancient and probably had seen some shit. He could handle a few measly palace guards. “You’re the one arriving with me,” he continued. “Maybe you should be worried.”

“Already ahead of you,” Yasen grumbled. A few soldiers recognized Row immediately, their eyes narrowing with suspicion. He raised his hands in a placating gesture.

“I need to speak with the steward,” Row said.

“You are under arrest,” a guard replied.

“I understand Vikram is unhappy with me, but if you’d just tell him I need to speak with him, I will enter your dungeons without a fuss.”

Yasen offered Row a curious, side-eyed look, but Row’s expression suggested he was being entirely sincere.

“If he won’t see Row, tell Vik that his best friend is here,” Yasen said. The guards noticed him then, and they immediately straightened. Lazy bastards.

“Commander,” the head guard said. “I’m… I’m… sorry… I…”

“It’s fine,” he replied with a wave of his hand. “But must we stand out here any longer?”

“Of course not,” the guard said with a bow. “The steward is currently with the queen. Follow me.”

Then he spun on his heel, leaving Row and Yasen to follow.

“Probably should have started with that,” Row said, and Yasen snorted.

“Probably.”

They entered the tall doors admitting them into Amrita’s throne room. Yasen took in the sight of the shiny black and white tiles and the metallic flowers in pink, blue, and green. He scanned the high dome overhead, noting the leaf-covered ceilings and walls, and couldn’t help but feel like something was off.

The air was heavy and cloying, and he wondered if he smelled the barest hint of rot. He shook his head as they approached. Amrita looked different, too. Instead of her usual nut browns and fresh greens, her bark had turned nearly black and her leaves into midnight emeralds.

Yasen swallowed at the sight of the baby hovering in her stomach. The clear seed allowed one to view the twisted tangle of roots and leaves within. It shone with an inner light, casting a gentle glow over the room. He stared at it for several long seconds as he straddled a line between horrified and fascinated.

Finally, he turned his attention towards Vikram, who stood by Amrita, watching them both. He looked different, too—thinner, tired, with dark circles under his eyes. He was dressed casually in a cotton kurta with the top buttons undone, the fabric a bit wrinkled. His hair, always neatly trimmed and styled, hung in his eyes in desperate need of a cut.

Yasen blinked as guilt flared in his gut. He had no idea Vikram had been under so much stress. Their letters had been sporadic at best, while Yasen had attempted to leave his past behind. But seeing his oldest friend like this churned up a rush of ashamed feelings.

“Vik,” he breathed as he crossed the room and threw his arms around him. Vikram took a few seconds to respond, his arms slowly circling Yasen. They stood there together for several long moments before they pulled apart.

“Are you okay?” Yasen asked. “You don’t look great.”

Vikram stared distantly, almost as if he didn’t recognize him before his gaze cleared.

“Yasen, it’s so good to see you. I’m fine. Just tired with the baby coming and everything…” He waved a hand as he trailed off. Yasen narrowed his eyes as Vikram turned towards Amrita and stared up at her with a blank expression. When he said nothing else, Yasen exchanged an uncomfortable glance with Row.

“Vik?” Yasen asked.

Vikram turned and blinked like he was surprised to find them standing there.

“You should join me for dinner,” Vikram said. “How long are you staying?”