Page 93 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

With a few hours until dinner, Yasen couldn’t get comfortable in his opulent guestroom. It was unsettling to be treated like a visitor, considering he’d lived here his entire life.

He decided to visit his old room in the army barracks. Though he hadn’t planned on a reunion, he ran into a few familiar faces who were all happy to see him. He ended up having a few drinks before he practically had to peel himself away for dinner.

When he finally returned to the palace, he found Row in the dining room adjacent to Vikram’s suite. Yasen ground to a stop at the sight of another glowering face.

Gopal Ravana paused mid-sip to eye Yasen up and down.

“Nice of you to join us,” he said with a curl of his lip. This had been one of Yasen’s chief reasons to escape Dharati, and maybe he’d convinced himself he wouldn’t have to face this monster again. Gopal’s sneering face made him want to curl into a ball and hide in the corner.

Even with his pulse racing, he shrugged, adopting the casual air of someone who didn’t care too much. It was his armor. His defense. “I was having a drink in the barracks. I can’t help it if I’m a beloved figure around these parts.”

Gopal glared as Yasen dropped into a chair before a servant hurried forward to fill his wine glass. He exchanged a look with Row, who offered him a nod that suggested he fully agreed with Yasen’s thoughts on Gopal Ravana.

“Where’s Vik?” Yasen asked Row.

“I’m not sure.”

Yasen wasn’t in the mood for conversation with Gopal staring him down, so they all sat in awkward silence while Row’s gaze jumped between them. Once or twice, he opened his mouth as if planning to start a conversation but then snapped it shut when he clearly thought better of it.

“So, where have you been?” Gopal asked Yasen.

He arched a brow. “Why do you care?”

“I don’t. But I do want to know what you’re both doing here.”

“We’re here to speak with the steward.”

“About the vanshaj,” Gopal said. “I know your agenda, and this will not stand in Daragaab.”

Yasen’s pulse kicked up, anger swirling in his chest. He leaned forward. “That’s really none of your fucking business,” he hissed.

Gopal’s eyebrows hitched the barest fraction. Yasen had never stood up to him before, and he wanted to enjoy it, except for the sick feeling in his stomach that made him want to throw up.

“How dare—” Gopal seethed, his green eyes burning.

Yasen was saved from a tirade when the door finally opened to reveal Vikram.

“I’m so sorry to keep you waiting,” he said. “I got held up.”

The tension in the room eased a fraction while Yasen studied his friend and the alarming changes he witnessed earlier. The limp hair and the dull eyes. The way his clothes were still slightly rumpled.

“It’s no problem,” Row said, probably thrilled about the interruption.

Vikram took his seat and gestured for the food to arrive. A flurry of servants entered with silver dishes laden with delicacies, but Yasen had no appetite. Gopal’s presence always left a bitter taste in his mouth.

While they were eating, Row attempted to broach the topic of what they’d seen earlier.

“You’re aware of what’s been happening to Amrita?” Row asked carefully, including Gopal in the conversation while he watched with a sullen expression.

Vikram blew out a breath. “I am.”

“And what have you done about it?”

He shook his head with a blank look. “What should I do about it? Nothing can stop this now.”

“You should have called for me. Or one of the other Chiranjivi. We could have tried to help. Have you spoken with Tarin?”

Vikram waved him off at the mention of Amrita’s former steward. “No. There’s nothing to be done. She is dying.”