My throat throbbed. “He was my everything.”
She nodded slowly. “My apologies for assuming. I would like to stay for the meal if you will have me.”
Silence stretched for long seconds, as if the room waited to exhale.
The hot coal in my chest cooled. “All is forgiven.” I forced a smile. “And this spread looks and smells scrumptious.”
“Then let’s enjoy,” Chandra said stiffly.
The next few minutes passed in pleasant conversation about the Danava domain, the bright berry crops that were used to make the wine that was now on our table, and the plans for the equinox. The Danava celebrated the equinox with an elaborate ball each year held at the mansion, where many raees would be invited. The festivities lasted a week, and the whole domain would be lit up with lanterns and string lights.
“We would love you to attend after your coronation,” Arpita said. “It would be our honor.”
It would also show everyone that the rift between the Vijayroodra royals and the Danava royals had been healed.
I nodded. “I would love to attend.”
Arpita exhaled and visibly relaxed. “It is settled then. Chandra, will you see to the arrangements?”
“Of course,” he said.
Everyone exchanged glances and smiles, and I understood that this was how political shit was done. The nods and the glances and the alliances were created without actually saying anything, but I wanted clarity. I wanted truth.
I set my fork down and looked across at Arpita. “I know things have been bad for your people. I know that you were punished for a crime that you had no part in.”
“Leela.” Chandra’s tone held warning. “There is no need to discuss this.”
“Yes, there is.” I fixed my gaze back on Arpita. “You’ve been treated unfairly, and yet you sit here and entertain us, the Asura who ended the life of your king and the demigod who will soon take the throne that has been controlled by the very Authority that keeps you caged. I understand how hard this must be for you. I appreciate the trust you’re placing in me to do the right thing, and I want you to know that there will be changes for the better once I have the power to make them. I want you to know that you have a friend in me.”
Arpita’s chest rose and fell. Her chin lifted. “Straight talking. I like it. In that case, we should drink to our new friendship. Two goblets of the blue grape wine, please.”
A server hovering by the door inclined his head, then hurried out of the room.
“Oh, now you’re in for a treat,” Deepi said, a smile in her voice. “Aunt does not often share her blue grape wine. The fruit is extremely temperamental and can only be grown in her private greenhouse.”
Arpita inclined her head. “A treat and a sealing of our friendship.”
The server returned carrying a tray with two goblets of wine. One was golden with red rubies embedded in it, the other silver with obsidian gems embedded. He held the tray out to Arpita first, and she took the silver goblet. Then he came over to me so I could take the gold one.
Arpita held her goblet up. “To friendship.”
Across the table, Kalani sat up straighter.
“To friendship.” I raised my goblet too.
Arpita sipped her wine, and I brought my goblet to my lips, mirroring her.
“Stop!” Kalani cried.
I felt movement at my back, and a moment later, Dhoon and Yudh had flanked me.
I slowly lowered my goblet. “What is it?”
“Put the goblet down,” Kalani said, her tone filled with barely restrained urgency. I obliged as she rounded the table, first leaning in to sniff her mother’s goblet. She frowned and shook her head slightly, then came over to me, indicating my goblet. “May I?”
I nodded. She picked it up and sniffed the contents, rearing back, nose wrinkling in distaste.
“Kalani?” Arpita had gone pale.
