The clip-clop of horses’ hooves and the roll and rattle of carriage wheels were soothing background noise as I filled Ravi in on the weeks since I’d last seen him. When I got to the events of the labyrinth and Araz’s death, my throat closed up, and I had to take a beat before continuing. I doubted it would ever be easy to recount that moment. Araz’s last words to me were etched into my soul.
“I would have loved you for eternity as Araz. As me. Remember that. Rememberme.”
I didn’t share those words with Ravi, though. They belonged only to me.
When I was finished, he was silent for several seconds. “I wish I could have been there for you,” he said finally.
“You’re here now, and I’m so glad for it.”
He nodded slowly. “Me too. But…I want to be assigned to your guard. Can you arrange that?”
I looked across at him in surprise. “Yes. I can do it. I’ll make it happen.”
“Good. I want to keep you safe, Leela. And…it’s what Araz wanted.”
What Araz wanted? The way he said it…as if he’d had some kind of understanding with Araz. “How do you know what Araz wanted?”
He exhaled through his nose. “The night I was due to leave for my ground assignment, Araz came to see me. He asked me to look out for you should anything happen to prevent him from doing so. He asked me to promise to protect you from all threat.”
Araz had spoken to him? The night Ravi was due to leave had been the night I’d sent Araz looking for Vick. After that I’d gone to bed and Araz had stayed downstairs. He must have gone looking for Ravi then.
Ravi took a breath and continued. “When I found out what had happened to Araz, I petitioned to be transferred to the royal domain, but my request was denied.” He smiled wryly. “Rakshasa aren’t exactly welcome in the Shahee Kshetra.”
Heat flared in my chest. “Yeah? Well, things are going to change.”
“Oh, I believe it. I believe in you, Leela. I always have.”
The heat in my chest settled into something warm and safe. “I know.” I dropped my gaze for a beat to compose myself. “So…what do you know about this Vasuki serpent? Anything?”
“I know the stories. How Vasuki was once a king. One of many in Patala. How he helped the gods obtain amrit. He was a beloved of one of the deva…I don’t know which one, but I do know Vasuki has siblings who also rule in Patala.”
“But he decided not to go to Patala when the Nagalok closed the gates?”
“Yes. He chose to stay here. No one has heard or seen him for centuries. He’s believed to be dormant. Asleep.”
“So I won’t have an issue grabbing a gem from his hoard? I mean, the Authority said he wouldn’t harm me because I’m a royal blood, but I honestly don’t believe them.”
“I don’t know, Leela. But I do know that there are many threats in the mountain aside from Vasuki, who as far as we know, may not even be there. The stories could just be stories. Maybe he did go into Patala after all.”
I had considered this. That this whole quest was a farce. A way to eliminate me. “I suppose I’ll find out soon enough.”
His lips curved in a thin smile. “Wewill find out. I’m coming with you.”
My gaze whipped up to his face. “You can’t. Vasuki will kill you.”
“No. He won’t. If heisindeed in that mountain, then he can’t touch me.” Ravi smiled. “Vasuki’s bloodline and my royal rakshasa line have a long-standing alliance. It is a matter of honor. And if he isn’t there, I’ll protect you and make sure you get out safely.”
I’d been prepared to go in alone. I’d steeled myself for it, but there was no denying the relief of not having to do it solo. The knots in my stomach unraveled.
His eyes narrowed. “The Authority won’t get what they want.”
I shot him a sidelong glance. “The Authority?”
His jaw ticked. “When we heard what they’d asked you to do, some of us couldn’t help but think that they want you dead.”
Was he referring to a faction? One on the side of the monarchy maybe? I didn’t want to assume because having an opinion didn’t mean that you were allied to an actual faction. I needed to tread carefully here. To probe and see what happened.
“Some of you?”
