Beads of sweat had formed on the king’s brow. Zara noticed.
‘I appreciate you coming by,’ she told Nasir. ‘Was there anything else?’
The High Verran observed the king for a moment, then lowered his head. ‘I apologise for the interruption, Your Majesty.’ Then to Tariq, he said, ‘Have a safe journey back to Gruisea.’
Tariq nodded in place of a response.
Bowing, Nasir said, ‘Your Majesty. Your Highnesses.’ His gaze returned to Tariq as he rose. Then he turned and left, with his guard trailing behind him.
Once the men were gone, Zara turned back to Tariq. ‘You should return to your ship as soon as possible. We have no way of protecting you outside these walls.’ She glanced in the direction where Nasir had exited. ‘He was doing us a favour by coming here. If the Emperor’s men find you, there’s a risk they’ll take you across the border for questioning.’
Despite everything Tariq knew about the Emperor, he was still shocked by the control he had over Avanid. ‘We didn’t get very far with our trade talk.’
Bilal wiped his forehead.
‘We’ll provide you with all the information we have,’ Zara said. ‘If it’s direct trade you want, we’ll consider any fair proposal you bring to us.’
Tariq could feel she wasn’t done.
‘After the wedding,’ Zara added.
And there it was.
‘It is too dangerous,’ the king said quietly.
Zara’s expression softened. ‘It has to be now.’ Then to Tariq, she said, ‘You must take Aisha with you. This might be our only chance.’
When Tariq looked at Aisha, he expected to see complete shock on her face but was surprised to find only concern.
‘We haven’t finished that conversation either,’ Tariq pointed out. ‘Princess Aisha hasn’t even consented.’
‘Aisha will do whatever she can to benefit the kingdom,’ Zara assured him. ‘Isn’t that right, sister?’
Aisha stared back at Zara, while the king stared at the ground. ‘Yes.’
Tariq struggled to hide his surprise at how quickly and easily she agreed. ‘It’s a bold move to hand her over to strangers.’
‘Now’s the time for bold moves,’ Zara replied. ‘And we know you’re a man of honour.’
Tariq set his gaze on Aisha. He could see her heart beating through her abaya.
‘Once you have the king and queen’s blessing, write to us,’ Zara said. ‘We’ll announce the betrothal together. I’m envisioning a large wedding in Gruisea, with royalty from all over the empire in attendance.’
So she wanted a spectacle—a middle-finger salute to the Emperor.
‘Your parents will approve the match?’ Zara asked cautiously.
Tariq could feel Kaidon’s eyes burning holes in the back of his head. ‘Gruisea’s strength depends on such alliances. They know it as well as I do.’ At least he didn’t lie.
‘Should anything change,’ Bilal said, ‘you must return her safely to us. I want your word on that.’
Not a madman, but a father. ‘You have my word, Your Majesty.’ He looked at Aisha, who was doing her best to remain composed. ‘We’ll be departing shortly if you choose to come with us.’
It would surely go down as the worst marriage proposal in history. There was no softness to his words, just the grinding weight of duty.
‘I…’ Aisha swallowed when her voice came out hoarse. ‘I’ll go pack my things.’
Her response didn’t even include the word yes.
