‘No exceptions,’ Tariq said firmly. ‘Every single one of them will return to their schooling.’
‘And families will be compensated through the transition. Don’t worry. I’ve not forgotten the plan.’ He flicked his gaze to Tariq. ‘And you’re prepared for the backlash?’
Tariq looked over his shoulder, half expecting to find his mother behind him. ‘They’ll adapt.’
They came to a stop.
‘Then we hit them with the Ashwaq Mine closure,’ Kaidon said, crossing his arms, ‘sending people spiralling once more.’
‘Correct.’
Footsteps approached down the corridor, and even without looking, Tariq knew they were his mother’s. Her gown trailed like a shadow, and her veil was lowered once again. She stopped before them, looking between the two men with blatant suspicion.
‘Commander,’ she said. ‘Might I have a private word with the king?’
Kaidon inclined his head. ‘Of course, Your Majesty.’ He gave Tariq a look that translated to ‘Good luck’ before leaving them.
Farrah waited until he was far away before speaking again.
‘What is it, Mother?’ Tariq asked, already losing patience. ‘It has been a long day.’
She studied him for a moment. ‘First, congratulations on an exceptional coronation. I have heard nothing but praise from everyone I have spoken to.’
‘And second?’ Tariq asked.
‘With the coronation now behind us, I need to know what you plan to do about the failed marriage.’
It took all his effort not to recoil at her words.
‘The nobles are whispering, and soon the foreign courts will follow. With the crown secure, you must annul the marriage quickly and reassert control of the narrative before the Emperor twists it to his advantage.’
Tariq had known the conversation was coming, but that didn’t mean he wanted to have it. ‘The Emperor will say and do whatever he pleases, regardless of my actions.’
‘At least give the people something else to talk about. Why not take a new bride? Create a new alliance. Show people that you have a plan.’
‘I do have a plan.’
Her eyes moved between his. ‘One that you plan on sharing with your council, I hope.’
‘Yes. First thing tomorrow morning.’
Farrah studied him a moment. ‘You cannot remain married to the woman who killed your father and king. Please tell me you understand that.’
She was right, of course. He couldn’t stay married to Aisha. The union was beyond broken, and staying in it would ultimately damage trust with his people. And yet the annulment seemed so… final.
‘You cannot let sentiment dictate your reign. You are king now.’
‘I am well aware of my position.’
She looked doubtful. ‘Thank the gods the marriage was never consummated. It should be a straightforward process.’
Tariq made the mistake of looking down.
Farrah narrowed her gaze. ‘The marriage was not consummated because there was no opportunity between the ceremony and your father’s death. Correct?’
That part was true. ‘Correct.’
Her eyes sharpened like a hawk sighting prey. ‘I am well aware of the visits to her chamber that took place at all hours of the night before the wedding. But we are going to forget all about those, yes?’
