‘And, of course, the men also now have more flexibility, including the option of pursuing other occupations.’
Hadrik made a low, thoughtful sound, as if tasting something. ‘We understand the pressures of domestic change. However, sudden drops in output have a ripple effect, and Slevaborg has infrastructure projects and deals in motion throughout the empire.’
The audacity to mention those deals—the ones Gruisea should have been making directly.
‘We’ll negotiate new quotas.’ Tariq’s tone was neutral but final. ‘Which won’t be at the pace you’ve grown accustomed to.’
His mother was doing her best to remain quiet, which was the condition under which she was allowed to attend the meeting.
The envoys exchanged a glance before Hadrik said, ‘We will convey your position to the imperial office.’ He adjusted the sleeve of his robe. ‘Though I must say, I am a little surprised by all this, especially given the state of your alliance with Avanid. I thought you would be falling over yourselves to keep your only trading partner happy.’
Tariq inclined his head. ‘You needn’t concern yourself with Gruisea’s relationship with Avanid. All you need to know is that we no longer intend to break our backs, or the backs of our children, for the benefit of others.’
Hadrik gave him the longest, darkest stare. Then, nodding, he reached for a pomegranate seed and rolled it between his fingers. ‘Before we finish, the Emperor wanted me to once again express his condolences and despair at your father’s passing. I pray you find comfort in the fact that nightbarrow is very effective. Quick and quiet—or so I have heard.’
Farrah stiffened, prompting Tariq to look at her. She sat utterly still, unblinking, her cup hovering in the air.
‘Apologies, Your Majesty,’ Hadrik said. ‘I should have thought before mentioning your late husband’s death. It must still be quite raw.’
Tariq’s gaze remained on his mother, noting the tension in her jaw and the way her hand had gone white around the stem of her cup.
What had he missed?
Farrah finally blinked, and that single motion seemed to bring her back to life. ‘Yes, nightbarrow is indeed effective.’
Then it hit him. Nightbarrow had never been mentioned. Certainly not to a foreign envoy. The man knew something he shouldn’t have.
Tariq sat back, watching the man through new eyes.
‘The fact that his murderer escaped Gruisea unscathed must be devastating to all of you,’ Hadrik continued. ‘Did you ever find out how she got out of the castle?’
It was clear by his arrogant expression that he already knew the answer to that.
‘We know she departed with her attendant’ was all Farrah said.
His mother had never asked Tariq directly if he had smuggled Aisha out of Gruisea, because like Hadrik, she also knew the answer.
Hadrik’s penetrating gaze shifted between the two of them. ‘Well, I think we have imposed enough on you for one day.’ He rose to his feet with a practised bow, the others following. ‘We thank you for your time, Your Majesties.’ Then to Tariq, ‘And we look forward to seeing the revised trade draft.’
Tariq got to his feet, inclining his head in place of a reply.
A few more courtesies were exchanged, then the men left, the heavy doors closing behind them. Tariq’s eyes remained on the chamber doors as silence filled the room. For a long moment, neither he nor his mother spoke. When he finally turned to her, he noticed that her hands were clasped tightly in front of her. He could almost see the threads forming in her mind behind that steady mask.
He struggled to ask the question. ‘Have the medical records been amended since we met with the council?’ he asked, already knowing the answer. ‘Because the report I saw made no mention of nightbarrow.’
Farrah dragged her gaze to his. ‘No.’
‘The report included a list of herbs in Lilah’s possession, but stated that the exact poison used couldn’t be identified, correct?’
She nodded. ‘Correct. There was no mention of nightbarrow.’
Tariq took an unsteady step back from her as all the pieces fell into place.
Aisha.
Her face flashed in his mind. Her expression when she had confessed, delivering the lie with such conviction. She had truly come prepared.
He swallowed, finding the inside of his mouth dry. ‘I knew she didn’t do it,’ he whispered. He had felt it all along, but he hadn’t been able to do a damn thing about it. Now his mother knew it too. Grief and fury stirred in her eyes.
