Chapter 40
Aisha noticed the change in Zara the moment the guard announced Nasir’s arrival at midday. It was subtle—a smoothing of her braid and a quick glance at the brass mirror mounted beside the archway—but for someone like Zara, it was telling. She stood a little straighter, her fingers laced neatly behind her back. Aisha saw a flicker of something very close to anticipation cross her face.
‘Are you all right?’ Aisha asked as they walked to the audience chamber together.
Zara glanced sideways at her. ‘Why do you ask?’
Aisha gave a small shrug. ‘You just seem a little on edge.’
‘I’m always on edge when there’s news from Slevaborg.’
Aisha let the subject go.
Nasir entered the chamber with the same serious expression he always wore, because he never delivered good news. His two guards waited for him by the door.
‘Your Highnesses,’ he said with a small bow.
‘High Verran,’ Zara replied, addressing him formally.
His gaze cut briefly to Aisha. ‘Forgive the intrusion.’
The irony of his statement was seemingly lost on him.
‘Should I send for some refreshments?’ Aisha asked.
He shook his head. ‘Please don’t trouble yourself. I’ll get straight to the reason for my visit.’
They waited, trying not to appear anxious.
‘I wanted to inform you that Gruisea has recently cut all trade with Slevaborg. Every route.’
Zara’s brow lifted. ‘Oh.’
‘Why?’ Aisha blurted, stepping forwards.
Zara levelled her with a stare that had her moving back. She tried again. ‘I mean, what reason have they given?’
‘No official reason was given.’ Nasir paused. ‘Though there have been some rather big changes there of late. The closure of Ashwaq Mine and the banning of child labour, to name a few.’
Aisha’s hands went to her chest, where her token had once sat. ‘He actually did it.’
Both Nasir and Zara looked at her.
A laugh escaped Aisha. ‘He got the children out of the mines just like he said he would.’ The smile fell from her face when she saw Zara’s pointed stare. ‘Apologies.’
Zara turned her attention back to Nasir. ‘What has the Emperor’s response been to the halt in trade?’
‘You know I can’t share those details, but I’m sure you can imagine. There will be a push for Avanid, along with other kingdoms, not to engage with them.’
‘Isolate them, you mean?’ Aisha said, unable to hide her irritation.
Nasir looked at her. ‘I can’t imagine that will be too much of an issue for Avanid given the current state of your relationship with Gruisea. You’re wanted for the murder of King Hamza, are you not?’
Something in his tone and expression hinted that he didn’t believe it.
‘If you do have any ties to Gruisea at present, I recommend severing them,’ he said. ‘Or you risk provoking the Emperor.’
Of course he would say that.
