‘I’m sure you understand that we make decisions in the best interests of Avanid,’ Zara said, feigning the freedom to do so.
Nasir frowned. ‘Perhaps you can tell that to Zahvik when he arrives. He’s on his way to Khorasan Palace.’
‘What?’ the two sisters said in unison.
‘That’s why I came here—to warn you.’ Nasir looked between them. ‘He’ll be here in the morning.’
Aisha’s mouth fell open. ‘Why on earth would he think he’s welcome here? The man tried to burn me.’
‘And you murdered a king,’ Nasir replied. ‘With a potion.’
Aisha rolled her eyes. ‘Clever use of “potion” there. Sounds much more covenweavery than poison.’
Looking heavenwards, Zara gestured for calm.
‘We don’t want him here,’ Aisha said. ‘Tell him that.’
‘He already knows,’ Nasir replied calmly. ‘He’ll be coming to you under the guise of a pardon, but make no mistake, he wants loyalty in return.’ He looked between them. ‘If you trade with Gruisea, you’ll fall with Gruisea.’
Neither Aisha nor Zara spoke for a moment. Aisha was trying to imagine her father receiving Zahvik into his home. How on earth were they going to protect him from the harm this visit would cause? Khorasan Palace was the only place he felt safe.
‘I wanted to give you some time to prepare,’ Nasir said, his voice quieter this time. He gave a short, formal bow. ‘Good day to you both.’
Zara bowed her head but didn’t say anything as he turned and left, his guards following him out. The two sisters stood in stunned silence.
Aisha was first to speak, her voice a whisper. ‘We don’t have to let him in, do we?’
Brushing an invisible strand of hair back from her eyes, Zara replied, ‘Of course we do.’ Her eyes searched Aisha’s. ‘But we can be smart about it. Keep Omar well away from him for a start. We’ll tell Zahvik he’s unwell.’
‘And Yasmin.’
A nod. ‘And Yasmin.’ Zara exhaled and looked around the room. ‘We’ll need to find a way to get Baba there—at least for part of it.’
Aisha nodded, barely.
‘Let’s not panic,’ Zara said. ‘Let’s prepare.’
They began walking slowly towards the door.
‘If he wants to pardon you, great,’ Zara continued. ‘We’ll take the pardon.’
They exited the chamber and continued down the corridor.
‘Even Nasir admits he’s not coming to pardon me,’ Aisha said.
‘Of course not. He’s coming to remind us who holds the leash.’ When they reached the staircase, they started to climb. ‘I’ll leave you to break the news to Safiya and Lilah.’ She drew a slow breath. ‘I’ll go tell Baba.’
The palace was quiet. Too quiet. Even the fountains seemed to hush as the gates creaked open and Zahvik’s carriage entered the palace grounds. His visit had caused complete chaos as everyone scrambled to prepare. Now they all stood in practised formation, guards lining the marble paths with the Nazari family at the top of the steps, dressed in ceremonial silks—minus Omar and Yasmin. They were under guard at the far end of the palace.
Aisha leaned forwards to check on her father. He stood with his spine straight and hands balled into fists. His face twitched, and small beads of sweat were already forming across his brow. Zara had her arm threaded through his, just in case. She looked in Aisha’s direction, giving her the smallest nod, which was meant to reassure her.
‘Here he comes,’ Safiya said.
The procession was completely unnecessary for someone of his rank. Anyone would have thought the Emperor himself was coming. Boots struck stone in perfect rhythm as two rows of scarlet-cloaked holy warriors marched towards them. Behind them were the banner-bearers with their bright red flags embroidered with a black sun. Then, finally, the carriage, six horses pulling it when two would do. It rolled to a stop at the bottom of the stairs. A footman positioned a stool before opening the door. Then, from a dark hole, Zahvik emerged.
Aisha took in his smug, clean-shaven face, and a familiar anger rose inside her. But it dissipated when a second figure stepped out of the carriage.
Maryam.
