The chains connecting her hands and feet clinked softly as she stepped out. Aisha’s stomach turned at the sight. She was dressed in the pale grey uniform of an imperial servant, and her once-vibrant eyes remained locked on the ground because she wasn’t permitted to look up.
Aisha instinctively moved towards her, but Safiya grabbed a firm hold of her arm before she had even taken one step.
‘That’s exactly what he wants,’ she whispered. ‘Don’t give it to him.’
Aisha slowly moved back into line with the rest of her family.
Zahvik made his way to the foot of the steps, then paused to say a prayer. When he opened his eyes, his gaze moved over them one by one before settling on Bilal.
‘Your Majesty,’ he said as he climbed the steps, Maryam following him silently.
The king merely inclined his head.
Since everyone at the palace had objected to having him in their home, Zara had made the decision to host him in the garden, where the scent of citrus might drown out the stench of evil.
Aisha couldn’t take her eyes off Maryam.
‘This way, Your Holiness,’ Zara said when he reached the top, taking immediate control of the meeting before he extended his hand and expected anyone to kiss it. She led the way to the garden.
Low couches had been arranged with far more space between them than was necessary. Dates and sugared almonds sat on a polished tray next to a steaming pot of tea. These were clearly refreshments for a short visit.
Zahvik sat, crossing one leg over the other as he looked around. Maryam stood behind him, the length of her chains clinking softly as they settled around her feet.
Aisha was desperate for Maryam to look up so she could look into her eyes, but she kept her chin firmly tucked to her chest and her gaze pinned to the ground. Aisha buried her hands in her lap to hide the angry tremble in them. It was clear Zahvik wanted to remind them who was in control. Maryam was an example of what happens when a woman steps out of line.
‘Tea?’ Zara asked.
Zahvik nodded. ‘Thank you.’
Zara poured it and placed it down in front of him. Maryam stepped forwards and carefully picked up the cup. She sniffed the tea, then took a sip. A moment later, she handed the cup to Zahvik with a bow. The chains barely rattled as she returned to her place behind him. He didn’t speak to her or acknowledge her in any way.
It wasn’t unreasonable for him to think the Nazari family might try to poison him after everything he had done. The thought had definitely crossed Aisha’s mind.
Aisha glanced at Lilah, who looked as distressed as she felt.
‘What is the purpose of your visit?’ Bilal asked.
Zahvik took a sip of tea before replying. ‘I came here for two reasons.’ He looked up. ‘First, Gruisea’s recent actions have created some trading turbulence, and unfortunately, such turbulence can be problematic for the whole empire. I wanted to let you know that the Emperor will be stationing ships at your ports to ensure Avanid’s coastline is protected.’
Bilal shifted in his chair. ‘Gruisea poses no threat to Avanid.’
‘I would be very surprised if that is true given your daughter killed their king.’
Safiya couldn’t contain her agitation. ‘The actions you’re taking sound an awful lot like a blockade.’
Zahvik turned his gaze to her. ‘You have no army of your own. You should be grateful for the Emperor’s ongoing protection.’
Aisha almost laughed at the ridiculousness of that statement. The Emperor was the reason they no longer had an army.
‘You cannot assert control over our harbours without my consent,’ Bilal said.
Everyone looked in his direction. Aisha couldn’t have been more proud. For a brief moment, she glimpsed the man he was before losing his queen.
‘Consent is a luxury in times of unrest,’ Zahvik replied. ‘This is just a precaution—with Avanid being so vulnerable and all.’
Bilal’s knuckles turned white on his knees. ‘And the second thing? You said there were two.’
‘Ah, yes.’ He placed the cup down. ‘I am prepared to pardon Princess Aisha for the heinous crime she committed in order to safeguard our alliance.’
