A look of understanding passed across Tariq’s features, and he finally drew a breath. ‘What a mess.’
A question burned on Aisha’s tongue, and she had to ask it. ‘How long have you known it wasn’t me?’
Shame overtook his expression. ‘A while.’
She had been afraid of that. ‘You could have written.’
‘I could have—should have.’ His hands opened at his sides. ‘I was planning to come to Avanid.’
A sad laugh fell from her. ‘You really don’t have to say that to make me feel better.’
‘It’s true.’
‘I mean, we’re beyond repair anyway.’ She didn’t know why she said that.
It took him a moment to reply. ‘You think we’re beyond repair?’
Her eyes searched his. ‘I think… there’s a lot to fix.’
He took a step towards her. ‘Aisha?—’
The doors burst open, and Kaidon entered, his jaw drawn tightly. ‘Forgive me, but I’ve just received a report that there’s a fleet of ships about twenty miles off the coast.’
A cold sensation washed over Aisha. It wasn’t enough time to prepare.
‘How long do we have?’ Tariq asked.
‘With the wind at their backs?’ Kaidon’s jaw worked as he thought. ‘Maybe two hours.’
The room seemed to shrink.
Tariq stood very still. ‘Tell the High Marshal to ready the soldiers. No one gets ashore.’
It wasn’t enough time, but it was more than they would have had if Aisha hadn’t risked her life to come and warn him. He wondered what she’d been thinking travelling to Gruisea with no idea how she would be treated at the other end.
‘You’ll remain here at the castle,’ he told her as they exited the chamber.
‘No, I’m coming with you.’
‘It wasn’t a request.’
‘Why does everyone assume I’m asking for permission?’
He stopped and turned to face her. ‘Please. I don’t have time to argue about this.’
‘Then don’t. If you take me with you, I can guide you through this. I can see what’s coming before it gets here.’
He checked their surroundings, worried someone might hear her. ‘There’s going to be a battle, and I don’t want you anywhere near it.’
She held his gaze as she said, ‘I’m not going to hide away while your men die—not when I can help.’
She had no idea what the thought of her out there, with steel swinging and arrows flying, did to him. ‘I can’t fight properly with you in danger.’
Her expression softened. ‘I’ll be in far greater danger if they reach the castle.’ She reached for his hand. ‘Let’s stop them at the beach. You’re going to need every advantage you can get.’
He took hold of her face. ‘You risk exposing your abilities.’
‘I think being labelled a covenweaver and tied to a burning pyre might have already clued people in.’
