‘Numair is the castle’s steward,’ Tariq explained.
‘I see.’ She could already tell the man had more opinions about Tariq’s guest than was appropriate for his rank. ‘It’s lovely to meet you.’
He bowed his head slightly, then looked at Tariq. ‘The king and queen are waiting for you in the garden.’
Tariq looked in the direction of the main castle. ‘Of course they are.’
‘And your guest,’ he added.
Kaidon coughed, then pressed a hand to his chest. ‘Excuse me.’
Tariq let out a long exhale. ‘I guess we’ll go straight into introductions, then.’
It was clear by his expression that he didn’t have a choice in the matter.
They made their way through a series of arched corridors that opened to a garden. Colour at last. The space was meticulously maintained, filled with flowers and shaded by olive trees. A marble fountain trickled softly in the centre. The king and queen were seated at a table to the right of it. They looked up when they heard people approaching.
Queen Farrah’s gaze swept slowly over Aisha, pausing on her gown, unpinned hair, the shadows beneath her eyes. Her expression tightened at the edges, lips pressing into a line that said more than words ever could.
King Hamza rose, extending his hand to his son. Tariq walked over to him, kissing the back of it, then touching his forehead to it. Hamza didn’t extend his hand to Aisha.
‘And who is this with you?’ Farrah asked, still staring at her.
Tariq stepped back. ‘This is Princess Aisha of Avanid.’
Still, the king didn’t extend his hand. Silence settled like a noose.
‘She will be staying with us here at the castle,’ Tariq added.
Farrah didn’t so much as blink. ‘Why?’
Hamza waited for Tariq’s reply with a confused look on his face.
‘Perhaps we could let the princess settle in and discuss this later,’ Tariq said.
‘I would rather discuss it now,’ Farrah replied coolly.
Aisha felt very hot in the gloves suddenly.
Tariq took a moment to gather his words. ‘We’re exploring the possibility of a future together.’
Aisha’s eyebrows pinched together at his choice of phrasing.
‘Out of the question.’ Farrah spoke each word with precision.
Tariq pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘Mother?—’
‘We told you before you departed that we have a suitable prospect in mind,’ Hamza said.
Aisha felt her seasickness returning. Or was it land sickness? She looked at Tariq. ‘Is that true?’
His hand fell to his side. ‘I never agreed to it.’
‘You do not have the privilege of disagreeing,’ Farrah fired back.
The king gestured for calm.
Aisha drew a breath, but there didn’t seem to be enough air in the garden.
