‘Fine,’ Tariq said. ‘If you insist on doing this now—with an audience. Princess Aisha comes to Gruisea with the strength and wisdom necessary for the changes I envision.’
‘You envision?’ Hamza said, his voice dropping dangerously. ‘You do not rule this kingdom yet, son.’
‘But I will one day,’ Tariq replied.
For a long moment, the only sound was the trickle of the fountain.
The queen turned her attention back to Aisha. ‘What is your age?’
‘Twenty-one.’
Farrah gave her a disapproving look before focusing on Tariq again. ‘When you suggested we strengthen our relations with Avanid, this was not what we envisioned.’
Aisha sucked in a breath, prompting everyone to look at her. ‘Should I go, perhaps?’
Farrah raised her chin slightly. ‘If you cannot handle uncomfortable conversations, then you really should not be here.’
‘Enough,’ Tariq said quietly.
Hamza took over the lecture. ‘Do you honestly think we did not explore every option for you?’ He paused for effect. ‘That we did not thoroughly research every eligible woman within the empire for the future King of Gruisea?’
‘I don’t doubt it,’ Tariq said, ‘but I must have a say in the future of this kingdom if I’m to rule it eventually.’
Farrah’s gaze slid to Aisha, colder this time. ‘How did you do it?’
Confused, Aisha asked, ‘Do what?’
‘Seduce a sensible man. I would not have thought you pretty enough, but perhaps I am wrong.’
Tariq tensed up at that. ‘If you speak to her like that again, we’ll leave.’
Tutting, Farrah looked at her husband. ‘She has changed him already.’
Aisha had no idea what to do or where to look.
‘The girl is a Nazari, for goodness’ sake,’ Farrah continued. ‘Her mother was a covenweaver. Do you honestly expect our people to trust her?’
Aisha’s temper flared. ‘My mother was one of the most beloved queens of her time.’
Farrah stared back at her. ‘I know all about your beloved queen. I know everything about your family. Like the fact that your eldest sister did not shed a tear as she burned.’ She paused. ‘Because she knew what she was.’
Aisha felt like the floor had been pulled out from under her. ‘How dare you,’ she breathed.
‘You don’t have to listen to this,’ Tariq said, taking Aisha by the arm and turning her around. ‘Let’s go.’
‘You have not been excused,’ Hamza said.
Tariq ignored him.
The sound of the fountain faded behind them, replaced by the scrape of Kaidon’s boots and the pounding of her own pulse. Aisha bit the inside of her cheek to keep her composure, swallowing hard against the burning heat in her eyes. She refused to cry in front of Tariq.
The prince looked back at Kaidon. ‘Run ahead and find out which room Numair has prepared.’
The guard jogged ahead.
Aisha pulled her arm free of Tariq’s grip and turned to face him. ‘You should have told me.’
‘About the match?’ He shook his head. ‘I never agreed to it.’
