‘You should have told me anyway.’ She glanced over her shoulder. ‘You should have told me about all of it. About them.’ Her eyes filled with accusation. ‘You knew how they would react, and you let me go in there unprepared.’
He searched her eyes. ‘I didn’t expect my mother to bring up your family’s history. For that, I’m sorry.’
‘For that you’re sorry?’ She laughed despite nothing being funny. ‘Why did you bring me here, knowing they would reject me?’
She was met with silence.
Gods, she had been such an idiot not to ask more questions before coming. Her vision hadn’t shown anything beyond the journey.
‘They’re not used to people going against their wishes,’ Tariq said. ‘They just need some time to get used to the idea.’
She nodded slowly. ‘Why did you go against their wishes? Please tell me I’m not part of some rebellious phase or game you’re playing.’
‘They wanted me to marry Imperial Lady Katryne,’ Tariq said.
Her face went slack as the name registered. ‘The Emperor’s niece?’
A small nod.
It took her a moment to speak. ‘Why would they willingly tie themselves to that family?’
‘You’re a smart woman. I’m sure you can figure that out.’ He leaned in and lowered his voice. ‘This isn’t a game to me.’
A throat cleared, and Aisha looked down the corridor to find that Kaidon had returned.
The guard glanced between them. ‘The princess’s chamber is ready.’
Aisha didn’t trust her own voice, so she simply nodded, then walked over to him—without looking back at Tariq. Kaidon proceeded to lead her through the winding halls of Azura Castle.
She wanted to believe she was strong enough to face whatever was ahead of her, but the humiliation was making her doubt herself.
‘Here we are,’ Kaidon said, stopping in front of a door.
Before he could say another word, Aisha walked straight in and closed the door behind her. Leaning against it, she sank to the floor and cried.
Chapter 7
Two days passed, and Aisha didn’t leave her rooms. Meals arrived on trays carried by silent attendants who left as quickly as they came. She spent many hours with her forehead pressed against the cool glass of the narrow window, watching the world outside. She missed the chatter of her siblings and the endless company. All she heard now were her own thoughts—and they weren’t kind.
A knock at the door startled her. Rising quickly, she smoothed her gown and went to open the door. Tariq stood there, tall and composed, with dark circles enclosing his eyes.
‘You haven’t left your rooms,’ he stated plainly.
She folded her arms. ‘Where should I go?’
‘Anywhere you like. It’s not a prison.’ He exhaled. ‘Unless, of course, you’ve changed your mind and wish to return to Avanid.’
He was testing her. Gods, she wanted to take him up on that offer. But then what? Nothing would change if none of them were prepared to sacrifice their happiness. Avanid needed this wedding to happen. ‘I’ve not changed my mind. Have you?’
He shook his head.
‘I’m surprised your parents haven’t changed it for you,’ she said.
He looked past her into the room. ‘I’ve arranged a feast tonight. We call it a majlis, a gathering to welcome new guests and show honour.’ He paused. ‘It’s important the king and queen see you accepted by the nobility. If the court welcomes you, it will show people that this union has merit.’
Aisha didn’t know whether to be reassured or alarmed by this. ‘What would I need to do at this… majlis?’
‘Meet people. Talk. Maybe dance.’
