‘There she is,’ Farrah said. ‘The desert flower.’
Aisha blinked to clear her eyes. ‘Your Majesty.’
‘I know you have already met a lot of people this evening,’ Farrah said, ‘but I wanted to introduce you to Gruisea’s Divine Sectarian.’
Aisha’s eyes widened.
The queen gestured to Jamil, who was speaking with someone nearby. The sectarian excused himself, then turned towards them, the familiar sweep of his white robes brushing the floor. Jamil assessed Aisha on the walk over, taking in far more than he ever revealed.
‘This is Princess Aisha,’ Farrah said when he joined them.
Jamil extended a hand to Aisha, his thin fingers steady, expectant.
Aisha stared at the hand as though it were a blade aimed at her throat. It was clear she didn’t want to take it. And Tariq knew why.
Farrah’s brows lifted slightly when she didn’t move. ‘Something the matter?’
‘No,’ Aisha said on an inhale. Slowly, she took hold of Jamil’s hand and brought it to her lips, then touched her forehead to his skin.
Tariq didn’t miss the tremble of her hands. Nor did his mother, who watched each movement like a hawk.
‘Your Holiness,’ Aisha said, straightening. ‘It’s an honour.’
Jamil inclined his head. ‘May the gods bless and keep you safe during your time here in Gruisea.’
Aisha clasped, then unclasped her hands. Tariq wasn’t willing to stand by and watch her struggle any longer.
‘We were actually just leaving,’ he said. ‘I’m going to escort the princess back to her chamber.’
Farrah looked Aisha over. ‘Tired so soon?’
‘Yes,’ Tariq said, answering for her.
Aisha bowed her head. ‘Your Majesty. Your Holiness.’
Tariq placed a hand at her back and guided her towards the exit, moving through a murmur of whispers. He ignored them, knowing Aisha had done everything right in winning their approval. Kaidon fell in behind them, silent and watchful.
They didn’t slow down until the doors swung shut behind them and the noise of the courtyard faded. Tariq’s hand fell away when he saw her shoulders relax. They walked in silence.
When they reached her chamber door, Aisha turned and looked up at him. ‘I’m sorry about that.’
‘There’s nothing to apologise for.’
She looked like she had more to say. ‘I haven’t had the best experiences with sectarians.’
‘I know.’ Sectarians were responsible for the burning of covenweavers. For the burning of her mother. ‘I suspect the queen knows too. I’m sorry about that.’
Aisha shook her head. ‘She just wants the best for you.’
‘You don’t have to defend her to me.’
She fell silent.
‘You haven’t eaten anything all evening,’ he said. ‘I’ll have a tray sent to you.’
She nodded and brought her gaze back to his. ‘What will happen now?’
Now, the nobility would gossip relentlessly, discussing every reason why she was right for the role and every reason she was wrong for it. They would scrutinise every detail of her appearance and every word spoken.
