‘I don’t know.’ Tariq shook his head. ‘We don’t even know the specifics of what she claimed to see. I’ve put far too much trust in this woman, and look where it’s gotten me.’
‘I can’t think of a reason she would lie.’
Tariq touched his temple, where a headache was forming. ‘She’s a covenweaver, for the gods’ sake. We’re supposed to hand her over to the sectarian, not follow her down to the underworld.’
Kaidon’s gaze shifted past Tariq, narrowing slightly. ‘I think someone’s ears were burning.’
Tariq followed his line of sight and found Maryam standing at the far end of the path, hands folded neatly in front of her, watching them.
‘Should I bring her over?’ Kaidon asked.
The last thing Tariq was in the mood for was another cryptic pronouncement, yet he found himself nodding.
Kaidon went to her. They exchanged a few words, then Maryam followed him over to where Tariq was waiting.
‘Your Highness,’ she said quietly. ‘I thought you would seek me out. Since you have not, I have come to you.’
Tariq drew a breath. ‘I gather the princess has informed you that she’s leaving?’
Maryam’s expression tightened. ‘She did not have to tell me.’
‘Ah.’ Tariq shifted his weight. ‘Then you saw her leave.’
She considered her words carefully. ‘I saw her board a ship, yes. But when, I cannot say.’
Her words struck surprisingly hard. ‘That’s not terribly useful, is it?’
Maryam didn’t appear to take offence. ‘I have seen her wearing a wedding gown, here at Azura Castle. That I do know.’
He had no idea what to do with that information. ‘So, I’m supposed to force her to stay?’
Maryam’s gaze didn’t waver. ‘I do not think that is necessary.’
He waited for her to say more, and when she didn’t, he asked, ‘I don’t suppose you’ve seen another way?’
She appeared sympathetic. ‘The gods brought her here. She is yours to keep, or yours to lose.’
The ambiguity was too much for him.
‘The queen has shown her all the reasons she shouldn’t stay,’ Kaidon said, joining the conversation. ‘Maybe you should show her the reasons she should.’
Tariq waited for him to continue.
Kaidon frowned back at him. ‘You have to come up with the reasons.’
He’d been afraid of that.
‘What does she enjoy?’ Kaidon asked.
‘I don’t know.’
‘You must know something about her by now,’ he pushed.
Tariq thought. ‘She needs dresses. Perhaps I could take her into the city to shop for fabric.’
Kaidon appeared to like that idea. ‘So, she enjoys shopping?’
‘No idea,’ Tariq replied.
