She turned her teacup so that the handle was at the right angle. ‘If you are certain the princess will support you in carrying out the work we are doing here, and you know she is capable of forging a different path to that of her mother, then perhaps I could discuss it with your father.’
He gave her a knowing look. ‘I wouldn’t be having this conversation with you if there were any doubts.’
As though summoned by the mention of him, the king entered the garden at a fast walk, eyes locking on Tariq. The prince recognised that look. Something was wrong.
‘What is it?’ he asked, rising.
‘It is the Ashwaq Mine.’ Hamza came to an abrupt stop in front of him. ‘The workers are striking. I need you to travel there and fix the situation quickly. We need that mine open and running in order to fulfil our obligations.’
The stress on his father’s face made Tariq genuinely sad. He had looked up to the man his whole life—until the day he hadn’t. Now he was just another frightened man, like so many others across the empire. ‘Have they given a reason for the strike?’
Hamza wiped sweat from his brow. Sweat. ‘There are some safety concerns. The foreman has tried to reason with them, but the situation has escalated.’
‘Then perhaps the safety concerns are valid,’ Tariq said.
‘They may be, but we still need a functioning mine while we address them.’ Another wipe at his brow. ‘Better you go. They are more likely to listen to you.’
What he was really saying was that they were no longer listening to him. He had thrown away the respect of his people when he had signed the new trade deal with Slevaborg, and the only reason they listened to Tariq was because he represented future change.
‘If production halts, the ripple effects could be catastrophic,’ Hamza said, sounding defeated.
‘No pressure,’ Tariq muttered.
The queen spoke up at that. ‘You are the crown prince. The position comes with responsibilities, as you well know.’
Tariq gave a defeated nod. ‘Very well. I’ll handle it.’
‘Today,’ the king said. ‘I want that mine up and running by the morning.’
What a mess.
‘I understand.’ Bowing, he left the garden.
‘Where are we going?’ Kaidon asked when they reunited.
‘Ashwaq.’
Kaidon winced. ‘I heard about the strike.’
Tariq didn’t slow down. ‘I’m not thrilled about leaving Aisha alone here after breaking the news of her staying.’
‘Understandable.’
‘I need to tell her I’ll be away for the night.’ He glanced over his shoulder. ‘And warn her that the queen may take full advantage.’
A smirk came and went on Kaidon’s face.
‘What are you smiling at?’
Kaidon raised his hands defensively. ‘It’s just amusing watching this marriage of convenience turn into something else.’
Tariq looked at him. ‘What are you talking about?’
‘I’m talking about the fact that you like her.’
Tariq rolled his eyes forwards again. ‘Of course I like her. She’s intelligent, capable?—’
‘Funny.’
