The late-autumn air nipped at Tariq’s face as he and his mother crossed the courtyard towards the gardens.
‘I still find it extraordinary that you made the decision to empty the mine minutes before it collapsed,’ his mother was saying. ‘After sending everyone back to work, no less.’ She eyed him sideways. ‘Whatever could have prompted such a decision?’
If she was fishing for some sort of admission, she wouldn’t get one. ‘Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts.’
His mother stopped walking when something ahead caught her attention. ‘Should that animal not be in a cage?’
Tariq followed her line of sight to where Aisha and Maryam sat on a pile of cushions amid bright silks draped over a low stone wall. A blur of spotted fur tumbled past Aisha, and her head fell back with laughter. She was really something when she was happy like that.
She had fully committed to the task of raising the cub, whom she had named Mira, finding solace in the tiny creature’s unwavering need—or so Maryam said. If only he could find some solace. Instead, he preferred to torture himself with thoughts of the kiss they shared right before their relationship spiralled.
‘She doesn’t pose a threat,’ Tariq assured his mother.
Aisha hadn’t noticed them yet. Her attention remained on the cub, her expression soft—contrasting the guarded look she wore around him. She tossed Mira a small piece of meat, and the cub caught it with surprising grace.
‘What in the world…’ Farrah tutted while Tariq watched on, impressed.
Aisha finally spotted them, and the joy on her face vanished. Tariq and Farrah made their way over, prompting Maryam to rise and move a polite distance away. Aisha got to her feet as well, a hand going to her heart as she bowed her head. ‘Your Majesty. Your Highness.’
Tariq bowed his head in return.
Farrah glanced over at Maryam. ‘I think your attendant is getting far too comfortable for her position, if you ask me.’
‘I don’t mind,’ Aisha replied. ‘Much better than being alone.’
‘We can organise some more suitable company for you,’ Farrah said. ‘Lady Selene enjoys cards. I have played with her many times.’
Selene was probably the last person on the planet Aisha wanted to play cards with. The suggestion had Aisha and Tariq exchanging an amused glance. Despite everything that had transpired between the couple, their sense of humour remained intact.
‘I’ll keep that in mind, Your Majesty,’ Aisha said.
Mira padded over to Tariq, nudging his leg with her head. He crouched to pet her, and the cub began to purr. The chill of his mother’s disapproval had him straightening.
‘I was just saying to Tariq how fortunate his instincts were in Ashwaq,’ Farrah said. ‘Many lives were saved.’
Aisha kept her expression neutral. ‘Yes. He has good instincts.’
Farrah studied Aisha for a few moments before speaking again. ‘We have people working very hard to get the mine functional again before the wedding guests start to arrive.’
‘I didn’t realise that was important for a royal wedding,’ Aisha replied.
‘Our international friends must see Gruisea at its best. Every mine must be functional.’
Aisha glanced at Tariq but said nothing.
Farrah adjusted the sleeve of her gown. ‘I shall head to the kitchen and see how the food planning is coming along.’ Her gaze fell to Mira. ‘Be careful she does not scar your face ahead of the wedding.’
Aisha bowed her head. ‘Your Majesty.’
Farrah left behind a heavy silence. Aisha stared down at the leopard to avoid looking at Tariq. He probably should have left as well, but he didn’t.
‘She knows,’ Aisha said quietly.
Tariq didn’t have to ask what she meant. She was referring to the comment the queen made about his fortunate instincts while in Ashwaq. ‘She doesn’t know anything.’
‘She suspects.’ Aisha finally looked at him. ‘And that’s dangerous enough.’
Something pulled in his chest. ‘I told you I’d keep you safe, and I meant it.’
