‘Oof. That was rather mean, but I’ll ignore your cruelty in order to finish my point.’ He sped up to get ahead of Tariq. ‘She’s hurt because she cares for you. And I know you care for her. You think I don’t notice the way you look for her?’ He stepped in front of Tariq, forcing him to pull up. ‘Why not fix things?’
‘The wedding is still going ahead. What more do you want?’
‘What more do you want?’
Tariq wasn’t in the mood for a lecture, even one with valid points. ‘Can you reach out to her family or not?’
Kaidon raised his hands and stepped out of his way. ‘I’ll take care of it.’
Chapter 17
Aisha sat cross-legged on her bed, absently stroking Mira as she dozed in her lap. The heartbeat beneath her hand was steady, comforting. Maryam sat nearby on the dressing-table stool, humming while she sewed.
Ten days had passed with barely a glimpse of Tariq. Maryam informed her the prince had returned to Ashwaq for a few days. But what about the other days? Was he avoiding her?
The queen certainly wasn’t. She was at every dress fitting, every meeting with Jamil, always there to offer her opinion.
Ten more lonely days.
The decision to keep feelings out of their marriage was a wall between them.
It didn’t help that Aisha’s thoughts kept circling back to the kiss, to the press of his hand at the back of her neck. To the warmth. She had felt something she had wanted to believe in, only to witness its poisoning. A connection born of half-truths and too many omissions. She hated herself for wanting more from a man who had blatantly told her there was no need for it. Yet when she caught glimpses of him across a room, she couldn’t ignore the lifting sensation in her belly.
‘Please don’t feel obligated to stay here,’ she told Maryam as she traced a finger over Mira’s spotted back. ‘I’m sure you have other duties to attend to.’
Maryam’s eyes softened with sympathy. ‘It is really no trouble.’
A knock at the door made Aisha jump and Mira leap to her feet. Rising, Aisha went to answer it.
It was Tariq.
His posture was composed like always. The morning light sharpened the lines of his shoulders, and a lock of dark hair fell across his temple. He was so effortlessly handsome, and she was trying really hard not to notice. Surely the underlying attraction would be helpful when it came time to produce an heir.
‘Hello.’ She was annoyed at the level of breathiness in her voice.
‘Change into your riding clothes,’ he said. ‘We’re going out.’
The instant excitement she felt when he said that.
‘Out where?’
‘To the port.’ He began backing away. ‘Meet me in the mounting yard as soon as you’re ready.’
Aisha turned to Maryam, bewildered.
‘I will watch Mira for you,’ the attendant said, her eyes smiling.
Aisha hurriedly changed into her riding clothes. Her leg bounced impatiently as Maryam braided her hair.
‘Go,’ the attendant said when she was finished, clearly amused.
Aisha shot up off the stool. ‘Thank you.’ She gave Mira a quick pat before hurrying out the door.
Down in the mounting yard, she found Tariq and Kaidon waiting with their horses. The groom brought out a chestnut mare for Aisha. Tariq approached, hands going to her waist before lifting her into the saddle. The pressure of his fingers sent heat to her face. He was walking before she had even gathered the reins.
As they were riding to the port, a thought hit her: What if he was planning to put her on a ship and send her back to Avanid? But surely he would have her pack her belongings if that were the case. She pushed the destructive thought from her mind.
Salty air filled Aisha’s lungs as they neared the sea. Not long after, she spotted several ships along the harbour, their masts reaching into the clouds. Dock workers and merchants scurried about, shouting and laughing. She looked past them to the horizon. There was no better sight than scenery without walls.
