Tariq slowed his horse to a walk as they approached one of the piers. Aisha looked up at the sleek vessel moored there, its crew busy on deck. When he stopped his horse, she rode up beside him.
‘Now are you going to tell me why we’re here?’
‘You’ll find out soon enough,’ he said before dismounting.
The sun burst through an opening in the clouds as Aisha was helped from her horse. Her hand went up to shield her eyes. There was movement on the deck, and her gaze narrowed on two familiar figures. Her heart leapt into her throat as recognition dawned.
She gasped.
Standing at the ship’s railing were Lilah and Safiya. Aisha blinked multiple times to ensure she wasn’t hallucinating, but the image didn’t change. Her hands flew over her mouth as she turned to Tariq, trying not to cry. ‘What are they doing here?’ Her voice shook. ‘They’re not supposed to be here for another two weeks.’
His expression was unusually soft. ‘I thought you might want them sooner.’ He swallowed. ‘I didn’t want you to be alone with everything ahead of you.’
Aisha felt her heart expand in her chest, followed by a rush of affection. She looked back at her sisters, who were preparing to disembark, and took a few hurried steps in their direction before coming to an abrupt stop. She returned to Tariq, throwing her arms around him.
The prince stiffened.
‘Thank you,’ she whispered, dizzy with gratitude.
Slowly, hesitantly, his arms encircled her. The closeness felt familiar, and for a moment, she forgot that the man holding her with such addictive strength was the same man who chose her for her Sight.
‘You’re welcome,’ he said, his chin brushing the top of her head as he released her. His expression turned serious once more. ‘You better go welcome your sisters.’ He nodded in their direction.
Aisha turned and ran towards the ship, all propriety forgotten. She reached the gangway just as Lilah and Safiya stepped off it. Lilah squealed as Aisha crashed into her, hugging the air from her lungs. Tears spilled down Aisha’s cheeks as she soaked up the feel of her sister. She reached for Safiya, pulling her into the chaos.
‘That might not be wise,’ Lilah said. ‘Safiya was sick the entire journey.’
Safiya held Aisha tightly. ‘I can’t believe I have to get back on that thing to get home.’
Aisha laughed, stepping back. ‘Gods, I’ve missed you both.’
Lilah sniffed. ‘We’ve missed you too.’
The three of them made their way over to Tariq, who was patiently waiting.
Lilah’s hand went over her heart as she bowed. ‘Your Highness. Thank you for your generous invitation and organising transport. We’re honoured to be here.’
Safiya bowed her head. ‘Yes, thank you.’
Tariq eyed Safiya. ‘Rough trip?’
She smoothed her hair back from her face. ‘You could say that.’
‘Will you be all right to ride to the castle?’ Aisha asked.
‘If the alternative is getting back on the ship, then yes, I’ll be fine.’
Tariq gestured to the waiting horses. ‘After you.’
As they prepared to leave, Aisha found she could not stop crying. Not only because her sisters were right here with her, but because the gesture had been so incredibly thoughtful. How on earth was she supposed to keep emotions out of the relationship with all the emotions currently flooding her body?
She rode between her sisters on their way to Azura, asking questions about home while pointing out landmarks they might find interesting. She noticed that Safiya carried a sword.
‘You’ll have to remove that weapon when we reach Azura,’ Aisha whispered to her sister. ‘Kaidon will take care of it for you.’
Safiya’s hand went protectively over it. ‘I’m not going to stab anyone.’
‘While that’s pleasing to hear, you’re a princess entering someone’s home. I’m going to need you to act like one.’
