Chapter 19
On the morning of the Promise Exchange, Maryam helped Aisha prepare for the ceremony while her sisters went to get themselves ready.
‘Here,’ Maryam said, placing a cup of tea in front of her.
Aisha picked it up and took a grateful sip. ‘Thank you.’
Maryam went to fetch the necklace the queen had sent for Aisha to wear and brought it over to her. It was a family heirloom Farrah had worn at her own Promise Exchange.
‘It’s beautiful,’ Aisha said, staring at it. ‘I’m surprised she trusts me with it.’
The faintest smile came and went on Maryam’s face.
‘Can you help me with the clasp?’ Aisha asked.
‘Yes.’
Aisha watched in the mirror as the attendant drew it around her neck, concentrating hard on the overly complicated clasp. It was more difficult than either of them was expecting. Maryam’s hand came to rest on her neck as she fiddled.
A familiar sensation came over Aisha, her tongue beginning to tingle. The room faded. She saw Maryam standing somewhere dimly lit, her posture rigid, eyes glazed and unfocused, mouth slack. The air around her was alive with some invisible energy, like she was… seeing.
The image broke as quickly as it came, and Aisha jolted, then grabbed the edge of the dressing table for balance as the room rushed back into view. When she looked into the mirror, her eyes met Maryam’s. The attendant slowly lowered her hands and asked, ‘What did you see?’
Aisha didn’t reply. She was too confused and afraid.
‘You had a vision, did you not?’
A tear slipped down Aisha’s cheek. ‘I don’t know what you mean.’
Maryam stepped closer, and Aisha tensed up. The attendant lifted the necklace to show that she only intended to put it on. Aisha forcibly relaxed her shoulders.
‘I know a vision when I see one,’ Maryam said quietly. ‘How is the nausea?’
Aisha remained wary. It’s a trap. The queen probably set it for her. And now she was torn between feigning ignorance and blurting out her every truth to someone who might actually understand.
With the clasp finally secure, Maryam moved away. ‘You can trust me,’ she said. ‘And I believe I can trust you.’
Aisha felt her walls weaken. She turned on the stool to face her. ‘I saw you.’ She watched her reaction carefully, but Maryam didn’t seem alarmed by that. ‘Eyes glazed over. Gone from your own body. You see things too.’
Maryam nodded. ‘Yes.’ She folded her hands together. ‘I saw you before I ever met you. I knew what you would become before you ever set foot in Gruisea.’ A faint smile came and went. ‘I saw your feelings for the prince before the two of you had even met.’
It took Aisha a moment to respond. ‘Why didn’t you say something sooner?’
‘You know why.’ Her tone was kind. ‘This conversation alone carries great risk. We must be careful who we trust.’
‘I can’t believe we have the same gift.’
‘The Sight,’ Maryam said.
Aisha nodded slowly. ‘I won’t tell anyone. Not even my sisters. I swear it before the gods.’
Maryam smiled briefly. ‘Well, you already know I will not tell anyone.’ She drew a breath. ‘Your sisters will be by to collect you shortly. Do you want something for the nausea?’
‘You saw them coming?’
Maryam shook her head. ‘No, Your Highness. You told me the plan last night.’
Aisha’s cheeks heated. ‘Of course.’
