‘Perhaps you do not remember?—’
‘I remember,’ she said, cutting him off.
They stared at each other for a long moment.
‘Aisha?’
She flinched when someone said her name. Looking behind her, she found a sweat-soaked Tariq approaching with Kaidon following at his heel. He looked like he had just stepped out of the training yard. The prince looked from her to Zahvik, and his face hardened. She immediately went to him, forcing herself not to run. When she reached Tariq, he moved in front of her.
‘Are you lost, Your Holiness?’ he asked, his tone cold.
The sectarian’s mouth curved up. ‘Not at all. I am on my way to see King Hamza.’ His gaze shifted to Aisha. ‘Princess, please tell your father that he is welcome to join us.’
When she didn’t reply, he resumed walking.
Aisha closed her eyes as he passed by. Only once he had disappeared around the corner did Tariq turn around, taking a firm hold of her shoulders.
‘Did he say or do anything to you?’ he asked.
He hadn’t said anything unkind or made any sort of threat. It was more the way he said things that unsettled Aisha—and his general presence. ‘No. Nothing.’
His grip on her relaxed.
‘I’ll organise for one of the guards to shadow the princess,’ Kaidon said. ‘At least until Zahvik’s gone.’
‘That’s not necessary?—’
‘Do it,’ Tariq said before Aisha could finish objecting. ‘I should have done it the day he arrived.’
Nodding, Kaidon disappeared to make the arrangements.
‘I’m sorry I wasn’t here when your family arrived.’ Tariq wiped his face. ‘How’s your father?’
She checked to ensure they were alone before answering. ‘Tired. Overwhelmed.’ She swallowed. ‘I’m worried he won’t make it to the temple.’
‘He will.’ Tariq gestured for her to start walking, then fell into step with her. ‘Until then, we keep Zahvik well away from your entire family and make the whole thing as easy as possible. Whatever he needs, we’ll provide it.’
Aisha stopped walking.
Tariq turned to her with a questioning look, damp hair clinging to his temple.
‘I know this isn’t the right time,’ she said, keeping her voice down. ‘But you keep making room for me and my family, and I need you to know…’ She swallowed. ‘That I love you. You don’t have to say it back. I just needed to say it.’
For a beat, he simply stared at her. Then, with complete ease, he said, ‘I love you too.’ His hand found hers, thumb grazing her knuckles. ‘You’re the best thing I’ve ever imported.’
Aisha let out a shaky laugh, then laced her fingers through his. Together, they walked on.
Chapter 24
The new arrivals spilled across the pale stone paths, draped in the finest fabrics and smiling politely to one another. From a shaded balcony above the gathering, Aisha stood with Zara, Lilah, and Safiya, watching them. Zara had insisted they assess all opportunities beforehand.
When Queen Farrah suddenly stepped out onto the balcony, they immediately straightened and bowed.
‘Your Majesty,’ they all said, exchanging glances.
Farrah looked out at the view, then shifted her gaze to Zara. ‘What a superb hunting spot.’
Zara feigned confusion. ‘I’m afraid I have no idea what you mean, Your Majesty.’
