‘I am quite certain that is not true.’
Aisha had felt somewhat differently towards the queen since the Binding Feast—ever since she had leaned in and told the king to give the toast. While Aisha had no proof that it was an act of kindness, she couldn’t come up with another reason for it. They had barely exchanged more than a few words since then, but the tension between them seemed more tolerable than usual.
Below, a herald announced the arrival of a tall figure in black robes. His presence was like a crack of thunder in the garden. Everyone paid attention to him.
‘The new King of Cogalla, Rakan,’ Zara said. ‘His father recently died in what some are calling a suspicious hunting accident.’
‘His first act as king was to execute his mother’s lover,’ Farrah added. ‘An act he carried out himself by all accounts.’
A look of horror settled on Lilah’s face.
Safiya took a step forwards to get a better look. ‘Why’s he just walking by without greeting anyone?’
‘Because he’s the King of Cogalla,’ Farrah said simply. ‘They dominate the iron ore, tin, and copper trade. People have to smile at him.’
‘Unmarried,’ Zara said, ‘but rumoured to have his sights set on Imperial Princess Ranya.’
‘The Emperor’s daughter?’ Safiya asked.
Farrah interrupted them. ‘Actually, he has shown little interest in marriage. It is the Emperor who is pushing his daughter in the king’s direction.’
Safiya exhaled sharply. ‘No surprises there given Cogalla controls all the materials needed to produce weapons.’
Another new arrival was announced, and they all leaned forwards slightly—even the queen.
‘The Crown Prince of Makan,’ Farrah said. ‘Majid.’
‘And who’s that behind him?’ Safiya asked.
‘His younger brother, Prince Taim,’ the queen replied confidently.
Zara glanced sideways at her. ‘Currently second in line for the throne—until Majid’s children arrive.’
‘I think I’ve heard of him,’ Safiya said. ‘He’s supposed to be a great swordsman.’
Zara didn’t comment.
‘Prince Majid is betrothed to Princess Nalia of Montia,’ Farrah said pointedly.
‘Betrothed is not married,’ Zara replied bravely.
They all fell silent for a moment, until a familiar figure entered.
‘Is that Nasir?’ Lilah asked, perking up. ‘I didn’t know he was coming.’
‘He’s the head of the diplomatic mission to Avanid,’ Zara said. ‘And the bride is from Avanid, so I’m not surprised.’
A throat cleared behind them, and they all turned around. Tariq stood there casually, arms crossed, looking very princely. The corners of Aisha’s mouth turned up at the sight of him.
‘Why are you not down there greeting our guests?’ Farrah asked, as if she weren’t herself an equal host.
‘I was just on my way.’ He stepped onto the balcony. ‘Who are we spying on?’
Farrah appeared immediately offended by the question. ‘The very accusation… I am going to do my duties, and I suggest you and your betrothed follow.’ She left the balcony.
The relationship between Aisha and Farrah hadn’t yet progressed enough for the queen to refer to Aisha by her name. For now, she remained ‘your betrothed’.
Zara ushered Safiya and Lilah inside. ‘Come. We need to check on Yasmin and Omar before we join the gathering.’
