‘Nasir’s here,’ she said to Zara. ‘Requesting an audience.’
Kaidon must have recognised the name, because he gestured to the other guards to move in. Tariq had to assume they were referring to Nasir Handal, the head of the Slevaborg Mission to Avanid. A so-called peacekeeping ambassador, who was more of a highly trained spy.
Our time is up.
Rising, Tariq said, ‘I’ll leave you to?—’
Too late. Nasir walked in before he was fully upright, apparently unable to wait. He was dressed in a decorated red tunic and flanked by a guard. His sharp gaze locked on Tariq, though his expression didn’t change.
‘Apologies,’ he said, stopping a polite distance from everyone. He looked at Zara then. ‘I was unaware you were entertaining.’
It was the first time Tariq had seen Zara look uncomfortable, though she hid it well. She held the High Verran’s gaze for a moment longer before saying, ‘I believe you’ve met Prince Tariq of Gruisea.’
‘A very long time ago.’ Nasir nodded politely, his jaw tight. ‘You’re a long way from home, Your Highness.’
‘I am,’ the prince replied.
Nasir’s gaze flicked to Kaidon. ‘What brings you to Avanid?’
If he thought Tariq was going to share that information, he was deluded. ‘Private business.’
Nasir’s eyebrows rose slightly. ‘I wasn’t aware Avanid had any private business.’ He looked back at Zara.
‘He means family business,’ she said, keeping her tone light.
‘The royal family’s business is everyone’s business, is it not?’ Nasir replied.
The king chimed in with ‘Not when it comes to matters of the heart.’
Nasir was silent a moment. ‘And whose heart would that be?’ The question was asked to Zara.
She drew a breath. ‘What’s the reason for your visit, High Verran?’
Nasir turned his attention to Tariq. ‘I received word that an unidentified ship had docked in the port. The ship’s currently being searched.’
Kaidon moved to take a step, but Tariq stopped him in his tracks with a small movement of the hand. ‘Searched for what reason?’
‘Safety.’
Zara briefly pressed her eyes closed.
‘It’s standard procedure when unmarked foreign ships arrive in Avanid’s ports—unannounced,’ Nasir added.
Tariq’s temperature gently rose. ‘I assume you mean unannounced to Slevaborg?’
‘The prince just arrived,’ Aisha said. ‘We’ve barely had time to serve him tea, let alone notify authorities.’
Nasir cast her a doubtful look. ‘Believe it or not, this is actually a courtesy visit.’ He looked back at Tariq. ‘There are men waiting for you at the port.’
There was no stopping Kaidon this time. He marched forwards, hand going to his weapon. ‘What men?’
Nasir’s guard drew his sword, which had Aisha stepping in front of Zara.
So, she’s the protective type.
‘Enough,’ Tariq said, careful not to raise his voice in someone else’s house.
Nasir gestured to his guard. ‘Let’s keep our weapons in their sheaths. There’s no need for any of that.’
