‘No,’ she said firmly. ‘He suspects, but I have never confirmed it. I swear to you.’
Silence pulsed between them.
‘I can’t believe you agreed to help him,’ Aisha said, feeling utterly broken. ‘Why? He’ll dispose of both of us.’
Maryam closed her eyes. ‘I did not have a choice.’
‘Of course you did.’
When Maryam opened her eyes, they were full of pain. ‘No, I did not.’
A realisation dawned on Aisha then. ‘What did he threaten you with?’
Maryam swallowed audibly. ‘He has men watching my family. All the time. Every day.’ She paused. ‘He knows what side of the bed my sister gets out of. That she sings when she does laundry.’
Aisha felt her body slump.
Maryam sniffed. ‘You know better than anyone the lengths one will go to in order to keep their family safe.’
She did know better than anyone.
‘The gods know I never wanted this,’ Maryam said. ‘I thought I could keep everyone safe.’ She continued to wipe at the tears falling down her cheeks. ‘Even you.’
Aisha watched her a long moment before asking, ‘Did you… kill King Hamza?’
‘Gods, no.’
Slowly, Aisha got to her feet. ‘They’re pointing the finger at my family.’
Silence.
‘But I bet you already know that. All that tea to raid my mind.’
Aisha’s question was met with sympathy. ‘It does not matter who did it,’ Maryam said. ‘It matters who they say did it.’ She paused. ‘Tariq must uphold Gruisea’s laws.’
Aisha searched her eyes. ‘You know something.’
‘I know he loves you and will protect you with his life.’
‘Did you see that in a vision?’
A sad smile came and went on her face. ‘I do not need a vision to tell me that.’ She moved closer to Aisha. ‘I know you do not trust me at this time, but please listen to what I have to say before you leave this room.’
Aisha fought the urge to flee and slam the door behind her.
‘You need to take the blame for King Hamza’s death,’ Maryam said.
Of all the things she guessed her attendant would say, that wasn’t among them. Aisha blinked, stunned. ‘Have you lost your mind?’
‘No,’ Maryam said sadly. ‘I saw Lilah marched into the courtyard by the guards.’ She released a shaky breath. ‘Your sister will stand accused of the king’s murder.’
Aisha felt like she had been struck. Her mind seemed to freeze for a moment. ‘That’s impossible. She had nothing to do with it.’
‘I know.’
Lilah. Sweet Lilah.
‘I’ve no reason to believe what you’re saying,’ Aisha said, despite sensing the truth in her words.
