In response he only exhaled, turning his eyes to the doorjamb. She waited a moment for him to speak, and when he said nothing, she was surprised. She realized with creeping, prickling mortification that she’d expected Cyrus to convey great emotion at the sight of her. She’d expected him to ask after her health,to express pleasure at her recovery, to show concern about the recent attempt on her life. Instead, he radiated a tension that seemed to indicate only a growing impatience, which left her stunned. After his devastating confessions, his proprietary actions toward her; after he’d saved her life and all but painted the city with flowers in her honor –
“Was there something you needed?” he said quietly. “It’s rather late.”
“I – Forgive me,” she said. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
He glanced at something out of sight, then returned his eyes to the doorjamb. “I take it you’ve just arrived,” he said. “Whatever you require may be procured. You need only ask; the servants know to attend to you without limitations. If you’re in need of a lady’s maid –”
“No,” she said, unnerved. “No, it’s not that –”
“Very well. Please let me know if I can be of service.” He withdrew with a respectful nod, and Alizeh, her mind finally catching up to her body, threw out her hand to keep the door open.
“Cyrus,” she said, alarmed. “Will you not look at me?”
He froze briefly before meeting her eyes, and when he did it was with a politeness so detached it astonished her. “Yes?” he said. “Was there something else?”
She heard the scurry of passing snodas, and drew closer to the door. “May I come inside? And speak with you privately?”
Fear awoke in his gaze, so fleeting it was gone before she was convinced it had even existed. She searched for it again in his expression,but he only looked at her steadily, his composure cool as he said, “Of course.”
He stepped aside to let her pass.
Alizeh had once been worried about the impropriety of visiting Cyrus in his bedchamber, but now that she knew she would marry him, the potential gossip no longer bothered her. Glancing once more at a passing snoda, she crossed the threshold into his room. As soon as she heard the door snick shut behind her, her heart took flight.
She hadn’t been alone with him since that night. The night everything and nothing had happened between them.
Cyrus moved with ease, striding away from the door into the decadent antechamber. There was lush seating gathered around a pair of low tables, and Cyrus stood behind a chair while gesturing deferentially to another. He was waiting for her to take a seat before he sat down, and the attentive action was so unlike an imperious king it shocked her. Just earlier, Kamran had boarded the coach before she did, and Alizeh had thought nothing of it; expected nothing more. Always Cyrus was confusing her, and she was made so anxious by this simple gesture that she shook her head at him, too nervous to comply.
“You’d rather stand?” He seemed surprised. “I take it this will be brief, then.”
“I – Yes –” Her heart would not slow its pounding. She felt feverish in his presence, and it was destroying her capacity for calm. “Yes, I’ve come to tell you – That is, I just wanted you to know that I’ve decided to accept your proposal,” she said finally. “Of marriage.”
He looked at her, his eyes placid. “Excellent.”
“Is it?” she said, attempting a smile. She clasped her hands against her waist, not knowing where to look. “I thought you’d be more pleased to hear it.”
“I don’t mean to offend,” he said, lowering his head. “It’s only that I find it hard to celebrate the orders of the devil.”
Alizeh nearly winced; she felt so stupid. Of course he wouldn’t rejoice at the news; it was a terrible bargain for him, one that ended, theoretically, with his murder. She supposed she’d only hoped to see more of a reaction from him in general, for he’d been so passionate the last time they’d spoken, except – heavens, that felt unfair, too, for he owed her nothing of his emotions. She’d made it clear she wanted him only for his empire, and expecting him to fall apart at her feet was nothing short of sadistic.
Angels above, she was disappointed in herself.
“Forgive me,” she said, her eyes catching on the soft glow of a sconce. “That was a foolish thing to say.”
“There’s nothing to forgive,” he said quietly. “Thank you for informing me of your decision.”
Alizeh nodded, even as she felt a disturbing desire to scream. She didn’t understand this coldness between them, for it had never been this way, not even when she’d hated him. She averted her eyes, knowing she should leave even when some part of her longed to stay. “I’ll bid you good night, then,” she said quietly, and headed for the door.
“When?”
She turned, stunned, for the single word was charged with more feeling than any she’d received from him tonight.
“I beg your pardon?” she said.
“When,” he said, “will you be ready to take your vows?”
Alizeh blanched. She’d never thought of it that way: that she wouldvowto marry this man. That she’d promise aloud to honor and love and care for him for the rest of her life. To all the world thereafter he’d be known as her husband.
She, his wife.
