Page 48 of A Filling of Fables and Firelight

“I was just listening.” Jasper gave him a pointed look. “Like I said before, Your Majesty, I would make an excellent spy.”

His statement earned him a series of chuckles from everyone in the room.

“What about the Queen’s Contest?” Rana’s voice hitched with anxiety, prompting Kamaran to give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Please don’t tell me that Yasmin won by default.”

Zamar smiled. “Given the circumstances, the judges have agreed to name Rana as the winner.”

“But I was never a part of it,” Rana argued. “Not that I’m complaining, of course.”

“Not officially. However, your grandmother and I both had a feeling that perhaps your presence here at the palace might be just what His Majesty needed. After the first week, I started keeping my own notes on your performance and how you interacted with His Majesty.”

“Teta was in on it!” Rana pressed her lips together and slowly shook her head. “I should have known.”

“But what was all that about me needing to convince the judges, then?” Kamaran asked, feeling a little put out.

“Ah, that was to provide them with undeniable evidence after I pleaded my case. Ultimately, it’s what swayed the decision in her favor. They appreciated a woman who could get you to take your responsibilities seriously. The only member of the judge’s council who was against it was Rashid, the one who acted as spokesperson last evening. As it turns out, he’s one of Aliyah’s cousins and since he is currently in prison, his vote no longer counts.” Zamar slapped his legs lightly as he stood. “We’ll make the official announcement shortly—as soon as the two of you are feeling up to a public appearance. For now, we’ll let you get some rest. Come, Jasper.”

A few moments later, Kamaran and Rana were alone once more, save for the sleeping bundle of fur who had burrowed into the blankets at Rana’s side. Rana closed her eyes as she snuggled into him and let out a contented sigh. “You should probably give Jasper a raise.”

Of all the things he had expected her to say, that was not one of them. He let out a surprised laugh. “Because he helped catch an assassin?”

“Because you want to keep him on your good side.” She looked up at him. “The boy knows secrets about everyone. He said I make you forget that you’re a Sultan and that you like my independence.”

He lifted their still-entwined hands to his mouth and pressed a kiss to her fingertips, enjoying the soft hitch of her breath. “Both true. He told me that you sew when you’re stressed.”

“He’s not wrong, though I am a little disappointed at the lack of depth.”

“Also that you don’t share your Adhavian Delight. And yet.” He kissed her fingers again, then the inside of her wrist. “You’ve shared with me at least a dozen times.” He lifted an eyebrow in challenge.

She blushed and giggled nervously. “You can be honest,” she said. “You’re just marrying me for my Adhavian Delight, aren’t you?”

“No,” he said swiftly, untangling their hands in favor of capturing her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “I’m marrying you because you are an Adhavian delight.”

Her eyes shone with happy tears. “I love you, Kamaran,” she whispered.

“I love you,” he returned, then dropped his head to seal the words with a kiss.

Epilogue

RANA

Two weeks later…

Rana looked up from her needle and frowned at Kamaran’s empty chair. Twilight was well past, which meant he was officially late.

“He’s going to be in for a rude awakening,” she said to Zade, who was curled in front of the crackling fire. “We don’t reward tardiness with either cuddles or kisses. Don’t let him charm you into forgiving him too easily.”

Though they had been married a week before, as dictated by the conditions of the Queen’s Contest, Kamaran had insisted that he wanted to continue taking things slow in getting to know one another, and their nightly meetings by the fire had easily become her favorite part of the day.

Jasper knocked on the door. “A message from His Majesty!”

Rana set down her work and crossed the room, taking the tiny piece of rolled parchment he offered her. She opened it.

Meet me in the garden outside your old room.

- K

Her brows lifted. “What’s this about?”