Page 19 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin (The Nightfire Quartet #4)

EIGHTEEN

Zarya held another party invitation in her hand. She sighed before pinching the bridge of her nose as pain throbbed behind her eye. Despite Abishek’s promise, Kishore had been delayed yet again, and she’d spent almost every evening since entertaining at Abishek’s side while she answered a million questions about the Bandhan with Rabin.

But she hadn’t minded it all completely.

Abishek spoke of her with such pride and joy, and it touched the piece of her heart that had always craved this. He was constantly looking out for her, ensuring she was comfortable, and included her in every conversation. And when the night was over, he’d tell her how much he appreciated her presence and valued her place in his life. It also helped that every event came with the gift of a new dress to rival the previous one. She stared at the sparkling fabrics hanging in her closet, already lamenting that she’d probably have to leave most of these behind.

He was also warming up to her requests about the vanshaj. He’d spoken with several higher-ranking nobles to discuss the issue. Not surprisingly, some were reluctant, but several had agreed to attend a demonstration of the removal. The king planned to gather everyone before they left for Ishaan. Hopefully, soon.

She was growing weary of life at Abishek’s court. They were all fake, constantly posturing and maneuvering, brokering alliances and breaking them when something suited them better. Abishek had made it clear he hoped Zarya would accept the role as his heir, and she wanted to please him, but she also didn’t see herself spending her life amongst these people.

Now the last thing she wanted was to attend another party, but the king had promised Kishore would return to Andhera tomorrow, and she wanted to get this over with. She could suffer through one more event. Rabin’s condition was deteriorating before her eyes, though he was doing his best to pretend he was fine. She knew him too well to believe it.

She’d had more dreams about her mother and the Ashvins every night, and her exhaustion was dragging her down. She reached for her mother’s necklace, her eyes closing in frustration when her fingers met with her bare throat. She’d do anything to get it back.

Yasen had written to tell her that he was assisting with training the Army of Ashes and that Miraan had contacted his sister hoping to appeal to her better nature. Zarya wasn’t sure if Dishani had one or how smart this was, but she trusted they were all considering the possible pitfalls and consequences of their actions.

With Row and the others around, they would have plenty of solid advice and guidance at their disposal. She whispered a prayer for her friends and hoped she’d see them again soon.

Standing before the mirror, wearing only her underwear, she studied her reflection, searching for evidence of the evil living in her soul. She closed her eyes and tried to reach for Rabin inside the mind plane, but the way remained frustratingly blocked. She screamed for him inside her head but was rewarded with nothing—just silence and emptiness, along with the echo of her thoughts.

She twisted her torso, studying the tattoo on the back of her shoulder and searching for evidence of the taint. If Kishore still hadn’t arrived tomorrow, maybe it was time to return to Ishaan and talk to Thriti instead. Maybe she would know how to fix this.

A knock came at her door, and Urvi entered, her eyes down as she crossed the room. Ever since Zarya had offered to remove her tattoo, she’d avoided eye contact, speaking to her only when necessary.

“Urvi,” Zarya said as she pulled her robe on and tied it around her waist. “I want to apologize for the other day. I should never have put you in that position. I’m very sorry.”

Urvi stopped what she was doing at Zarya’s dressing table, her spine straightening before she peered over her shoulder.

“It’s okay,” she said softly before nodding and resuming her work. A moment later, she gestured for Zarya to sit so she could start her hair and makeup.

Zarya slipped onto the bench while they both maintained an awkward silence. Urvi started with her makeup, then brushed her hair while Zarya watched her in the mirror. Urvi was still carefully avoiding meeting her gaze, and Zarya dropped her eyes, trying not to make her uncomfortable.

A moment later, a soft, whispered voice said, “It’s not that I don’t want to be free.”

Zarya looked up, but Urvi was again focused on Zarya’s hair as though she hadn’t said a word.

Zarya nodded. “I understand,” she whispered. “If and when you’re ready and want to talk about it, please let me know. I won’t ask again unless you bring it up.”

Urvi continued brushing her hair with long, careful strokes. If Zarya didn’t know any better, she might believe Urvi hadn’t heard her, but the slightest flicker in her eyes acknowledged Zarya’s promise.

Urvi spent a few minutes curling her hair and pinning half of it up in a few intricate twists. Then she met Zarya’s gaze in the mirror and smiled brightly. “Now, let’s get this dress on, shall we?”

Abishek had sent her another gift: a stunning lehenga made from the deepest crimson silk, embroidered with intricate red beading and layered with an overskirt of delicate lace.

She helped Zarya into it and tied the ribbons that ran up the back of the choli. When she was done, Zarya couldn’t help but admire herself in the mirror. It was a beautiful gift, and she appreciated the king’s effort. He was trying very hard to make her his princess.

But Abishek expected her to marry an Aazheri. Row had been right when he’d warned her. She’d thought he was being overly cautious, but it was clear Abishek took this issue seriously.

He loved Rabin like a son, and surely he wouldn’t feel that way once he knew about their marriage. Regardless, if Abishek truly wanted to take on a father-figure role in her life, he’d have to accept her husband. If he genuinely wanted Zarya as his heir, then Rabin would become the king consort of Andhera.

She kind of liked the thought of that.

He’d look very handsome and powerful sitting on a throne.

They had to tell him. Tonight, she’d convince Rabin they couldn’t keep this secret any longer.

A knock at the door drew her out of her reverie.

“Come in,” she called as she adjusted a wayward curl.

Rabin opened the door, and she caught his approving look.

“Hi,” she said as Urvi excused herself from the room. Rabin closed the door and immediately strode over, wrapping his big hands around her waist as he came to stand behind her.

“You look…” He shook his head. “You look like a fucking goddess.”

She smiled at his reflection. “How are you feeling?” she asked as his arms banded around her, drawing her against him.

“I’m fine,” he said, repeating his usual mantra.

“I was thinking if Kishore still doesn’t return tomorrow, we should head for Ishaan and see if Thriti can help us instead. I’m worried about you.”

Rabin nodded. “The king won’t like it, but I agree. We’ve lingered here long enough.”

He dropped his chin into the curve of her neck before he kissed her.

“Gods, I miss the taste of you,” he rumbled.

“Perhaps we should pay another visit to the hot springs?” she joked. His answer was a feral smile.

“Don’t tempt me. A few more days, and we’ll be on our way.”

“I think we should tell him about us before we leave,” she said carefully, gauging his reaction. “I’m trying to build a relationship with him, and you’re maintaining one. We shouldn’t keep lying about this.”

She watched as Rabin chewed the inside of his cheek and then pressed a kiss to her shoulder. “You’re right. Tomorrow, we’ll tell him.”

“Okay,” she said. “We should probably go. Don’t leave my side, okay? I don’t want to have to fend off Amir.”

Despite Abishek’s assurances, Amir had attended a handful of the king’s parties while continuing to draw Zarya into conversation. He made her skin crawl. She was tempted to tell him to back off in a less polite way, but she didn’t want to embarrass Abishek in front of his nobles.

Rabin growled low in his throat. “If Amir wants to keep his dick attached, he should learn to stay as far away from you as possible.”

Zarya smiled. “I love it when you sweet-talk me.”

Another low growl rumbled in his chest before he took her hand and tugged her towards the door. Opening it, he gestured for her to proceed, and they walked side by side.

Dinner was held in an opulent dining room, which, like all the parts of the castle, was magnificent. It had gleaming black floors and chandeliers made from black crystal. A long table ran the length of the room, with high-backed chairs framing each side. The room’s edges were lined with dozens of small plush booths, where silver trays of pakoras, papadums, and samosas with a variety of chutneys sat on small round tables.

At each end stood a long bar tended by about two dozen colorful fairies. They poured drinks, dressed in scant clothing, showing off their toned bodies and perfect features. Zarya had never seen any outside of Daragaab before.

“You’re here!” came a voice, and she turned to find Abishek walking towards them. He stopped and swept his gaze over her with appreciation. “You wore my gift.”

She looked down at herself and then up. “Another beautiful dress. Thank you.”

“It suits you well. A fitting dress for a princess.”

He smiled so warmly that she felt a twist of guilt for planning to leave. He seemed to love having her here, and she appreciated his attention, but she couldn’t stay here attending parties when Ishaan and the Phoenix needed her.

“Shall we get a drink?” he asked, directing them to the nearest bar, which was entirely made of glass and lined with colorful lights.

“Where did they come from?” Rabin asked. His brow furrowed as he watched the fairies.

“They were a surprise from Amir,” Abishek said. “He had them brought in specially for tonight.”

As if the sound of his name was a summons, the man in question suddenly materialized out of the crowd.

“Zarya,” Amir said, taking her hand and kissing the back. “You are radiant.”

She sensed Rabin behind her, inches from ripping his head off. She cast a glance over her shoulder with a brow raised and a look that she hoped said Don’t kill him.

“Thank you,” she replied. “This is very…grand.” She waved a hand at the bar. She wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about it. Had he pulled these fairies out of their environment and forced them into this harsh climate? Could they survive here?

“Nothing but the best for the king,” he said in a kiss-ass voice that nearly made Zarya roll her eyes. “What are you having?”

“I’m not sure.” Zarya turned to watch a bartender execute several fancy flips, tossing colorful glass bottles of liquor. He crafted a gorgeous cocktail by pouring the contents into a few light blue glasses and then garnished each with a sugar snowflake. When he was done, he slid them over.

“I hope you enjoy it,” he said with a wink.

She accepted a cocktail, as did Abishek and Amir, while Rabin nodded a “no thank you.”

“Rabin,” Abishek said a moment later. “Khadi is here. Ekaja warmed him up the last time he deigned to join us, but he’s still holding out on us and needs a nudge.”

Rabin looked at Zarya and opened his mouth, about to protest.

“Go on,” she said. “Do what you need to. I’ll be okay.”

He pressed his mouth together as a muscle in his jaw ticked. “You’re sure?”

“I think I can handle it,” she said, and he huffed. She’d use the opportunity to tell Amir that she wasn’t on the market in no uncertain terms. The last thing she needed was for Rabin to escalate the situation.

Though Abishek hadn’t been trying to set them up, Amir was clearly interested. Hopefully, he wouldn’t make the scene she’d feared, but enough was enough.

“I’ll be back in a minute,” Rabin said.

She nodded and watched him cross the room with Abishek as they approached a group of men, who all stood to shake their hands.

When she turned around, Amir was standing so close she nearly jumped.

“How are you enjoying your time in Andhera?” he asked. “It must be wonderful getting to know your father. He’s truly such a great man. Brilliant. Powerful. Generous.”

Zarya didn’t answer as Amir waxed on about the king for another minute while she did her best to appear interested. It was becoming exceedingly clear that Amir wasn’t after her but instead wanted an in with the king. He was interested in a crown and Abishek’s influence.

Thus, Zarya felt no guilt for tuning him out as her gaze wandered to the center of the room, where several fairies had gathered. A group of musicians in the corner shifted their tempo as the music turned from upbeat to sultry.

Zarya recalled the party in the Jai Palace the night she’d first kissed Rabin. The air had been charged with sex and the heat and scent of bodies, and maybe that had been part of the reason she’d caved to his ‘request’ to give him another chance.

As the fairies moved together, their bodies slithering and undulating, their hips circling and their backs arching, Rabin looked over, his gaze meeting hers with fire.

She suspected he was thinking about the same night, and Zarya took a sip of her drink to cover her smile. Mercifully, Amir had stopped chattering thanks to the fairies. In fact, everyone had abandoned their conversations, jaws hanging slack around the room.

Two females were writhing together, their breasts crushed and their hips grinding. Zarya noted Ekaja watching them with a flush on her cheeks and a knowing smirk that suggested she intended to devour every inch of these two later.

As they continued dancing, Zarya’s gaze wandered back to Rabin, where she found him staring with that intensity that always did its best to undo her. They stared at one another while he licked the tip of his sharp canine. Gods, that always had her stomach dropping and her thighs clenching.

She wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold out.

The room held suspended in fascinated stasis for several more minutes as the fairies continued dancing while Zarya’s neck flushed and heat climbed over her scalp. She could feel Rabin’s eyes on her but avoided his gaze, knowing that she was about one second away from crossing the room, taking his hand, and dragging him out of here, consequences be damned.

Finally, the music stopped, and it took several prolonged seconds for everyone to stir out of the fairies’ spell before a chorus of polite applause circled the room.

“Dinner is ready!” Abishek said after a moment, and Zarya watched as he attempted to steer Rabin away from her. She was sure she wasn’t imagining it. Her eyes narrowed as the bitter taste of worry twisted in the back of her throat. Did he already know? Or at least suspect?

She could tell Abishek favored Amir and what he could offer, but once they told him about their marriage, he’d have no choice but to let this go.

Two servants directed Zarya and Amir to a pair of seats near the end of the table while she kept her eye on Rabin. He made his way over, planting himself on Zarya’s other side.

Thus, she found herself between Rabin, Amir, and their glares.

A moment later, Abishek settled into his seat at the head of the table, his gaze finding hers and then jumping between the two men flanking each side.

She rolled her eyes and picked up her wine, taking a long sip and deciding she would probably need several of these to get through the night.