Page 1 of The Moon's Fury

Part I

The Summit

1

Thecarriagejoltedasit crossed from dirt to stone. Layna clutched the cushioned seat, bracing herself for the next bump as the back wheels followed. Drawing the curtain aside, she peered through the small window in the door, squinting against the bright sunlight.

The towering, stone walls of the kingdom of Adrik came into view. Neighbor to Alzahra, Adrik was known for its opulent palace and thriving trade in precious gems. Their carriage slowed as it joined the line of entrants into the city, a blend of merchants, travelers, and other royal visitors.

The carriage lurched again, and her knees bumped sharply against Zarian’s. He briefly looked up from where he sat across from her, but didn’t say a word, only adjusted his position so his long legs didn’t take up as much space.

Layna sighed. It had been a long carriage ride.

She began to slide the curtain open further when Zarian reached out and tugged it shut.

“Leave it closed. Let’s not fuel any more rumors about you,” he said gruffly.

She huffed. “Are you finally speaking to me, then?” Crossing her arms over her chest, lips set grimly, she glared at him.

“Of course I am,” he responded absently, looking everywhere but her. “When have I not been speaking to you?” He pulled back the curtain on the opposite window and glanced outside.

“I thought we should leave it closed.”

“Youshould leave it closed,” Zarian corrected as he peered outside, likely looking for hidden threats. His search was cut short when Layna shot forward and yanked the curtain closed.

He glowered at her, a muscle ticking in his jaw. A deep sigh escaped him as he settled back into the carriage seat.

“Can we finally talk?” Layna asked, hands gripping the burgundy seat cushions. “You’ve been cold and brooding ever since…”

Zarian arched an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.

She sighed. “Ever since I agreed to a royal visit from Nizam.”

“I don’t have anything to say.” He crossed his muscled arms over his chest, turning his face firmly away from her. “I told you before, I won’t make your choice difficult.”

“For moon’s sake, Zarian! I agreed to a visit, not amarriage.” Her eyes blazed in a heated glare.

He was silent for several heartbeats, the muscle still pulsing furiously in his cheek. When he finally looked at her, there was a storm of emotions in his eyes: anger, resignation, and sorrow.

“Not yet,” he said quietly.

Layna opened her mouth, but the carriage jolted to a halt.

They had arrived.

Zarian opened the door and stepped down. She ignored his proffered hand and dismounted herself.

The Adrik palace loomed before them, its towering façade of gray, glittering stone stretching out on either side as far as she could see. Atop a grand staircase, each step wide enough for a dozen men, the massive double doors shone brilliantly, the dark wood coated to an unnatural shine. Black domes crowned the tall minarets, their surfaces so polished they reflected the clouds.

The Alzahran carriages lined up neatly in the massive courtyard, a large decorative fountain burbling behind them. In its center was a large statue of King Farzin, the current Adriki monarch.

“Stay close,” Zarian murmured into her ear, placing a hand on her lower back. “And show no weakness. The monarchs will be watching you closely.”

Layna rolled her eyes. How typical for him to only touch her when he was concerned for her safety. She wanted nothing more than to greedily lean into his touch.

Instead, she watched as their remaining party slowly dismounted. There were three carriages filled only with guards. Zarian would take no risks when it came to her. Lord Ebrahimeased down from the last carriage. The brilliant sun reflected off his spectacles. He came to stand beside her, passing an affectionate hand over her head. Her heart twisted painfully in her chest.

He was the only one who did that now.