Page 14 of The Moon's Fury

“It’s all right,” Layna said with a small smile. She patted the spot beside her and added, “Tell me about his visit.”

After the eclipse, Jamil had escorted Almeer back to his home in Zephyria. He and Soraya had exchanged letters since then, and a few weeks ago, the sisters had finally told their mother about him. Predictably, Hadiyah had not been pleased, but Layna remained firm—insisting this was a perfect opportunity to rebuild ties with Zephyria. And so, Almeer was granted permission to visit Soraya.

Soraya plopped down beside her. “His family is unhappy. They’re pressuring him to end our relationship. In his town, everyone supported the war against Alzahra. Now, they’re outraged Zephyria must cede land to us. They see his relationship with me as a betrayal. It’s been difficult on his family.” Soraya’s chin began to quiver. “He reassured me, of course. That he loves me. And that his family will come aroundin time.” She sniffled, and a tear escaped, tracing a wet path down her cheek, quickly wiped away.

Layna wrapped her sister in an embrace, rubbing a soothing hand over her back. “Almeer is right. Itwillwork out. It’s so soon after the war. People will forget and move on.”

“Yes,” she said, her voice still watery. “It will be. But tell me, how areyoudoing? Mama told me about the incident with the mob. And your … powers.”

“It was awful,” Layna said quietly, her voice muffled against Soraya’s shoulder. “I’ve sacrificed so much for this kingdom—given pieces of myself I can never get back. And still, they want me gone. And about my powers … I don’t know what to do. Zarian insists we keep it secret. He went over breathing techniques to steady my heart when my emotions spiral. I just hope it’s enough—at least until Ebrahim uncovers something useful in the hidden library.”

“Are things better now with Zarian?” Soraya asked tentatively.

“Yes, finally,” she sighed. “We had a long talk in Adrik. I reassured him he has nothing to fear. And he was quite … impassioned during the carriage ride back, though I know it was driven mostly from jealousy. But Nizam arrives tomorrow, and I’m sure Zarian will go back to brooding.”

“He will definitely brood,” Soraya agreed. “Sometimes, I think Zarian would be jealous of the sun for warming your skin or water for quenching your thirst.” Layna cracked a smile, and the sisters shared a laugh. After a brief pause, Soraya hesitantly asked, “What will you do if Nizam asks you to marry him?”

Layna sighed. “I don’t know. I have to handle this diplomatically. Obviously, I don’t want to marry Nizam, but I can’t just throw him out, can I? Not after his aid during the war. It saved us, as much as I hate to admit it.” She tugged at her sleeves, twisting the fabric between her fingers. “My plan is tofirst see what he wants. And then figure out how to respond. So basically, no plan and no clue.”

Soraya’s smile was tight-lipped as she squeezed Layna’s arm. “I don’t envy you, dear sister. My problems seem like a grain of sand compared to the raging sandstorm you’re trapped in.”

8

Shesatonthescratchy, woven mat with her parents, her favorite meal tasting of nothing. From her periphery, she saw them share a worried glance.

He hadn’t spoken to her since that night.

Her first kiss had begun perfectly, but ended in ashes.

Before, she’d find him whenever she turned, dark eyes watching her intently. Now, she’d be lucky if she glimpsed the back of his head as he hurried away.

Her voice quiet with defeat, she excused herself and went to bed, leaving her meal unfinished.

“Stop frowning, Princess,” muttered Tinga. The middle-aged handmaid carefully dotted rouge over Layna’s lips.

“I’m queen now, remember?” Layna retorted, her lips quirking in a half-smile. Tinga responded with a curt “hmph.” Layna played with the sleeves of her gown, a poufy burgundy monstrosity, while Tinga carefully positioned the crown on her head.

“It will be all right,” Tinga said gruffly, focused wholeheartedly on her task, eagle eyes scouring for any out-of-place hairs. “Thank King Nizam for his army, then send him on his way. You have Zarian now.”

“I thought you didn’t like Zarian.”

“I never said that.” Tinga coaxed a stray strand to lie flat against her scalp.

“Just yesterday you pulled his ear and threatened him. Again!” Layna said indignantly. “He’s terrified of you.”

Tinga scoffed.

“I saw that mark he left on your neck when you returned from the Summit. He knows better than that.” Layna flushed, reminded of their passionate exchange in the carriage ride. Tinga used light paint and powder to cover it for days. “And all men should fear something. But it’s not me he’s frightened of. It’s the thought of losing you that haunts him.”

Tinga’s words rang true, and Layna couldn’t muster a response.

“There. You’re ready for the dinner.”

A crippling sense of déjà vu engulfed her. Her mind cast back to over a year ago, to the first royal dinner in honor of Nizam. She had been so young, so naïve. She fell hard for him, but he clearly hadn’t felt the same. He broke his promises and never sent a single letter.

And now, he was back.

He claimed he could explain everything, but she was no longer the same naïve girl.