Page 16 of The Moon's Fury

“Er, yes. Of course, Princess Soraya. It would be my honor,” Nizam replied, his smile tight.

Layna sagged with relief.

There was no better sister than Soraya on the entire continent. Maybe the realm.

Hadiyah pursed her lips, displeasure evident in her features. She opened her mouth to speak, but Soraya cut her off again.

“Lovely!” Soraya clapped her hands. She presented her arm to Nizam, who rose slowly and linked his arm through hers. “Let’s start with the greenhouse.” The pair exited the dininghall, leaving Layna behind with Ebrahim, Burhani, and a fuming Hadiyah.

Her mother’s hands clenched into tight fists on the table.

“Your kingdom, Layna,” she finally said quietly, meeting Layna’s gaze. “Think of your kingdom.”

“And this is amotchuplant,” Soraya explained, pointing at a small pot overflowing with fuzzy green and purple leaves. “Healers mash the leaves into a paste and apply it to sprains. It reduces inflammation and speeds up the healing process. It also has numbing properties.” She glanced back at Nizam, who absently nodded along.

“That’s fascinating. You certainly know your plants,” he commented.

“It’s my passion. Shall we visit the library next?” She didn’t wait for a response, brushing past Nizam and exiting the greenhouse. He easily kept pace beside her, his long strides dwarfing her own.

“Soraya, might I speak freely?”

Shit.

She tensed, plastering on a smile. “Of course.”

“Your sister—she’s avoiding me.” Nizam’s shoulders slumped, and a begrudging wave of pity swept through her. She pursed her lips, debating how to answer.Should she be truthful or spare his feelings?

In the end, she decided to be tactful.

“Layna is still learning how to be queen. She’s been overwhelmed with her new responsibilities, especially after the war. I’m sure she’ll be receptive to along overduediscussion later today.” She shot him a meaningful glance.

Nizam had the decency to look embarrassed. “Right. She’s still upset I never wrote her.”What did you expect? That she was pining for you all this time? The sharp retort nearly left Soraya’s mouth, but she clamped her lips shut.

How is Layna so diplomatic all the time?Soraya’s face ached from smiling at Nizam all morning.

They turned a corner, and the large library doors loomed ahead of them. “We’re here!” Soraya announced brightly. She reached for the heavy door when it suddenly swung open.

Burhani hurried out, her eyes widening upon seeing Soraya. Then, her gaze slid to Nizam, and she bowed deeply.

“King Nizam,” Burhani greeted, ignoring the princess. Soraya rolled her eyes.

“Hello, Burhani!” Soraya exclaimed, forcing the Navrastani girl’s attention. She gestured to the library. “Have time to join us on our tour?”

“Unfortunately, no,” Burhani answered quickly. “I was researching a new diplomatic mission.” She turned to Nizam and added, “I must make strides on this new treaty with Janta. It was a pleasure, Your Majesty.” Burhani bowed again and hurried down the corridor, thick, black braid swinging. Soraya watched her in the distance, brows furrowed.

“Right. So the library,” she said, turning back to the heavy doors.

“Actually,” Nizam interrupted, “I’d like to see the training grounds. I have fond memories from my last time here.”

Fuck.

“I don’t think—the guards are training right now, and it’ll be incredibly loud and dusty, so—”

“That won’t be a problem.” Nizam gave her a smile. “Please, I insist.”

9

Soraya’sheartthunderedinher chest as she led Nizam toward the training grounds.