Page 19 of The Moon's Fury

But she was not the same woman he had bid farewell over a year ago. And she could not pretend to be.

She slowly glanced up and met his gaze.

Layna could pinpoint the exact moment his hope died, as the dreams in his bright, green eyes slowly fizzled away. He withdrew his hand, eyes dropping to his lap.

Her heart squeezed again, a sudden wave of pity for the defeated man before her. Her eyes burned but remained dry.

Even her tears, it seemed, knew they belonged to someone else.

“I’m sorry, Nizam,” she said quietly. “I truly am. About your father. About everything. And Iamgrateful for your aid during the war. But we can’t just pick up where we left off. Too much time has passed.”

She paused, gathering her thoughts. “But I won’t let you return to Baysaht empty-handed. We can sign a treaty. Alzahra will receive plentiful reparations from the attacking kingdoms. I will allot a portion to Baysaht for its help during the war. You won’t lose face in front of your people or your council.”

Nizam stared at her, processing her words. There was a resigned sorrow swirling in his eyes.

“It’s Prince Zarian, isn’t it?” he asked, his voice hoarse. “I—I heard the rumors. And at the Summit, I saw the way he lookedat you. I imagine my eyes hold the same adoration.” His smile was weak, dimmed by his broken heart. “My heart denied it, but I saw howyoulooked at him, when you thought no one was looking. You never gazed at me that way, not once. Like he was the beginning and end to your every thought. Still, I just hoped…” He trailed off, taking a deep, shuddering breath. “I had to try.”

She had no response to give him.

He dipped his chin, lips pressed into a thin line. “I appreciate the treaty. It will somewhat assuage my council.” He slowly rose and bowed, still unwilling to meet her eyes. “I will return to Baysaht after the treaty is signed. I’ll keep myself busy until then.”

Finally, he looked at her, the light of hope extinguished in his dull, green gaze. “I wish you happiness, Layna,” he said quietly.

Before she could respond, he left, shutting the door behind him.

10

Thedayhadpassedin a blur of red after Nizam dared stop by the training grounds. Zarian stalked back to his chambers, irritation simmering beneath his skin. He had pitied the guard next in line to spar with him after the asshole left, tail tucked between his legs.

Pompous, cowardly bastard.

He turned down a long stretch of hallway that led to his quarters and nearly collided with Soraya. She stood in the center of the corridor, arms crossed, forehead pinched tightly.

Zarian resisted the urge to retreat.

He’d never bowed from any battle, no enemy too powerful, no blade too sharp.

He had felled fierce warriors and slain vicious beasts.

He was shadow, elusive and fleeting.

He was night, dark and unforgiving.

But,moons help him, these two sisters bent him to their will.

He plastered a smile on his face. “Soraya. Were you waiting long?”

“Don’t play dumb,” she snapped, jabbing a finger into his chest. You know what you did.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing away. “I’ll admit it was not my best moment.”

Her mouth opened, undoubtedly ready to lecture him, but she seemed to think better of it. Dark eyes scanned his face, and her expression softened. She rested a hand on his shoulder. “I know this is hard on you. But Nizam will be here for a few days yet. Try to be civil. For Layna’s sake.”

He drew a deep breath, biting back the sharp retort on the tip of his tongue.

She wasn’t the target of his anger.

“I’ll do my best.”