Page 2 of The Moon's Fury

“Was your ride pleasant?” Lord Ebrahim asked, running a hand over his short, white beard. She smiled tightly, watching as Zarian gave instructions to the palace guards. The heavily armed men surrounded them, a solid barrier of muscle and leather and steel until she couldn’t even see over the towering men encircling her.

They walked through the courtyard toward the palace, Layna, Zarian and Ebrahim nestled within the blockade of guards. She took in the magnificent palace, twisting ivy creeping up the tall, stone walls.

It had been a good choice for the Summit.

The large wooden doors opened, and the group stepped into a grand foyer. Black marble gleamed beneath their feet, and an enormous crystal chandelier, larger than she had ever seen, dangled high above their heads. The circle of guards parted, and she stepped forward, Zarian and Ebrahim close behind.

“Queen Layna! Welcome to our humble kingdom,” boomed a tall man, cloaked in dark robes and draped in layers of gem-laden necklaces. His close-cropped black beard framed a face marked by dark, kohl-lined eyes that watched her keenly. He bowed, the chandelier light glinting off his bald head. As he rose, his eyes lingered on her sword, belted over her gown. “Welcome. I am Lord Meyteen, senior advisor to King Farzin.”

“Your kingdom has our gratitude for hosting the Summit,” replied Layna. Her fingers quivered at her sides, anxiety churning in her gut.Show no weakness. She forced authority into her tone, adding, “King Farzin was otherwise occupied?”

“Unfortunately,” simpered Lord Meyteen, his lips thinning in an apologetic smile. “Much left to plan for tomorrow. Otherwise, even the moon couldn’t have stopped him from greeting you personally.” His shrewd gaze flitted behind her.

Layna followed his glance. “This is Prince Zarian of the Nahrysba Oasis. And I understand you’ve already met my senior adviser, Lord Ebrahim.”

Lord Meyteen’s eyes gleamed, raking over Zarian with cold precision. “Ah, Prince Zarian. What an unexpected honor—your first royal event, no less. You’ve kept yourself tucked away for so long, one might have thought you prefer it that way. King Tahriq sent word you would be attending in his stead.”

“Unfortunately,” Zarian repeated in a long drawl, feigning boredom. “It’s ‘well past time’ I embrace my princely duties.”

Lord Meyteen’s gaze sharpened, gesturing to a servant who presented a black velvet jewelry case.

“As a token of goodwill, please accept this humble gift from the kingdom of Adrik.” He opened the case to reveal a sparkling silver necklace. The large pendant was the shape of a crescent moon, carved from an iridescent white stone. Glimmers of green and blue and purple sparkled in the light.

Moonstone.

Layna smiled tightly. “It’s beautiful. You have Alzahra’s thanks.”

Lord Meyteen handed the case over to one of the guards. “Allow me to show you to your rooms.” He turned swiftly, dark robes billowing around him. They walked through two smaller foyers and up a large winding staircase.

“Have the other monarchs arrived?” Layna asked as they walked down a long corridor lined with servants, passing yet more statues of King Farzin.

“Some, yes, but we are still awaiting a handful. Queen Rhapsin of Thessan and King Petragh of Minhypas. You must knowalready that your grandfather, King Dharaid of Shahbaad, was unable to attend. The unrest … it’s a shame. I’ve heard even more palace guards have resigned.”

Layna nodded stiffly. The situationhadbeen growing worse in Shahbaad—she, Ebrahim and her mother had discussed it at length. Guards had been resigning left and right, but there was no clear indication why.

She glanced at Zarian; his hand had not left the hilt of his sword since they stepped out of the carriage, and his eyes constantly scanned their surroundings.

“Ah, and King Nizam of Baysaht,” Lord Meyteen added, turning to appraise her. “He should be arriving soon.”

Zarian tensed beside her, his hand tightening on his sword. She tried to give him a reassuring smile, but he kept his eyes forward. She almost ran into Lord Meyteen’s back when he stopped abruptly.

“This will be your room.” Lord Meyteen opened a large door and gestured inside. “Prince Zarian’s room is next to yours, and Lord Ebrahim’s is the next one down. There are servants stationed everywhere. Please ask them for anything you might need. There will be a dinner tonight welcoming all the monarchs.”

The adviser bowed and disappeared down the hall. Layna began to walk into her room, but Zarian cut in front and entered first. She rolled her eyes as he scoured the room for potential threats. He checked the washroom, the closets, behind the curtains, and even under the bed.

Layna’s frustration slowly melted the longer she watched him. He was meticulous in his search, and she knew it was because he loved her.

Even his recent coldness, she knew, was because he loved her. She watched him quietly as he finished.

“All clear?” Layna asked with a teasing grin.

“It would appear so.” He didn’t return her smile. “I’ve stationed four guards outside your room. Don’t wander off alone. And I’ll be right next door. Shout if anything happens.” He turned to leave, but Layna grabbed his arm.

“Will you stay a moment?” He hesitated, and a sharp pain twisted her heart. “Please?” Her lower lip quivered. His hazel eyes fixed on her face, and what looked like guilt passed through them.

“All right.” He sat down on a small sofa, and Layna nestled closely beside him, her arm pressed against his. She placed a tender hand on his cheek. He was stiff under her touch, like the unyielding bark of the Dhara tree.

“Zarian, please. You have nothing to worry about. I’m not going to marry Nizam. We don’t even know if that’s what he wants.” He didn’t remove her hand, and a spark of hope lit within her. “This distance between us is tearing into my soul,” she added, her voice cracking.