Chapter 16
Two weeks had passed since their journey to Ashwaq. Two weeks of wedding preparations and avoiding each other.
The city erupted in celebration the day of the announcement.
Tariq and Aisha had walked together through the streets, and for a fleeting moment, he had allowed himself to imagine that her smile was for him.
But it wasn’t. It was for the children tugging at her sleeves and offering flowers to put in her hair.
She had never shone as brightly as she did that day.
It had left him with the sharp ache of knowing.
Amicable would have to be enough.
The late-autumn air nipped at Tariq’s face as he and his mother crossed the courtyard towards the gardens.
‘I still find it extraordinary that you made the decision to empty the mine minutes before it collapsed,’ his mother was saying. ‘After sending everyone back to work, no less.’ She eyed him sideways. ‘Whatever could have prompted such a decision?’
If she was fishing for some sort of admission, she wouldn’t get one. ‘Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts.’
His mother stopped walking when something ahead caught her attention. ‘Should that animal not be in a cage?’
Tariq followed her line of sight to where Aisha and Maryam sat on a pile of cushions amid bright silks draped over a low stone wall. A blur of spotted fur tumbled past Aisha, and her head fell back with laughter. She was really something when she was happy like that.
She had fully committed to the task of raising the cub, whom she had named Mira, finding solace in the tiny creature’s unwavering need—or so Maryam said.
If only he could find some solace. Instead, he preferred to torture himself with thoughts of the kiss they shared right before their relationship spiralled.
‘She doesn’t pose a threat,’ Tariq assured his mother.
Aisha hadn’t noticed them yet. Her attention remained on the cub, her expression soft—contrasting the guarded look she wore around him. She tossed Mira a small piece of meat, and the cub caught it with surprising grace.
‘What in the world…’ Farrah tutted while Tariq watched on, impressed.
Aisha finally spotted them, and the joy on her face vanished. Tariq and Farrah made their way over, prompting Maryam to rise and move a polite distance away. Aisha got to her feet as well, a hand going to her heart as she bowed her head. ‘Your Majesty. Your Highness.’
Tariq bowed his head in return.
Farrah glanced over at Maryam. ‘I think your attendant is getting far too comfortable for her position, if you ask me.’
‘I don’t mind,’ Aisha replied. ‘Much better than being alone.’
‘We can organise some more suitable company for you,’ Farrah said. ‘Lady Selene enjoys cards. I have played with her many times.’
Selene was probably the last person on the planet Aisha wanted to play cards with. The suggestion had Aisha and Tariq exchanging an amused glance. Despite everything that had transpired between the couple, their sense of humour remained intact.
‘I’ll keep that in mind, Your Majesty,’ Aisha said.
Mira padded over to Tariq, nudging his leg with her head. He crouched to pet her, and the cub began to purr. The chill of his mother’s disapproval had him straightening.
‘I was just saying to Tariq how fortunate his instincts were in Ashwaq,’ Farrah said. ‘Many lives were saved.’
Aisha kept her expression neutral. ‘Yes. He has good instincts.’
Farrah studied Aisha for a few moments before speaking again. ‘We have people working very hard to get the mine functional again before the wedding guests start to arrive.’
‘I didn’t realise that was important for a royal wedding,’ Aisha replied.
‘Our international friends must see Gruisea at its best. Every mine must be functional.’
Aisha glanced at Tariq but said nothing.
Farrah adjusted the sleeve of her gown. ‘I shall head to the kitchen and see how the food planning is coming along.’ Her gaze fell to Mira. ‘Be careful she does not scar your face ahead of the wedding.’
Aisha bowed her head. ‘Your Majesty.’
Farrah left behind a heavy silence. Aisha stared down at the leopard to avoid looking at Tariq. He probably should have left as well, but he didn’t.
‘She knows,’ Aisha said quietly.
Tariq didn’t have to ask what she meant. She was referring to the comment the queen made about his fortunate instincts while in Ashwaq. ‘She doesn’t know anything.’
‘She suspects.’ Aisha finally looked at him. ‘And that’s dangerous enough.’
Something pulled in his chest. ‘I told you I’d keep you safe, and I meant it.’
She simply nodded.
He had an overwhelming urge to take her hand or bring her closer, comfort her in some way. But that wasn’t the relationship they had. So instead, he crouched down and petted Mira’s spotted head. The purr vibrated against his palm.
After a few seconds, Aisha crouched down opposite him. ‘She’s really excellent company.’
‘My mother?’
She fought against a smile.
‘I’m pleased I let you talk me into keeping her, then,’ he said.
‘You make it sound like you had a choice.’
His mouth curved up. ‘I’m pleased Maryam’s also proving to be good company.’
Aisha nodded. ‘I have Mira to bite my toes and Maryam to bring me tea.’ The humour fell flat because it was laced with sadness.
Guilt gnawed at Tariq’s insides. She had one attendant, a wild pet, and his mother’s scrutiny for company.
‘You’ll be seeing your family soon,’ he said, trying to make them both feel better.
Her expression softened. ‘I’m counting the days.’
Mira chose that moment to tumble onto her back, batting playfully at Aisha’s sleeve. ‘You’re going to shred my gown.’
Tariq gently pried the cub off her.
‘Thank you,’ Aisha laughed.
The sound had him looking up. Her laughter died when their eyes met. They both rose and took a small step back.
‘I should…’ She glanced behind her.
‘Yes, you should.’
Her lips parted like she was about to add something, but instead she reached down to scoop Mira into her arms. ‘Your Highness.’
Tariq inclined his head. ‘Princess.’
He watched Aisha walk away before going in the opposite direction. Kaidon was waiting for him at the far end of the courtyard, arms folded and watchful as ever.
‘I see things are still awkward between the two of you,’ Kaidon said when Tariq reached him.
Tariq looked back at Aisha, who was playing with Mira once again. ‘I’d like to organise for some of Aisha’s sisters to arrive early. She needs them.’
‘For wedding preparations?’
Tariq shook his head. ‘For her sanity.’
The pair of them began walking.
‘You could offer her your company, you know,’ Kaidon said.
‘I’m the last person she wants to spend time with.’
Kaidon waited until they passed a servant coming in the other direction before speaking again. ‘If you want my advice—’
‘Your longest relationship is two nights. I’m not taking relationship advice from you.’
‘Oof. That was rather mean, but I’ll ignore your cruelty in order to finish my point.
’ He sped up to get ahead of Tariq. ‘She’s hurt because she cares for you.
And I know you care for her. You think I don’t notice the way you look for her?
’ He stepped in front of Tariq, forcing him to pull up. ‘Why not fix things?’
‘The wedding is still going ahead. What more do you want?’
‘What more do you want?’
Tariq wasn’t in the mood for a lecture, even one with valid points. ‘Can you reach out to her family or not?’
Kaidon raised his hands and stepped out of his way. ‘I’ll take care of it.’