Chapter 42
The tea on the table had long gone cold.
Aisha sat cross-legged on the floor of her bedchamber, her back resting against the lounge where Lilah and Safiya were seated.
Zara stood by the window, twisting a ring on her finger as she watched the orange sky.
It was the day after Zahvik’s visit, and the four of them were still trying to figure out what to do with Aisha’s latest vision.
‘How many ships do you estimate?’ Zara asked.
Aisha slowly shook her head. ‘I saw a fleet, but I couldn’t say exactly how many. But enough.’
‘And you’re sure the beach was in Gruisea?’ Safiya asked—again.
‘I recognised the coastline.’ Aisha blinked at the memory. ‘And some of the men wore blue uniforms.’
Safiya appeared sceptical. ‘And where did these magical soldiers supposedly come from? The barracks weren’t even functional when we were there.’
Aisha looked up at her. ‘The mines. It was always his plan.’
Silence.
Lilah was first to break it. ‘We have to at least warn them. We owe the king that much.’
Safiya scoffed. ‘And how do you propose we get a message to Gruisea right now? The Emperor has eyes everywhere these days. Besides, Tariq would likely set fire to any message with Avanid’s seal.’
‘I don’t think so,’ Lilah said. ‘You’re forgetting that they’re still married. If the king wanted to cut all ties with Avanid, he would have done so by now.’
Safiya leaned in. ‘And you’re forgetting that Aisha was exiled for the murder of his father. Even if he’s not ready to let go of her completely, do you honestly think he’s going to believe a word that comes out of her mouth now?’
Zara turned to face them. ‘Enough.’
A plan was taking shape in Aisha’s mind. She got to her feet. ‘I’ll deliver the warning in person. He’ll have no choice but to listen to me.’
All three sisters turned to her with matching horror-stricken expressions.
‘Did the vision impair your brain?’ Safiya asked. ‘Tariq made it perfectly clear when you left that place that you’re not welcome back.’
‘It doesn’t matter,’ Aisha said. ‘I have a responsibility to—’
‘You have no such responsibility,’ Safiya snapped.
Lilah reached for her hand, attempting to calm her down. ‘What Safiya’s trying to say is that it’s too dangerous. You barely survived the last journey.’
Aisha looked between them. ‘Many people are going to die.’
‘And you can’t change that,’ Zara reminded her. ‘You can’t change the future, only see it. Those people are going to die whether you make the journey or not.’
‘That’s true, but what about all the other people not on that beach?’ When no one spoke, she added, ‘I don’t just owe him, I owe the entire kingdom.’
Safiya rose from the lounge. ‘Say, by some miracle, we got you across the border and you made it there. What’s your plan if he throws you into the tower? Or his mother tries to set you alight again?’
‘Even if both those things happen, I know Tariq. He’ll take the warning seriously. At least they’ll be better prepared.’
‘And you’ll be dead!’ Safiya fired back.
Zara raised a hand, gesturing for calm.
‘It’s not just about what I’ve seen,’ Aisha replied. ‘I’ll be able to see what’s ahead.’ She looked between them. ‘Remember, if Gruisea falls, the ripple effect will be devastating. You all know I’m right.’
No one argued the point.
‘I’m not asking for permission,’ Aisha said, softening her voice. ‘I’m asking for your help to get me there.’
They were all silent for a moment.
Zara drew a slow breath. ‘We could get you out via Ukrocia.’
Safiya’s eyes widened. ‘Zara!’
‘It’s a smart suggestion,’ Lilah agreed. ‘The Emperor’s focused on the coast and our shared border with Montia right now.’
Safiya looked between them. ‘I can’t believe you’re both indulging her.’
‘Does Ukrocia have ships that go to Gruisea?’ Aisha asked.
Zara shook her head. ‘Not at present, but that doesn’t mean they can’t.’
Safiya rubbed at her temples.
‘I won’t let you go alone,’ Lilah said. ‘I’m coming with you.’
Safiya let out a laugh with no humour in it. ‘The two of you won’t last five minutes.’ Her hands fell to her sides. ‘I’ll go with her.’
Lilah gave her a grateful smile. ‘I’m sure we can spare a guard or two for the journey.’
Zara looked between her sisters. ‘All right. I’ll make the arrangements.’
Aisha looked at Safiya. ‘Are you sure you want to come with me?’
‘Of course I don’t want to.’ The frustration in her voice had turned to defeat. ‘But someone needs to ensure you make it back alive.’
‘I’ll reach out to my contacts,’ Zara said, walking over to the door, ‘and gently break the news to Baba.’
Lilah was already tearing up. ‘Promise me you’ll both return safely.’
‘I’ve no intention of dying on foreign soil,’ Safiya replied. ‘I’m going to pack.’
Lilah followed her. ‘I’ll help you.’
Aisha looked down at the cold tea, a mixture of nervousness and excitement swirling in her chest.
She was going back to Gruisea.
She was going to him.