Page 148 of For Better or for Curse
‘The Emperor won’t stop,’ Tariq said quietly. ‘Avanid’s under a blockade, even if no one’s brave enough to call it that.’
He was right, but she didn’t know what else they could do. They needed more support. Zara was, of course, working on that.
‘You need a counterweight he respects,’ Tariq said. ‘You need Cogalla.’
Aisha stifled a laugh. ‘Now that would be a great ally. If only Cogalla wasn’t entirely independent and their king averse to most people.’
Mira had escaped Farrah’s control and was now dragging a coil of rope she had stolen from gods only knew where across the sand. The sight drew laughter from the grieving.
‘She’ll not forgive me for the bath she’s about to need,’ Aisha said.
Tariq shook his head. ‘Good luck with that.’
Kaidon approached, his boots sinking into the damp sand. ‘Excuse me, Your Majesties, but I’ve just been informed that a ship has anchored.’ Something flickered beneath his serious expression. ‘The cargo has been brought safely ashore.’
Aisha tilted her head. ‘What cargo?’
Tariq pointed to the line of trees at the back of the beach. ‘That cargo.’
Aisha took a few steps forwards, focusing hard in the dark. There stood Maryam, smaller than Aisha remembered.
Their eyes locked, and a shocked laugh came from Aisha before she crossed the beach, skirts dragging through the wet sand. Maryam met her halfway, stopping a few feet away and bowing low, hand over her heart.
Aisha stepped forwards, pulling her into a hug. ‘Welcome home.’ She held Maryam’s small frame until Maryam hugged her back. There was no need for words, just silent recognition of all they had survived together and apart.
Maryam released her and stepped aside as Tariq appeared.
‘Queen Aisha’s looking forward to having you back in her service,’ he told her.
Maryam bowed her head. ‘I am honoured, Your Majesty.’
Mira bounded in, nearly bowling Maryam over with her overly enthusiastic greeting.
‘Safe to say she remembers you,’ Aisha laughed.
Once Mira had settled down, Aisha and Tariq returned to the water’s edge, watching the lanterns navigate the small waves. The tide reached for their feet, then slid away. Tariq took her hand again, and she marvelled at how his touch could reorder the world. Fingers wove through hers, palms meeting.
As the sun slipped below the horizon, a rider appeared on the beach, dismounting fast. A messenger. Kaidon strode across the beach towards the breathless man, and Aisha watched their exchange. When Kaidon looked in her direction, the change in his expression made her stomach drop.
‘Something’s wrong,’ Aisha said.
Tariq followed her line of sight to where Kaidon was now making his way over to them.
‘What is it?’ Tariq asked.
Kaidon waited until he was standing right in front of them before speaking. That was surely a bad sign. He looked at Aisha, an apology in his eyes. ‘Your Majesty.’
Her pulse slowed.
‘I’m sorry to inform you that Princess Lilah is missing,’ he said.
A wave broke, then retreated with a hiss. The last bit of light vanished, leaving behind a black sea and turning lanterns into stars.
