Page 56 of Sands of Atonement

The fork I picked up nearly bent in half.

“Who do we have here, Casimir?” our mother exclaimed, delighted.

My brother gave me a look, but I let him take the reins.

“Mother, this is⁠—”

“Mara, my name is Mara.” Eshe gave a smile.

My lips threatened to smile, but I kept my face stone still. Smart move. She didn’t want any dirt to get back to Kavid in case she brought harm to our family. I shook my head. I didn’t care if she wanted to play this game, but the truth always came out one way or another.

“Mara,” my mother tried her name, completely oblivious to who Eshe was. Interesting. It was only eight years ago, but Eshe hadn’t changed that drastically, physically anyway. I didn’t recognize her right away with her veil over her face, but once she took it off, that face had haunted my nightmares. But I can see how it would be hard to believe Eshe was here, right now, with her supposed death looming over the hearts of those who had come to know her. “That’s really beautiful, darling. Come sit with us. Casimir, you didn’t tell me you brought a guest to the palace? You sure do have a type.”

Casimir looked at me again.

What do I do? My brother seemed to say.

I shrugged. Why should I care what you do?

Casimir narrowed his eyes. You always leave me to fix your mess.

I smirked, giving him a wink. I think it’s the other way around, brother.

Eshe chose the empty seat next to Casimir. She still hadn’t acknowledged me. I leaned back against my chair, partly amused, partly annoyed.

“Mara is from Zyriah. She’s a distant relative of Kavid,” Casimir explained.

“Oh, well, that explains the eyes. You look so much like his sister. Really, how lovely! We’ve visited Zyriah many times, but it’s been years. How is it there?”

“I wouldn’t know. I’m not able to visit it,” Eshe said plainly.

“Why is that?” My mother frowned.

“You can ask your⁠—”

“Mother, how is Father’s health after the trip?” Casimir intercepted Eshe.

Mother looked from Casimir to Eshe and back to Casimir, but wouldn’t dare press the matter.

“He’s… he’s doing better now that he’s home, I believe. He would like to see you when you have time.”

“I’d love to meet him,” Eshe said.

“That’s not going to happen,” I said. My mother and Casimir turned their heads toward me, but Eshe remained looking at our mother.

“There was something that I thought I might ask him,” Eshe continued.

My jaw tightened. Was this woman deaf?

Our mother, with wide eyes, looked back at Eshe, just as shocked as I was that this woman wouldn’t look at me when she spoke. The lack of respect was abhorrent. Maybe I’d have to teach her another lesson.

For a moment, I thought about last night. Maybe she wanted that. I remembered the quickening of her breath as she saw me take her in fully with my eyes. How her face flushed when mine was near hers. She was almost pliable to me. I shifted in my seat.

“I’m sure whatever it is you’ll ask, he will allow. Though Ezra is the Qahl and can grant anything.” She smiled at Eshe and nodded toward me. “Go ahead and ask him. Ezra, do be kind when considering the desires of our guests.”

I put my fork down.

“Speak. What is it you want, Mara?”