I remembered— There had been a time when I would have kissed him without worry.

His eyes met mine and I heard the sharp intake of breath, as if my thoughts were writ clear on my face. His eyes fell on the necklace I wore, and he stilled for half an instant before he raised his eyes to meet mine. I knew he thought of the pearls I’d worn on the wedding night, as I now did. My cheeks flushed with warmth, and though I knew I should have lowered my gaze, I could not.

His eyes met mine again, and for a moment I was sure that I wasn’t alone in my sleepless nights. But then he smiled and his genial mask slid into place.

“What is it?”

“Be careful,” I said, clearing my throat. “I should hate to be short one husband on account of your pride.”

He raised my hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss against it, a gesture he would make to Maram. “I promise.”

I struggled not to roll my eyes and released him. “Go,” I said, a smile teasing the corners of my mouth.

“You are a queen among women,” he said, then released my hand and nearly ran toward the stable yard. I watched him clap a hand on ‘Imad’s shoulder and shed his jacket.

Beside ‘Imad was I’timad, who never seemed far from her twin, and beside her were the Nasiris: Khulood and Tariq. Khulood was dressed in a purple-and-gold qaftan, wrapped in her house colors as scion of her tribe, and her hair was braided and wrapped in a crown around her head. I made my way to the collection of couches and cushions set up for spectators.

“Tala,” I began as I settled onto a low couch, “summon I’timad and Khulood. Tell them I wish to have tea.”

Tala inclined her head and made her way to the two women. The air was cool and the orange trees planted in the orchard at our backs filled it with a citrus scent. I forced my hands to lay easily in my lap as I watched Tala speak to I’timad, and I’timad in turn speak to Khulood. I had made some progress with her, less progress with Rabi’a, but I needed all three women to make the plan Idris, Maram, and I had come up with tenable.

More than that, though I only needed Rabi’a, I wanted to be able to present a complete alliance to Arinaas. Three of the strongest families on the planet, with deep ties to its history, would make an effective symbol to anyone hesitant about raising arms against the Vath.