“You speak truly. I could not ask for a better apprentice or a finer son,” Nayan said, and the cool composure he’d maintained throughout the meeting fell away, replaced by obvious pride. A father’s pride.

Hearing that knocked Venkat right out of his rumination. As far as he knew, Nayan had never publicly acknowledged him as anything but apprentice before.

A sliver of warmth chipped at the ice in his chest. He’d been so mad, but . . .

Asha’s parents exchanged surprised but intrigued looks, and Venkat knew they’d be spreading this juicy new development the second they were out of sight. “I see. Well, we are greatly indebted to you and your son for all your diligent efforts these past few months,” Asha’s mother said at last, head inclined, and after another minute of pleasantries, the two of them left.

Then it was only Nayan and Venkat in the vast hall, surrounded by the weaponry and portraits of naga heroics.

Nayan turned to him, that paternal satisfaction still written across his features. “You performed admirably,” he said, and the fondness in his voice left Venkat even more conflicted. “With each day that passes, you continue to reward my belief in you.”

“Thanks.” Venkat flashed what he hoped was a plausible smile, while inside him, everything frothed and smoldered. “I’ve been thinking. If I keep giving away boons like this, we’re going to run out. Can you show me how to make more?”

Come on, he pleaded. There had to be some way to fix things between them. Tell me they’re not true boons.

“Always on duty.” Nayan’s laugh was affectionate. “Yet a break is called for, my son, even for us.”

“I—” Venkat shut his mouth. The question perched on his tongue, but he couldn’t ask it: When were you going to tell me about the boons?

A lump formed in his throat. He couldn’t ask it because he already knew the answer. Never.

“Venkat, listen to me.” Nayan clapped him on the shoulder. “You have achieved so much already, and we are so close to the goal. This evening, my wish is for you to rest. Partake of our vast library, perhaps, or go for a swim beneath the stars. Refresh yourself, for we have much to do tomorrow.”

“I was wondering why you wanted to skip the picnic,” Venkat said lightly, even though each word felt like hefting a boulder.

“Precisely. We will have the entire day to work unimpeded.” Nayan actually grinned, and despite himself, Venkat would have given a lot for a camera to capture the moment. “And then, once the wedding is past and our goal accomplished, you and I will enjoy an outing together. A stroll around the city and dinner at a riverside restaurant—perhaps even the theater.”