“I did,” Durkhanai replied, frowning. “But it was a dead end—the Wali didn’t know anything.

“I suppose it doesn’t matter now,” Asfandyar responded. “The Badshah provided his evidence—the matter is closed. We’ve avoided war, and I’m sure after wrapping up some negotiations, we’ll all be heading home. Back to our lives.”

“I suppose.”

But Durkhanai couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more.

“Did you recognize the soldier at all?” Durkhanai asked. “He would have been there, that day, right?”

“No, I didn’t recognize him—he must have been in the background, hiding.”

“Doesn’t it all seem a bit . . . clean cut to you? Something doesn’t feel right.”

Asfandyar considered this. “I agree, but what else can be done?”

“I have half a mind to interrogate the soldier myself,” she said, voice trailing.

“Well why don’t we?” he replied. “After this blasted thunderstorm ends—we go back and see this through.”

“And how do I know you won’t use that information against me?” Durkhanai responded.

“I really am sorry,” he said, eyes suddenly intense. “For everything. I won’t betray you again.”

Asfandyar drew nearer, true guilt on his expression.

“It’s alright,” Durkhanai replied. “You are forgiven. Allies once more?”

She put her hand out to shake, but he shook his head instead.

“Friends,” he said.

She smiled. “Friends.”

They stood in silence, staring at the rain as it poured down, washing away impurities as it did.

Durkhanai turned back to see how Heer was faring. The mare disliked the rain and was looking out apprehensively. Durkhanai reached over and stroked her white mane, making comforting noises, before doing the same for Ranjha.

“I cannot believe you’ve been riding my horse,” she grumbled.

“Technically, Heer is your horse.” Asfandyar joined her, his fingers brushing against hers on Ranjha’s mane. Durkhanai shivered. “Ranjha is your spare.”

“Still.”

Asfandyar shrugged. “He took a liking to me.” He neared the horse, stroking his mane. “Isn’t that right, Ranjhu?”

Ranjha nuzzled against Asfandyar, but his nose sniffed towards Asfandyar’s bag, where something glittered in the moonlight.

“Shh,” Asfandyar whispered, but it was too late. Durkhanai snatched his bag.

“Sugar cubes!” she cried, holding out a handful. Ranjha immediately licked them from her hand. “That’s cheating!” Durkhanai crossed her arms. “It doesn’t count.”

She expected Asfandyar to laugh. She expected him to tease. What she did not expect was for his eyes to suddenly grow serious, his eyes glittering with moonlight. The downpour of rain was thunderous in her ears.

“Love is love,” he said, voice low. “No matter how it started, what I feel is true.”

She didn’t understand.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Heart beating fast, Durkhanai turned to go back into the farmhouse.

She looked over her shoulder to catch a glimpse at Asfandyar’s silhouette but saw instead that he was watching her go.

Then she was tumbling.