How far would her grandfather go to defeat the Luhgams? She was only beginning to understand.

There was nothing more sacred than blood, and the Luhgams had filled the earth with the blood of the Miangul family. Retribution was necessary; the Badshah would have nothing less than his revenge in the form of a victory.

The Badshah was growing more and more impatient.

Durkhanai knew she must look at the larger image: to see how the Teerzai ambassador was such a small piece in a much larger game that was being played. But she did not care.

Rukhsana-sahiba had attacked her people. By extension, she had personally attacked the Shehzadi herself.

The matter was settled, yes, but Durkhanai’s anger had not.

She would not let it go so easily.

Chapter Twenty-Five

She went to find Rukhsana-sahiba and find her she did.

Rukhsana was in the corridor outside her room, gazing out the window, perfectly calm. She seemed at peace, even, with a cup of tea in her hands.

“No shame in being caught?” Durkhanai spat at the elder woman. Rukhsana-sahiba turned and smiled. She set down her teacup.

“Have you come to see me off, Shehzadi?” she cooed. “Such a shame to leave the frivolous splendors of your marble palace and it’s uncivilized people, but I believe the time has come for my departure.”

Rukhsana reached for Durkhanai’s hands, as though they were friends. Pulling back, Durkhanai clenched her hands into fists. Anger burned her tongue.

She was losing hold of her emotions and felt them cut inside of her. She felt more barbaric as the days went on. She was beginning to feel cruel.

“Don’t miss me too much, will you, dear?” Rukhsana said. “I promise I’ll visit again soon.”

“Bring your burial shroud with you when you do,” Durkhanai seethed. “For if you step foot in my lands again, it will be your mangled corpse sent back to Teerza.”

Rukhsana tsked lightly. “Oh, darling, come now, don’t be so crass. I’d hate to tell the Wali of Teerza how ill-mannered and barbaric the famed Shehzadi of Marghazar is.”

“Tell the Wali whatever you please,” Durkhanai said, a thought turning in her mind.

She ironed out her anger, forcing her countenance to melt into that of the sweet Shehzadi’s. Durkhanai smiled her rose-gold smile. “Who do you think people would believe? The old, pitiful ambassador who was unsuccessful in bringing her zilla any goods or advantages? Or the famed Shehzadi of Marghazar, adored by all?”

Rukhsana laughed. “Not so beloved anymore, from what I have heard.”

Durkhanai was no longer amused. The anger returned swiftly. She could only pretend for so long. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” she replied. But her voice wavered.