There was a breakfast feast that jummah morning. Durkhanai got ready early, knowing that Dhadi would be the first in the great hall.

She was right.

“Dhaadi,” Durkhanai called as she entered. They were the only ones there other than maids setting the table with finishing touches of fresh flowers and lit candles. “How are negotiations going so far?”

“They are going well, janaan,” Dhadi replied, distracted. She pointed to a server. “The chakore should be on the right, not the left.” She turned back to Durkhanai. “Nothing to fret over.” With a smile, she went to straighten one of the place settings.

“I can speak to some of the ambassadors if you would like,” Durkhanai offered, trailing behind her. “You must be so terribly busy.”

“There’s no need for that, gudiya,” Dhadi replied, caressing her cheek. “I suggest you focus on what you do best, which is caring so lovingly for your people.”

“I’d like to try my hand at negotiating, Dhadi,” Durkhanai said, voice sweet. “Perhaps I can talk to Palwasha-sahiba?”

“I said there is no need,” Dhadi said, voice stern. She gave Durkhanai a pointed look.

“Yes, Dhadi.”

“You are staying away from that Jardum boy, as I instructed?”

Durkhanai nodded. “Of course,” she replied, tummy turning at the lie.

“Good. Now you go on for the breakfast feast.” Dhadi kissed her cheek. “I will arrive promptly.”

Durkhanai was dressed for the occasion, stacks of gold chudiyan on her arms, gold jhumkay hanging from her ears and a matching necklace on her neck. Fresh mehndi covered her hands and a dupatta was draped across her head, falling down to one shoulder. Honey wisps of hair framed her face, and as usual, she was the pretty little princess.

Durkhanai went to stand between Saifullah and Zarmina in front of their chairs, the seat across from her empty until Asfandyar swooped in and pulled it out. His dimples made a brief appearance.

“Did you see that?” Zarmina whispered. Durkhanai’s heart caught.

“See what?” she asked innocently.

“Rashid was coming to sit across from you, and Asfandyar took his place.”

Durkhanai truly hadn’t noticed until Zarmina pointed it out. “That’s . . . strange.”

“Immensely so,” Saifullah said. He gave Asfandyar a withering look, and Durkhanai elbowed him.

“Zara sambhal kay,” she told him. “Relax.”

“We need to focus on other things,” Zarmina whispered.

“Hush now, you two,” Saifullah said, looking at Asfandyar. He wasn’t paying attention to them—or at least, he was trying very hard to make it look like he wasn’t paying attention.

“Hello, friends,” Gulalai said, taking in the empty slot beside Asfandyar. He gave her a respectful nod, which she reciprocated. Durkhanai wondered what the alliance between their zillas was like. Whatever it was, the two ambassadors seemed comfortable around each other.

A quick jab of jealousy pricked her, but she brushed it aside.