“Lose sense of time and place?” Rashid repeated, a smile tilting his lips. “Are you sure it’s reading you’re doing and not smoking opium?”

Durkhanai laughed loudly, surprised by his humor. “Yes, I am quite sure!”

She made a face as if to be offended, but she couldn’t help but to continue to laugh as Rashid laughed as well, clearly proud of himself for such a quip.

Then, Asfandyar entered the courtyard and hesitated when he spotted her. She could feel him looking at her, noticing her with Rashid, the two of them alone.

Durkhanai grinned at Rashid, looking through Asfandyar like he wasn’t there at all. She was ignoring Asfandyar completely—but she could not ignore the way her heart began to ricochet, a sudden jolt going through her that made her feel a thousand times more alert, a thousand times more awake.

“Rashid-sahib,” Asfandyar said quietly, bowing his head in respect. “Shehzadi.”

All he did was acknowledge Rashid, who bristled uncomfortably. Both boys were quiet for a few heartbeats, and while she expected it from Rashid, who was usually quiet and shy, it was new behavior for Asfandyar.

For once in his life, he had nothing to say.

She refused to react; she stayed quiet, as well. When Asfandyar continued on, leaving them alone, Rashid let out a short breath through his nostrils, but Durkhanai’s heart was beating uncommonly fast. She told herself it was rage; she was still furious with him: she didn’t understand why he would tell the people about the medicine without consulting her first, without even telling her.

But she had been sick and preoccupied; perhaps he hadn’t gotten the chance? Or he knew she would advise against it, and he needed it to be done. Maybe he knew it would force a quicker distribution plan. But then why hadn’t he mentioned it on that occasion they met in the hall  . . . ?

Durkhanai cut off such thoughts—there was no need to be making excuses for him. If he had wanted to explain himself, he would have.

Just then, Gulalai entered the courtyard. She was passing Asfandyar, who was on his way out, and the two stopped for a moment to talk. Durkhanai couldn’t hear them, but when Gulalai laughed, she felt a sharp twinge of jealousy cut through her.

What was she laughing about? She frowned to herself, but forced her face to remain neutral as Gulalai approached.

“Kya chalra hai?” Gulalai asked, sitting down besides Durkhanai. “What’s going on?”

Durkhanai let Gulalai link her arm through hers.

“I’ll let you girls enjoy your time together,” Rashid said, bowing his head.

“Khudafiz,” Durkhanai said. Gulalai waved enthusiastically, watching him go.

The instant he was gone, Durkhanai turned to find Gulalai wiggling her brows. “So how was your tea time yesterday?” she said with a devilish smile.

Durkhanai smacked her arm. “Batamez! What a lousy friend you are! Setting me up!”