But his concerns are no excuse for his lack of compassion. Ashwin has scars running down his back from a lashing Tarek gave him. He suffered his father’s wrath as much as anyone. “Ashwin is not his father. You need to stop punishing him for Tarek’s actions.”
“I’m not punishing him. I’m reminding you who he is and how much Hastin hates him.” Deven puts his hands together as if in prayer, begging me to listen. “This will end badly. Please. Go with the navy or stay here. I’ll rejoin you after I find Brac.”
“Come to Samiya with me.” My selfish request is small of me. But I do not care.
Deven stares back, incredulous. The events of last night are too fresh in his mind. The back of my throat aches for his forgiveness. “Kali, I have to find Brac.”
“You said yourself he’ll be fine. He’s too clever to be captured. Come with us.”
“You know I cannot.”
I know Deven will risk his life to save his brother’s, and I cannot bear to lose him. I try one last entreaty. “I cannot imagine returning to Samiya without you.”
Deven’s eyes go wide, and understanding passes between us. Returning to the Alpanas together is our dream.
Ashwin drops the book on the table with a bang. “I’ll go to Samiya alone, then.”
“Wait.” I grasp at him, desperate for all of us to come to an accord. “Please, don’t go.”
“Yes, you stay,” Deven growls. “I was just leaving.”
I let go of Ashwin and reach for Deven. “I didn’t mean—” Deven prowls out and slams the door. I think to follow him, but the prince encloses my stiff frame in an embrace.
“Let him go. You won’t change his mind.”
I try not to melt under Ashwin’s touch, but his body heat soaks into me, and the sudden change is irresistible. “Maybe we should listen to him.”
“Kalinda, we’re acting in the empire’s best interest. Together with the rebels, we will stop Udug.”
For the first time, Ashwin sounds certain that we can succeed. I drive away my guilt at needing—and appreciating—his touch and remain near him.
We will go to Samiya without Deven, but his refusal to support us leaves a sourness in my mouth. He of all people should appreciate why we need the rebels’ help. With Udug closer to Vanhi than we believed, trusting the warlord is a risk we must take.
6
DEVEN
I lean against the wall outside the prince’s door, my fists quaking. Kali took Ashwin’s side. They should be rerouting the navy to Vanhi, yet all they can think about is the warlord.