The Rose & the Dagger (The Wrath and the Dawn #2) - Renee Ahdieh Page 0,80

her voice still thicker than usual. It appeared the tea she’d consumed at Irsa’s behest was clouding her faculties. Or perhaps it was the tonic left by her bedside. Whatever the case, she could not fault either draught much. Whatever she’d consumed had lessened her pain, which should by all rights be considerable.

Tariq studied the weak light filtering through the tent seams. “I believe it’s just near dawn.”

She closed her eyes. “Oh.”

“But I don’t think he should remain in the camp for much longer,” Tariq said in a thoughtful tone. For a moment, indecision seemed to hover about him. As though he himself were unsure of his course. “For I cannot continue to guarantee his safety, should anyone discover his identity. After all”—he turned somber—“this is not an army rallied in his support.”

Shahrzad braced herself for one of Khalid’s blistering replies. Something low and curt that was sure to provoke Tariq.

When Khalid said nothing, Shahrzad took the opportunity to answer with a quick nod. “He’s right. We should return to Rey with all haste, Khalid.” Biting back a gasp, Shahrzad shifted to one side, preparing to stand.

“I can travel there myself,” Khalid replied.

“No,” she said. “No one knows you left, and the shahrban will be incensed if he believes something has happened to you. Not to mention Jalal. We should return quickly.”

And the magic carpet is the best way to do so.

“My uncle will be angry with me regardless. And Jalal—will be unlikely to notice.” At the mention of his cousin, Khalid’s body tensed ever so slightly.

“Of course he’ll notice.”

“I would not be so certain.”

The sudden tension—along with the hint of dejection in his voice—made Shahrzad turn back to look at him. Even in the early-morning shadows, the change in his disposition was unmistakable . . . provided one knew what to look for.

What has happened between Khalid and Jalal?

When she saw the look of warning Khalid passed in her direction, Shahrzad decided not to discuss the matter further. At least not in Tariq’s presence.

Instead, she endeavored to sit straight, stifling a cry at the shooting pain that traveled down the length of her arm. The entire right side of her body was stiff. She clenched and unclenched her fist in an attempt to restore movement to her fingers.

“Shazi”—Tariq started toward her, concern marring his face—“I don’t think you should—”

“Don’t presume I care what you think.” She glared at him while waving him off with her uninjured arm. “Especially since you’re to blame for this.”

Tariq winced. “I’ll not protest on that score. And though it’s a feeble thing to say, I am sorry. More sorry than I can put to words.”

“I know you’re sorry. We’re all very sorry any of this ever had to happen,” she said in a peevish tone. “But now is not the time to tell me what to do, especially in the face of all your mistakes.” With a cutting glare, Shahrzad returned to her task of restoring movement to the right side of her body, despite the searing ache behind each motion.

“Are you not going to stop her?” Tariq said to Khalid, his exasperation all too evident.

“No,” Khalid replied in an unruffled manner, still lying on the bed pallet in studious silence. “I’m not.”

Shahrzad shot Tariq a triumphant look.

“But will you lend me a horse and enough provisions to journey to Rey?” Khalid said to Tariq, rolling to standing with unaffected grace. Almost mocking Shahrzad for her inability to stand straight.

“Khalid!”

He swiveled to face her. “I won’t stop you from doing as you please. Just as you will not stop me.”

Tariq grinned, clearly more than a little amused to see Shahrzad thwarted. “I’d be happy to lend you a horse and provisions. But I expect full repayment in the future. With interest, for you can undoubtedly afford it. Also don’t expect to take my horse. Not this time.” He paused. “Or ever again, for that matter.”

“I agree to your terms.” Khalid stood before Tariq, the former half a hand shorter than the latter, yet the two appearing to be on strangely equal footing.

A king on par with his nobleman.

Nodding at Khalid with an almost affable expression, Tariq glanced back at Shahrzad. “I’ll gather the necessary provisions and wait for you both outside.” Then, with nothing more than a striking smile to shroud a lingering sadness, Tariq slipped through the tent flap.

He left us alone.

Tariq left to give us time alone together.

Either he had fully come to terms with the situation or Tariq was putting on