Page 59 of The Moon's Daughter

“So was Zarian,” Soraya cut in gently.

“No, he was protecting the prophecy! He’s been lying since he came here and pretended to care about—” Layna broke off, her breaths shallow as she avoided her sister’s knowing gaze.

Soraya moved to sit beside her on the bed, her expression one of understanding as she grasped her sister’s hand.

“Layna, I know you’re hurt, but I think some of your anger might be mingling with older wounds. At least speak with him?”

Suspicion clouded Layna’s features. “Did he put you up to this?”

“No. But he’s not himself either. It’s absolutely killing me that my two favorite people in this palace are so miserable. He’s devastated about hurting you, Layna. He’s really fallen for you. And a handsome man like Zarian…” Soraya trailed off. “He could have his pick of the women on this entire continent. Burhani certainly doesn’t hide her interest in him. Do you want to see him withher? And those scribes who loiter around the grounds while he’s training the guards—surely you’ve noticed? And—”

“You’ve made your point,” Layna snapped, irritation flashing in her eyes. “I wonder if all those women would still want him if they knew he was a lying, murderous Medjai.”

Soraya sighed and returned to her greenhouse designs.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“We have successfully executed a strike against Zephyria’s forward base,” King Khahleel announced. “The operation disrupted their supply lines and inflicted significant damage.”

“Our scouts report confusion in their ranks,” Lord Varin added. “It’s a temporary setback, but we must press our advantage.”

“What measures are we taking to prepare for their counterattack?” Layna asked.

“We’re sending more soldiers to the border and deploying additional scouts,” Lord Varin replied.

Zarian stood next. “The Oasis is mobilizing a force of 10,000 men. They will join the Alzahran army.” A murmur of approval swept through the chamber.

“It’s quite noble of your kingdom to assist us, Prince Zarian,” Burhani said loudly. “Especially with no formal alliance between Alzahra and the Oasis.” Layna tensed at the thinly veiled jibe.

Zarian thanked Burhani and shifted the discussion toward palace security, a matter that had become alarmingly pertinent. The prince had been working closely with the palace guards to fortify the palace.

“We’ve enhanced surveillance around the perimeter and installed hidden sentries at strategic points,” Zarian explained. “We’ve also conducted drills to prepare for a siege. My goal is to ensure the guards are prepared for any scenario.”

Layna listened, reluctantly impressed by Zarian’s thoroughness, but troubled by the necessity of such measures.

As the meeting adjourned, her father placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’re doing well, Layna,” he murmured with a soft smile.

Later that evening, Layna was studying various maps in her chambers when the door suddenly swung open. Soraya burst in, tears streaming down her face.

“Soraya, what happened?” Layna exclaimed, moving to console her sister.

Through loud sobs, Soraya’s words came out in a rush. “The palace guards…they’ve arrested Almeer! They think he’s a spy, Layna! The minister of trade found it strange that he stayed behind after the trade talks halted. They’ve thrown him into the dungeon! He’s been there since morning!” As Soraya finished, fresh tears began flowing anew in a torrent of distress.

Layna’s eyes widened before she quickly composed herself. She pulled Soraya into a protective embrace, gently rubbing her back.

“Don’t worry,” Layna consoled. “I’ll handle this. Stay in your chambers. I’ll return as soon as I can.”

With a reassuring squeeze to Soraya’s shoulder, Layna left her room. She needed to act quickly and discreetly.

The fate of an innocent man and her sister’s happiness depended on it.

In the quiet of his quarters, Zarian sat alone. His mind methodically revisited the new safety measures around the palace.

Then, as it often did, his mind wandered to Layna. His chest ached as he thought of her. She could barely stand to look at him, let alone speak to him.

A sharp rapping on his door jolted him out of his thoughts. His body tensed as his head snapped toward the sound, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

He opened the door slowly. His eyes widened in surprise.

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