Page 71 of The Moon's Daughter

But how could she abandon her people, her kingdom, and her family? Her heart clenched painfully in her chest.

As she dressed, her thoughts wandered back several nights, when she had returned to her chambers after a late-night meeting with Lord Ebrahim and her father where they had strategized and counted allies, attempting to anticipate Zephyria’s next move.

Returning to her chambers well past midnight, Layna found Zarian waiting for her. He sat against the frame of the open balcony doors, a shadow against the moonlight, knees drawn up in patient solitude. Hearing her enter, he turned, offering her a tired smile.

The sight of him lifted the weight from her shoulders. Zarian shifted slightly, making space for her in an unspoken invitation. Layna closed the distance between them, nestling herself in the space between his knees, her side pressed against his firm chest, her head finding a comfortable spot on his shoulder.

She breathed in sandalwood and spice, and it felt like home.

He wrapped his strong arms around her, cocooning her in his warmth, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on her back. She sighed softly in contentment. They sat in silence, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves in the night breeze.

Eventually, she broke the silence. “Will you tell me about your brother?” she asked, her voice a soft whisper against his neck.

She felt Zarian stiffen against her. His silence stretched on for minutes, and Layna felt his grip on her waist tighten.

When he finally spoke, his voice was rough, as if coated with gritty sand. “We were inseparable as children. He was always by my side, like my shadow. But my mother died giving birth to him, and my father…he couldn’t forgive him for that. Sometimes, he couldn’t even bear to look at him.”

Layna listened intently, her heart aching for the young boys they once were. “It must’ve been difficult for him, growing up feeling so unwanted,” she murmured.

“It was. And then there was the matter of succession. I was the heir and not him. That brought its own set of challenges. He always felt the weight of my shadow.” Zarian trailed off, lost in the what-ifs of a past already immortalized in the sands of time. “I wish things had been different. I should’ve done more to protect him, to make him feel loved. I—I should have done more.”

Layna leaned back slightly and cupped his face, forcing him to meet her gaze. “You were only a child yourself,” she reminded him gently. “You did what you could. No one could have asked for more.” She traced the hollow of his cheek with care. “Do you know where he is now?”

Zarian let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t know. I tried to find him, but he had vanished. And then my father summoned me back to the Oasis. I hope, wherever he is, he’s found some measure of happiness. The love he was denied growing up. I hope the wounds of the past have healed.” His gaze drifted off into the distance, as if trying to pierce through the night to find his sibling.

Layna’s heart ached for Zarian and his lost brother. She squeezed his shoulder in silent support. “He has you, someone out there who cares deeply for him, wishing well for him. That’s a form of love too, Zarian. And wherever he is, I’m sure he knows that,” she said softly, hoping to offer some peace to the man who held her heart.

Zarian’s gaze locked with Layna’s, the raw anguish sending a sharp pang through her chest. The desolation in his stare was so profound, it felt like her heart yearned to escape her chest and beat in his, just to share his burden. “I truly hope you’re right. Thank you for listening. It means more to me than you can imagine. That I’m not alone.”

Layna sat for a moment in the quiet of her chambers, the memory of their conversation lingering like a tender wound. Her heart ached for Zarian—her strong, gentle man burdened with such deep-seated pain. His brother’s story had unveiled a vulnerability that Layna had sensed, but never fully grasped until now.

How she wished she could erase the shadows of his past, to fill the gaping void left by years of unresolved grief and guilt.

How she wished she could promise him a future together, days and months and years of unconditional, pure love.

Layna arrived at the council chambers, taking her seat across from Zarian. She offered a small smile in greeting, and he responded with a subtle curve of his lips. They tried to maintain some semblance of discretion in front of the council members, at the very least.

Lord Varin rose first, clearing his throat. “The integration of the Oasis’s men with our forces has bolstered our defenses. Their expertise in guerrilla tactics and desert warfare has been invaluable,” he said, his eyes flickering between Layna and Zarian.

Lord Saldeen stood next. “Regarding public morale…the people are understandably anxious. We’ve been circulating stories of our soldiers’ bravery and the unique alliance with the Oasis. However, I propose King Khahleel address the people. It would help improve spirits.”

“A sound idea,” King Khahleel said. “Make the announcement. Lord Ebrahim, prepare the speech.”

“Of course. I’ll have Burhani draft it. She’s made great strides in her lessons,” Lord Ebrahim responded, a proud smile on his face. Burhani remained expressionless.

Layna stood next. “Baba, I have my assembly with the people today. It’s a chance to address their concerns.”

“Excellent point, Layna. Your meetings have always helped bridge the palace and our citizens. It’s an invaluable platform, especially now.”

Attention shifted back to Lord Ebrahim, who reported, “Our envoys have returned from the neutral kingdoms. Most understand Alzahra’s plight, but the combined might of Zephyria, Valtisaan, and Ezanek has made them hesitant to support us openly.”

A hush settled over the room, a collective moment of quiet disappointment.

“Except Baysaht,” Lord Ebrahim announced. “King Nizam will send 250,000 soldiers.”

A murmur of surprise swept the room.

Lord Varin exclaimed, “That’s nearly half his forces!”

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