Page 76 of Royal Rebel

His next appointment knocked on the door, and Desfan smiled as Avao entered.

“Thank you for agreeing to see me so soon,” Karim’s grandfather said as he took a seat across the desk. “I know you must be extremely busy.”

“I can always make time for you.” Desfan leaned back in his chair, studying Avao. The man looked . . . worn. “Are you well?” he asked, worry rippling through him.

“These days, I feel older than the sea,” Avao said honestly. “But I do think my travels have been good for me.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

In the brief silence, Desfan nearly told Avao about Meerah. Fates knew the old man would be overjoyed to learn she lived, but he would probably feel helpless and fearful until she returned safely to Duvan. In deference to that, he decided to hold his tongue.

It was just as well, because it became instantly clear that what Avao had come to discuss was not a light subject. His features turned visibly grave. “Desfan, I’m not sure how to say this. Karim’s mother is dying.”

Desfan stared. “What?”

“She’s fallen ill,” Avao said. “I didn’t know until I arrived back in Duvan, the night before your coronation. When I went to visit Azima, they told me she has a wasting disease. They sent a letter, but I must have missed it in my travels. The physicians at the asylum don’t think she’ll live much longer than a month or two.”

Desfan swallowed—hard. He had never met Karim’s mother, who lived in an asylum for the insane located in Duvan. Karim hadn’t been to see her in years. Azima rarely recognized him, and when she did, she would either cry and beg him to take her home, or she would scream at him for leaving her.

Karim didn’t often speak of his mother. He’d only ever shared the details of his childhood once, years ago, soon after he and Desfan had first met.

Avao swiped one hand over his weathered brow. “I don’t know how to tell Karim. I know he isn’t close to her, but . . . I know he loves her.”

Desfan knew that was true, even if Karim had gone through times of resenting her, fearing her, and feeling ashamed of her.

“You don’t need to be the one to tell him,” Avao continued quickly. “That’s not why I’m here. But I would like you to be with him when I share the news.”

“Of course I’ll be there.”

Avao hesitated. “There’s a chance he will refuse to go see her. I wouldn’t blame him, but I think he should go. I think he’ll regret it if he doesn’t.”

Desfan had to agree. No matter how tumultuous his relationship with his father had been, Desfan would give anything for a last visit—a chance to truly say goodbye.

“If he doesn’t want to go, I’ll talk with him.”

Some of Avao’s tension melted. “Thank you. I know it will be his choice, but . . . I appreciate you being there for him.”

“When are you going to tell him?”

“I shouldn’t delay much longer. Maybe tonight, if that will work for you?”

“I’ll make anything work.”

Avao tipped his head. “Thank you, Desfan.”

“Of course.” He rose from his chair when Avao did. He stepped around the desk and clasped the man’s arm in a tight grip. “I can’t imagine how painful losing your daughter must be. I’m sorry, Avao.”

Sorrow deepened the lines of his face. “So am I. But we both know all too well that the fates aren’t always kind.” He shook his head as he dropped Desfan’s arm. “I have lost Azima before. Many times, and in many different ways. I can only be grateful for the good memories I have of her. Focusing on them helps to outweigh the heartache. And I will always feel fates-blessed for Karim.”

“I feel the same.”

“I’m glad he’s a loyal friend to you, Desfan. After the losses you’ve both suffered . . . Well, you’re both very deserving of the friendship you share.”

Avao told Karim about his mother after dinner. They were in Desfan’s suite, in the sitting room where he had once spent hours with his parents and sisters, so many years ago.

Desfan sat close as Avao spoke to Karim in low tones. Karim didn’t say much, though he did ask a few questions.How long? Is she in pain? Does she need anything?

Avao hugged his grandson, tears watering in his old eyes as he assured Karim that everything was taken care of, and her pain would be manageable for whatever time she ended up having.

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