Page 47 of Sands of Atonement

Chapter 12

Ezra

“When did they say they’ll be back?”

“They’ll be back next week,” I said while peering through the courtyard columns. After the untimely interruption that one of my men caused yesterday evening, I hadn’t caught Eshe outside her chambers, nor had I had the time to pay her a friendly visit to find out how the fuck she managed to get out. She was a complete nuisance. I couldn’t have a woman looking for a killing spree roaming around my palace doing God-knows-what. “They’re visiting mother’s favorite oasis in the far west⁠—”

“Yes, I know where it is,” Casimir interrupted.

I raised an eyebrow. It was too early in the day for this. I hadn’t had my first meal, which was typically when the sun was directly above me. “What’s your issue? Didn’t enjoy the party you threw last night in Urnaz?”

“Fuck you. And how did you know where I was? Are you following me now?”

“No, I’m not following you, Casimir.” I had people for that. But he didn’t need to know that—he’d be pissed if he knew I had my men keeping tabs on his whereabouts. I wasn’t having him followed because I didn’t trust him, more or less, but for protection. I knew Casimir better than anyone, and his reckless behavior could be the death of him. That was why I took every cautionary action to ensure his safety.

Casimir scoffed and shook his head like he already knew the truth.

He looked at me, and I stared back.

“Spit it out,” I grunted.

“Listen, I know that since you’ve been Qahl and with father being unwell… I know there has been more on your plate than you were prepared⁠—”

“It’s fine⁠—”

“—and honestly, our father has no idea what is going on between Zyriah and Tehara⁠—”

“Get to the point.”

“—but you need help, and I’m here.”

A moment passed.

Slowly, I paced in front of him, my boots echoing on the marble floor.

“What exactly do you think I need help with?” I opened my palms out and made an obvious look in the exotic courtyard we stood in. The palace’s strong walls guarded the large garden. The numerous palm trees gave us a pleasant breeze and shade from the scorching heat. Not to mention the man servants who were currently fanning my brother with palm leaves from a snap of my fingers as soon as he approached me. I clenched my jaw. “Life is good. God is good. There are no wars for you to fight at this moment. None that will happen if I have anything to do with it. You are safe. Your health is intact—or so it seemed last night. You’re enjoying your youth, your women. You spend time on the books and music that you enjoy. I built a street in honor of you, and every time you go there, a multitude is there for you. So, tell me, what exactly are you complaining about that you think I need help with?”

Casimir flinched. He hated to feel ungrateful, but sometimes he bit off more than he could chew, and I was there to remind him of that.

He lowered his voice. “I just wanted to be sure that you’re making reasonable decisions⁠—”

I glared at him, and he held strong, though I could see the sweat gleaming at the top of his forehead.

“What is it?” I pressed. My boot tapped against the marble floor. There was nothing I hated more than someone wasting my time.

“Brother, I know you’ve most likely forgotten about the little captive here at the palace, but what is your plan with her?”

The thought of her rushed my blood. And when it happened, I was confused, which was rare and frustrating.

I wasn’t sure what to do with her other than I wanted her contained, controlled—that I was sure of. I didn’t trust her.

“She tried to kill me—us. I’m teaching her valuable lessons by keeping her here.” Most likely, Casimir didn’t know about her little rendezvous.

“I talked with her. She knows now that we had nothing to do with her family’s deaths.”

“No.” I laughed. “She knows you didn’t have anything to do with it. I doubt she believes I’m innocent, and that’s the problem. I can’t have a liability simply walking⁠—”

Out of the corner of my eye, a flash of light blue appeared. I turned my head to see a woman with dark, wavy curls over her shoulders and gray eyes that pierced through mine.