His land. His people.
Was this the right solution?
“And everything else? Your rebels attacked the palace. Do they know you’re here?”
She shifted uneasily, which was his answer. “Your rebels were about to take over the throne.”
“How’d you even—” Kunal’s eyes widened. “Esha. You’ve been the one following her.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Don’t have a tantrum. No one knows about this. No one could. I didn’t even until a few weeks ago.” Reha tossed aside a lock of hair from her forehead. “This was my own plan. Now the question is, can you put this all aside? We have to heal the land before time runs out.”
“It wouldn’t matter. You have the Samyad blood of a queen, but not the blood of a Himyad king.”
Reha held up a little vial with a few drops of blood. “Why do you think Laksh was in the palace?” she said. She had thought of everything.
Kunal’s breath stuttered. If he did this, he would be abandoning Esha, the Blades, everyone.
But his honor demanded he do what was right, despite the consequences. Was that not where his uncle had failed?
Kunal looked up at Reha, the slight girl who commanded the Scales. He didn’t know her. He couldn’t trust her either. But on this, they were aligned.
“Decide, cousin,” she said in a harsh whisper.
“Can’t we tell the others? Leave them a note?” His voice was desperate, but all Reha seemed to recognize was the hope of agreement. She stepped closer, her eyes glittering in the flickering light.
“And lead them right to us? No, we go alone. If all goes as planned, we’ll be back soon enough. They’ll be fine.”
“You don’t even want to reunite with your brother? Your father?” he asked.
“My father?” Her voice hitched. A flash of longing sped over her face. “There’ll be time enough for reunions later, if we leave in time. If not, it won’t matter.”
Her fingers clenched around the spear she held. She was still a girl, despite the conviction with which she spoke. A girl who was choosing her country above all else.
Choosing her duty above all else.
Kunal glanced back at the palace, at the new friends he had made and the girl he had come to love, and then at the lights of the city that illuminated the fading green and gold of the land beyond.
His home. The one that they could save.
“What’ll it be, cousin?”
Esha tried not to lunge forward and claw at the throat of the girl who had feigned friendship with her, offered her comfort just days ago.
Yamini chuckled. “Your control is very good. I wouldn’t expect anything else from the Viper.”
“I’ll make you another deal,” Esha said.
“Are you sure you want to?” Yamini said.
“Yes.” Esha couldn’t afford hesitation right now.
“The king thought the same years ago. But the Yavar don’t take deals lightly. The one King Vardaan made with my father was not forgotten by our clan. And we’re here to claim our price now.”
Esha’s mind whirred as she tried to catch up. “Then your conflict isn’t with us.”
“It wasn’t. In fact, I rather liked you, Lady Esha. Liked you even more when I found out you were the Viper. I don’t really care who gives her to me, but I want the princess.”
“My team is coming. They’ll come back and bring the princess.” Esha swallowed. “You’ll have her. Don’t harm the prince.”
Harun struggled against his ropes. “Esha, no. I’m not worth it. Don’t give them Reha.”
“You’re our future, Harun,” she snapped. “Kunal is coming with the team soon.”
“Is he?” Laksh said, his voice raspy and unkind. “Last time I saw him he didn’t seem beholden to any team or allegiance. And time is running out. Wasn’t he supposed to be here by now?”
“He’ll come,” she said sharply, wondering how he knew so much of their plan. “Kunal will come.”
Chapter 39
“We have to return to the palace first, let the team know,” Kunal said, trying to find a way to make it all slow down.
“No. No deal. Make up your mind, Kunal.”
“I’m not going to leave them here.” Kunal indicated Alok.
“It’s either them or the land.” Reha’s voice shook as she spoke. “If the Yavar want me, they have some sort of plan for the janma bond, and it won’t be good for either of us or our countries. That should be enough to convince you. But if it isn’t, let me say this. This is your only chance to come. Otherwise, I’ll go myself. I want your help, Kunal, because the gods know I don’t understand these new powers of mine. I could also use backup. But I don’t need you. I have my blood and this vial, more than anyone ever has had before. If you say no now, good luck finding me again. If I’ve hidden under all of your noses for this long as Dharmdev—”
“You’d really—” Kunal’s voice was rough, harsh, disbelieving, until he caught sight of her eyes. Eyes that were awash in fear.
He had forgotten that she was only sixteen. The same age Esha had been when she had taken on the title of Viper, the same age he had been when he had led his first campaign.
Young and yet not young at all.
“You didn’t know,” he repeated, everything somehow hanging on her answer.
“No, I didn’t,” she said. “I already said that.”
Kunal took a deep breath. She had only found out recently too, she knew what it felt like, he could see it in her eyes. How scary and lonely the realization had been, the world no longer the one you knew. Your life torn before your eyes. She was as new and untested as he was, suffering from living a life that was a lie. And if he didn’t go, she’d be alone.
And their chance to protect the land would be gone.
“Fine,” he said quickly, before he could take it back. “Just let me make sure he’s okay.”
Alok was beginning to wake up when Kunal crouched near him.
“I have to leave. Tell her I’m sorry,” he whispered into his ear. “But I have to do this.”
Alok stared back, recognition slow on his face.
“We have to go. Now,” Reha said.
“Wait,” he said. “I need to do one more thing.”
A noise sounded in the outer room, and Esha’s breath caught. They’d come. Kunal hadn’t failed her.
Footsteps clattered against the stone, followed by a faint trailing groan.
Esha dropped Vardaan as she caught sight of Bhandu and Aahal dragging an injured Alok. Farhan and Arpiya were running in behind them, closing the door to the tunnel.
“No! Don’t close—” Esha tried to slide toward them and got a spear to the throat for her outburst. It was too late. The team walked into the room, into the waiting arms of the Yavar.
“Esha. What are you still doing here? The squads are on their way up the stairs to retake this wing. We need to go to—” Farhan said.
“Farhan, step back,” Arpiya said, sussing the situation instantly.
“What happened?” Esha asked sharply, searching for Kunal.
Arpiya glanced behind Esha, at the Yavar princess. “I’m curious myself. Where is this Kunal? Where is the girl?”
“Gone,” Aahal said. “Kunal left with her.”
Esha felt the words like a slap in the face.
“With who?”
“With Reha. Though apparently she’s been going by another name. Dharmdev.”
Laksh’s face went white even as Esha struggled to catch up.
“No,” Laksh whispered as if he had finally seen the light. “It can’t be real. She told me she was going to the citadel to secure the princess. She told me to come to the throne room. But why?”
“He left?” Esha repeated.
Kunal had betrayed them, run off with Reha—their key.
And now Harun’s life was in danger because of him.
Sounds of battle filtered into the room, growing louder and closer by the minute. The Blades and their
reinforcements had arrived.
Yamini realized this as well, backing up with big steps, her warriors encircling her and Harun, who looked close to fainting. Blue swirls etched up his temples like twining vines, but he managed to catch Esha’s gaze for a fleeting second.
“Seems this didn’t work out well for any of us. Whoever this Kunal is, I don’t care. But now he has what we want. And until we get what is ours . . .” Yamini glanced at Harun, tugging him upright. “I think we’ll keep this prince as collateral.”
“Take Vardaan,” Esha said, preparing to shove him across the way. “You have no need for the prince. With the king you can keep your deal.”
“I don’t think that’ll be enough incentive,” Yamini said. “I’ve seen how the prince looks at you. Question is, how do you feel about him? I think you’ll be far better to make a deal with.”
“This isn’t a deal,” Esha spat out.
Yamini shrugged. “Coercion, then. Either way, I get what I want.”
The sounds outside intensified, and when Esha blinked, the Yavar had disappeared into the night. She began to run after them, but a commotion started behind her and she turned in time to see Vardaan throw off his cords and shift into a large lion.
He roared and charged off. Esha shouted at the Blades closest to the door to follow him, switching directions to chase the king.
But he was too fast and Esha had to stop, watching Vardaan leap out of the lower level of the palace and onto the outside grounds. A few of the Blades still chased after him, but she felt a pit of despair open in her chest.
She had let Vardaan live, and he had escaped.
Harun was gone. Her friend, her teammate, her prince.
And it was all because of Kunal.
She slid to her knees, the marble floor cold on her skin.
Chapter 40
Kunal didn’t know what forced him to look back, searching for one last glimpse of her. Perhaps to see her face once more before he left.
But in that, his eyesight failed him.
Kunal turned away, holding his memory of her like an ember of light for the darkness ahead of him. He looked at the girl in front of him tugging at the bundle of cloth across her back, a stubborn frown on her lips.
The darkness ahead of them.
He was doing this for Reha—for Jansa.
He could never spend a life, deserve a life, with Esha if he didn’t set things right first. Not after all he had turned away from. He wouldn’t take the easy path, not like his uncle.
He’d sacrifice, make the hard choice, because that was who he was. He was no prince, but he knew the ritual, and Reha needed help.
He could do this. He could help save them all.
Esha would come to understand. He turned back to look up at the balcony one last time.
But Kunal knew she wouldn’t, that this could break what was between them.
But not sever it.
He had to believe that.
Bhandu shook her shoulder, calling Esha back to reality as she stood at the marble balustrade overlooking the palace courtyard.
By then the other Blades reinforcements were in the room, surrounding Laksh and the Scales. She got to her feet, brushing off Bhandu’s hand.
Lord Mayank’s men had found them a half hour after Vardaan’s escape. The extra Blades she had stationed with them had finished off the job, taking back control of the main hall and setting up posts across the palace.
The Pink Palace was now in the control of the Crescent Blades.
“We’ve collected everyone we could, every single one of the Scales, and brought them here. The entrances and exits are ours and are secure, thanks to Lord Mayank’s men. And the Senap guards are tied up—the few that are still alive,” Bhandu said.
“Good,” Esha said. “You’ve covered all the bases.”
“What’s your order?” Bhandu asked.
“My order?”
“You’re in charge, Esha. Acting leader,” he said, his tone almost regretful. “Lord Mayank agreed as well.”
Rage filled her. This wasn’t a role she wanted. And she was still burning with despair. Kunal had been holding back, had hidden Laksh—or protected him. And now he had created his own plan. Had she been so involved in her own troubles that she had ignored his?
She could understand someone leaving her. But her team hadn’t deserved his betrayal.
Only a day ago he had been kissing her, promising her a future. Was this treachery in his heart even then?
Maybe he hadn’t known the consequences of his actions. Maybe she had done something to indicate that he had to hide the truth from her.
After everything she had given him. Freedom. Choice. Now he left her with none. Her heart begged her to trust the boy she had come to care for—even love.
Love. She almost spat. What a lie.
She was the Viper, the leader of the Blades, their source of light in the dark. She pulled herself together. Her prince was in chains, and the fate of this entire country, and her own, rested in her hands.
“Give the Senap guards an option to join us for a reduced sentence. As for the Scales—” she said.
“Kunal lied to us too, Viper,” Laksh said, lifting his head to look her in the eye. “He may have worked for me, but never with me. He never betrayed you.”
“Until he did,” Esha shot back, before turning to her team again. “Keep the Scales in the eastern wing. Locked up, but comfortable. I’ll deal with them myself soon.”
“Anything else, Viper?” Bhandu asked.
Esha’s heart was warring in her chest, threatening to tear itself out and lay near her feet.
How stupid Bhandu must think her for having ever trusted the soldier to begin with. She looked up at him. But it wasn’t recrimination on his face. Rather, he looked as if he himself had been kicked in the gut.
And worry. It shone in his eyes. She turned her face, not wanting to see it directed at her.
There was nothing to worry about.
With every passing moment her feelings for the soldier receded into the dark space that lived in her chest. It left her cold, but she welcomed it, ushering it back into her heart.
The Viper reared her head, ruthless and unencumbered.
She placed a hand over her pulsing heart, turning to look at Bhandu and the other Blades.
“Hunt down the soldier.”
Acknowledgments
A second book is a wild thing. It’s still a dream, but one that’s seen a glimpse of daylight (and reality). Which is my way of saying that this book was hard. Really hard. So many people were crucial to bringing this story to life, and I’m forever grateful to all of them.
To Mabel Hsu, my intrepid editor: thank you for taking the meandering ball of yarn I gave you and helping me knit it into something real. Your insight and thoughtfulness are a treasure and a gift. To the fabulous team at Katherine Tegen Books and HarperCollins, I couldn’t have asked for a better home. Thank you to Katherine Tegen, Tanu Srivastava, Jon Howard, David Curtis, Ebony LaDelle, Aubrey Churchward, and all the tireless sales, marketing, and publicity people who have worked on this book and series.
To Kristin Nelson, my agent extraordinaire: as always, it’s an incredible pleasure to have you and the whole team at NLA behind me. Thank you for your wisdom and support—I couldn’t do any of this without you. I’m so proud to be a part of the NLA family.
To Amma, Nanna, and my Akkas: thank you for understanding when I stop talking midsentence to write something down or ask random, odd questions to get more “character insight.” You’ve always humored me, my whole life, and I’m the luckiest daughter/sister.
To Aakash: thank you for always helping me see the silver lining and forcing me to take breaks and eat food. You keep me human.
To Chelsea, Crystal, Madeleine, Rosie, Tanvi, my wildcats: the fact that you still tolerate me and my endless writing neuroses is still a mystery to me. Thank you all for being my constants in an uncertain world and for always treating my st
ories with kindness and care.
To Meg, Katy, Akshaya, Kat, June, Elizabeth, and Deeba: thank you for your kindess, support, and friendship, not to mention all the laughter and fun. I couldn’t have asked for better writing buddies in this city (and beyond).
To Meghana, Mayura, and Nikki: thank you for always seeing me and never flinching.
And lastly to my readers, I’m so grateful. Thank you for taking a chance on this story and walking this journey with me.
Glossary
Anguli—A sigil ring worn by all Jansans.
Chai—Indian tea, often heavily spiced with ginger, cardamom, or masala.
Crescent Blades—A rebel group based out of Dharka with the aim to bring down the Pretender King.
Cuirass—Armor for the upper body that includes a breastplate and backplate welded together.
Dhoti—A garment worn by men. It’s a long, unstitched piece of cloth that is worn as pants by wrapping the cloth around the waist and through the legs.
Himyad—The royal house of Dharka.
Jalebi—Thin strips of fried dough drenched in syrup.
Janma Bond—The magical bond between humans and the Southern Lands, gifted by the gods.
Naran and Naria—Twin demigods who pulled the Southern Lands from the sea and founded Jansa and Dharka.
Samyad—The royal house of Jansa.
Sari—A garment worn by women along with a blouse. It is a long piece of unstitched cloth, often embroidered and printed with beautiful designs, that is wrapped around the legs with the end thrown over one shoulder.
Senap—An elite squad of soldiers in the Jansan Army, trained as trackers and stealthy warriors.
Uttariya—An upper garment worn by men and women. It is like a shawl and is typically made of cotton or silk. It can be worn over the shoulder or around the neck. The modern form of an uttariya is the dupatta.
Valaya—A steel bracelet worn by all Dharkans.
About the Author
COURTESY OF SWATI TEERDHALA
SWATI TEERDHALA is a storyteller at heart. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BS in finance and BA in history, she tumbled into the marketing side of the technology industry. She’s passionate about many things, including how to make a proper cup of tea, the right ratio of curd to crust in a lemon tart, and diverse representation in the stories we tell. She currently lives in New York City. You can visit her online at www.swatiteerdhala.com.
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