Page 19 of The Burning Mountain
“We don’t have a lot of choices here,” said Veer. There was a tightness around his eyes and his gaze was sharp and probing.
Chandra thought about it for a while. A thin breeze began to flow, blending the familiar smells of jasmineandsampangiwith the sharptulasito create a pleasant fragrance that reminded her of her mother’s medicinal gardens back home. “I can’t promise results, but I’d be willing to give it a try,” she said slowly.
A muscle bunched in Veer’s jaw. His lips compressed into a flat line at her acquiescence.
“You can refuse to do it,” he blurted, the words rushing out in a burst of protest.
“I thought you came here to ask for my help?” said Chandra, raising her brows.
“Doesn’t mean you have to say yes to everything I ask,” he argued, shifting his body in a manner that made her wonder if he was uncomfortable.
“But…if like you say there’re not a lot of choices…I want to help,” she said bewildered at his hot-and-cold behavior.
“This isn’t really your business, Princess.”
Annoyance flicked across her nerves at his confusing statement. What did he want from her? Why was he even here if he didn’t want her help? The vexation of being left out ofwhatever they had been doing, gathered steam, building itself into a clean anger. She welcomed it.
“Not my business?” she asked hotly. “Have you forgotten I made a promise to see this quest through to the end? I keep my word, Prince Veer.”
Veer looked away, as if embarrassed. “It’s off. Our bargain,” he said. He seemed to register her shocked face and amended hastily. “Of course, I’ll uphold my end of things. Sarun and his mother will be protected. And your remaining requests—they still stand.” A hand rubbed the back of his neck as he spoke. “I realize that with the…recent revelations you made, provided they’re true, the bargain we entered into is unfair to you.”
A glimmer of understanding dawned on her, about what was bothering him.
“I can’t command you to do this, Chandra,” he said, his eyes strangely intense. “You shouldn’t have to bargain for their safety with yours.” The underlying plea in his tone told her more effectively than words, of the moral dilemma Veer was fighting.
“You’re right. No woman should have to bargain for something like that,” she said quietly. “Which leaves me free to do what I should’ve done when you asked for my help—offered my support unstintingly, with no strings attached.”
“I’m telling you, you don’t have to…” said Veer, exasperation creeping into his voice.
“It becomes my duty as your wife to aid you in this matter,” she said, making a bold move to get closer. She yearned to touch his face and smooth out the stress lines around his eyes but stopped herself, not knowing if it would be welcomed. But she saw Veer’s eyes flick toward the small movement she had made.
“I don’t want you to do it out of some obligation, Chandra,” he said softly, taking her hand into his, his touch carrying none of the hesitancy she felt. “I’m telling you, as your husband, that you’re free to refuse.”
“Veer, isn’t Rajgarh my country as well?” she said quietly, her words clear in the still night, silencing his protests. “Even if you’re not my husband,” she continued. “Even if you dislike my involvement in this matter, this goes beyond our personal relationship.”
Veer stared at her for a long time, silent, still, his gaze searching. Finally, he spoke, his voice quiet and hesitant. “This can be a hazardous mission, Princess.”
“I know. I’ve been in danger before. I’ll be careful. Give me a chance to be useful.”
Veer bowed his head, sighing, as if knowing he had been beaten. He brought her hands to his lips, dropping a quick kiss before splaying her fingers on his face, making it clear through his actions that she was free to touch him as she pleased. And the gratitude that he couldn’t quite voice.
“As you wish, Chandra.”
9
THE REGENT
Namata Devi’santahpuramwas elaborately decorated, hinting at the upcoming nuptials. Ropes of marigold were strung from the ceiling and balconies and twisted around the railings.
It was extremely busy in the areas where the arrangements were taking place, but the personal chambers of Namata Devi were off-limits to everyone but a few select maids. A pair of burly eunuchs stood guard at the entrance to her chambers. No male could enter the harem building itself, so they solved that problem.
Chandra and Matangi huddled in conversation while tying the many flowers into ropes.
“You sure you want to be involved, Matangi? This can get dangerous,” said Chandra. She had been surprised when she saw her young friend from the temple city. Glad and a little troubled that she had involved herself in such activities, but realized she really had no say in the matter. If Matangi wanted to be part of the Resistance, then nothing Chandra could do or say would sway her.
“Me wants to help, Princess,” said Matangi. “And no worry ’bout me. Me learn to take care of myself. T’will be an honor to take part in the rescue of Prince Aditya.”
Chandra nodded. Matangi knew almost everything about their mission here. All except the real reason Chandra and Veer were helping Thianvelli. That part was still a secret, because Veer didn’t want to mention Meru for as long as possible.
