Page 70 of The Moon's Daughter
Layna glanced away, worrying her lower lip between her teeth. “The dreams have been more frequent. Sometimes, twice in one night.” Zarian’s brow creased with concern as he caressed her cheek.
Seeking to lighten the mood, Layna smiled and offered him juice. “What have you learned about Varin?” she asked.
“Nothing unusual so far,” Zarian replied in between sips. “But something still seems off about him. He might know he’s being watched.”
Layna’s expression grew troubled, worry etched deeply in her features. “To think someone so close to us could betray the kingdom. It’s a scary thought.”
Zarian ran his fingers through her hair, pausing to massage the base of her skull with gentle pressure. Layna’s eyes fluttered shut, a delighted groan escaping her lips as she threw her head back, eyes closing at the sensation.
“We might need a new strategy,” he remarked. “But don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”
Layna leaned forward, pressing a quick kiss to his lips in thanks.
“Tinga cornered me today after breakfast,” Zarian mentioned, his lips quirking into a half-grin. “She was making small talk, but I’m certain she was actually threatening me.”
Layna chuckled. “She’s quite protective. But she did promise me she won’t enter again without knocking first. Don’t worry, she’ll warm up to you.” She tenderly cupped his cheek, her eyes bright as they drank him in, her steadfast, guiding star. “I did, didn’t I?”
As the night wore on, Layna rested her head in Zarian’s lap, her gaze drifting upward to meet his. His hand gently stroked her hair.
“What do you hope for in the future?” she asked softly. “After the eclipse?”
Without a second’s hesitation, Zarian replied, “I hope for us to be together. Truly together. I imagine leaving Alzahra and the Oasis behind, traveling to lands across the continent, perhaps even beyond.”
“Beyond the continent?” she echoed, her voice laced with the wonder of dreams long-held but never truly believed.
“Yes,” Zarian affirmed. “I’ve traveled to most kingdoms already on my missions, but I want to experience it again through your eyes. To embrace the beauty and adventure, not as a Medjai, but as someone justliving. With you.”
“But what of your kingdom? Who will rule the Oasis after your father?”
Zarian shrugged, resigned. “Perhaps, my father can name a new heir. Or the noble families could elect the next king, as they do now in Valtisaan.”
Layna could hear the undercurrent of sacrifice in his words, the willingness to forsake his birthright for a future with her.
“Is that possible?” she asked, her voice quiet in the night.
“It’s unprecedented in the Oasis, but not impossible,” Zarian admitted, meeting her gaze. “It would be difficult. Chaotic, even. But I don’t see what other choice my father and the elders would have.”
Layna absorbed his words, the gravity of his decision sinking in. Zarian’s willingness to challenge centuries of tradition for their future together was both awe-inspiring and daunting. It opened a realm of possibilities she hadn’t dared to consider, a life of love and adventure, free from the expectations that had always defined them.
After a moment, Zarian softly asked, “And you? What do you see for your future?” His hopeful eyes searched hers, looking for a glimpse into her heart and the dreams within.
Layna hesitated. Her heart knew the answer—it yearned to be with Zarian, to share in the future he envisioned. Yet, uncertainty clouded her thoughts, the weight of her duties and the expectations of her kingdom pressing down on her.
“I—I want to be with you,” she began tentatively. “My heart is with you, Zarian. But…” Her voice trailed off, the conflict within her too vast to articulate.
Zarian’s fingers stilled in her hair. He slowly withdrew his hand, bringing it to rest limply at his side.
“Have things improved with Jamil?” Layna asked quickly.
Zarian was quiet for several heartbeats, before finally responding. “I haven’t seen him in days. He must be delayed at the Oasis. Things are still tense, but we’ll get through it. We always do.” He took a deep breath. “It’s quite late. You should rest.”
Layna pouted, not ready for their time to end. Zarian leaned down and kissed her frown into a smile. “Goodnight, Layna. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he murmured, a tender farewell as he slipped away into the night, leaving Layna to ponder their futures, both together and apart.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Layna awoke with a strangled gasp. Another vivid nightmare wrenched her from sleep, leaving her heart racing and her nightgown drenched in sweat. The remnants of the dream crawled over her, inescapable needle pinpricks of dread mercilessly stabbing her skin.
With a deep breath, she pushed the covers aside and started her morning routine. Like every other waking moment, her thoughts drifted to Zarian. The previous night had been a revelation—he had spoken of a future together, free from their duties. In the short time they had shared, Layna realized she couldn’t imagine life without him.