Bloodseed

Chapter 4

Chapter Four: I Know it Was You.

Altan

My father laughs, though even I can feel the warmth it lacks.

"No, of course not, Kaiser. I am merely proposing an alliance between you and me. Strengthen the ties between Aspendia and Mateeq."

I hate how humane the Maharajah looks compared to him. How human his daughters look, sitting on the sofa in their finery. I almost think they have been replaced with statuettes until the younger one's hand begins shaking. Anarkali covers it with her own, her eyes moving towards the General.

Those eyes had been on mine just a few moments prior. Like daggers piercing into my own, two orbs of glittering black. My shoulder aches, and sweat beads on my forehead. I clench my jaw.

I have to sit through this for a few more moments, and then I'll be free to go home. Back to my apartment in the capital, where I can finally breathe unharmed, away from my father and my duties. The pain in my shoulder worsens. I didn't think the medicine would have worn off so quickly, but the fading numbness in my arm says otherwise. I can feel Zaffiel watching me, monitoring for any sign of pain. I ignore his stare, steeling myself.

"A marriage?" the Maharajah asks. To my surprise, his common tongue is laced with an accent, and he speaks gently for a person in power.

Khalil nods. Then smiles.

"I believe my son," he gestures towards me. "Would make a good match for Anaya."

Anarkali fails to hide her disgust now, scoffing as her eyes return to me. Her reaction shouldn't bother me, but it does. I haven't done anything to her.

His claim is met by silence from the rest of the Muhajir family until Kaiser speaks.

"Tell me, Khalil," he says, combing his fingers through his beard. "Where did you find the nerve to orchestrate an attack and ask for my daughter's hand?"

I bite the inside of my cheek, waiting for Father's response. Birds chirp outside, a stark contrast to the heaviness in the room.

"Perhaps you should ask your daughter," he says. Gestures to my arm, a small splotch of blood leaking through the bandages on my shoulder.

I'm nauseous as I look at him.

He knew.

I have been reduced to bait, an excuse for a human being. The pain in my shoulder is almost barking at me to leave, leave, and find some kind of treatment far away from this place, far away from the man who has used me. My hand shakes as I continue to tap the cushions with my fingers. I focus on the gold band adorning my ring finger, and how the light bounces off the small ruby on it.

"Had she not ruthlessly harmed my son, the Hashim family's house would still be intact."

Kaiser inhales, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Please, General. Accuse me of what you want, but do not bring my daughters into this."

"Perhaps you should have considered that before harming my son. I take it you have been involved with this ploy, as you failed to show up when we agreed."

"I was simply late-"

"What proof do you have," Khalil interrupts. He splays out his hands, a show of false concern. "How can you prove that it wasn't your daughter that attacked my Altan?"

My Altan.

I might be sick.

Sick as I decide whom to lift my head to. My father, the helpless and tired Maharajah sitting across from us, or the girl that dares me to meet her eyes.

I pick the latter, looking at Anarkali. Her chin is held high, her eyes defiant. The sunlight makes them glow as if they're crafted from fire.

I hope she sees the message I try to convey with my eyes.

Tell the truth. I know it was you.

She smiles, the epitome of innocence.

"I would never think to harm Altan."

Looks towards Khalil.

"I swear it on my mother's life."