Empire of Ash and Silk

Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Unspoken Promises and Hidden Hearts

The palace felt alive with laughter and warmth as the friends reveled in these last precious days together. Each room they entered was filled with the easy camaraderie of old friends, memories shared in smiles and jokes that bridged time and distance. Anaya couldn't help but feel a lightness she hadn't known for a while, as if their happiness was wrapping around her like a warm blanket.

Zahir stood close by, catching her gaze with a small smile and a knowing glance toward the others as they shared stories from their childhood. Mira's laughter rang out as she turned to Anaya, her eyes glinting with mischief.

"So, Ashtami is tomorrow," she began, a playful gleam in her eye. "Should we make it official? Zahir versus Anaya in the grand sword duel?"

Anaya rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "If he's prepared to lose, then yes, by all means."

Zahir chuckled, his gaze steady as it met hers. "Prepared to lose? We'll see, Rajkumari. Tomorrow, you may have to eat those words."

Aarav leaned in with a laugh, clapping Zahir on the shoulder. "Be careful, Zahir. Anaya's got a fiercer spirit than you think."

The friends teased back and forth, eagerly speculating about the duel. Each prediction seemed to ignite a new spark of excitement as the day unfolded. As the group lounged in the courtyard, they quickly turned their thoughts to a more delicate matter—keeping Aarav and Laxmi's relationship hidden from prying eyes.

"I still think it's a risky game," Zahir said, half-smiling as he looked at Aarav. "But, luckily, you've got us on your side."

"Just think of us as the best co-conspirators," Mira added, leaning in with a conspiratorial wink. "No one will ever know."

Anaya and Mira, however, decided to try their luck in a more direct way. The two girls slipped away quietly, seeking out Laxmi's mother to ask if she might allow her daughter to stay just a little longer. They found her in the sitting room, delicately embroidering a scarf. Anaya took a deep breath, straightening herself before speaking.

"Aunty, forgive the interruption," she said respectfully. "We were just hoping that maybe... Laxmi could remain with us for a bit longer? We've all grown so close."

The Queen smiled warmly at their request, but her eyes held a softness mixed with something more resolute. "I wish I could grant you that, my dear. But we must think of her future. There are prospects to consider."

With a polite nod, the girls left, the response echoing in their minds. They returned to the courtyard where the others waited, hoping for good news.

Aarav's face fell slightly when he saw their expressions. Laxmi gave him a small, reassuring squeeze, though her smile was tinged with sadness.

"Don't worry," Anaya said firmly, her gaze sweeping between Aarav and Laxmi. "I'll think of something. Just wait a little longer—give me a month, at most. Can you do that?"

Aarav met her eyes with a hopeful smile. "I trust you, Anaya. And I'm grateful."

The group moved to the gardens, chatting in low tones as they took in the soft glow of the late afternoon light. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a warm, golden hue over them. Zahir found himself by Anaya's side, and they walked in companionable silence for a moment before he broke it.

"Thank you, by the way," he said, glancing at her.

"For what?" Anaya asked, a hint of playfulness in her tone.

Zahir shrugged, motioning to the sprawling gardens around them. "For organizing this... getaway. It's rare to spend such relaxed time together."

Anaya gave him a smile. "You know, it was actually Laxmi's idea. She always knows what everyone needs."

They continued walking, the laughter of their friends still lingering in the air. Zahir shared a few stories from their childhood, laughing as he recounted the time Aarav had tried to teach him swordsmanship with a wooden stick, only to have Anaya challenge both of them and easily come out on top.

"You were unstoppable," he said, his eyes bright with memory. "Even then, you had this... unbreakable spirit. And I can't wait to see if it's still as fierce tomorrow."

Anaya laughed, arching an eyebrow. "Then be prepared, Shahzada. Ashtami will show you that I haven't lost a step."

They shared a smile, the unspoken connection between them growing with each passing moment. As dusk settled over the palace, the group returned to the courtyard, their spirits high with the anticipation of the duel and the warmth of their companionship. Anaya glanced at Zahir, her heart steady but light, knowing that whatever came next, these moments would remain forever etched in her memory.