QAIS

Chapter 41: Hold My Dagger, and I'll Hold Your Hand

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The scent of tobacco and authority mingled with that of freshly cut grass and cedar as they sat in the veranda of the private lounge overlooking the paddock. The table was adorned with elaborate fruit and artisanal charcuterie and bottles of vintage Bordeaux. They were in Nawab Shah's country club. It was just the four of them, not even their guards were allowed near for this conversation.

He lounged back in the leather-bound chair, dark shades protecting those sapphire blues from the glaring sun. Dressed in dark pleated trousers and a white button down, he looked pleasantly out of place against the men in refined suits, the Egyptian cotton complimenting his lean figure in all the right ways.

He glanced aloofly at the delighted men as they boasted about their victory. Nawab Shah refilled his third glass with champagne, and offered the young lord one as well who shot back a wry glance.

"You're aware the country is in mourning, aren't you?"

Nawab Shah mocked jovially. "So am I. I'm drinking in grief!"

"Give it to me instead, Nawab." A Northern Commander laughed. "It seems Mr. Khan here prefers to drink his enemies' tears unadulterated."

Qais scoffed a humorless laugh, the training horses in the distance catching his eye. "I like to enjoy my wins sober."

"Ah... this boy." Nawab Shah clasped at his heart. "He gets me every time."

Qais rolled his eyes at his dramatics. He had come to talk business but with these buffoons half intoxicated he lost his chance. Jaffar was the only sober one beside him out of the five. He kept glancing at the young lord curiously, something troubling him from quite some time.

"Killing Jahan was not part of the original strategy."

"But it was a mighty good addition." Nawab raised the glass to the young lord in applause.

"It was important." Qais's glare was fixed on the galloping horses, competing against each other even in a free training.

"He was already fleeing. There was no need." Jaffar countered.

"I didn't say it was important for the plan. I said it was important." Qais emphasized unabashedly.

And to think he had been just ready to let them off the hook, to forgive and even forget. But it was important to teach them a lesson after they risked harming Layla. It was a foul move.

Jaffar gritted his teeth. "I thought we made it clear not to involve personal agendas."

The icy blue glare was apparent despite the presence of the dark shades as he raised a brow, "None of us would be here if it weren't for personal interests, would we, General?"

"Except mine isn't blood."

"And yet you had no problem bleeding an entire fucking valley." Qais reminded deviously.

Jaffar glared at him. "You suggested the tribals in this!"

"I suggest you shoot your wife to marry your mistress, will you?"

"Qais!" Jaffar fumed red as Qais smiled callously.

Nawab as always enjoyed the scene but the lieutenant quickly intervened before it could escalate. 

"Well, it can't be helped anymore." The lieutenant shook his head. "Why bother arguing?"

Jaffar leant back, subduing his anger but his glare on the indifferent young lord remained constant.