The Mirror & the Maze (The Wrath and the Dawn, #1.5)(3)

“And what gives you the right to—”

“Look around you, Khalid Ibn al-Rashid. Look around you with the eyes of a man, not the heart of a boy.” It was spoken so softly. Not an admonition, but a plea. Jalal moved closer. “Is it not for the better?”

Khalid’s rage peaked for an instant before it fell. His eyes roved across the sight of his broken palace.

The sight of his shattered people.

He did not move.

What right had he to pursue the desires of his heart?

His responsibilities were here. Khalid closed his eyes. His responsibilities had always been here.

He did not deserve to hold anything he loved in his keep.

Shahrzad was safer when she was not with him. Even if it meant she was with the son of Nasir al-Ziyad.

His hands fell from his reins. With a nod, Jalal walked away. Walked back to where he was needed.

Through the haze of thoughts, Khalid heard his cousin order Despina from the city. He heard his cousin demand that all remaining women and children leave until the fires were held at bay.

The handmaiden’s voice rose above his cousin’s directives, bright and clear as a bell. “You will not tell me where to go or what to do, Captain al-Khoury. If there is anything this chaos has taught me, it is to know my place. Better than anyone.”

Her words mirrored the storm of Khalid’s thoughts.

He knew his place now. Better than anyone.

It was here. In his city. With his people.

And he would not rest until he made amends.