The Rogue Queen (The Hundredth Queen #3)(13)

“Gemi,” the datu says, “you didn’t have time to change before our meal with our guests?”

She still wears a black tunic and trousers. I have never seen a woman wear a man’s clothes before. My mother would be beside herself to put the princess in a skirt.

“My apologies, Father.” Her response is exceptionally uncontrite, but he lets her alone.

Explosions sound behind me. I swivel around to look at seawater bursting up from the cove, geysers lit by flames of deep red and vibrant yellow. The plumes fan out in rows, and the fire follows, illuminating the streams.

“How did you . . . ?” Kali trails off in amazement.

“Aquifiers enchant the water to shoot into the sky, and Burners throw their fire behind the fountains for light,” the datu replies. “We perform this exhibit for honored guests and hope you will enjoy it.”

The jets of water dance in practiced patterns and varying heights, gradually building to a finale. Countless fountains gush to the sky, lit by a rainbow of fire. Then all at once, it is done.

Prince Ashwin is the first to applaud. “Spectacular.”

I join in, impressed, if not also confused. Anu gave bhutas their abilities to guide mankind onto a path of virtue. Is entertaining supper guests the best use of their powers? Kali holds herself close, chilled by the night, and frowns.

Servants bring plates of spiced fish. I sample a bite and wrinkle my nose, then chase the food away with a drink of coconut water. Down the table, Kali watches me, her own plate untouched. Her eyes shine with humor. Neither of us likes the briny flavor.

“Prince Ashwin, I must know, why did you release the Voider?” The datu’s direct question draws our attention to the prince. Indah and Admiral Rimba dine across the way. Natesa and Yatin are eating in their chamber. “Indah told me what happened, but I’d like to hear your explanation.”

Kali responds for Ashwin. “The sultan’s vizier began the incantation. He intended to use the Voider’s power to enslave bhutas and overthrow the empire.”

“And yet the demon has still come to reap revenge on the world.” The datu relaxes into his high-backed chair, his attention sharpening on Ashwin. “Tell me why I shouldn’t tie a millstone to your neck and drown you in the depths of the sea?”

Finally, someone who sides with me! Prince Ashwin’s panicky gaze seeks me out to defend him. I scoop another bite of food. Fishy flavor aside, this is the most amusing supper I have had in a long while.

Ashwin grimaces. “My heart’s wish is to regain my imperial city and palace. I didn’t know the Voider would come disguised as Rajah Tarek.”

Datu Bulan drums his fingertips against the table. “Agency is not only what we do but why. What else did your heart’s wish entail?”

After a strained pause, Prince Ashwin replies, “I wished to return to my palace.”

“And wed the kindred?”

Kali chokes on her drink and turns to the side to cough.

“We aren’t officially betrothed,” Ashwin replies.

My brows shoot up to my hairline. What in the gods’ names does that mean? The answer is either yes or no. Kali continues to clear her throat. The prince does not clarify, leaving the datu to presume what he will about him and Kali.

“How do you intend to win back your palace?” Bulan challenges. “Voider aside, the bhuta warlord will not withdraw.”

Kali jumps back into the conversation. “Once we regain our army, we’ll unseat Hastin. But we cannot do that without your aid.”

The datu slips his hand down the front of his tunic, over his heart. While he thinks, he scrutinizes Kali and Ashwin. Does he also notice how close they are sitting together? At last, he voices his verdict. “You have use of my navy.”

“How will your fleet reach Vanhi?” Prince Ashwin asks.

Princess Gemi adds her thoughts to the mix. “We could reach out to the Paljorians.”

Datu Bulan shakes his head. “Chief Naresh is a pacifist. In all his years ruling the Northern Peaks, he has never deployed his army for or against a regime.”

“If I may,” I say, drawing all eyes to me, “we shouldn’t need the Paljorians. So long as your navy can utilize the waterways for travel, we can confront the demon rajah in Iresh before he leaves for Tarachand.”

The prince slumps, as if he should have thought of that himself. My proposal is simple, but our success hinges on us reaching Iresh before the demon rajah leaves. He is taking longer than I anticipated to rally his men and resources. Maybe he is waiting for the raiders to bring him Ashwin and Kali . . .

“Wisely strategized, General Naik,” says Datu Bulan. “The admiral and our fleet will depart in the morning.” Tomorrow? Deploying the navy should take days. They must have begun preparations before our arrival. “I presume your party intends to go with them.”

“We do.” Kali’s tone turns guarded. “What do you require from us in return?”

“My requests will be reasonable, Viraji.” The datu smiles broadly. I understand where Gemi gets her charm, but must he refer to Kali as Ashwin’s intended? “Prince Ashwin, have you ever seen an arctic tiger? Their coats are ivory with charcoal stripes. I traded three barrels of shark fins for one pelt. It’s mounted in my study. You and I will retire there to discuss our terms.”