What was she to do, where was she to go?

She wanted to think her loyalty was to her father, but that was a fractious thing, and in her heart was hope that he could change, although experience showed Aiesha that she could not be the one to change him. Legend could not, either—or so she assumed. Her step-mother was another point of connection here in Satriya and a growing sense of loyalty brewed there, too. That they could escape together was... An option.

What kind of person was she, that she might plot to steal her father's life from under his nose? That she might spirit away with her step-mother and make a life for them, as if they held a greater connection than the blood of father and daughter.

That left her with the option of mazoi or marriage.

A thought came springing to life inside of Aiesha as she paced in her father's empty room: 'What would Nazli do?'

She groans.