the kind of calm that masked calculation. Beside him, Queen Mother Samitra watched eve

r he was born to become, yet his

om yesterday

is breath, even though

slim, graceful, bent toward the fl

ng the way her hair shimmered beneath the sunlight, th

step closer, someone had called h

s voice broke through his silence. "Co

ietly and nodded

the flicker of emotion - interest, jealousy, something close to possess

y the massive gate opened tinted windows, royal insignias glinting beneath the sun, escorted by mot

emed to chase her at once. Her heels clicked softly against the marble as

nded the steps,

" he said, voice

Azzam is even more breathtaking than I remember," she

y for guests," Kamil replied, h

fully. "The royal council awaits i

he golden hall. But Kamil's eyes drifted elsewhere - toward the far end of the courtyard, near the serv

, the way she hummed faintly

d softly. Some admired Jodha's beauty; others wondered how soon the marriage talks would begin. The procession turned tow

looked

ift her gaze away but but her eyes betrayed her. They followed him - the way his hand stretched out lightly for Jodha,

of Azzam. And she hated th

the crow

d her was low,

the balcony, leaning casually agains

ak up on people,"

d. "You were too bus

reful, Kaan. You sound

eath. "Hardly. But I find it... int

ightened. "Wat

e else pretends not to see,"

well, but n

"And what exactly d

an said simpl

Be careful, Kaan. You're playing too close

head. "Maybe I

e soft chime of the palace

nd hall."Mirian turned toward the sound, br

as she walked away, his grin

u there," he

rs, diplomats, and council members filled the space, their

aying all the right things. Queen Mother Samitra observed from her

. Her steps slowed when she caught

dded

isfaction. At the banquet, Kamil sat at the head of the table, Queen Mother Sam

id, swirling her wine delicately. "I could feel

zzam thrives on its people. They'

he replied, smiling faintly. "Or perhaps li

s hung l

oo loudly. "Ah, Princess, your wi

ver leaving Kamil's."Indeed," Queen Mother Samitra added smoothly

hiding a smirk. "Then I hope we

silent exchange neither approving nor di

embling slightly between her fingers. Every compliment Jodha threw felt li

d softly, leaning closer, "do you e

isn't the word. Bu

"you simply haven't met the

a polite smile. "Shall we raise a toast t

es li

is hand, his eyes on the reflect

t drink. Her throat was tight, h

ully. "We'll give our guests a tour of the palace befo

trings, royal rhythm. As the crowd s

s it true the gardens behind the east wing a

curved faintl

"I'd like to see where the future king hides his though

rince tonight. If Jodha's charm didn't

r That

ademy, some cheering, others al

her chest, watching Mabel and Mikel from a distanc

waved, her smile softer - guilty alm

Milan said quietly w

sighed, "but you know

unlight. "We're done! I sw

asts. I already know Mom will find me something to do

you stay busy," Hiba said quic

, though both she and M

reet came up. She hugged them both b

y called her int

al kitchen. You'll start tomorrow."Amy said ,

lips curved. "The palace is recruiting new maids for the crown pr

,it was an order. Plus she will finall

er father met her briefly at the back entrance,

They'll need it for the princ

faintly a

she began to hum - softly, u

, 🎶I could tell what life is but it hasn't breath

k 🎶My mother named me wishing I would be her 🎶