‘You’re not who I was expecting,’ Miral said matter-of-factly.
Saba jolted.
‘The picture that Mak, theŠar, showed me of his bride-to-be, before the wedding, was not of you.’
Saba arched a brow, then emitted a weary sigh. ‘My sister Shiloh is who you saw. She’s prettier than I, that’s for sure.’
‘Was the exchange planned?’
Saba gave a huff, in part at Miral’s straight-shooting.
Also, at the truth, her life had been upended in an instant, and she was now in a world of pain as a result. ‘Hell,nada. It was very sudden.’
‘You’re angry.’
‘Wouldn’t you be? I did this to save her ass. Now I have aŠarand his entire entourage who loathe me and a title and responsibility I’m sure I’llfokkup. The ultimate imposter syndrome.’
Saba uttered a humorless, bitter laugh and sliced her eyes from the woman, hugging her body tight.
The synth beauty stood at the edge of the vast room, watching her with silent eyes.
Her shoulders slumped, and she stared at her reflection in the window as if it would reveal something she had yet to find.
There was a short silence. After which, Miral spoke up. ‘If I may,Šarim?’
Saba swiveled her head back to her and gestured for her to continue. ‘Go for it. It won’t change or improve the fact that I am a stranger in a home that isn’t mine, married to a man who despises me.’
Her voice was tinged with bitterness, though it was more tired than angry.
Miral approached, her soft footsteps almost inaudible on the marble floor. ‘My coding is very ancient, and I have several eons of knowledge built into me, and a few things persist, despite time itself. One of these truths is that people will perceive of you what you show them.’
She paused as Saba’s expression shifted into curiosity. ‘TheŠarexpects nothing of you. He has already decided you will fail. However, that, my lady, is your advantage.’
Saba frowned, twisting to look at the older woman. ‘My advantage? How is it advantageous to be loathed before I’ve even begun?’
Miral gave her a slight smile. ‘Because when people expect little from you, every victory and strength will surprise them. I am well acquainted with Mak now, and he respects hard work and tenacity. You can exceed his expectations by starting small and working quietly. You need not make a grand show, but chip away at his poor estimation.’
Saba turned to face, her insecurities still pulling at her, but something in Miral’s words had sparked her mind. ‘And how exactly am I supposed to do that? TheŠarhates me.’
Miral met her gaze, unwavering. ‘It starts with tiny victories. Understand what theŠarvalues, even if he won’t tell you himself. Be respectful, even if he never acknowledges them, but don’t be a pushover. Show him you have a backbone. In time, he will have no choice but to see you for what you are inside.’
‘Which is what?’ Saba asked in a whisper.
Miral tilted her head, her eyes kind but piercing. ‘A sacred wife, one worthy of more than just a title. One who rules in her own right, even if it is in the shadows for now.’
Saba sighed, running her hands over the folds of her gown. ‘What if I’m not enough? What if I can’t live up to what aŠarimshould be?’
‘My lady, impostor syndrome is nothing but a thief of your potential. You do not need to become anyone other than who you already are. This title, this role, they do not define you. You characterize them. If you behave as if you do not belong, they will believe you. If you act as though you are every bit theŠarimthis order needs, they will have no choice but to consider you as such.’
Her gaze dropped to the floor, fingers curling into the fabric of her bridal gown. ‘TheŠarwill never forgive me.’
Miral’s eyes softened. ‘Perhaps. But loathing can turn. He may despise you now, but if you show him a different path and demonstrate that he has underestimated you, he will be forced toreconsider. But it must be done with grace and patience. That is how you navigate his poor expectations.’
Saba was silent for a moment, her thoughts churning. ‘What if he never acknowledges me?’
‘Saba, you have to live for more than his gaze. Let him watch or turn away. You,Šarim, have to rise either way.’
Saba took an inhale. This woman spoke wisdom, words she’d have sought from her mother had she been alive.
