She appreciated Miral’s kindness as tears pricked her eyes. ‘Sante, Miral.’
The Signet AI offered a rare smile. ‘From what I understand,ŠarMak’s parents also had an arranged marriage, and his mother was terrified, too, when she first took helm of the family. However, she left behind a great legacy, so take hope from it and shape your sovereignty. Believe me, my lady, you will reign.’
As Saba mulled her words, Miral took a slight bow. ‘I’ll leave you now.’
‘Santeagain,’ Saba repeated.
Miral exited with a swish of her dress, shutting the door behind her.
Saba glanced at the food tray and checked her hunger status.
It had long fled her.
So, with a weary sigh, she turned and crossed into the bridal chamber.
The soft flicker of candlelight cast shadows on the ornate furnishings surrounding her. The room was empty and cold, starkly contrasting with the warmth and intimacy she craved.
As she approached the bed, its opulent display mocked her with its grandeur, and a sense of loneliness washed over her.
She had walked into her sacrificial choice to marry Mak, well aware that their union was born out of necessity and convention, not love or desire. Yet, a small part of her had dared to hope for something more.
There had to be a way for her to carve out her path and gain some independence and autonomy amid the confines of her marriage.
Despite the odds stacked against her, she vowed to seize control of her destiny, no matter the cost.
She turned towards the window overlooking the moonlit gardens below, breathing in the cool night air.
She imagined it carried freedom and possibility, the wind whispering promises of a life beyond the constraints that had bound her for so long.
With a newfound resolve, she pushed open the heavy shutters, letting the breeze wash over her like a benediction.
At that moment, she made a silent promise to herself that she would never become a prisoner of her circumstances, shackled by tradition and expectation.
She’d find her way to love, regardless of the battle ahead.
Chapter 10
MAK
‘Where thefokkdid thesachemcome from?’
Mak prowled into the Signet boardroom, his boots striking the floor hard.
Santi, lounging against the far console with a mug of blackkahawa, gave him a slow, sardonic smile. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be lying beside your wife right now, Commander?’
Mak’s glare cut through the room like a blade.
For a breath, the temperature shifted.
His power surged, golden sparks flickering at the edge of his vision. ‘Nada. And I probably never will.’
‘Shame,’ Santi drawled, unflinching. ‘She’s a beauty. The kind that grows on you.’
Mak took a step toward him, shoulders squared, chest tight with fury.
For a second, it appeared like they’d clash across the room.
Until Kaal moved first, intercepting with a quiet, firm hand on Mak’s shoulder, steady as a mountain.
