He sat at the head of the table, a portrait of stoic elegance as he conversed in hushed tones.
Sweet Eden,he had such presence and magnetism.
Even in the simple dining chair, he was tall and regal. His eyes held an intensity that was difficult to ignore.
He exuded an alluring aura that drew her in like a moth to a flame.
His every movement was filled with irresistible grace and strength, and she was unable to drag her eyes away.
His face, as ever, was chiseled and handsome, exuding a quiet power.
His deep voice commanded attention, silencing any chatter and drawing all focus to him. The dry rasp in his tone only added to his allure.
Taking her seat across from him, Saba tried to be unobtrusive.
She stared at the spread of fruits, pastries, and even fluffy eggs.
He must have cooked.
She had never seen him in the kitchen, and she blinked, surprised at this new development.
She picked a selection of berries, slices of mango, plums, and half a papaya fromTheSombra’shydroponic gardens, accompanied bykahawa, eggs, and a roll.
As she ate and sipped from her cup, she listened to Mak deftly navigate his negotiations-based conversation, impressedby how well he played the delicate game of power and diplomacy.
It was so far removed from her life as a librarian.
She missed her former life as she had enjoyed it.
She had gotten a kick out of being a guardian of knowledge, a curator of stories. Her fingers much preferred dancing over the spines of ancient books and the secrets and wonders they held.
But here, in her husband’s lavish home and his intricate world, she was a fish out of water, unsure how to navigate the dangerous currents of politics and familial expectation.
As she finished the last crumbs of her roll, the holo callers rang off, leaving Saba and Mak alone in the dining room.
He turned to her with a searching gaze.
‘Saba,’ he growled. ‘I trust you slept well?’
‘I did.’
‘Good. I’ve meetings most of today,’ he went on. ‘I can’t be present at theSelseevent.’
Wedding festivities in the Akkadian tradition could continue for months following the actual nuptials.
Mak was referring to the post-wedding reception, which took place a few weeks after the nuptials.
One in which the bride and groom attended as their first public reveal to close friends and family.
The bride’s relatives hosted it. The couple was expected to wear their best matchingSelsesuits, each with an embroidered cape and headpiece embellished with gilded or silver trimmings.
The bridal party and guests also donned traditional robes, and according to convention, greeted the new couple with gold confetti accompanied by drummers, dancers, and chanting.
Tongues would wag if the bridegroom missed the event, and the rumor mill would go into overdrive.
Saba sighed. ‘The family will -.’
‘They’ll lose their shit,’ Mak finished for her. ‘I know. But I have other matters more important to care about than spending the afternoon with a nest of vipers.’
