The road stretched endlessly before them, the steady rhythm of hooves against dirt a familiar sound. The air inside the carriage was still, but Rnzo barely noticed. He was leaning against the seat, one arm resting on the window frame, his expression unreadable. His mind, however, was far from still.
His fingers twitched slightly, remembering the weight of her in his hands. Gina.
He had expected her to be stiff when they danced—she always seemed uneasy in a crowd, too aware of the eyes on her. But the way she had shaken in his arms, how her breath had hitched slightly when his hand rested at her waist—he hadn't expected that.
It wasn't fear. No, it was something else.
The way she had looked up at him, uncertain but obedient, made something coil tight in his chest. She wasn't playing coy. She wasn't even aware of what she was doing to him.
That was the part that got to him.
She was soft—too soft for someone like him. Too delicate for the way his grip had lingered on her waist, firm enough to keep her steady, firm enough to remind her that he was leading.
His jaw clenched slightly.
It had been a simple dance. That's all. He had danced with dozens of women before. Women who knew how to move, who draped themselves over him like they belonged there. Gina had done nothing of the sort.
And yet, here he was. Thinking about the way her body had fit against his.
Damn it.
"You're quiet," Kaisen's voice cut through the silence.
Rnzo exhaled through his nose, rolling his shoulders back. "Just tired."
Kaisen gave him a side glance, but didn't press.
Good. Because Rnzo wasn't interested in talking about this. It was just a dance. He had no reason to still be thinking about it.
And yet, as he looked out into the night, his grip flexed slightly against his knee.
He had held her once. And if things went as he intended, he'd be holding her again.
The next few days passed by in an agonising slow way for Duke Rnzo.
On the other hand in Malaka Castle, Three days had passed since the wedding, yet Kanha's mind remained trapped in that ballroom. The sight of Kaisen and Mirha, lost in each other's laughter, their bodies moving in perfect harmony—it had imprinted itself on her memory like an ink stain she couldn't scrub away. She had spent the past days convincing herself it was nothing. Kaisen was warm with everyone. Mirha was sweet and naive. Surely, she had misunderstood.
Yet, no matter how much she reasoned, her heart refused to be swayed. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Kaisen's expression—soft, amused, entirely present in that moment with Mirha. It wasn't just his usual kindness. It was something else. Something deeper.
This morning, she sat across from Nailah in the Empress's private quarters, the scent of fresh morning tea filling the space. Nailah, though early in her pregnancy, already carried an air of maternal softness. She was resting back in her chair, her hand lazily circling the rim of her teacup, her usually sharp gaze dulled with exhaustion.
Kanha, on the other hand, sat stiffly, her hands resting on her lap, her nails digging into the fabric of her robe. She wasn't even aware she was fidgeting until Nailah's voice cut through the silence.
"You've been awfully quiet these days," Nailah noted, setting her cup down. Her eyes, though heavy-lidded, still carried the perceptiveness of an Empress. "What's going on in that scheming little head of yours?"
Kanha scoffed lightly. "Scheming? Do you take me for some petty noblewoman with nothing better to do?"
"I take you for someone who overthinks things she shouldn't," Nailah countered, arching a brow.
Kanha let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head. "It's nothing."
Nailah studied her, then exhaled, leaning back. "If you say so."
She let the subject drop easily—because she knew Kanha well. If she said it was nothing, she wasn't going to pry. But Kanha could feel Nailah's curiosity lingering, even as they moved on to lighter conversation.
But no matter how many cups of tea she drank, how many times she told herself it was nothing… Kanha knew the truth.
It was something.
And she wasn't ready to face what that meant.
The doors to the Empress's quarters eased open, and Mirha and Gina stepped inside, their soft laughter trailing in behind them like sunlight filtering through a window. They carried the fresh air of the garden with them, their faces lightly flushed from the crisp morning breeze.
Mirha's joy was evident—her eyes shimmering, her smile unrestrained. Gina, though more reserved, wore a contented expression, the corners of her lips slightly curled as if she were still amused by whatever they had been discussing outside.
They moved gracefully to their seats, settling across from Kanha and Nailah.
Nailah, resting her chin lazily against her palm, observed them with mild amusement. "You two look particularly pleased with yourselves. What's gotten you so happy this morning?"
Mirha opened her mouth to respond, but before she could utter a word, a light knock interrupted them.
"Your Majesty," an attendant's voice called from beyond the door.
"Enter," Nailah commanded, straightening slightly.
The doors swung open, and a procession of attendants walked in, their arms laden with bouquets of fresh flowers and an array of elegantly wrapped gifts. The fragrant scent of lilies and roses filled the room, accompanied by the faint rustling of silk ribbons and delicate paper.
The sight of so many gifts left the women momentarily stunned. Mirha and Gina exchanged confused glances, while Kanha merely raised a brow.
Nailah, ever composed, simply lifted a hand. "Who are they for?"
The lead attendant bowed slightly before answering.
"For Lady Gina."
A hush fell over the room.
Gina's head snapped up in surprise. "Me?"
The attendants nodded, stepping forward to place the flowers and packages neatly before her. The arrangement was grand—too grand for a simple courtesy.
Kanha, recovering first, smirked slightly. "You have an admirer, Lady Gina."
Gina blinked, her hands hesitating over the bouquet. She looked overwhelmed, her fingers tightening around the edge of her sleeves as if unsure whether to accept them or push them away.
Mirha, ever gentle, leaned toward her. "There's a note," she murmured, pointing to the sealed envelope nestled among the flowers.
Gina swallowed, glancing at the others before cautiously reaching for it.
As her hands trembled slightly, Kanha leaned back, her expression intrigued. "Well? Are you going to open it?"
Gina hesitated, then carefully broke the seal, unfolding the letter with slow, deliberate movements.
The room was silent as she read.
And then—her breath hitched.
Gina's fingers tightened around the letter as her eyes scanned the elegant strokes of ink. The handwriting was bold yet refined—controlled, deliberate. She swallowed, her pulse quickening as she absorbed each word.
> "Lady Gina,"
"I trust this reaches you well. I had thought a simple bouquet would suffice, but I found myself unsatisfied with the thought of sending only that. Consider these gifts an expression of my appreciation—for the dance, and for your time. You left quite the impression."
"Duke Rnzo Magili."
The room remained silent as Gina lowered the letter, her grip unsteady.
Kanha's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Well? Don't keep us waiting. What does it say?"
Gina pressed the note to her lap, avoiding their stares. "It's just… a thank-you," she murmured, though her voice lacked confidence.
Nailah, who had been observing quietly, tilted her head. "A thank-you, you say?"
Mirha, sensing Gina's nervousness, reached for her hand, offering a gentle squeeze. "It's thoughtful of him."
Kanha scoffed lightly. "Thoughtful? The Grand Duke does not send gifts simply to be thoughtful." She gestured to the extravagant display. "This is no casual gesture, Gina."
Gina's cheeks burned. The weight of their gazes made her chest tighten. She felt exposed, as if her emotions were laid bare for all to see.
Nailah, ever the composed Empress, sipped her tea before speaking. "Do you intend to reply?"
Gina's heart skipped. "Reply?"
Kanha smirked. "Well, of course. A nobleman sends you gifts, a letter. It's only proper to acknowledge it."
Gina glanced at the flowers, then at the note resting in her lap. Duke Rnzo's words replayed in her mind, his deep voice lingering from their dance.
Had she truly left such an impression?
Would she reply? Or would she pretend as if this had never happened?.
Back in the Imperial Castle,
Duke Rnzo stood in the Emperor's study, his hands behind his back as he listened to Arvin discuss political matters. The Grand Duke appeared composed, his expression as unreadable as ever, but his mind was elsewhere.
He had been waiting.
For days, he had thought about whether Gina would respond, half-expecting silence. Perhaps she would ignore the gesture altogether, or worse—return the gifts.
But now, standing before him on the Emperor's desk, was a sealed letter. His name written in delicate script.
Arvin, catching the brief flicker of interest in his otherwise stoic friend, raised an eyebrow. "That letter has been sitting there for a while. You're not going to open it?"
Rnzo didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took the letter, feeling its weight in his hands. The paper was smooth, carefully folded, as if the sender had hesitated before sealing it.
He broke the wax seal with a flick of his thumb.
> "Duke Rnzo,"
"I received your gifts, and I must thank you for your generosity. I do not know what impression I could have possibly left, but your kindness is… unexpected. I fear I have little to offer in return, but I hope this letter will suffice as gratitude."
"—Lady Gina."
Rnzo let out a quiet exhale.
No unnecessary embellishments. No flattery. Straight to the point.
He could almost picture her hesitating, unsure of what to write, her fingers gripping the quill just as they had gripped his hand during their dance.
Arvin watched him with mild amusement. "Well?"
Rnzo folded the letter neatly and tucked it inside his coat. His usual smirk returned, but his eyes held a different weight—one of intrigue.
"Seems she has manners after all."
The Emperor chuckled. "Manners, or resistance?"
Rnzo turned to leave, his voice calm but firm.
"Either way, I intend to find out."
The halls of Malaka Castle buzzed with quiet movement as the ladies-in-waiting prepared to depart. Trunks had been packed, carriages readied, and yet, despite the flurry of preparation, there was no sadness in their farewell—only understanding.
It was custom, after all. The Empress would remain in Malaka until she bore a child, while her attendants returned to the Imperial Court. It was the way things had always been.
In the grand receiving hall, Empress Nailah stood with effortless poise, the very image of regal composure. She watched as the final arrangements were made, her expression calm, though a knowing glimmer rested in her eyes.
One by one, the ladies-in-waiting stepped forward to bid their farewells.
"Your Majesty," Gina spoke first, her tone respectful yet warm. "May the days ahead be peaceful until we see you again."
Nailah gave a small smile. "I expect nothing less than a letter from you about your days at court."
Gina bowed her head, a silent promise.
Mirha stepped forward next, lowering herself in a graceful bow. "We will serve you well from afar, Your Majesty."
Nailah studied her for a moment, something unreadable passing through her gaze, before she nodded. "I trust you will."
Kanha was the last to step forward, though unlike the others, she neither bowed too deeply nor maintained too much formality. Being Nailah's cousin afforded her a rare balance between respect and familiarity.
"You'll be just fine without us, won't you?" Kanha mused, tilting her head slightly.
Nailah smirked, amused by her cousin's tone. "I might enjoy the quiet for once."
"Try not to," Kanha quipped, her lips curling into a half-smile.
Nailah shook her head with a soft chuckle. The exchange was brief, but it was enough—just a reminder that even as duty dictated their separation, their bond remained unchanged.
With a final nod from the Empress, the attendants guided the ladies-in-waiting toward the waiting carriages. As they stepped out into the crisp afternoon air, the realization settled in.
They were returning to the Imperial Castle. To the court. To everything that awaited them there.
And for Kanha, that meant stepping closer to the truth she still wasn't ready to face.