The midday sun hung high in the sky as Emperor Arvin's carriage rolled through the grand gates of Malaka Castle. The air was still, save for the faint rustling of banners in the wind. The moment the imperial insignia was spotted, attendants and guards scrambled into position, ensuring that everything was in perfect order for his arrival.
Inside the castle, the ladies-in-waiting had been in the midst of their daily routines when the sound of approaching hooves and the sight of royal guards announced his presence.
As soon as he stepped into the grand hall, the ladies-in-waiting bowed deeply, their heads lowered in respect. Silence filled the space, thick with formality.
And yet, amidst the sea of heads bowed in deference, Arvin's gaze sought out only one.
Mirha.
For a brief moment, his eyes lingered on her, unreadable as ever. The moment was fleeting—barely there—but for those who noticed, it was enough to stir an unspoken tension in the room.
Without a word, he continued his stride, his heavy robes brushing past them as he made his way toward his study.
Not long after, Heman, the emperor's trusted aide, entered the hall where the ladies-in-waiting still stood. He addressed them with his usual measured tone.
"The Emperor has returned to Taico. As is custom, you are all required to return to the Imperial Castle immediately."
A few exchanged glances, though none dared to question the decree. The culture dictated it—while the Empress remained in Malaka until she bore a child, her attendants were to return to serve in court.
Without delay, preparations began. Trunks were packed, carriages readied, and the grand halls of Malaka were soon filled with the quiet hum of departure.
As the ladies-in-waiting readied themselves for the journey, one question lingered in Kanha's mind, tightening in her chest like a cruel reminder.
Would the trip back to the Imperial Castle bring her closer to the answers she dreaded… or the truth she refused to accept?
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.
The sun had begun its slow descent, casting a golden hue over Malaka Castle. The halls were quieter now, absent of the usual bustle of the ladies-in-waiting. Only the Empress and her attendants remained, along with the Emperor himself.
In their private chamber, Nailah sat near the open balcony, her silk robes draped elegantly over the cushioned seat. The breeze was gentle, carrying the scent of the evening blossoms into the room. Despite the tranquility, she felt the weight of the moment settle over her as Arvin finally entered.
The Emperor moved with his usual air of authority, his presence commanding yet unreadable. He was not a man of unnecessary words, nor was he one to waste time. Closing the distance between them, he stood before her, studying her with a gaze that was sharp, assessing.
"You seem well," he remarked, his voice steady.
Nailah tilted her head slightly. "I am."
A brief silence stretched between them before Arvin spoke again, this time more direct. "Have you confirmed it?"
She knew exactly what he was referring to.
Resting her hands lightly over her lap, she kept her composure. "I have not seen my lunar cycle." A pause, then a slight, knowing smile. "So, it is safe to say I am with child."
The words lingered in the air, heavy with meaning.
Arvin's expression didn't change at first, but there was a shift—something subtle, something only someone who truly knew him would notice. He exhaled slowly, nodding as if mentally marking the confirmation.
"Congratulations, my dear Empress" he said simply.
Nailah met his gaze, searching for something deeper in his reaction. But this was Arvin—always measured, and unreadable.
"You do not seem surprised," she noted.
Arvin gave a small smile. "It was always the plan, was it not?"
She let out a quiet breath, shaking her head slightly. "Yes, it was."
Silence settled between them again, but this time it was different. Not uncomfortable, not strained—just filled with unspoken understanding. This was what their marriage had always been: a union of duty first, everything else second.
Arvin finally stepped closer, lifting his hand to gently brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear. It was a rare gesture, one that felt both intentional and fleeting. "Rest," he murmured. "You will need your strength in the months ahead."
Nailah held his gaze for a moment longer before nodding. "Of course."
With that, Arvin turned, his presence as commanding in departure as it had been upon arrival. As the doors shut behind him, Nailah exhaled, her fingers tracing absentmindedly over the fabric of her robe.
He had given her what she asked—what an idiot she thought this would pull them closer.
Now, she wondered, what would become of them?
After leaving Nailah's chamber, Arvin made his way to his study. The castle was unusually quiet, the absence of the ladies-in-waiting making it feel even more so. His steps were measured, his mind processing the conversation he had just had with his Empress. A child. It was expected, part of the grand design of their union. And yet, there was something about hearing it aloud that settled within him differently.
He pushed the thought aside as he entered the study, where Heman was already waiting for him.
The Emperor took his seat behind the grand wooden desk, fingers tapping lightly against the armrest of his chair. Heman, ever composed, stood with his hands behind his back.
"Ever since we returned from Kamaya, my schedule has cleared considerably," Arvin mused, breaking the silence. "Everything seems to be running smoothly. Almost too smoothly."
Heman smirked slightly. "Are you complaining about efficiency, Your Majesty?"
Arvin let out a low breath, shaking his head. "No. It is just… unusual. Wars, disputes, politics—there is always something demanding my attention. But now? Even the court sessions are dull." He leaned back in his chair. "It is a strange thing to admit, but I find myself… bored."
Heman chuckled. "That is a first."
Arvin waved a hand dismissively before shifting topics. "Send for the royal physician. I want him in Malaka within the next few days."
Heman nodded in understanding. "For the Empress?"
Arvin gave a brief nod. "Yes. I want a proper confirmation of her condition and for him to ensure everything progresses well."
"As you wish," Heman responded. He then shifted the subject. "Speaking of things progressing well, I have news regarding General Kian."
At the mention of his elder brother, Arvin's gaze sharpened.
Heman continued, "Trade has flourished under his governance. The neighboring kingdoms have grown more cooperative. Merchants are reporting fewer disputes. Even the councilmen have little to complain about."
Arvin exhaled slowly, a faint trace of approval crossing his features. "That is good."
Heman hesitated for a moment before adding, "He is planning to come to Taico soon."
Arvin's fingers stilled against the desk. He did not react immediately, but there was a noticeable pause before he spoke. "I see."
"I thought you should know," Heman said carefully.
Arvin nodded slowly. "It has been a long time since Kian set foot in the Imperial City."
Heman, however, did not share his ruler's ease. "That is what concerns me."
Arvin's gaze lifted to meet his advisor's. "You still do not trust him."
Heman did not bother denying it. "No. He is doing well now, but men do not change so easily, Your Majesty. I fear that when he steps back into the court, old conflicts may resurface."
Arvin was silent for a moment before finally speaking. "Perhaps. But I would like to believe he is trying again. I will not push him away before he has even arrived."
Heman bowed slightly. "Then we shall wait and see."
Arvin gave a final nod, signaling the conversation's end.
Though he did not say it aloud, he, too, knew the truth—time would tell whether Kian's return would be a blessing or a warning.
The morning air in Malaka carried the crisp scent of early autumn, a subtle shift in the season that had yet to touch the warmth of the sun. Within the castle walls, the halls were alive with movement, as attendants prepared for the arrival of the royal physician.
Yadid had long served the imperial family, a man of sharp intellect and steady hands. His knowledge in medicine and apothecary arts was unmatched, and though he was not an old man, the weight of his duty had placed wisdom upon his shoulders. He had been away in his private apothecary for some time, tending to rare cases that required his attention, but now, he was summoned to Malaka at the Emperor's request.
Upon his arrival, he was escorted directly to the study, where Arvin sat behind his desk, posture relaxed but gaze unreadable. Heman stood by his side, ever watchful, while the attendants quietly retreated after announcing Yadid's presence.
The physician bowed. "Your Majesty."
Arvin gestured for him to rise. "You are already aware of why I have called for you."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Yadid answered with practiced composure. "The Empress's condition requires careful observation. Early stages must not be neglected."
The Emperor leaned forward slightly, his fingers steepled together. "What do you need to ensure her well-being?"
Yadid did not hesitate. "Time. Frequent assessments. And your presence."
Arvin raised a brow.
The physician continued, unfazed. "A woman's well-being during this stage is not merely physical. The Empress must not feel isolated. Her emotional state is just as crucial as her physical health. A sense of security is necessary for a smooth progression."
A pause settled between them. Heman glanced at the Emperor, waiting for his response.
Arvin exhaled through his nose, a subtle shift in his expression as he absorbed the words. "Noted."
Yadid inclined his head respectfully. "Then, if I may, I would like to meet the Empress."
Arvin gestured toward Heman, who signaled for an attendant to escort the physician. Yadid followed without another word, his thoughts collected but his curiosity piqued.
—
The halls of Malaka Castle carried an air of quiet serenity, the golden glow of mid-morning light filtering through the high windows. As Yadid was led toward the Empress's quarters, he adjusted his robes, mentally preparing himself for what was to come.
When the doors opened, he was not prepared for the sight that awaited him.
Empress Nailah stood near the window, her silk robes pooling gracefully at her feet, the sheer fabric catching the light. There was an effortless elegance about her, a regal presence that did not demand attention but commanded it all the same. Her dark, expressive eyes met his with a calm, unreadable gaze, her hands delicately resting before her.
For a moment, Yadid found himself caught in quiet admiration. It was not often he was in the presence of a woman whose beauty left even a man of science momentarily speechless.
Elara, the Empress's maid, noticed his fleeting hesitation and spoke smoothly, breaking the moment. "The royal physician has arrived, Your Majesty."
Nailah gave a small, knowing smile. "I see." Her voice was gentle, yet there was an unmistakable strength beneath it.
Yadid cleared his throat, regaining his composure as he bowed. "It is an honor, Your Majesty."
She inclined her head. "Thank you for coming all this way."
He straightened. "It is my duty."
Elara stepped forward, poised yet efficient. "I will escort the physician to his quarters."
With another bow, Yadid excused himself, following Elara through the corridors. Even as they walked, his mind lingered on the Empress, her presence unlike any he had encountered before.
The following days in Malaka carried a shift so subtle, yet deeply felt.
Per Yadid's instructions, Arvin found himself within Nailah's presence more than he had anticipated. He had not traveled beyond Malaka, had not drowned himself in matters of war or trade. Instead, he had remained.
At first, it was obligation—he was a ruler, and his duty extended to ensuring the stability of his household. But as the days passed, something in the air between them softened.
Nailah had always been composed, graceful in her role, but now, she seemed lighter. The weight of solitude that had lingered around her had lifted, even if just slightly.
She smiled more often, her laughter coming easier. It was not the grand, dramatic change one might expect, but it was there—in the way her fingers brushed against his when they sat beside each other, in the way she did not rush to dismiss his presence.
Arvin, a man of calculated movements, found himself lingering longer in her presence, even when there was no necessity to do so. Conversations stretched longer than required. Even moments of silence between them felt less like absence and more like something… settled.
Perhaps it was the quiet stability that had formed, or perhaps it was something unspoken between them.
Regardless, the Empress was happy again. And Arvin, though he would not say it aloud, did not mind that at all.
The meal continued in quiet harmony, the soft clinking of porcelain filling the space between them. For once, Nailah didn't try to pry, nor did she let her thoughts drift to places that would ruin the moment. Arvin was here, and that was enough.
She stole a glance at him as she reached for a piece of fruit. His features were sharp, regal, yet unreadable. The way his fingers moved as he lifted his cup, the slight furrow in his brow—it was all so familiar. So comforting.
"Do you like the tea?" she asked, pouring herself another cup.
He looked up briefly, his gaze settling on her. "It's good."
A small, satisfied smile tugged at her lips. It was always like this. She asked, he answered. Simple, effortless.
She leaned back slightly, fingers trailing along the delicate embroidery of her sleeves. "I think Yadid has been doing well. I feel stronger than before."
Arvin nodded. "I can tell."
She brightened at that, pleased by his acknowledgment. It wasn't an elaborate compliment, but it was enough.
For the past few days, he hadn't gone anywhere—he had stayed close, as if bound to her by duty. But duty or not, he was here. That was all that mattered.
"You should rest after this," Arvin said after a moment. "Yadid advised it."
She chuckled, setting her cup down. "It seems the royal physician has become my second husband."
Arvin's lips twitched, but he only shook his head.
The breeze carried the scent of jasmine through the courtyard once more, and Nailah closed her eyes briefly, breathing it in. For the first time in a long time, she felt at ease.
And with Arvin by her side, she let herself believe it would stay that way, a lie but hopefull