The afternoon sun slanted through the tall windows of the royal study, painting golden streaks across the polished floor. The air carried a still warmth, heavy with the scent of old parchment and cedarwood. Arvin sat by the broad window, his gaze distant as his brothers filled the room with easy chatter and the occasional burst of laughter.
Kain was seated opposite him, leaning back with one leg crossed, while Tando stood near the wine table, pouring himself a glass. Rnzo had his usual air of self-assured amusement, and Kaisen—ever the composed one—stood by the map table, tracing the carved borders of Èvana with his finger.
Their conversation had begun lightly — about trade, routes, and court gossip — but it shifted when Arvin spoke, his voice quiet yet steady.
"I was thinking," he said, turning his glass in his hand, "that after our generation… Èvana may well become a dynasty. If our children continue what we've built, it might not end with us."
The room fell silent for a heartbeat.
Kain's brow furrowed, then slowly lifted. The thought lingered in his mind before breaking into a loud, genuine laugh. "By the stars, you're right!" he said, shaking his head. "It's very possible. Imagine — an empire held together by the blood of Su, for centuries to come."
Rnzo smirked. "Now that's a comforting thought," he said lazily. "Provided our children don't tear each other apart before it happens."
Kaisen gave a quiet hum of agreement, his gaze still on the map. "It depends on what kind of fathers we are," he said softly.
Before the tone could grow too solemn, Kain took a seat beside Tando, his grin mischievous. "Speaking of fathers… I see our dear Kain has finally stopped clinging to Kiara's skirts long enough to join us men again."
Rnzo laughed immediately. "Finally!" he mocked. "I thought he'd forgotten what sunlight looked like outside her chambers."
Rnzo rolled his eyes but grinned nonetheless. "You two act as if love's a disease."
Tando chuckled, raising his cup. "No, brother. It's called quality time with someone you actually love. Something you wouldn't understand—since, last I checked, no one truly loves you."
Rnzo arched a brow, feigning offense. "Oh, I have plenty of admirers, thank you."
Tando didn't miss a beat. "That you forced to be with you."
Kaisen sighed deeply and muttered, "And I thought this was a meeting about the empire."
Their laughter filled the room again, echoing against the tall walls. Even Arvin smiled faintly — the kind of small, fleeting smile that never quite reached his eyes.
Then Kain turned to him, his grin sharp. "And what of you, brother? Don't you miss Lady Nailah?"
The question cut through the laughter like a blade.
Arvin's hand stilled on his cup. His brothers all turned to look at him, curious, perhaps teasing — but beneath their smiles lingered genuine wonder.
Did he miss her?
He thought of Nailah — her soft laughter, her grace in the court, her ability to command a room without ever raising her voice. She was everything an Empress was meant to be.
And yet… her absence brought him peace, not longing.
He looked up slowly, his face composed, unreadable. "Yes," he said finally, his tone calm and measured. "I do."
The room quieted for a moment — not because they believed him, but because they sensed the weight behind his words.
Kain nodded once, accepting the answer without question. Rnzo leaned back with a smirk, though his eyes glimmered knowingly. Tando sipped his wine to hide a grin, and Kaisen, ever perceptive, simply looked away.
Arvin turned back to the window, watching the fading sunlight stretch across the horizon — the empire he ruled, the world he carried, and the truth he could not voice.
Kain leaned back in his chair, a sly grin playing on his lips. "Well… don't miss her for too long," he said, glancing at Arvin. "We're going back to Taico soon. You'll see her."
Rnzo frowned slightly, shaking his head. "But she's with child, isn't she? Four months… maybe five?"
Kain chuckled softly. "Still, a man can admire from afar." He tilted his head and asked casually, "Have you… taken a ministress yet? A concubine, perhaps?"
Arvin stiffened, his eyes narrowing. "We are not here to talk about that," he said curtly.
Tando, ever the pragmatic one, shrugged. "Well, I think it's traditional for the Empress to offer one of her ladies as a concubine."
Kaisen's gaze sharpened, and his voice was low but pointed. "Is it?"
Rnzo and Kain both nodded. Kain leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "It is. Father… our father took three concubines from Mother's hand when he was young. And later in life… he dismissed them."
Kaisen's eyes flickered with unease. He wasn't used to such frank talk about women, and his brow furrowed.
Rnzo noticed the tension and offered a sly comment, a smirk tugging at his lips as he glanced at Arvin. "Lady Elara is the one serving her," he said smoothly. "She'll most definitely serve you too."
Arvin simply shook his head, his expression closed, and stood. "I'm done here," he said, his tone final. Heman followed him silently, their departure leaving a quiet weight in the room.
Kaisen remained seated, frowning slightly. Did you… anger Arvin?
Kain leaned back, studying his younger brother. "No," he said calmly. "He's just very reserved. Doesn't talk about women so openly. Nothing new."
A mischievous gleam appeared in Kain's eyes, curiosity getting the better of him. "Though… if I had to guess," he added, lowering his voice, "it could be either concubine Mirha or Kanha. But since Kanha is the Empress's cousin, my bet is on Mirha."
Kaisen's lips pressed into a thin line, his mind working through the implications. The idea lingered between them like smoke — uncertain, but potent.
Rnzo chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Arvin isn't really the type to take concubines anyway," he added. "He values loyalty more than tradition — and he's far too reserved for any of that."
Kaisen's lips pressed into a thin line. He studied Arvin's retreating back and Hosha's silent shadow beside him. He knew Rnzo was right. And yet… the notion of Mirha being considered, even hypothetically, set something stirring in him.
Kain leaned forward, his curiosity unabated. "Still," he said with a teasing glint in his eye, "one can never be too careful. Especially with someone like Arvin."
The room settled into a thoughtful silence, the air heavy with unspoken calculations, desires, and the subtle politics of courtly tradition.
Once Kain left, followed shortly by Tando, the room seemed to shrink around Kaisen. He rose quietly, his footsteps soft against the floor as he made his way to the window, staring out at the fading light outside. The cool evening air pressed against the panes, but it did nothing to cool the fire of determination building inside him.
Rnzo remained seated, his eyes fixed on his brother. He didn't need words to understand—Kaisen was plotting something, and Rnzo knew full well that it was going to be bold… reckless, even. The silence stretched between them, heavy but expectant.
Finally, Kaisen turned his gaze back toward Rnzo, his voice steady but edged with urgency. "I'm going to ask her. Right now. I'll be bold—like you."
Rnzo's lips curved into a knowing smirk, though his eyes remained serious. "No, you won't. You and I both know it's not the way you want it."
Kaisen's frown deepened. "What if she's taken… as a concubine?"
Rnzo leaned back slightly, unbothered. "And what if she's not?"
A shiver of unease ran through Kaisen. "I have a bad feeling about this," he muttered, almost to himself.
"Paranoid," Rnzo said, his tone firm yet teasing. "You're just overthinking it. Besides, we're returning to Taico soon. Arvin will marry Gina immediately, and then you can ask for her hand properly. Plus… you'll have to ask Nailah for permission before anything becomes official—and she's still in Taico. We go back, and everything falls into place."
Kaisen's shoulders eased, the tension draining slightly from his posture. He allowed himself a small exhale, the weight of anxiety lifting, replaced with cautious hope. He knew Rnzo was right. Everything would align in its own time.
Yet, even as relief settled in, Kaisen's eyes drifted back to the garden outside the window, silently imagining Mirha there—waiting, unaware, and entirely his.
Mirha sat quietly on the edge of the chaise in Gina's chambers, watching her friend move about with a lightness that made the room feel brighter. Since yesterday, Gina had been practically glowing, her laughter ringing through the soft morning light streaming in from the windows. She twirled slightly as she arranged a few trinkets on the dresser, her joy infectious.
Mirha smiled softly to herself, pleased to see Gina so happy. There was something comforting about seeing a friend unburdened, even if the source of that happiness was a bit puzzling.
Finally, Mirha broke the silence. "Gina… why are you so happy? Getting married suddenly like this… I didn't think you were so excited about Duke Rnzo for it to make you bounce around the room like this." Her voice was gentle, curious, and tinged with amusement.
Gina paused mid-step, her eyes catching Mirha's with a mischievous glint. She walked closer and leaned casually against the desk, arms crossed. "It's not… really about Rnzo," she began, her tone light, almost teasing. "It's more about what comes after."
Mirha's brow furrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"
Gina smiled, a secretive curve of her lips, and chose her words carefully. "Let's just say… being married first has its… advantages. It's about timing, and knowing that someone dear to me gets her chance after me. I just… like knowing things will fall into place, in the right order."
Mirha blinked, slowly piecing together the subtlety in Gina's words. Her heart warmed not just for Gina's happiness, but at the thought of her friend being considerate of others, even while rejoicing in her own fortune. "I… see," Mirha said softly, a quiet smile tugging at her lips.
Gina noticed the understanding in Mirha's eyes and laughed lightly, a small, airy sound that filled the room. "Don't look at me like that. I'm just happy… that's all."
But Mirha could tell there was more behind the smile, a mix of excitement, relief, and something deeper that Gina wasn't quite saying—but didn't need to. Mirha simply nodded, letting her friend revel in her joy while she quietly shared in it, grateful for this fleeting, bright moment before the world demanded more of them.
Mirha closed the door to Gina's chambers behind her, her thoughts still lingering on the excitement and joy she had just witnessed. The soft glow of the evening light filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the hall. Tomorrow they would leave for Taico, and Mirha felt a strange mix of anticipation and melancholy for the journey ahead.
As she reached the threshold of her own chambers, a familiar figure stepped forward.
"Mirha!"
It was Miru.
Mirha froze, her heart skipping a beat in surprise. Miru's eyes glistened, and without a word, she closed the distance between them. Mirha's arms instinctively wrapped around her old friend, holding her tightly. Mirha felt Miru's shoulders shake as tears spilled quietly.
"I… I can't thank you enough," Miru whispered into Mirha's shoulder, her voice trembling. "For helping Princess Goya that night… I… I messed everything up, and you… you fixed it."
Mirha gently patted her back, her own throat tight with emotion. "It was nothing, Miru. Really. I'm just glad to see you back here, safe, in court. That's what matters."
Miru pulled back slightly, wiping her cheeks, and smiled weakly, a mixture of relief and gratitude. "I… I came because… the gifts from Madame Mori have arrived. Princess Goya wanted me to go with her to pick up her gowns."
Mirha's eyes lit up. "Then let's not waste any time. She must be eager."
With that, the two women left together, the soft click of their slippers echoing down the hall. The night air seemed lighter as they walked side by side, the excitement of new gowns and the joy of reunion wrapping around them like a gentle warmth. For Mirha, it was a rare moment of peace and purpose, a small happiness before the flurry of the journey and courtly duties that awaited them the next day.
Mirha and Miru arrived at the sitting room, where Goya, Kiara, and Kanha were already gathered. The room was filled with soft lamplight, making the rich fabrics of the newly delivered gowns shimmer like tiny jewels. Goya's eyes lit up the moment she saw Mirha, and she practically bounced forward, grabbing her hand.
"Mirha! You must see these!" Goya exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. "Madame Mori outdid herself this time. Every gown is like a dream!"
Kiara and Kanha smiled at the sight of their friend's enthusiasm, Kanha folding her hands neatly while Kiara's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Mirha glanced around at the array of dresses laid across the chairs and tables—silks in soft pastels, delicate embroideries that caught the light, and fabrics that seemed almost to float with their own life. The sight was breathtaking.
"They are… beautiful," Mirha murmured, feeling her heart lift at the elegance surrounding them. She could see the care that had gone into each piece, and it made her feel almost like a princess herself.
Goya couldn't contain her excitement. She twirled toward Mirha, letting the soft rustle of the gowns follow her. "Mirha, I knew you would love them! Look at this one—I think it would suit you perfectly!"
Kanha leaned forward slightly, her smile soft. "Yes, these are truly magnificent. I never imagined Lamig fashion could be so refined."
Kiara clapped her hands gently. "We have to try them all! Every single one!"
Mirha laughed softly, feeling the warmth of their camaraderie. "I suppose we should. It would be a shame to leave anything unseen."
As the ladies began to explore the gowns, touching the fabrics, lifting the skirts, and admiring the intricate details, Mirha felt a rare sense of freedom and delight. In this moment, the worries of court, duties, and the upcoming journey to Taico felt far away. For a few hours, they could simply be themselves—friends sharing in the simple joy of beauty and fashion, laughter spilling through the room like music.
After minutes of laughter, twirling, and admiring the gowns, the ladies reluctantly allowed the seamstress's assistants to carefully pack the delicate fabrics. Each gown was folded with precision, wrapped in soft tissue, and placed into elegantly embroidered trunks, ready to be sent to their chambers.
Goya clapped her hands as the last trunk was secured. "All set! Tomorrow, we take these beauties to Taico, and I swear, everyone there will be jealous of our wardrobes!"
Mirha smiled, feeling a quiet satisfaction. "It's wonderful that we can travel in such style. Madame Mori really outdid herself."
Kiara leaned back, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I feel like royalty just seeing them packed up like this. I'll have to be careful not to smudge the embroidery before tomorrow!"
Kanha, ever composed, nodded. "It will be quite the sight. Lamig fashion arriving in Taico—it may set a new standard entirely."
With the gowns safely packed, the maids carefully carried the trunks to each lady's chambers. Mirha walked beside hers, feeling a subtle flutter of anticipation for the journey. It was a simple task, yet it symbolized more than just clothing—it was a preparation for the next chapter of their lives, a reminder of the elegance and attention that would accompany them back to Taico.
By the time the last trunk was safely stored, the ladies exchanged soft smiles and nodded to one another, each quietly appreciating the calm before the journey and the adventures—and surprises—that awaited them.
Mirha made her way back to her chambers, the day's bustle still lingering in her mind. As she opened the door, her eyes fell upon a large bouquet of roses resting elegantly on a table.
"Suni… what in the world—" she began, but was interrupted by the giggles of Suni and two other maids, who were exchanging glances and blushing furiously.
"It's… it's from Lord Kaisen," one of them finally managed to whisper, eyes wide with mischief.
Mirha's heart dropped, and for a brief, suspended moment, she froze. The delicate petals seemed to pulse with the weight of unspoken feelings, and a warmth spread through her chest as shock, and curiosity collided.
She stood there, silently staring at the roses, her mind a whirlwind.