I find him where I shouldn't.
The eastern corridor is quiet at dawn, washed in pale light and secrecy. I tell myself I'm only walking to clear my head, that my feet aren't betraying me. But when I see Fahad standing near the tall arched window, hands clasped behind his back like he's bracing himself for something, I know the truth.
I came for him.
He turns when he senses me, and the look on his face nearly undoes me. Surprise first. Then relief. Then something far more dangerous.
"Ria," he says softly. "You shouldn't be out here."
"I know," I whisper. "But neither should you."
The words settle between us.
Neither of us moves.
For a long moment, we simply stare at each other, as if memorizing details we fear we won't be allowed to keep. The early morning light paints his face in gold, and I hate how beautiful he looks like this—quiet, unguarded.
"I heard the ceremony details were finalized last night," he says.
I nod. "Tomorrow evening."
His jaw tightens. "That soon."
"Yes."
Silence stretches. It feels fragile, like glass about to shatter.
"I keep thinking," I say, my voice shaking, "that if I don't say something now, I never will."
His eyes lock onto mine. "Ria—"
"I know," I cut in quickly. "I know everything that stands between us. Duty. The palace. Khalid. I know."
I take a step closer before fear can stop me.
"But I also know how I feel," I continue. "And I'm tired of pretending it doesn't exist."
His breath catches. I see it. Hear it.
"Ria," he says again, this time like a warning—to himself more than to me.
"I don't expect promises," I whisper. "I don't expect rebellion. I just need to know that what I feel isn't one-sided. That I didn't imagine the way you look at me. The way you stay away because staying close would destroy us."
His restraint finally cracks.
"You didn't imagine it," he says, voice low and urgent. "Every time I see you, I have to remind myself who you are meant to be. And who I am not allowed to be to you."
My heart pounds so loudly I swear the walls can hear it.
"I care about you," I say. "More than I should."
He steps closer now—too close. His hand lifts, hesitates, then drops again.
"I love—"
Footsteps.
Sharp. Purposeful.
We freeze.
Khalid's voice slices through the corridor. "Am I interrupting something?"
The distance between Fahad and me suddenly feels criminal.
I step back instinctively, my pulse racing. Khalid approaches, his gaze flicking from my face to Fahad's, then lingering just long enough to confirm what he already suspects.
"Princess," he says calmly, too calmly. "The council has been searching for you."
"I was just leaving," I manage.
Fahad bows slightly. "My lord."
Khalid smiles—but there is no warmth in it. "Interesting timing," he remarks. "I didn't realize business partners and future brides shared private dawn meetings."
My throat tightens.
"We were talking about the ceremony," I say.
"Of course," Khalid replies. His eyes never leave Fahad. "You seem… very invested."
Fahad's voice is steady, but I hear the tension beneath it. "I'll take my leave."
As he turns to walk away, our eyes meet one last time.
There are so many words still trapped between us.
Love. Fear. Truth.
All unsaid.
Khalid places a hand lightly on my back once Fahad is gone. It feels possessive. Claiming.
"You look shaken," he murmurs. "You should rest."
I nod, unable to speak.
As he guides me away, one thought burns in my chest:
Fahad was about to say it.
And now the palace knows something is wrong.