The naming ceremony exploded into full celebration just as Kanha's sobs finally quieted in the eastern pavilion.
She remained curled on the bench, tears still slipping down her cheeks, when soft footsteps approached. Her mother, Ana, sat beside her without a word and began gently stroking her hair.
"Now, now… the hardest part is over," Ana murmured. "You need to forgive yourself now."
Kanha's voice broke. "How? How can I… I did this. I wish I had never—"
"Shh. It's over now."
Ana glanced up and saw Nailah standing at a distance, watching them quietly.
"We will join you later," Ana said.
Nailah gave a small nod and turned toward the prince's chambers to prepare her son for the ceremony.
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The kingdom of Bukid shone with joy.
Music filled the air, drums thundered, and colorful banners fluttered in the breeze. On the surface, no one could guess that secrets had fractured the royal family. Everyone wore their brightest smiles as the grand procession entered the temple grounds.
Mirha walked in beside her mother Launi, with Lady Reka and Yuma following close behind. The Queen Mother arrived with her ladies. General Kain entered with Goya, Duke Rnzo with Gina. Lord Kaisen came with King Kalan of Lamig, while Lord Vharin walked beside his wife Ana. King Jun and his wife Hera followed.
Finally, Emperor Arvin, Empress Nailah, and their infant son appeared. The crowd bowed deeply, then burst into loud applause and cheers.
Once seated, Arvin rose, cradling little Prince Kilimah in his arms.
"People of Èvana," he announced, voice strong and clear, " our son — Prince Kilimah the Second!"
The crowd erupted in joyous screams: "Kilimah! Kilimah!"
The sudden roar startled the baby. Prince Kilimah let out a sharp wail. Arvin laughed softly and pulled him closer to his chest, murmuring soothing words before returning to his seat. Nailah reached out to take him, but Arvin shook his head with a gentle smile. "It's alright. I have him."
The celebration swelled louder. People danced and sang as the name "Kilimah" echoed across the grounds.
Mirha sat with her mother, forcing soft laughter at Launi's comments, trying desperately to appear normal. Then King Kalan and Lord Kaisen approached their group.
Kaisen offered a soft, practiced smile. Mirha looked at him and wondered how he was truly holding himself together after everything.
Kaisen bowed slightly. Mirha returned it, as did King Kalan.
"Your Majesty," Mirha said warmly, then gestured to Reka. "This is Lady Reka."
Kalan's eyes brightened. "A pleasure."
Mirha smiled. "Reka, would you keep His Majesty company today?"
Reka returned the smile, fully aware she was being set up, but played along out of curiosity about Lamig. "Of course."
Lord Kaisen then turned to Mirha. "May I borrow your other lady for a moment?"
"Of course." Mirha nodded to Yuma, who bowed politely and went with him.
Once they walked away, Mirha let out a slow, deep breath and turned back to her mother, the weight of the past days still pressing heavily on her chest despite the festive chaos surrounding them.
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Yuma walked beside Kaisen, assuming they were heading toward the dancing. Instead, he kept walking until the music faded and they reached a quiet garden pavilion hidden from the celebration.
He gently guided her to sit on the stone bench. She obeyed. Kaisen sat right beside her, still holding her hand.
"I'm so sorry," he said quietly, voice heavy with regret. "For what I did to you last night… I hate myself for losing control like that."
Yuma looked at him softly. "It's okay."
His eyes dropped to her neck, where the scarf still covered the bruises. "Can I see?"
She gave a small nod.
Kaisen carefully pulled the scarf aside. The dark fingerprints stood out starkly against her skin. His stomach twisted with guilt. Without thinking, he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her tightly.
"I'm very sorry," he whispered against her hair, pressing a kiss there. "I never wanted to hurt you."
Yuma could feel his heart racing against her. Wanting to calm him, she pulled back slightly and kissed him — slow and gentle at first.
Kaisen responded immediately. The kiss deepened, turning longer and more intense. He dominated it, one hand cupping the back of her neck as he kissed her with quiet desperation, as if trying to pour all his guilt and need into her.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavier.
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Mirha sat with Goya and Gina a short distance away from the main dancing area, the three women watching the celebration unfold. The music was lively, but the atmosphere between them felt heavier than it should have on such a joyful day.
Gina's gaze drifted toward the imperial seat, where Arvin was gently bouncing little Prince Kilimah on his knee, making the baby giggle. Gina smiled softly at the sight before turning to Mirha.
Goya, however, couldn't hold her tongue any longer.
"I hate to say it right now," she said quietly, "but I told all of you that girl was lying."
Mirha's shoulders tensed. "Please, Goya… not now."
Goya let out a small "hmm," then turned her attention back to the crowd with a slight shrug.
Gina leaned in a little, changing the subject with a teasing smile. "Anyway… have you really sent Reka off to be alone with King Kalan?"
Mirha's lips curved into a small, genuine smile. "Yes… it was actually quite obvious."
Goya turned back around, raising an eyebrow. "I know Kalan. He'll probably ruin it and ask to marry her tonight. The man gets far too excited about these things."
Mirha gave a soft laugh. "At least we've done our part."
The three women sat in companionable silence for a while, watching the dancers and listening to the drums.
Then a servant approached and bowed. "The Emperor requests Lady Mirha's presence."
Mirha stood, smoothing her gown, and made her way over to the imperial dais where Arvin and Nailah were seated.
Arvin looked up as she approached. He reached out, taking her hand in his with easy familiarity.
"This is the Imperial Concubine," he announced to the nearby lords and governors.
The men bowed respectfully.
Arvin leaned closer to Mirha's ear, his voice dropping to a intimate murmur only she could hear.
"I missed you."
Mirha offered him a small smile but said nothing in return.
Arvin guided her to sit beside him on the cushioned seat.
Nailah, who had been quietly playing with their son, glanced over at Mirha. Her expression remained composed, but her eyes lingered for a moment on the other woman before she turned her attention back to Prince Kilimah, gently adjusting the baby's little robe as he squirmed in her lap.
Nailah leaned toward Arvin, her voice soft but firm.
"The noise is making him fussy. I'll take the prince back to the chambers."
Arvin nodded without hesitation. "Alright."
Nailah rose gracefully, bowing her head to both Arvin and Mirha before she turned and walked away, cradling little Kilimah close to her chest. The baby's small cries faded as she disappeared into the quieter path leading back to the palace.
Once she was gone, Arvin's attention shifted completely to Mirha.
He reached for her hand, lifting it to his lips and pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her knuckles. Mirha smiled, but her voice was low and careful.
"Be more discreet, Your Majesty."
Arvin's eyes darkened with unmistakable hunger as he looked at her.
"But I can't," he murmured, "when you're sitting this close to me."
Mirha turned her head to meet his gaze. She gave him a soft smile, though she could clearly see the raw desire written across his face — the same intense, barely restrained want that had kept her awake for hours the night before.
"I will be expecting you later, my love," he said quietly, voice thick with promise.
Mirha nodded once. "Alright."
Arvin kissed her hand again, slower this time, before finally releasing it.
Mirha let her eyes drift across the crowded celebration, scanning the sea of colorful silks and laughing faces. Her gaze eventually landed on Reka and King Kalan. The two were standing a little apart from the main dancing, deep in conversation. Reka was smiling at something Kalan said, her head tilted slightly, while the king of Lamig looked thoroughly charmed.
Mirha watched them for a moment, a small, quiet smile touching her lips.
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Kalan took a slow sip of his wine, then turned to Reka with a calm, direct gaze.
"I wish to marry you, Lady Reka."
Reka raised an elegant brow, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Let me guess — because I'm beautiful, smart, sweet… a delicate lady fit for a queen?"
Kalan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Patience, my lady. I don't need a delicate lady. I've done my research on you. That's why I'm here."
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice so only she could hear.
"I don't actually want to marry. Not in the traditional sense. And from what I've learned about you, neither do you. Not really. If you accept, you become Queen of Lamig. You'll have your own palace, your own guards, your own wealth and complete freedom. No heavy court duties, no endless expectations to play the perfect wife. You can travel, pursue whatever interests you, live exactly as you wish — only with the title and protection that comes with being my queen."
Reka listened carefully, her expression thoughtful. She didn't interrupt.
After a moment, she asked, "How do I know this isn't some kind of trap?"
Kalan met her eyes steadily. "You'll have everything in writing before any ceremony. Your own palace, separate from mine if you prefer. Your own personal army and staff loyal only to you. Access to the royal family and resources whenever you need them. And if at any point you feel trapped or unhappy…Youu may leave. No scandal, no punishment. You walk away with your title, your wealth, and your freedom intact."
Reka took a slow sip of her wine, considering his words. "Why me, specifically?"
Kalan's answer was simple and honest. "Because we're the same. I need a queen for political reasons, but I don't want the drama, the jealousy, or the constant demands that usually come with marriage. You don't want to be anyone's property or pretty accessory either. You want freedom. I can give you that. In return, I get a queen who won't stress me or complicate my life. No heir is required right away — we can handle that matter later if it ever becomes necessary. For now, all I need is a partner who understands the arrangement."
Reka studied him for a long moment, weighing everything he'd said. The offer was surprisingly clean — no flowery romance, no false promises of love. Just power, freedom, and mutual benefit.
Finally, she set her cup down.
"I will think about it."
Kalan smiled, warm but not pushy. "That's all I ask. I'll be waiting."
He gave her a respectful bow and walked away, leaving her standing alone with her thoughts.
Reka turned her head slightly to the right and caught Mirha watching her from a distance. She smiled and gave a small, graceful bow. Mirha returned the smile, a quiet look of curiosity and amusement in her eyes.