Kaisen didn't stop at the pavilion. He led Yuma all the way back to his private chambers in silence. The moment the door closed behind them, he pulled her close and kissed her with raw hunger, hands gripping her waist as if he could drown everything else in her.
Yuma placed a hand on his chest and gently pushed.
"My lady will look for me," she whispered.
He didn't answer. Instead, he kissed her again, deeper, more insistent.
She pushed harder this time. "Kaisen-"
His voice came out low and rough, edged with frustration.
"Stay still."
Yuma's eyes widened - a flash of both anger and fear. She shoved him back with both hands.
"Get off me."
Kaisen immediately let go and stepped away, breathing heavily. Regret washed over his face.
"I'm sorry," he said, voice hoarse. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to scare you."
Yuma stood there, silent, arms wrapped around herself.
Kaisen ran a hand through his hair, clearly fighting to regain control. After a long, heavy pause, he reached for her hand more carefully this time.
"I wish to marry you."
Yuma pulled her hand back, eyes wide with disbelief. She was speechless for several seconds before she finally managed, "Are you... serSerious
Kaisen looked at her steadily, the hunger replaced by something quieter and more vulnerable.
"I swear to the gods. You are the only one I want to marry. Will you marry me?"
Yuma hesitated, her mind spinning. The bruise on her neck still throbbed under the scarf. Kaisen stepped closer, voice softening.
"Please."
She searched his face for a long moment, then gave a small, uncertain nod.
"Yes."
Relief flooded his expression. He leaned in and kissed her - this time slow, tender, and full of quiet emotion.
"I love you," he whispered against her lips.
Yuma nodded, still a little dazed.
Kaisen helped her straighten her gown and carefully readjusted the scarf around her neck to hide the marks. Then he walked her back through the quiet garden paths to her chambers. At the door, he kissed her once more, gentle and lingering.
"I will tell Mirha tomorrow," he said softly.
Yuma nodded. "Goodnight."
She slipped inside and closed the door behind her.
-----------
The next morning, Kaisen joined Arvin, Rnzo, Kalan, and Kain for a private breakfast in the imperial dining hall. The mood was noticeably lighter than the day before. As they exchanged greetings, the others seemed relieved to see Kaisen looking calmer and more like himself.
Then he spoke without preamble.
"Your Majesty," he said evenly, "I intend to marry."
The table fell quiet.
Rnzo let out a short laugh, leaning back in his chair. "You can't be serious."
"I am," Kaisen replied.
Arvin set his cup down, studying him carefully. "Do you have someone in mind?"
"Yes. Lady Mirha's personal maid, Yuma."
A heavier silence settled over the group.
Kain raised an eyebrow. "Fair enough... but marriage? She could be a consort or mistress for now. Besides, isn't she Heman's sister-in-law?"
All eyes turned to Heman.
Heman cleared his throat, looking mildly uncomfortable. "Yes, that's correct. Lord Kaisen... I would ask that you think this through very carefully."
Arvin leaned forward slightly. "Did you ask the girl first?"
"I did," Kaisen said. "She agreed."
Rnzo, who had been watching his brother closely, finally spoke. "Have you been involved with Miss Yuma?"
Kaisen met his gaze steadily. "We have grown closer. Nothing improper has occurred."
Arvin exhaled slowly, then nodded once. "Very well."
Kaisen looked around the table. "Do I have your blessings?"
Rnzo shrugged, a hint of amusement still in his voice. "Why not?"
Arvin was more measured. "Be careful. Don't rush. But if this is truly what you want, then you have my approval - provided you discuss it properly with Lord Heman first."
Heman studied Kaisen for a moment, then gave a single nod.
"I consider you a good man. If Yuma has accepted you, I see no reason to stand in the way."
As the conversation settled, Kalan leaned back in his chair and finally spoke.
"Then I suppose it's a good time to tell you as well, Your Majesty. I have found my queen."
Arvin's eyebrows rose with genuine interest. "Really? That's lovely. Who has caught your eye?"
"Lady Reka."
Rnzo tilted his head. "Reka Monti?"
"Yes."
Kain lifted his cup with a small smile. "Congratulations, brother."
"Thank you," Kalan replied, then turned to Arvin. "I do hope I have Your Majesty's blessings."
Arvin nodded easily. "Always."
Kaisen offered a quiet, "Congratulations," before shifting his attention to Arvin. "I also wish to speak with Lady Mirha. I need to ask her something important."
Arvin paused. He remembered how late he had kept Mirha up the night before. She was most likely still asleep and wouldn't rise until well into the afternoon.
"Maybe tomorrow," Arvin said. "She's occupied today."
Kaisen gave a small nod of understanding.
Arvin then looked around the table with a faint, amused smile. "Anyone else who wants to marry?"
The men broke into low laughter, the tension easing for a moment.
--------------
Mirha woke slowly the next morning, her body still heavy and tender from the long night with Arvin. She lay in bed for a few moments longer than usual, letting the sunlight warm her face before she finally sat up with a quiet sigh.
Yuma entered quietly, carrying warm water and fresh towels for her bath.
"Good morning, my lady," Yuma said softly as she prepared the tub.
Mirha offered her a tired but genuine smile. "Good morning."
As Mirha slipped into the warm water, Yuma knelt beside the tub and began gently washing her hair. The familiar routine was soothing. After several peaceful minutes, Yuma spoke, her voice hesitant but clear.
"My lady… Lord Kaisen has asked me to marry him."
Mirha blinked, still a little foggy from sleep. "Marry…?"
Yuma nodded, a small, nervous smile touching her lips.
It took a moment for the words to settle. Mirha turned to look at her properly, surprise flickering across her face, quickly followed by a spark of excitement mixed with concern.
"Lord Kaisen?" she asked gently. "Truly?"
"Yes," Yuma replied. "He asked me last night."
Mirha studied her for a long moment, then spoke with quiet care.
"Be cautious, Yuma. Don't let yourself become a way for him to heal from betrayal and pain. Men can act recklessly when they're hurting."
Yuma shook her head softly. "I don't believe that's what this is. We've been seeing each other for some time now… quietly."
Mirha's eyebrows rose in genuine surprise. "You have?"
"Yes," Yuma admitted, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "It was always respectful. Nothing improper ever happened between us."
Mirha exhaled slowly, processing the news. After a thoughtful pause, she nodded.
"I have no objection," she said warmly. "Though I will miss having you near me every day. I had just grown used to your presence."
Yuma smiled, touched. "I will still spend most of my time with you, my lady. That won't change."
Mirha let out a soft, knowing laugh. "I doubt that. As you can see, the only time we ladies truly gather is at night for a short dinner. The rest of our days… are spent in these chambers with the men."
Yuma was quiet for a moment, then spoke with sincere admiration.
"I admire you, my lady. I don't know how, but you carry this aura that makes people feel safe around you. I wonder what it would take to be like you."
Mirha turned to her, genuinely surprised by the words. She smiled gently. "Are you serious? That's very kind of you to say."
Yuma nodded, then asked hesitantly, "Do you think I can manage this life of nobility?"
Mirha leaned back in the tub, thinking carefully before answering.
"Honestly… I still don't know if I'm managing it myself most days," she said with quiet honesty. "There are mornings I wake up and wonder how I got here. But if I've learned anything, it's this: the palace will try to reshape you into whatever it needs. Don't let it. Keep one small part of yourself that no title, no man, and no ceremony can touch. That's the only thing that's truly kept me from breaking."
Yuma listened intently, letting the words settle over her.
Mirha gave her a small, encouraging smile. "You already have a good heart, Yuma. Hold onto it. The rest… you'll figure out as you go."
"Thank you, my lady," Yuma said softly, her voice warm with gratitude.
"That… helps more than you know."
Mirha smiled gently, reaching out to squeeze Yuma's hand where it rested on the edge of the tub.
"You're going to be alright," she murmured. "We all figure it out one day at a time."
Yuma nodded again, a small, determined smile forming on her lips as she continued helping Mirha with her bath.For the first time since Kaisen's proposal, the knot of uncertainty in her chest felt a little looser.