BEYOND THE CROWN

Mirha's POV

Wait!" i shouted, but the stranger was already gone.

As i heard the guards getting closer, i felt a wave of relief wash over me. i shouted out to them, and soon they were peering down at me, their faces etched with concern.

"Lady Mirha, are you okay?" one of the guards asked, as they lowered a rope down to her.

i nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm just a bit shaken up."

The guards quickly helped me onto a horse, and one of them mounted behind her to support her as they rode back to the castle. i didn't even know my head was bleeding,

"Hold on, milady," the guard said, his voice firm and reassuring. "We'll get you to the physician right away."

i nodded, trying to stay stable as they rode. i was starting to feel a bit fuzzy, and her head was pounding.

When we arrived at the castle, the guards quickly dismounted and helped me down from the horse. They rushed me to the physician's chambers, where the doctor quickly set to work cleaning and bandaging my wound.

As the physician worked, i asked, "Was there an intruder in the garden? I thought I heard someone speaking, Madish."

The guards exchanged a glance, and one of them replied, "Don't worry, milady. The castle is perfectly safe. We have guards patrolling the grounds at all times. You must have just imagined it."

i frowned, feeling a bit uncertain. i was sure I heard someone speaking, Madish, and i couldn't shake the feeling that these guards knew the person.

But the guards just smiled and reassured me that everything was fine. "The castle is the safest place in the kingdom, milady," one of them said. "You're perfectly safe here."

i nodded, trying to feel reassured. But as she lay there, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, but if they say it's ok, I will let it be.

Gina, on the other hand, returned to the castle, her heart still racing with worry. She went straight to Mirha's quarters, where she found her friend sitting on the bed, looking a bit worse for wear.

Mirha's head was bandaged, and she had a faint smile on her face. "Hello, Gina," she said, her voice weak but cheerful.

Gina's expression changed from worry to annoyance. "Do you find joy in making me worry, Mirha?" she asked, trying to scold her friend.

Mirha looked sheepish, and Gina's anger melted away as she saw the bandage on Mirha's head. "What happened?" she asked, her voice softening.

Mirha told Gina everything, from getting lost in the garden to falling into the well and meeting the stranger who spoke Madish. Gina listened intently, her eyes wide with concern.

When Mirha finished, Gina let out a sigh of relief. "I'm just glad you're safe," she said, smiling. "You need to rest now. I'll tell the others that you're okay."

Gina left Mirha's quarters, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She went to the dining hall, where Kiara and Kanha were having dinner.

"I heard that Mirha was lost," Kiara said, looking up at Gina, "Did you find her? Is she okay?"

Gina smiled, taking a seat at the table. "She's fine. She got lost in the royal garden, chasing after some bunnies. That's all."

Kanha raised an eyebrow, looking disapproving. "That girl ought to learn how to be ladylike. For goodness' sake, she'll have us looked at like fools. It's already enough that we're from the South; we need to fit in and not embarrass her Majesty."

Gina listened patiently, her expression calm. "I'll make sure to speak with Mirha, Kanha. But let's not be too hard on her. We're all still adjusting to life at the castle."

Kiara nodded in agreement, but Kanha just sniffed, looking unconvinced. "The formal introduction to the court is soon," she said. "We need to make sure that Mirha is prepared. We can't have her embarrassing us in front of the entire court."

Gina smiled, trying to reassure Kanha. "Don't worry, my lady. I'll make sure that Mirha is ready. We'll all be perfect ladies, I promise."

As the days passed, Kanha took Gina and Mirha under her wing, teaching them the intricacies of court etiquette and protocol. Kiara, who had received formal training in etiquette, assisted Kanha in guiding the pair.

"Remember, a lady always curtsies with her weight on her right leg," Kanha instructed, as Gina and Mirha practised their curtsies.

"I think I'm getting it!" Gina exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.

"And don't forget to keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed," Kiara added, offering her own advice.

Mirha nodded, taking mental notes. "I'll try to remember, Kiara."

As the training progressed, Gina and Mirha grew more confident in their abilities. They began to envision themselves navigating the complexities of court life with ease.

As the ladies-in-waiting finished their training, they began to hear rumors about the upcoming ball, where they would be introduced to the royal court The ball would be attended by the most eligible bachelors in the kingdom, including Lord Tando, Lord Kaisen, and Duke Rnzo.

"I've met them once before, during the coronation," Kanha said, "Lord Kaisen is quite tall and handsome, and Duke Rnzo has a charming smile."

"I remember Lord Tando's strong jawline," Kiara added.

Gina and Mirha looked at each other curiously. "I've never met them before," Gina said. "What are they like?"

Mirha nodded in agreement. "I've heard of their titles, but I don't know much about them."

Kanha smiled. "You'll meet them soon enough. Just remember to curtsy and be polite."

Kanha glanced at Gina and Mirha. "Don't forget, you two need to take your measurements to the seamstress today. She needs to finish your gowns for the ball."

Gina nodded. "I almost forgot, thank you for reminding us, Kanha."

Mirha smiled. "I'm so excited to see our gowns. I've heard the seamstress is the best in the kingdom."

Kiara smiled. "You'll both look lovely, I'm sure. Shall we all go to the seamstress together?"

As they rode in the carriage, Kiara chatted excitedly about the upcoming ball. "I heard Lord Tando is quite handsome. Those piercing eyes and that charming smile..."

Gina smiled politely, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. "You're quite taken with him, aren't you, Kiara?"

Kiara blushed. "Maybe just a little."

Mirha chuckled. "I'm just excited to see everyone's dresses. I've heard the seamstress has outdone herself this time."

The three friends continued their lively conversation as the carriage carried them to the seamstress.

As they arrived at the seamstress's shop, the three friends were greeted by the warm smile of Madame Kamari. "Welcome, ladies! I have your gowns ready for fitting."

Kiara's eyes widened as she saw the beautiful creations. "Oh, Madame Kamari, they're exquisite!"

Gina and Mirha nodded in agreement, admiring the intricate embroidery and delicate fabrics.

Madame Kamari beamed with pride. "I'm glad you like them, ladies. Now, let's get you fitted and make any necessary adjustments."

As the fittings began, Kiara couldn't help but ask Madame Kamari about Lord Tando's attire for the ball. "Do you know what Lord Tando will be wearing, Madame Kamari?"

Madame Kamari smiled slyly. "Let's just say he'll be looking very dashing in his formal attire, Lady Kiara."

Kiara's cheeks flushed with excitement, and Gina and Mirha exchanged amused glances.

meanwhile, back in the Imperial Castle, Kanha was writing to her cousin Majesty.

As Kanha finished writing the letter, she sealed it with a delicate wax stamp bearing the emblem of the Imperial Castle. She smiled to herself, thinking about how much Nailah would love the upcoming ball.

Kanha handed the letter to one of the castle's messengers, a young man with a quick smile and a faster horse. "See that this reaches Her Majesty's hands as soon as possible," Kanha instructed

MEANWHILE IN MALAKA CASTLE.

Nostalgia, Nailah sat in the garden, surrounded by the vibrant flowers that Arvin had sent me. It had been a week since their passionate night, and she hadn't seen him since. But the flowers kept coming, a constant reminder of his presence in her life.

Nailah gently touched the petals of a nearby rose, feeling the softness and delicacy of the flower. It was beautiful, just like the others. Arvin had exquisite taste, she thought to herself.

Where Arvin was. Was he thinking of me? Did he ever think of me? And a thousand more questions ran in the delicate Empress of Èvana's head

Sigh from her lips, feeling a pang of loneliness. It was a feeling she had yet grown accustomed to. It was puzzling.

Nailah's Pov

As I sat in front of the mirror, my maid, Elara, styled my hair into an intricate updo. I watched her reflection, my mind elsewhere.

Arvin stood by the entry, his back to me, his eyes fixed something outside our chambers. He was here...really here, I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest as I looked at him. I didn't even know that he came back, and here he was.

"Your Majesty," Elara said, curtsying, "shall I help you into your gown?"

I nodded, and Elara assisted me into the elegant night dress. As she fastened the last button, Arvin turned to face me.

His eyes swept over me, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something - desire, perhaps, or interest - but it was quickly extinguished.

"I hope you received the flowers i sent," he said, his voice neutral.

I felt a pang of disappointment. Had I misread the situation entirely? "I did," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "But I thought perhaps... you could deliver them personally."

Arvin raised an eyebrow, his expression sceptical. But then, in a movement so subtle I almost missed it, he nodded.

Elara, sensing the tension, discreetly excused herself. I was left alone with Arvin , the silence between us thick and heavy.

Without a word, Arvin strode towards me, his eyes locked on mine. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.

His touch sent a spark of electricity through me, and I knew, in that moment, I was going to lose it

Arvin 's fingers lingered on my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I felt like I was melting into his touch, my heart racing with anticipation.

Without a word, he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine. The kiss was soft and gentle, but it sparked a fire within me. I felt myself responding, my lips parting to deepen the kiss.

Arvin's arms wrapped around me, pulling me close. I felt like I was drowning in his embrace, unable to breathe, unable to think.

We made love, our bodies moving in perfect sync. I felt like I was losing myself in him, like I was becoming one with his body, his soul.

Afterwards, we lay together, our bodies entwined. I felt happy, truly happy, for the first time in a long time.

But as I looked up at Arvin , I saw that his expression was still guarded. I couldn't read his emotions, but I couldn't tell what he was thinking.

And that uncertainty, that doubt, it lingered within me, refusing to be silenced.

Arvin gently extricated himself from my arms, his movements economical and precise. He stood up, his eyes never leaving mine, and began to dress.

"I'll leave you to rest," he said, his voice low and even. "Dinner will be served shortly. Don't let it get cold."

With that, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving me feeling a little bereft and confused.

I lay there for a moment, trying to process what had just happened. Arvin 's words had been polite and courteous even, but they had also been devoid of any real emotion.

I sighed, feeling a pang of uncertainty. What was I to make of Arvin 's behaviour? Was he truly interested in me, or was he just going through the motions?

I pushed the thoughts aside, knowing I had to get ready for dinner. I couldn't let Arvin's enigmatic behaviour ruin my evening. As I reached the dining hall, Arvin was nowhere to be seen, not even Heman.

As expected, he left me here again. I quietly eat. I headed to my chambers.

The following morning, I received a letter from my cousin, Lady Kanha, and my excitement was palpable. The letter informed me that my ladies-in-waiting, including Kanha, were to be formally introduced at the grand ball. I had been looking forward to this event for weeks, and I couldn't wait to attend.

Without hesitation, I sat down at my desk and began to write a letter to Arvin . I informed him of the upcoming ball and my intention to attend. I also expressed my hope that he would accompany me, though I didn't hold my breath.

As I sealed the letter and handed it to my maid to be sent, I felt a sense of trepidation. Would Arvin respond? Would he attend the ball with me? I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the excitement of the upcoming event.

The ball was going to be a night to remember, and I was determined to make the most of it, with or without Arvin by my side.