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The night had cast its veil over the imperial palace's corridors, and the stars were scattered like secrets suspended in the sky—faint and distant, as if watching from above what unfolds in hearts without interfering. Arwa sat in her chamber, facing the wide window, her fingers toying with a cup of tea without drinking it, her eyes staring into the void as if searching for a lost answer hidden within the folds of the night.
She murmured in a low voice, barely audible:
– Why do I feel a heaviness in my chest? It wasn't that bad… was it?
Her maid, Layla, entered quietly, carrying a small tray with a plate of honey-drenched sweets and a glass of cold lemon juice.
Layla said gently:
– My lady, I brought you the sweets you love… Would you like honey added, or do you prefer it plain tonight?
Arwa replied with a long sigh:
– Add the honey… I need something to restore my mental balance after such a bizarre day.
Layla placed the plate softly on the table, then said in a hushed voice with a smile:
– I heard from the servants that Lord Kyle met with Crown Prince Raftian today.
Arwa's features darkened, and she replied coldly:
– That's none of my concern.
Layla giggled softly:
– I see, they do look handsome… like twins.
Arwa (closing her eyes warningly):
– Layla, leave before I lose my temper and throw a feather pillow at you.
Layla teased:
– A soft pillow or a hard one? Because you seem soft and tense at the same time today.
Arwa finally smiled and said, waving her hand:
– Go! Before you regret it.
Layla left laughing, leaving the door ajar. After a moment, Arwa rose and walked toward the library, trying to calm her troubled thoughts among the heavy shelves and the scent of old paper.
But as she entered the long hallway leading to the library, she heard soft footsteps ahead of her. She stopped and raised her head. There, beneath the dim torchlight, stood Raftian. As if he had been waiting for her.
Arwa said with feigned calm:
– Your Highness… I didn't expect to see you here.
He replied without moving:
– And I didn't expect you to run away so quickly…
Arwa lowered her gaze:
– I didn't run… I merely withdrew quietly.
– There's a difference between withdrawal and escape, Arwa.
– And if there is, sometimes escaping is better… from things we don't understand.
He stepped closer, his voice growing warmer:
– Tell me… what didn't you understand? I didn't hurt you, nor embarrass you. I only touched you, as I promised.
She replied in a low, hesitant voice:
– Must I be comfortable when someone touches my face without seeing me? I don't understand what you want from me exactly, Your Highness.
Raftian gave a faint smile:
– I want to know you—not with my eyes… but in my own way.
– And what will you do once you know me? Sculpt me as an ivory statue in your mind? Or keep the feel of my face as a mysterious memory?
She paused for a few seconds, then added:
– I'm sorry, Your Highness… I'm engaged to my fiancé.
He nodded as if expecting the answer:
– At least I'll know I wasn't imagining you…
She stepped back and whispered:
– You're too mysterious… it's exhausting.
He said sincerely:
– And you are shielded with words, using them as armor whenever someone gets close.
– Because I've learned not to trust easily… especially those who don't see me, yet know me too well.
Raftian sighed and said:
– Then let time show you who I am… Don't let my touches scare you—let them explain me.
[A moment of silence. Her eyes tense, and his gaze—despite his blindness—pierces her with a different kind of insight.]
Arwa said softly:
– I have feelings for Kyle… I can't betray him.
He whispered:
– I know you're engaged… But who said that engagement will last anyway?
She raised her head, her eyes sparkling with challenge:
– It will last… And I'll make Kyle fall in love with me, with confidence.
Raftian lowered his gaze and said quietly:
– While he sees you as a beautiful ivory masterpiece… Beautiful, but placed behind glass.
At that moment, footsteps approached from behind them.
Kyle's voice, with cold sarcasm:
– Seems like I've missed something entertaining.
Arwa froze and slowly turned, her eyes widening in sudden embarrassment, as if she had been exposed.
Raftian said calmly:
– Miss Arwa was speaking about you a lot, Lord Kyle.
Kyle smiled slightly:
– As if I don't know her… Hahaha, that girl is crazy.
He stepped closer to Arwa and confidently wrapped his arm around her waist:
– Since when did you start talking about me behind my back?
Arwa (blushing and smiling):
– I was just talking about you… that's all.
Kyle (teasing):
– Am I the center of the universe today?
Then he looked at Raftian and said with feigned politeness:
– Thank you for keeping her entertained. Now, since I'm free tonight… how about we take a walk in the palace garden?
Arwa (with enthusiasm):
– Wonderful idea!
Raftian stepped back quietly and said:
– Go ahead, just the two of you… I'll go rest for a bit.
And he walked away calmly, as if his conversation with her had been just a chapter in a story not yet finished.
Kyle walked with Arwa toward the garden. The night was still long, and the stars still watched in silence… but Arwa's heart, despite her laughter, roared with a storm that would not settle.
– To be continued –