The rumors moved through the Imperial Palace like wildfire—hissing in the corridors, murmured in the gardens, whispered behind fans. The Empress is selecting a concubine.
Even Kaisen heard it.
He sat in the study with Kain, both brothers leaning back in their chairs as they discussed the morning reports. The tension across Kaisen's shoulders eased as he spoke.
"I heard the rumors this morning," Kaisen said, tapping the sealed documents beside him. "If there's truth to them, then it might actually be good for Arvin."
Kain scoffed lightly, rolling his eyes as he sipped his tea.
"Those are just rumors, man," he replied. "And if it were true, the Empress would already be in the Imperial Palace—not out in Malaka."
Kaisen nodded slowly in agreement.
"You're right… I'll find out today anyway. I have an audience with her."
Kain's head snapped up.
"Oh—right. I almost forgot about that."
They continued talking until a knock cut through the room. A servant entered, bowing deeply before presenting a sealed letter wrapped in golden silk.
"A message from Her Majesty, the Empress."
Kaisen took the letter.
Kain leaned forward, watching closely.
Kaisen broke the seal and began to read. His expression shifted—first confusion… then disbelief… then pure, unrestrained joy.
Nailah's handwriting was clear and gentle:
Dear Lord Kaisen,
I am glad to hear of your advancement toward the special lady.
I completely approve.
But I do have two demands.
1. You will ask for her hand only after you have escorted my mother-in-law to Kamaya, for she will escort me to Bukid.
2. After your engagement, you may only marry her once I have given birth and returned to Taico. I want to celebrate that day myself.
If you can meet these demands, we shall have no problem.
With Care Nailah.
Kaisen suddenly laughed—loud, warm, overflowing.
Kain's eyes widened.
"Who is she talking about?" Kain asked. "There's no name anywhere in the letter."
Kaisen looked up, practically glowing, as though the sun itself had risen inside him.
"Who else?" he breathed, grinning widely.
"Mirha!"
Kain blinked, then broke into a slow, approving smile.
"Well then…" he said, patting his brother's shoulder.
"…that's good for you."
And for the first time in days, Kaisen felt the world begin to align in his favor.
Kaisen poured the wine, filling each cup as the brothers settled around the table. They drank, laughed, even Tando—usually the quiet one—seemed unusually cheerful. The conversation drifted until Kaisen mentioned, almost dreamily, the estate he and Kamaya would live in after they married.
Tando groaned loudly.
"I didn't come here to listen to you recite your dreams," he said, cutting straight through the moment.
Kaisen only smiled, unfazed. "Dreams come true, little brother."
Tando nodded, attempted seriousness—and failed. "Well… Kiara and I will join you and Queen Mother Raina on your journey to Kamaya."
Kaisen blinked. "Sure. But why, though?"
Tando's face brightened instantly. "It was meant to be a surprise when it finally shows… but I'm too excited. Kiara is with child."
Kain and Kaisen froze—jaws dropped.
"You're serious?" Kain asked.
Tando nodded proudly.
Kaisen leaned forward. "How long has it been?"
"Around two to three months."
Kain chuckled, shaking his head.
"That's the first time you've ever kept a secret that long," Kaisen said.
Tando rolled his eyes, but the smirk betrayed him.
The brothers burst into laughter. Then Kaisen stood, raising his cup high.
"To future babies," he declared, "and future wives."
The cups clinked, bright and hopeful.
Outside in the sun-splashed courtyard, Queen Mother Raina sat beneath the woven canopy, a tray of steaming tea set before her. Lady Kiara and Mirha sat across from her, the light breeze stirring the silk sleeves of their gowns. Raina lifted her cup delicately and glanced around.
"Where is Lady Kanha?" she asked, tone casual yet observant.
Mirha lowered her gaze respectfully. "She informed the other ladies she was escorting Her Majesty back to Bukid, Your Grace. She has been with the Empress for two days now."
Raina hummed, nodding. "Mm. But Mirha, you are skilled with your herbs… you should have gone with her."
Mirha smiled politely. "Thank you, Your Grace, but she insisted Yadid—the Empress's physician—would attend her. She said there was no need for me."
Raina scoffed softly, amused. "That girl dismisses help even when she needs it."
Before Mirha could respond, Kiara cleared her throat—hands trembling slightly around her teacup.
"I… I have something to tell you both."
Raina raised an eyebrow. "Hm?"
Kiara inhaled sharply. "I'm with child."
For a heartbeat, the courtyard fell completely silent—only the rustling of leaves answered. Then Raina's face broke into the widest smile.
"Oh, good Lord," she exclaimed, laughing loudly. "I'm getting two grandbabies!"
Kiara burst into relieved giggles. "If you allow it, Your Grace… I wish to give birth in Kamaya, by your side."
"What nonsense," Raina waved off immediately, still laughing. "Of course I won't mind. Matter of fact—" she clapped her hands, startling the maids— "we are leaving this weekend."
Mirha gasped. "After tomorrow?"
"No," Raina corrected with a grin. "That's tomorrow."
Mirha's lip jutted into a pout. "I will miss you, Kiara."
Kiara stood and pulled Mirha into a hug, smoothing her hair affectionately.
Raina, still smiling, snapped her fingers at the maids. "Go pack Lady Kiara's things. Everything. We leave at dawn."
She rose and departed with Kiara, still discussing preparations. As they walked away, Mirha noticed clusters of maids scattered around the courtyard, whispering in unusually excited little circles. Their eyes flickered toward her, then away.
What are they gossiping about now…? she wondered, but ignored it and returned to her chambers.
The moment she slid the door open, a whirlwind named Suni nearly collided with her.
"My lady! My lady!" Suni squealed, practically bouncing. "You will not believe what I just heard!"
Mirha blinked. "Suni… breathe."
Suni grabbed her hands anyway. "The Empress has chosen a concubine for the Emperor!"
Mirha's gasp was instant—half shock, half morbid curiosity. "A concubine? Who? Who did she—?"
"A bunch of ladies were mentioned!" Suni said dramatically. "And you… you were one of them!"
Mirha froze for a second—then burst into laughter so loud even Suni jumped.
"That can't be true," Mirha wiped a tear of laughter. "Now those are just rumors."
But even with her laughter echoing in the room…
her heart wasn't entirely still.
The rumors swept through the Imperial Palace like wildfire—fast, bright, impossible to contain. Even Arvin heard them, though he tried to ignore the whispers lingering behind every door and corridor.
Heman entered his study quietly, arms folded behind his back.
"Sire," he began, "I've been hearing… rumors."
Arvin didn't even look up from his papers. "Since when do you listen to them?"
Heman's tone sharpened just enough to draw Arvin's attention. "When they involve you, I get intrigued."
Arvin lifted his head, brow arched. "What about me?"
Heman stepped closer, lowering his voice. "The Empress is believed to have selected a concubine for you."
Arvin exhaled sharply and rolled his eyes. "Not interested."
Heman chuckled under his breath—a knowing, irritating sound. "Once you know who it is, you will be."
It was the way he said it—the deliberate tone, the faint smirk—that made Arvin pause.
And then it clicked.
Heman didn't care for gossip. Ever.
If he brought this…
It wasn't a rumor.
Arvin snapped his gaze toward him. "Who is she?"
Heman's smirk deepened. "Mirha."
Arvin's entire body stilled. He felt his temperature drop—blood freezing, thoughts scattering. His grip on the armrest tightened.
"Who else knows?" he asked, voice low, controlled.
Heman shrugged lightly. "Practically everyone."
Arvin swallowed, throat tight. Then, almost in a whisper:
"…Does she?"
Heman didn't answer immediately. He merely looked at him—eyes calm, unreadable.
And in that silence, Arvin understood.