The day before their departure for Taico, the palace was humming with final preparations — trunks being sealed, horses being groomed, servants rushing with last-minute items. But in the secluded southern pavilion, time had slowed to a haze of sweat, moans, and endless need.
Arvin and Mirha had spent nearly two full days lost in each other.
The night before, he had taken her on the low table until she was shaking and crying out his name. Then again against the wall, slow and deep, his hands bruising her hips as he whispered filthy praise against her ear. He had fucked her on the floor, on the silk-covered chaise, and finally in the bed until the early hours, filling her over and over until she was overflowing with him and too exhausted to move.
Now, on the final morning, they lay tangled in the sheets, skin slick and marked with bites and fingerprints. Arvin was still buried inside her, softening slowly after yet another round. Mirha's thighs trembled around his waist, her breath coming in soft, ragged pants.
He kissed her temple, voice husky. "One more time before we bathe."
Mirha let out a weak, breathless laugh. "Your majesty...You're going to kill me."
But she didn't stop him when he rolled them so she was on top. He guided her hips, helping her sink down onto his cock again. This time he let her set the pace — slow, grinding rolls that made her whimper every time he hit that perfect spot inside her. Arvin watched her with dark, addicted eyes, hands roaming her breasts, thumbs brushing her nipples until she was moaning loudly.
When she came, it was with a broken cry, clenching tight around him. Arvin followed right after, groaning deeply as he spilled inside her once more.
They stayed like that for a long moment, foreheads pressed together, breathing each other in.
Finally, Arvin lifted her gently off him and carried her to the large marble bathing pool in the adjoining room. The water was warm, scented with rose and sandalwood. He lowered them both in, holding her against his chest as he washed her carefully — fingers tracing the marks he had left on her neck, breasts, and thighs.
Mirha sighed, melting into his touch. But even in the water, Arvin's hunger returned. He turned her so she was facing him, lifted her onto his lap, and slid back inside her with a slow, deep thrust.
This time it was gentler — slow, rolling movements as the water lapped around them. He kissed her deeply, one hand cupping her breast while the other gripped her ass, guiding her on his cock.
"You're going to feel me the entire journey to Taico," he murmured against her lips, voice dark and possessive. "Every time you sit in the saddle, every time you move… you'll remember who fucked you so thoroughly these last two days."
Mirha whimpered, clinging to him as another orgasm built. Arvin fucked her through it, slow and deep, until he came again with a low groan, filling her once more.
Afterward, they bathed properly — washing each other with soft cloths, laughing quietly when Arvin's hands lingered too long between her legs. They dressed carefully, choosing simple but elegant riding clothes that hid the marks on her skin. Mirha braided her hair neatly, while Arvin helped adjust her shawl to cover the faint bruises on her neck.
When they stepped out of the pavilion, no one would have guessed what had happened inside.
They looked composed — Mirha with a soft, serene smile, Arvin with his usual regal calm. The horses were already waiting, saddled and ready. The guards bowed as they mounted, completely unaware that their emperor and his favorite concubine had just spent two days fucking like they might never get the chance again.
Mirha glanced at Arvin as they began the short ride back to the main palace. Her body still ached deliciously with every movement of the horse, a secret reminder of him.
Arvin caught her eye and gave her a small, knowing smirk.
"Ready for Taico, my love?" he asked, voice low enough that only she could hear.
Mirha smiled back, cheeks faintly flushed.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
They rode side by side, looking every bit the picture of imperial grace — while inside, both of them were already counting down the hours until they could be alone again.
---
Mirha found her mother in their private quarters, carefully folding clothes and placing them into a large traveling trunk. Launi moved with quiet determination despite her failing vision, her hands knowing every fabric by touch.
Mirha stepped closer and asked softly, "Where are your bags, Mama?"
Launi pointed toward the corner of the room, where two smaller trunks already stood neatly packed.
Mirha smiled, leaned in, and kissed her mother gently on the cheek.
"Thank you for helping me pack."
Launi returned the smile, but then added, "But I won't be leaving right away. I need to clear out our house and bring the rest of our things along."
Mirha rolled her eyes playfully. "But Mama, I told you to do that weeks ago."
Launi chuckled softly. "But I am blind, my love."
Mirha laughed, the sound light and affectionate. "You know that's not a defense. You can call the guards to help you. They'll be happy to carry everything."
Launi sighed dramatically but smiled. "Fine… I just really need to fix a few things. I swear I will be there the moment I am done."
Mirha paused, searching her mother's face. After a moment, she nodded.
"Alright. I'll send a carriage for you one week after we reach Taico. No later."
Launi's expression softened with love. She reached out and gently cupped Mirha's cheek.
"I love you, my heart."
Mirha covered her mother's hand with her own, squeezing it gently.
"I love you too, Mama."
---------
Mirha stood outside the private dining hall, taking a slow, deep breath to steady herself.
The past weeks had been a whirlwind of confessions, bruises, proposals, and hidden pain. Tonight was supposed to be a simple farewell dinner among the women of the court before everyone departed for Taico tomorrow. But with Kanha attending for the first time since her secrets had been laid bare, the evening already felt heavy.
Mirha squared her shoulders and walked in.
The room was beautifully set — low tables arranged in a circle, soft lantern light, and fragrant dishes of spiced rice, roasted meats, and fresh fruit. The women were already seated.
Queen Mother Raina sat at the head, regal and composed. Gina and Goya were chatting quietly, while Yuma sat beside an empty cushion clearly meant for Mirha. Reka was there too, looking elegant and slightly nervous about her new status. And then there was Kanha.
Kanha sat near the edge of the circle, head slightly bowed, hands folded tightly in her lap. She looked thinner, her usual rose-pink silks replaced by muted colors. When Mirha entered, Kanha's eyes lifted for a brief second before dropping again, shame and exhaustion clear on her face. This was her first public appearance since the confrontation with Kaisen and the birth of her daughter — the child Yuma now carried as her own.
Mirha took her seat beside Yuma, offering the room a small, composed smile.
Raina spoke first, her voice warm but measured, breaking the awkward silence.
"It is good to see all of you together before we leave for Taico. These past weeks have been… eventful. Let us share one peaceful meal before the journey begins."
Gina smiled brightly, trying to lighten the mood. "The kitchens have outdone themselves tonight. I heard the chef prepared your favorite honeyed figs, Mirha."
Mirha nodded gratefully. "Thank you."
Goya leaned in, voice playful but gentle. "You look well, Mirha. Though I suspect the emperor has been keeping you rather… occupied."
A few soft laughs rippled around the table — even Yuma smiled shyly. But the laughter died quickly when eyes inevitably drifted toward Kanha.
Kanha kept her gaze lowered, fingers twisting the edge of her sleeve. She had not spoken since Mirha arrived. The silence around her felt heavy, like a shadow over the room.
Raina glanced at her niece once, then smoothly changed the subject.
"Reka, how are you feeling about the journey to Lamig? Kalan seems quite eager to show you his kingdom."
Reka smiled, clearly relieved for the distraction. "I am looking forward to it. Though I will miss the warmth of Èvana."
The conversation continued in polite, careful circles — talk of packing lists, the weather on the road, and light gossip about court fashions. Mirha participated when expected, but her eyes kept returning to Kanha.
Kanha ate very little. Every time someone addressed her directly, she answered in a soft, almost whispery voice, never meeting anyone's eyes for long. The once-bold, scheming woman now looked small and broken — a living reminder of the damage her actions had caused.
Yuma sat quietly beside Mirha, occasionally glancing at Kanha with a complicated mix of pity and discomfort.
Toward the end of the meal, Raina raised her cup.
"To new beginnings in Taico," she said. "May the journey bring us peace and clarity."
The women raised their cups in response, murmuring agreement.
But as they drank, Mirha couldn't help noticing how Kanha's hand trembled slightly around her cup. The woman who had once manipulated so many lives now sat among them like a ghost — tolerated, but no longer trusted.
When the dinner finally ended, Mirha stood and offered a small bow to Raina.
"Thank you for the evening, Your Majesty."
As the women began to disperse, Mirha caught Kanha's eye for the briefest moment. Kanha quickly looked away, shame coloring her cheeks.
Mirha turned and walked out with Yuma at her side, the weight of the silent dinner lingering in her chest.
Tomorrow they would leave for Taico.
And whatever fragile peace had been maintained tonight would likely shatter once they returned to the heart of the imperial court.