Royalty Overnight

37: Complete

Later that day, Maalik came home. He was informed by Nakita that there was something important to be discussed. He wasn't sure what it was, but with the tone of her voice, he knew it was serious.

The house looked empty, there were no sounds of the maids and servants moving around. Even the children's laughter was not heard.

What was going on?

As Maalik climbed up the stairs, he was met face to face with Nakita, his wife. She stood there like she had been waiting for him.

And his assumption was correct when she said, "We have something important to discuss."

"Of course." He continued to go up the stairs, he couldn't help but let his gaze run down her body. Her long brown hair was pinned to her usual tight bun and she wore an off-shoulder dress. She looked just as beautiful as the first day he met her, if not more; their wedding day.

Once he reached the floor where their rooms were located, something caught Maalik's eyes. He narrowed his gaze to her neck and noticed a faint mark.

Before he thought it through, he came to her and let his hand trail her neck to mark. He noticed it was a hickey from a week ago, the last night they had been...intimate.

Maalik quickly removed his hand. "My apologies. It wasn't my intention to come so close to you," he said and cleared his throat when he realised what he was doing was uncalled for and inappropriate.

"Oh, I-I didn't mind..." Nakita fidgeted a bit, tentatively touching the place his fingers were a moment ago.

"Good," he said, giving her an assertive nod.

Silence then settled between them, neither of them knew what to say next.

"You mentioned there was something you wanted to discuss?"

"Yes, I did." Her back straightened and her expression changed from bashful to neutral. This was a serious conversation, and it could not be delayed. It was now or never.

From the grand duke's room, the light glowed softly while the couple headed inside; Nakita decided to stand despite Maalik's insistence, eventually he gave up and settled on the bed.

"I want to talk to you about something."

"I'm listening," he said. He removed his suit in the process and flung it to the side.

"I do not think I can divorce."

Maalik remained quiet for a moment before he nodded in understanding. "It's alright. I understand people won't take it well when we do, since it's looked down upon. So, I will do it myself–"

"No, that's not what I meant. I want us to try again. I want to make it up to you for everything you have been doing over the years. You were so patient and understanding, yet I still failed to see that and your efforts in the relationship." She rushed to his side, sitting on the bed.

Maalik just stared at her. He was speechless. All this time he had tried to fix this marriage, it was now she appreciated it? Wasn't it a little too late?

"Nakita, I can't keep doing this." His voice was calm and levelled, something Nakita did not like at this moment, it was like she was losing him even though he was so close to her.

"I know and I'm sorry for failing you, as well as this marriage. This is all my fault, my problem, my insecurities. But out of mercy, I beg you to please reconsider." She didn't have the heart to look him in the eye. "Your mother...she told what had happened to Vanessa after the...situation."

"Is that so?" His face didn't express the inner turmoil he was going through. After so many years, after everything he had been doing to win her back. After almost seven years, she finally desired to prove her own level of care.

Nakita nodded. "I'm sorry, I'm so very sorry. I don't know what to do to make you believe me, and I don't blame you if you don't." She wiped away tears that welled up and streamed down her face. Her head was bowed down, she felt ashamed to show herself to him. How could she bear to see him?

"Nakita, look at me."

She shook her head, turning her face away.

"Nakita."

A warm hand touched her cheek, turning her head and forcing her to look at him. And what she saw left her stunned; he wasn't sad, angry, shocked or any other emotions you would expect. He looked...reassuring, like was encouraging her to speak. And that she did.

"I...I love you and I don't want to lose you more than I already have. So, please let me prove to you that your patience and perseverance weren't taken for granted."

Silence stretched between them, neither of them wanted to cut it, fearing that it would break up whatever that was happening. Her heart beat rapidly, desperate to jump out of her chest and go into hiding. Doubt crept into her mind as the stillness in the room thickened and Maalik's lack of facial expression. Was it perhaps already too late? How could she be so foolish to think that some mere words were enough to bring him back to her?

It felt like hours when he finally spoke, but it must have been minutes, or perhaps seconds. "Did you just say you love me?"

"Y-yes.." she confirmed, unsure of what he was implying.

"That's... that's the first time I heard you say that," he said, a bittersweet smile touching his lips with a glimmer of melancholy reaching his eyes. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to be sad or happy about that.

Realisation flickering in her teary gaze. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for making you wait. I want to make amends, if that's possible," she said while her voice quivered.

"Would you?"

"Yes, I would," she affirmed, determination taking over her facial expression.

Another stretch of silence began, and it was like the room held its breath, waiting, anticipating for Maalik's answer; and Nakita was no different.

Ultimately, with a deep sigh and chuckle of disbelief from Maalik, he said, "Fine. We can try this again, but this time, you truly must put as much effort as I do in this marriage."

She frankly nodded in agreement with tears brimming in her eyes.

"Good. So...can I kiss you now? I've been wanting to do that–" Before he could finish his sentence, she flung herself at him. Her lips crashed into his and he fell back on the bed with his arms tightly wrapped around her waist.

Eventually, Nakita pulled away and stared at the man before her, and him staring right back at her; the love and admiration in his gaze couldn't be mistaken for deceit.

And for the first time, love existed between them. Completely mutual. Their hearts beating in sync as they gazed into each other's eyes.

They knew it would take some time to get used to this, but they didn't care as long as they did it together, now as one. She knew right there and then was where she belonged; in the arms and safety of the grand duke.