KING'S QUEEN

the unspoken battle

Happy reading

Third person pov

Days passed in a delicate dance of tension and strategy as Meera became more attuned to the silent language of power that ruled the palace. She moved cautiously, picking up on the subtle signs, watching every look, and listening to every whispered word. Her exchanges with General Qasim had grown more frequent, and though he still kept his distance, she could sense a sliver of trust beginning to take root.

But her relationship with Arad remained as cold and brittle as ever. Their interactions were filled with sharp words and bitter silences, each one daring the other to break first. Meera couldn't tell if she was more frustrated by his indifference or by the small flashes of interest she sometimes caught in his gaze, a hint of curiosity that disappeared as quickly as it surfaced.

One evening, as Meera was seated in her chambers, preparing to retire for the night, a palace attendant knocked on her door, bowing low.

"Queen Meera, His Majesty requests your presence in the private council chambers."

She felt her pulse quicken. It was rare for her to be summoned there, especially without prior notice. She quickly gathered herself, adjusting her dupatta and straightening her posture. If Arad had called for her, it was likely to test her in some way-and she had no intention of failing.

As she entered the dimly lit council chambers, Meera saw Arad standing by the large window overlooking the palace courtyard. His back was to her, his hands clasped behind him, the moonlight casting an ethereal glow over his silhouette. He didn't turn as she entered, but she could sense his awareness of her presence.

"Majesty," she greeted, keeping her voice steady.

Arad remained silent for a moment before finally turning to face her. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but there was something different in his gaze tonight, a spark of intensity that made her skin prickle.

"I assume you've been observing the palace closely," he said, his tone neutral. "Learning its secrets, perhaps."

Meera met his gaze, unwilling to be intimidated. "It's necessary, given the circumstances. I cannot afford to be ignorant of the place I now call home."

A faint smile ghosted across his lips. "And have you found what you were looking for?"

She hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I've found enough to understand that there are forces at play here that I'm expected to navigate alone."

He stepped closer, his gaze piercing. "A wise observation. But be careful, Meera. Power, once pursued, is not so easily controlled."

She felt her heart race under his intense scrutiny, but she refused to show any weakness. "And yet, it seems unavoidable when one is surrounded by those who wish to see them fail."

Arad's eyes darkened slightly, and he regarded her in silence for a long moment. "You've shown resilience, I'll give you that. But resilience alone won't be enough."

"What do you want from me?" she asked, frustration slipping into her tone. "You've made it clear that I'm nothing more than a pawn in your plans. Why summon me here, then? To remind me of my place?"

He tilted his head, as if studying her. "You assume too much, Meera. I summoned you because I wanted to see for myself if you're capable of more than mere survival."

Her anger flared, and she took a step closer, meeting his gaze defiantly. "I'm not here for your approval, Arad. I've endured enough to know that I won't be another silent figure in your shadow."

For a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes-a mixture of surprise and, perhaps, respect. But just as quickly, his expression hardened again.

"Then prove it," he challenged, his voice a low growl. "Prove to me that you can stand on your own. If you wish to be more than a pawn, then show me you're capable of becoming something greater."