One year passed in the blink of an eye.
It was the first birthday banquet of the Second Prince, Amir.
Kanha sat on the edge of her bed for a long time, staring at nothing. Her shoulders felt impossibly heavy. Every breath seemed like an effort. The emotional exhaustion had settled deep into her bones these days — a constant, dull ache that no amount of rest could ease.
She finally stood and walked out to the pavilion. The maids bowed low as she approached.
Kanha's voice came out soft, almost lifeless. "Where is Lord Fahit?"
The maids hesitated, fear flickering in their eyes. One finally answered in a whisper, "Master is at Lady Sina's residence, my lady."
Kanha's jaw tightened, but she didn't flinch. She had long grown accustomed to this pain.
Fahit's infidelity had begun barely two months after their wedding. Since then, it had become a cruel, predictable cycle. He would take a new mistress, shower her with attention, and sometimes even father children outside their marriage. Kanha had quietly raised one of those illegitimate sons herself, sending him away to Bukid to smother the scandal before it could spread.
And yet, every single time she confronted him, Fahit would return to her like a devoted husband. He would dismiss his mistresses (at least temporarily), sleep in her bed, bring her gifts, and play the role of the perfect, loving lord with convincing tenderness. For a few weeks, he made her feel chosen.
Then the cycle would begin again.
Kanha had stopped hoping it would change. She was simply… tired.
She continued walking toward the courtyard. When Fahit finally appeared, he strode toward her with that familiar charming smile and pulled her into his arms.
"I'm sorry, my love," he murmured against her hair, voice warm and apologetic. "I forgot the time."
He tried to kiss her on the lips, but Kanha turned her head away. His kiss landed on her cheek instead.
"Just get dressed," she said quietly. "We are running out of time for the banquet."
Fahit chuckled, completely unbothered by her coldness. "I am dressed."
Kanha scanned his disheveled appearance, her expression weary. "Surely you don't intend to appear before His Majesty looking like you just came from another woman's bed."
Fahit grinned, leaning in to kiss her hair anyway. "I'll be back in a moment, my dear."
He turned and walked toward his chambers as if nothing was wrong.
Kanha stood motionless for a few seconds, then rolled her eyes and exhaled slowly. The exhaustion pressed down on her even heavier now. She walked back to the pavilion, sat down, and stared into the distance with empty eyes.
This was her life.
A husband who always came home to her in the end… but never truly stayed.
----------->
When they arrived at the banquet, they were greeted warmly by the nobles. Fahit held Kanha's hand with practiced affection, and the two of them slipped back into their familiar performance — smiling, elegant, the picture of a harmonious couple.
They made their way through the hall and approached Mirha, who was seated with little Prince Amir on her lap. Mirha smiled warmly.
"Kanha," she said gently. "How are you?"
Kanha returned the smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I am doing great, Your Majesty."
Amir stared at Kanha with quiet curiosity. Mirha gently nudged him. "Amir, don't be rude. Greet your auntie."
Amir looked at his mother, then back at Kanha, and gave a small wave. Kanha's heart melted at the sight of the boy. She bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness."
Nailah soon arrived, with little Kilimah walking close beside her. Nailah offered Mirha a small, polite bow, which Mirha returned. Nailah then lifted Amir into her arms. The boy giggled — he was used to her. Mirha, in turn, picked up Kilimah and kissed his cheek.
"Did you miss me?" Mirha teased softly. "Huh? Your Majesty?"
Kilimah shook his head, trying (and failing) to hide his shy smile. Mirha laughed warmly.
"I want to play with Amir," Kilimah said.
Nailah smiled. "Alright."
They set both boys down. Amir, who was usually a calm and nonchalant child, immediately clung to his older brother. The two of them ran off toward their father, who was standing with Kain and Rnzo.
Kanha watched the happy families with a quiet ache in her chest. She took a slow, deep breath, trying to steady herself.
As the banquet grew livelier, she noticed Fahit had already drifted away. He was drunk, laughing loudly, and openly flirting with a group of noble ladies. The sight twisted something inside her.
She decided it was time to leave.
As they walked out toward their carriage, a high-pitched, joyful scream cut through the air.
"Mama!!"
Kanha froze. She turned just in time to see little Annat running toward Yuma with open arms, her face lit up with pure happiness. Kaisen followed close behind, a soft smile on his face.
Kanha's heart clenched violently. She quickly turned away and stepped into the carriage, her breathing shallow and fast.
Fahit climbed in after her. "Are you alright?"
"Yes," she replied, voice flat.
The moment they reached their chambers, the mask finally shattered.
Kanha broke down the instant the door closed. She sobbed uncontrollably, sinking to the floor as years of suppressed pain, humiliation, and emptiness poured out of her. Fahit came over and pulled her into his arms. She didn't push him away — she had no strength left. She simply cried against his chest while he held her in silence.
Eventually, Fahit fell asleep still holding her.
Kanha remained awake, staring into the darkness, tears still silently sliding down her cheeks.
This was her life.
------->
Meanwhile, back at the banquet, the evening was gently winding down.
Arvin stood near the golden pillars, holding a sleeping Prince Amir securely in his arms. The boy's head rested peacefully against his father's shoulder. Beside him, Nailah carried little Kilimah, who was also dozing off.
Mirha had just returned from seeing Gina and the twins off. When she approached, Nailah offered her a small, tired smile.
"I should take him to bed," Nailah said softly.
Mirha nodded warmly. "Good night, Nailah. Rest well."
Nailah bowed slightly and left with Kilimah.
Mirha turned back to Arvin. Amir had already been taken by the nurses to his chambers. Arvin stood waiting for her, his eyes softening the moment they landed on her.
"Where is Amir?" Mirha asked with a gentle smile.
"Already sleeping," Arvin replied, stepping closer. His voice dropped into that low, familiar tone she loved. "Come, my love. I need a soft, warm bed tonight… and you know exactly how to make it for me."
Mirha's cheeks flushed, but she couldn't stop the smile spreading across her face. Before she could respond, Arvin swept her off her feet in one smooth motion, lifting her effortlessly into his arms.
Mirha let out a surprised giggle, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Arvin!" she laughed, half-protesting, half-delighted.
He grinned down at her, eyes dark with affection and desire, and carried her toward their private wing without another word.
The night belonged to them once more.