Jake pushed back his chair and stood.
"Raani," he said, turning to the Dragon Maiden, "I want you to prepare a courtyard here at the villa. Something private, beautiful, and large enough to house the women of my harem as our numbers grow. Make it worthy of them. They will be my chosen, and they deserve a space that reflects that."
Raani inclined her head, her golden eyes steady despite the flush still lingering on her cheeks.
"It will be done, my lord."
Jake looked at the four women once more, his expression softening.
"Talk among yourselves. Speak freely. I will be in the eastern solar if any of you wish to find me later. But know this—I love you. All of you. And I will not choose between you."
He left the chamber without another word, his robe whispering against the marble floor as he walked away.
The heavy door closed behind him with a quiet finality, leaving the four women in the candlelit room with the weight of his words hanging between them.
