Duke Reign

His words were like nails on a chalkboard, grating against her frayed nerves. Her body tensed, and her breath caught in her throat as she was transported back to her childhood. Memories of her childhood flashed before her eyes. The emotional and physical abuse, the depression she had faced, and the trauma she had endured. She could feel herself being pulled back into that dark place and had to fight to keep herself rooted in the present moment.

“She is a delight,” the King said with a kind smile as he reached out and rested an affectionate hand on her shoulder. His words were like a gentle balm that soothed her troubled mind, and his touch felt like an anchor keeping her grounded.

Duke Reign’s face was stern, and his brows furrowed as he spoke. “Good,” he said, nodding, “But I’m afraid the reason I’m here isn’t a pleasant one. Reports have reached me recently that concern my daughter.”

The King’s face darkened, and he stroked his beard, his gaze taking in the merriment of courtiers mingling about. He cleared his throat, his voice deep and serious. “Let us retire to my office,” he said, offering his arm and leading the way across the marble floor.

* * *

The King’s office was a stark contrast to the bustling dining hall they had left behind, and every step to reach it felt heavier than the last. When they arrived, Prince Wren and Azim stood on either side of the King as he sat at his desk, which was littered with aged documents and filled to the brim with folders and trinkets. After a few moments of awkward silence, King Nashir finally looked up, peering at the Duke. “So, what are your concerns?” he asked, breaking the tension.

Duke Reign slowly lowered himself into the stiff-backed chair across from the King. His expression was one of deep thoughtfulness as he glanced at Khari standing meekly beside him. Khari could feel her heart pounding as she wondered what her father had come to discuss. She was jarred back to attention as his voice, rough with age and authority, said, “It has come to my attention that Prince Wren has yet to lay with my daughter and, thus, secure her position among the court.”

The King’s eyes narrowed into a piercing glare, and his eyebrows knitted together as he slowly looked Wren up and down. His voice was quiet but stern as he spoke. “Is this true?”

Wren shifted uncomfortably and replied, “Yes,” in a soft, hesitant tone, “but….”

Duke Reign jutted his square chin forward in disbelief. “But?” he began before Wren could finish his thought. He continued with a heavy sigh, “She’s been here for a year now.”

“I know,” Wren replied, “While the timeline isn’t ideal….” The corners of Wren’s mouth tightened into a thin line as he tried to explain, but before he could continue, Duke Reign was already talking over him.

“This was a strategic move on your part,” he said slowly as he fixed his icy blue eyes on the young prince. He leaned back in his chair, the wood creaking beneath him. “There is a rumor that you don’t want my daughter as a mistress. That you plan to lock her away in the dungeon after you become King and go back on your promise to me. Is it true?”

Wren shot a seething glance at Azim, who had been unusually quiet throughout the whole ordeal. He knew without a doubt that his brother had orchestrated her father’s sudden arrival. Duke Reign had carefully chosen the exact words that Wren had told his brother in confidence, and he vowed bloody vengeance against Azim. “That is not true,” he said through gritted teeth, turning back to face the Duke. “I plan to rectify this. I intend to make Khari my official mistress this very evening.”

“Well, problem solved,” The King said.

“It’s not,” The Duke rose from his chair, “I don’t have confidence that Prince Wren will uphold his word any longer,” he said as he adjusted his cravat and tucked a stray gray hair back into place. “I’m taking back my favor along with my daughter. We will leave tonight.” His words rippled through the air, intensifying like a thunderclap in Khari’s ears. She could feel the anxiety creeping in, and her thoughts raced faster than she could capture them. The last thing she wanted was to return home with her father, yet it seemed unavoidable.

Azim stepped forward, his eyes bright and determined as he looked at the Duke. He straightened his back and said, “Duke Reign, if I could have a moment of your time, I’m sure I could come up with a better solution than this,” he said as his eyes fell on Khari, “Please, allow me to gain your favor.”

The King’s eyes widened, his brow furrowed in confusion. “But I thought you said you had no desire to be King,” he said, his voice dripping with surprise.

“I’ve changed my mind,” Azim’s gaze remained fixed on Khari. Despite the presence of the Duke and the gawking royalty around them, she was his focus, and he would do anything to keep her close. With determination, he stated, “I plan to pursue Khari.” A shocked silence ensued as he continued, “We will allow her to stay here at court as her own until you assign a specific man the honor of courting her. Once you decide who you would like to bestow your favor upon, be it Prince Wren or me, only then will Khari be reassigned.”

The King glanced at Azim with a hint of pride in his eyes. Azim had been instrumental in ending the war, but the King was even more moved by his son’s newfound dedication to Khari. Confidently, he looked at the Duke and asked, “Do you accept this proposed arrangement?”

Duke Reign’s mouth widened into a beaming grin as he stood before the two royal heirs, vying for his blessing. Then he shifted his gaze to Khari, and a fleeting moment of paternal pride surged through his body. “That is acceptable,” he said, nodding in agreement. His eyes sparkled with joy as he thought, She’s finally become useful.

The King beamed with delight when he heard the dispute had been settled. “Wonderful!” he exclaimed, rubbing his hands together. “Let’s return to the banquet hall and give the Duke a few private moments with his daughter.”

Khari released the pent-up air from her lungs, feeling relief that Azim had kept his word and freed her from Wren. But one thing remained - her father’s silhouette stood tall before her, and his shadow loomed larger in her mind. A man who never wanted her, a man who used her as a bargaining chip, a man who gave her nothing but pain. The anger inside her threatened to boil over, but she had to remain calm as she was still beholden to him and under his rule. As the other men filed out of the room, she steadied herself. She knew what was coming next, and it filled her with fear.