Chapter 5 The Invisible Flame
The Court Hall buzzed with tension.
Ministers and advisors sat stiffly in their gilded chairs, nervously glancing at the throne where Queen Roshni rested her chin on her fingers, lost in thought. At the far end, Prince Hatim’s absence weighed heavier than any sword. The murmurs had all begun to sound the same:
“How will he rule?”
“He’s too unstable.”
“The boy killed a man for a wrong book.”
“Who will stop him?”
Sana moved silently among them, her footsteps softer than a whisper, balancing a tray of crystal goblets filled with shimmering nectar. Her head was lowered, veil hiding most of her face, but her eyes… they flickered toward the throne every chance they got.
More specifically, toward the empty seat beside it.
Prince Hatim.
She’d never seen him up close. Only heard stories—of his rage, his strength, his coldness. But something inside her always said… he’s not a monster. He was just—uncontained.
Like a fire needing the right hands to hold it.
Lost in thought, she accidentally brushed a goblet against a courtier’s sleeve. It clinked loudly.
All heads turned for a second.
Queen Roshni’s sharp gaze landed on her like lightning. Her lips barely moved.
Sana froze, then quickly bowed her head. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”
The royal chamber was colder than usual. Velvet curtains drawn tight, the fireplace crackling low.
Sana stood near the door, fingers fidgeting at her side. Roshni stood facing the window, her voice clipped.
Sana’s heart skipped.
“P–Personal maid?”
Roshni turned, eyes hard. “Yes. You will cook for him, clean his chambers, arrange his books, keep track of his mood swings—every hour of every day. But,” she stepped forward, “you will never, ever show him your face. You will remain unseen. Is that clear?”
Sana’s voice trembled. “Your Majesty… I—I don’t think I can do that.”
Roshni’s brow twitched. “Excuse me?”
“I mean… I—he’s dangerous. What if he—hurts me? I’m not trained for this. I’m just a kitchen maid. Please…”
Roshni’s voice rose, sharp as a blade. “Stop whining, girl. You live in this palace because I allow it. You eat the royal food, wear clothes we provide. Do not forget who you are.”
Sana’s eyes welled but she bit her lip. “But… why me?”
Roshni stepped closer, her eyes stormy.
Sana’s breath caught. Her hands clenched.
“…You hate me.”
Roshni froze.
“You’ve always hated me,” Sana whispered. “You never speak to me kindly. You look at me like I’m a mistake. What did I ever do to deserve this?”
Roshni turned her back.
Silence.
Then, coldly—
A pause.
Then her voice softened—just barely.
Sana bowed, biting down the scream building in her throat. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
As she left the room, a silent tear rolled down her cheek.
In the hallway, she paused. Looked up at the high ceiling.
“Maybe he isn’t the only one with a storm inside.”