Chapter 19 Beneath the Veil Of Loyalty
The air in Chandlok grew heavier each passing day. The palace bells chimed softly in the distance, but their sound felt distant, hollow—like the echoes of something long lost.
Hatim stood on the edge of the terrace, eyes fixed on the horizon. His midnight-blue cloak fluttered behind him, the threads of magic subtly woven into the fabric glowing faintly.
He had used his powers again.
But not for war.
To protect her.
A soldier had made a remark—harmless to some, but Hatim had heard it.
> "The veiled girl is lucky to rise so high... too lucky."
A flick of Hatim’s fingers had silenced the man. Not with fire or blade— but with frost. A creeping cold that bound the soldier's tongue for a day.
No one spoke ill of Sana. Not under Hatim's reign.
---
Meanwhile, in her chamber, Sana folded a blue shawl over her arms. The scent of roses drifted in from the garden. She hadn't seen Hatim since the incident, but Meher had told her everything.
> "He froze a soldier for talking bad about you!"
Sana had laughed. But it hadn’t reached her eyes.
She liked the protection. She hated needing it.
> "Why does everyone still see me as a shadow?"
She walked to her window and looked at the twin moons glowing above.
> "Maybe I was never supposed to belong in the light."
---
Later that day, Queen Roshni summoned the High Priest.
"She grows bolder each day. The court begins to whisper—of her as queen."
The priest bowed. "And the prince does not hide his affections anymore."
"Then it is time we remind her of her place," Roshni said coldly.
---
That night, Sana was called to the royal hall. She expected a task. Maybe a scroll to deliver. But instead—
There were twenty nobles. Roshni at the head. And Hatim… standing silently at the side.
Sana bowed.
"You were summoned," Roshni said, "because you must answer for the disharmony you bring."
Sana’s eyes widened. "Your Majesty?"
"The people say you bewitch the prince. That you’ve stolen your way to the top."
Hatim’s jaw clenched. "Mother, that’s enough."
Roshni raised a hand. "Let her answer."
Sana took a breath. Her voice, when it came, was soft—but clear.
"I have stolen nothing. I serve where I am called. I love where I am not forbidden."
Murmurs swept the hall.
Roshni's eyes narrowed. "You admit it, then."
"That I love your son? Yes. I do."
Hatim stepped forward.
> "And I love her."
Silence.
Gasps.
His voice rang like steel.
"Anyone who thinks she is less than worthy— Anyone who dares question her right to stand beside me— They can face me."
A quiet ripple of magic sparked around him. Blue flame, curling through the air.
Sana reached out and gently touched his arm. "Enough."
He turned to her, and for a moment, the storm settled.
---
After the council dispersed, Hatim led Sana to the royal observatory.
"Why do you always protect me like this?" she asked.
"Because you’re mine," he said simply. "And I protect what’s mine."
Sana looked away. "You say that... but what if I’m not? What if I’m something else entirely? Something you weren’t meant to love?"
Hatim cupped her face gently, eyes burning like blue fire.
"Then fate will have to rewrite itself."
She leaned into his touch, and the veil between them felt thinner than ever.
But she didn’t lift it.
Not yet.
---
In the darkness outside, the same faceless shadow stirred near the temple ruins.
> "Soon," it whispered. "Very soon."
The veil would lift. The flame would rise. And the storm would choose.
---
?? Author's Note: Chapter 19 just served us frosty protection, public love confessions, and a prince who says “Face me if you dare touch her.” PLEASE. ???? The obsession is real and respectful. We love a man who defends AND adores ??
Also, the veil?? It’s getting thinner y’all ?? see you in Chapter 20 where things start twisting FAST. Stay tuned ??