Chapter 20 The Weight of the Name
The days turned colder, even though the sky remained clear.
And yet, warmth lived in the west wing—where Hatim and Sana now existed in a world just slightly apart from the rest of Chandlok. Their world was made of whispered touches, stolen glances, and love that didn’t need loud declarations.
But the court wasn’t sleeping.
Neither was Roshni.
Hatim stood before the Royal Council, back straight, voice iron.
“I am announcing the wedding.”
The room erupted into chaos.
“But she has no power—” “She isn’t noble—” “She’s veiled! What’s she hiding?”
Hatim didn’t flinch.
“You’re all cowards,” he said coldly. “Terrified of a woman simply because I love her.”
Roshni’s voice cut through the noise like a blade.
“You disgrace your bloodline.”
Hatim turned to her, eyes hard.
“No. I honour it. Because unlike you, I choose love over legacy.”
That night, Sana sat by her window, knees tucked beneath her chin.
Meher entered quietly.
“He told them,” Meher whispered. “He told them he’s marrying you.”
Sana froze.
“He did what?”
“The Council lost their minds. Queen nearly fainted from rage.” Meher grinned. “But he didn’t back down.”
Sana’s throat tightened.
“He shouldn’t have done that for me.”
“You mean he finally did something he’s wanted since the day he met you,” Meher corrected.
Sana looked out the window again. The stars blinked softly.
“I’m scared,” she admitted.
“Good,” Meher said. “It means it’s real.”
The days after were a blur of preparations.
Everyone in the palace was forced to accept it, but not everyone welcomed it.
Servants watched her differently now—bowed lower, spoke quieter. Even those who hated her now added “My Lady” to their words, however bitterly.
“The future queen,” one muttered behind her back. “No magic. No past. Just a pretty face.”
But Sana didn’t reply.
Because Hatim had said:
“They’ll talk. But their words are dust, and you are flame.”
One afternoon, Hatim entered her chamber while she was adjusting her veil.
“You know,” he said, leaning on the doorframe, “you never have to cover your face again.”
Sana smiled beneath it.
“Maybe I want to surprise you… on our wedding night.”
Hatim smirked.
“So you’re really going to torture me until then?”
“Every second,” she said sweetly.
He stepped closer.
“You’re lucky I love your soul more than your face.”
Then, lowering his voice—
“But I swear, the day I get to see you… I’ll fall in love all over again.”
But not everyone was silent.
That evening, Roshni found her son in the royal stables.
“You shame me,” she spat.
“You shamed yourself long before I did,” Hatim replied calmly.
“This wedding—this girl—it’s a stain.”
“Then let me be stained. I choose her.”
Roshni’s eyes narrowed.
“She has no magic.”
Hatim stepped closer, voice like frost.
“She has me. And I’m the most powerful being in this realm. So what do you think that makes her?”
Silence.
Roshni left in fury.
Late that night, Sana crept into the empty prayer hall.
She sat before the sacred flame, alone, her hands clasped tightly.
“Am I ready for this?” she whispered.
“To carry his name? To live in the light?”
She closed her eyes.
“I’m still just the girl with no past. No powers. No worth.”
And then a whisper echoed—soft and familiar.
“Not true.”
She turned.
Nothing.
But the flame flickered twice.
Meanwhile, in the high mountains, ancient eyes opened.
Old forces that had slept for centuries began to rise.
One of them whispered to the wind:
“She does not know what she is.
But when she remembers… the skies will bow.”
?? Author’s Note:
HELLOOOOO EMOTIONS??? ???? Hatim declaring the wedding, Roshni nearly combusting, and Sana still struggling with self-worth??? BABY WE IN IT. We are COOKING SLOW but DELICIOUS ???
Also that last whisper? ???? Yeah… things about to get magical REAL fast.
Tell me if you’re screaming like me after Hatim said “She has me” ????