Chapter 29 The Fire Beneath Our Fight
The days after the temple visit were quiet—but sharp.
Sana felt it first.
Hatim had been colder. Not cruel, not unkind, but distant. His touches had become careful. His words, fewer. And though he slept beside her, his thoughts seemed far away.
It was a storm she couldn’t see, but she could feel it in the room with them.
That morning, the silence broke.
Hatim had returned from the War Council earlier than expected. He found Sana in the study, bent over an old scroll, her brow furrowed, her silver-threaded dupatta slipping off one shoulder.
> “Why do you waste your time reading useless things?” he snapped.
Sana looked up, startled. “Useless?”
> “Yes,” he said, pacing. “You could train. Learn defense. Learn magic—if you even have it.”
Her lips parted. “You know I’m trying. I’m doing everything I can.”
> “Not fast enough.”
Silence. Thick and bruising.
Sana stood. “Where is this coming from? Why are you suddenly so—so bitter with me?”
Hatim turned sharply. “Because I’m terrified!”
That shut her up.
He ran a hand through his hair. “They want to test your powers publicly. The nobles, the Council—they’re whispering about whether you’re even worthy of the throne. I fight for you every single day out there. But when I come back, I need to know you’re ready to fight too.”
Sana’s voice cracked. “I never asked for a throne. I only ever wanted you.”
That made Hatim pause.
But the damage was done.
> “Then maybe you shouldn’t have stepped into a queen’s shoes,” he said quietly, before walking out.
---
Roshni saw everything.
She stood at the top of the staircase, lips curled into the faintest smirk.
Later that evening, as Sana walked through the corridor near the throne hall, Roshni blocked her path.
> “I heard you fought with my son,” she said casually.
Sana said nothing.
Roshni clicked her tongue. “Well, it was bound to happen. You see, love fades quickly when built on illusions.”
Sana’s eyes narrowed. “You think he regrets marrying me?”
> “I think he’s waking up.”
But before Roshni could walk away, a deep voice rang from behind them.
> “You speak as if I can’t hear you, Amma.”
Roshni turned, startled.
Hatim stood at the corner, arms crossed, gaze ice-sharp.
> “Whatever happens between me and my wife—only happens between us,” he said. “But mark this—whether I scold her, fight her, or storm out like a fool… I will always come back to her.”
Roshni scoffed. “You’re too soft for her.”
Hatim’s expression darkened. “No, I’m fire. She just happens to be the only one who doesn’t burn when she touches me.”
Roshni walked away.
Sana stood in silence, tears pooling in her eyes.
Hatim walked toward her, softer now.
> “I’m sorry,” he said. “I let fear speak for me. I should’ve held you closer, not pushed you away.”
Sana looked up, voice trembling. “Do you really think I’m not ready?”
Hatim shook his head. “No. I think you’re braver than all of us. You just haven’t realized it yet.”
He took her hands in his.
> “We will fight. We’re going to break each other’s hearts sometimes. But there will always be love waiting at the end of it all.”
He rested his forehead against hers.
> “Because no matter what… I’m yours. And you are mine.”
---
That night, the stars seemed calmer.
Sana lay in bed, her head on his chest, listening to his heart.
And somewhere in the shadows of Chandlok… something was listening too.
> “The storm has cracks,” the faceless voice whispered. “But the fire still burns strong.”
The game had begun.
And the players were learning just how much love could endure.
---
?? Author’s Note:
OHHH Y’ALL ?? The fight!! The tension!! The way Hatim defended her right after being harsh!! AAAAA this chapter had me feeling things ??
Chapter 29 gave us realism, royal pain, and a prince who’s still learning to balance power with love. It’s not perfect — but it’s real. And that makes it even more beautiful.
Comment if Hatim’s “I’m yours. You’re mine.” speech destroyed you emotionally (cause SAME ??)
Chapter 30 is next — and you already know something big is creeping up.