The sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a faint halo over Aghan's back as he sat with his steely, unmoved gaze. His storm-grey eyes, devoid of warmth, fixed on Dilawer, who lounged across from him with an air of exaggerated ease. Aghan's tone was cold and clipped.
"State your purpose."
Dilawer chuckled softly, admiring Aghan's constant, unyielding composure. But that calmness was exactly what Dilawer wanted to shatter.
"Brother-in-law," he began, drawing out his words, "last time we saw each other, you left in such a hurry. So sudden, you know? Didn't even have the chance to say goodbye. Now, I was just amazed, truly. You left your own engagement party! And believe me, my sister—your fiancée—misses you dearly." He sighed, feigning innocence, but his eyes sparkled with mischief. "Why don't you come back with me for a few days? Or should we throw another celebration, hmm?"
Aghan glanced at him like an adult tolerating a child's antics, adjusting his watch calmly. "Are you done?"
Dilawer's smile wavered. Aghan's statue-like calm, that indifference, grated on his nerves.
"Not quite," Dilawer replied, his tone more serious. "Leaving Shehrezad at that party was no small insult. My father was livid, though he restrained himself, respecting your title as the Agha. But I came here to invite you back. And if you decline… well, you might be receiving our entire clan soon enough. And they won't just be coming for a friendly visit." His lips curled into a sly smile, waiting for a reaction.
After a long pause, Aghan leaned back, opened his desk drawer, and retrieved a sealed letter. He slid it across the table, speaking quietly, "Give this to your father. And tell him to meet me before the next summon."
Dilawer eyed the letter suspiciously, noticing Aghan's personal seal on it. Opening it without permission would be a grievous offense, one he couldn't afford. He took the letter, nodding reluctantly, then rose with a slight sneer.
"I'll pass along the message. Shehrezad is eager to start planning, after all." Without waiting for a reply, he waved carelessly and strode out, his lack of respect almost audacious.
Once the door closed, Aghan let out a small sigh, rubbing his forehead, his expression finally showing signs of strain. His marriage was inevitable, but it wouldn't be to Shehrezad.
---
*In the hallway, Ayla moved hesitantly, her curiosity about the castle's ancient corridors leading her away from her quarters. She walked past grand portraits of regal horses and landscapes, her thoughts racing with plans for escape. She couldn't help but stop to admire the sheer beauty of the place, despite her predicament.*
Suddenly, she collided with a figure—Dilawer, still occupied with the letter, barely looking as he steadied himself.
"You again," he muttered, noticing her only then, his eyes assessing her foreign appearance with mild suspicion.
She bristled, misinterpreting his words as disdain. "I only understand English," she said defiantly. "If you're insulting me in another language, I don't care."
Dilawer raised an eyebrow, impressed by her nerve. Though he wasn't fluent, he understood her well enough. He stepped closer, his gaze hard. "You… foreign girl with blue eyes. You won't stay here long."
He meant it as a veiled warning—his sister, Shehrezad, was meant to be the only woman by Aghan's side. But Ayla's mind spun in another direction entirely. She watched him walk away, her heart pounding as a thought struck her.
*If he's Aghan's enemy… maybe he's my way out of here.*