Amira found it difficult to contain her feelings of envy, despite being Zyran's current wife. There was an undeniable bond between Zyran and Andrea, his former wife, that seemed to hold a special place in his heart. Amira couldn't help but wonder about their story.
"Are you curious about what happened to them?" Hathaway asked, and Amira nodded silently.
"They did get married, but tragedy struck on their wedding night. Andrea passed away when the house they were in mysteriously exploded," Hathaway explained.
Hathaway's voice trembled as she recounted the horrifying events.
The deafening screams and the devastation she felt after losing her sister still rang in her mind, leaving Amira to ponder the unimaginable tragedy.
"No one knows what caused the explosion. It's a painful mystery," Hathaway continued her empathy for the dreadful fate evident in her voice.
"And perhaps that's why Zyran became so guarded and protective," Amira mused, attempting to understand her husband's icy demeanor.
"He must have loved Andrea deeply to be affected so profoundly by her tragic end."
Zyran appeared truly sorrowful.
"I can't imagine what you've been through," Amira said softly.
"You must feel resentful that I have taken Andrea's place in Zyran's life, but I assure you, I don't intend to erase her memory," Amira expressed.
"You don't owe me an explanation, Amira. The past is irrelevant to the future, we all need to move forward. I confess I wish my sister was still with us and happy, but she's no longer here. Nothing can alter what has transpired."
"We all must come to terms with our grim destiny, Amira. It's a reality we must confront, even if it's something we'd rather not deal with."
Hathaway took Amira's hand into hers and smiled at the young lady.
"You are a young girl with a lot of life ahead of you. There's still time to get to know him; even if he's a bit withdrawn at times, he's just a guy with a lot of sadness in his past. He's no different from anybody else," Hathaway said.
"Thanks, Hathaway, you've shared a lot with me, even if it includes your painful memories and Zyran's. Truly, I don't know what to do with him at times," Amira said.
Hathaway grinned.
"You should slowly learn about your husband," she advised before walking away, leaving Amira deep in thought.
"Princess Amira," Ali said as he approached, bowing his head. Amira turned to meet his gaze.
"Lord Zyran mentioned that he would be occupied for some time. We are here to support you in any way you wish," Ali informed her.
Amira glanced at the closed door behind which the officials had disappeared. She nodded silently, then pivoted on her heels and walked away with Ali by her side.
As Amira made her way through the bustling marketplace, the vibrant energy of the day filled her lungs with each breath.
Three of Zyran's men, including Ali, remained close by, ensuring her safety as she explored.
Amira leisurely wandered from shop to shop, her attentive gaze taking in the various goods on display. Suddenly, a glimmer caught her eye as she approached a beautifully adorned necklace shop, drawing her closer.
The setting sun cast a warm glow across the bustling marketplace as Amira approached the small cart adorned with an array of gleaming jewelry. A woman stood behind the cart, calling out to passersby to patronize her goods.
"Hello miss, what would you like to buy?" the woman inquired with a friendly smile.
Amira's gaze fell upon a delicate silver necklace, elegantly displayed on a bed of smooth stones. The intricate patterns carved into the silver caught the last rays of sunlight, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow.
"Oh, nice choice, my lady, that's the last one we have," the lady exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.
With a nod, Amira requested for the necklace to be packed, and the woman eagerly set to work, carefully preparing the precious item.
Amira's gaze was drawn to a shimmering object at the other end of the shop. It was a necklace that seemed to tug at her memory, but she couldn't place it where she had seen it before.
"Here, my lady," the saleswoman offered, extending the necklace to her.
As Amira handed over the payment, she turned to catch a glimpse of the man who had been wearing the necklace, only to find that he was nowhere in sight.
She turned around, but he was nowhere it was like he had vanished from sight.
"Amira, is everything all right?" Ali inquired with concern as he noticed a troubled expression on Amira's face.
"It's nothing, Ali. Don't worry," Amira reassured him, although her troubled demeanor betrayed her words.
As they left the shop, their footsteps echoed through the bustling market. Amira's pace slowed as they strolled through the vibrant neighborhood.
"Ali?" Amira's voice broke the silence.
"Yes, Princess Amira," Ali responded, his attention fully on her.
"I'm curious, How did you come to work for Zyran?