Chapter Five

As the SUV rolled through the palace gates, a slow, simmering rage coursed through my veins. I should not have trusted Darian's promises, and Derek's warning from last night echoed in my mind: What if they don't let you leave?

 Clutching my mother's metal box tightly, I curled my fingers around the handle, my mind racing.

I won't go down without a fight, Sultan.

The car took a sharp turn, heading toward the back of the palace, and slowed to a stop near the entrance. The guards moved swiftly, flanking the car in a tight circle as if I were some high-level threat. Their rigid stance and wary gazes made it clear that they were prepared to drag me inside if I resisted.

The same guard who had read the so-called decree stepped forward and pulled open the door. "This way, Miss Hamzat."

With measured steps, I came down and walked by swiftly as I could with the guards around me. I ignored the murmurs of curiosity around me, focusing on the heavy double doors bearing 'HRH' instead. As they swung the doors open, I clenched my fists tightly beneath my sleeves and took a deep breath before entering.

The office hadn't changed. The same gleaming chandeliers, the same wall of regal portraits, each ruler of Akhar standing tall beside his wife. But where there had once been a picture of me and Darian together, now only his solitary image remained.

The insult stung more than it should have.

His voice, smooth yet unreadable, broke through my thoughts.

"Ana."

I turned as he strode toward me, his piercing gaze searching for my eyes through the veil. With a subtle flick of his hand, the guards bowed and exited, sealing the doors behind them. The click of the lock echoed in the silence.

My pulse quickened. I had to remind myself, I was not the girl who trembled before him anymore.

"You came."

"Of course," I scoffed. "Your men didn't leave me much of a choice, did they?"

His brows furrowed. "I didn't order them to force you. Did they harm you in any way?"

I tilted my head, unimpressed "Then what was your order, Sultan?" I shot back"Because last I checked, a royal invitation come an armed escort"

He exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose as if he were the one with the headache. "Well, you wouldn't have come otherwise."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Rightfully so. This wasn't what we agreed on in Amsterdam."

His jaw tensed. "Ana—"

"No." I cut him off. "I don't care why you did this. Say whatever it is you brought me here for, so I can leave."

I glanced at my phone, My flight was still an hour away. If I could get through this quickly, I could still make it in time.

But Darian's expression flickered, and my pulse quickened at the weight of whatever he was about to say.nDarian crossed the room, settling behind his grand mahogany desk. 

"You can't leave, Ana. It's an imperial decree."

A cold weight settled in my chest.

I forced a laugh, though there was no humor in it. "You can't be serious."

His silence confirmed my worst fear, and my heart pounded against my ribs. The veil suddenly feeling suffocating so I lifted it, letting the cool air rush against my face. I locked my gaze with his.

"And why do you think I will listen to what you say, Sultan?" My voice was low, measured, but my head throbbed with growing rage.

 "You lost that right four years ago." I said coldly, and Darian's jaw clenched.

"At least hear me out." He said, his voice measured. 

"Grandfather's will is to be read tomorrow," he explained. "The family lawyer has stated that it was his demand that the will shall not be read without you present."

A slow, humorless laugh bubbled up in my throat. "Oh, this is rich. A new ploy of yours to keep me here?"

He clenched his jaw. "It's not a ploy, Ana."

"I don't have time for your silly games, Sultan." My voice was ice as I turned toward the door.

"You don't believe me?" he called out, pressing a button on his intercom. "Then listen to him."

The doors opened, revealing an elderly man. My breath caught as my eyes flashed in recognition. He is Grandfather's lawyer.

I had seen him many times before, back when I still called this palace home. He was older now, lines of age marking his face, but his presence was still commanding.

His gaze softened when he saw me, he moved slowly towards me. "Ana."

I stiffened at the warmth in his voice.

"Greetings to you, sir," I said, forcing my voice to steady as I folded my hands in respect.

His voice softened. "How are you, my child? It is good to see that you're alive."

My heart twisted at the kindness in his tone. The joy on his face was unmistakable.

The joy that I wasn't dead. His words settled like a stone in my gut, solidifying my resolve.

I glanced at Darian, then back at the lawyer. "I thank the Lord for sparing my life," I said evenly. 

Then, I continued firmly, "But I cannot stay. I have vowed never to return. I have no home here."

The lawyer sighed, his expression turning serious. "I'm afraid you cannot leave just yet, my dear. Your grandfather made it clear. His will not be read without you present."

I gripped the chair besides me tightly as a realization set in: Grandfather had left something for me. A warmth bloomed in my chest at the thought of his kindness. Even in death, he hadn't forgotten me. But before I could let myself feel anything else, a crucial question surfaced.

"Does the family know about this?"

The lawyer hesitated. He glanced at Darian, whose expression was now unreadable, and I got my answer. If Darian's family didn't know, then I would be walking into a storm when they found out. More than anything, I needed to stay away from Darian's family, especially from his fiancée.

I straightened my spine. "While I appreciate Grandfather's gesture, I cannot accept anything that binds me to this family."

The lawyer sighed, glancing at Darian before turning back to me. "I understand your decided, dear. But before you can do that, there are legal proceedings to follow to fully transfer whatever you inherited from Grandfather. It will still demand your presence"

"I also would like you to reconsider, Mr. Faizal left something of great value to you." he ended, and my heart stopped.

My mind spun. "What could Grandfather have left for me?"

I swallowed hard and checked my phone. My flight was gone. The last thread of my escape was cut, and I was trapped again. I clenched my jaw, forcing back the frustration clawing at my chest as I glared at Darian. 

This was the worst decision I had made in years.

Taking a slow breath, I forced myself to think clearly. If I was stuck here, I would make sure I gained something from it.

"Fine,I'll stay." I said, my voice unwavering. "But only on one condition."

My gaze snapped to Darian, my heart pounding. "He has to perform the separation ceremony. No ifs or buts."

Darian didn't hesitate. "I agree."

I turned back to the lawyer. "Then I want an agreement in writing. This time, I won't take your word for it."