Chapter 17: Secrets Behind Closed Doors

Zayid had always been a flirt, but tonight, his playful nature led him straight into trouble. He had been charming one of the palace maids, whispering sweet words in her ear as she giggled behind her hands, when a flicker of movement caught his eye.

Curious, he turned his head and peered through the dimly lit hallway. The door to one of the king's private chambers was slightly ajar, and inside, a scene unfolded that made his blood run cold.

There, lounging in luxury, was King Octavius—his robes disheveled, his lips stained with wine. Draped over him were two women, neither of whom was the queen. One fed him grapes while the other whispered into his ear, making the old man chuckle.

Zayid's eyes widened, but before he could process the sight fully, a soft rustling sound made him shift his gaze. Just down the hall, in another secluded corner of the palace, Princess Seraphina—the king's only daughter—was tangled in an embrace with one of the royal guards. Her hands gripped his collar, pulling him in for a kiss, oblivious to the world around them.

Zayid nearly let out a laugh at the sheer scandal of it all. But he was no fool. This was not just palace gossip—this was leverage.

---

Back in her chambers, Amara was seated on a velvet chaise, sipping tea when Zayid burst in, his face alight with mischief.

"Sister, you won't believe what I just witnessed," he said, shutting the door behind him.

Amara arched a brow. "What is it this time, Zayid? Did another maid steal your heart?"

He grinned but shook his head. "Forget about the maids. I just saw King Octavius entertaining himself with a few mistresses while the queen is away. And your soon-to-be sister-in-law, Princess Seraphina? She's having an affair with a royal guard."

Amara's eyes darkened with interest. She set her tea down and leaned forward. "Are you certain?"

Zayid smirked. "I saw it with my own eyes. The king is a hypocrite. He dares to call you unworthy, but he disgraces his own marriage in secret. And Seraphina? She's playing a dangerous game with a man far below her status."

Amara exhaled slowly, a smirk curling on her lips. "This changes everything."

She rose to her feet, pacing the room in thought. The king had been ruthless in his disapproval of her marriage to Cassius. But now, she had something he feared—scandal.

---

The next morning, Amara requested a private audience with King Octavius.

The king sat on his throne, watching her approach with cold, judging eyes. "What do you want, Princess Amara?" he asked, voice laced with disdain.

Amara offered a polite, but knowing smile. "Your Majesty, I have come to offer a… proposal."

The king scoffed. "I have already denied your marriage to my son. There is nothing to discuss."

Amara tilted her head slightly. "Oh, I think there is. You see, Your Majesty, I know what happens behind the closed doors of this palace."

The king's eyes narrowed. "Choose your words carefully, girl."

Amara stepped forward, lowering her voice just enough to make the moment intimate—but sharp. "I know about your mistresses, my king. I know how you entertain yourself while your queen is away. I know how your daughter spends her nights in the arms of a mere guard. And if I know… how long before your people do?"

The king's face turned red with fury. "You dare threaten me?"

Amara smiled, the picture of regal composure. "I prefer the term negotiation. Allow my marriage to Cassius, and your secrets remain just that—secrets. Deny me, and I'm sure the queen and the nobles would love to hear of your… indulgences."

For the first time, the king looked truly rattled. He clenched his fists, his nostrils flaring, but Amara knew she had him cornered.

A tense silence filled the room before the king finally spoke, his voice strained. "You will have your marriage."

Amara's smirk deepened. "I knew you'd see reason, Your Majesty."

She turned gracefully, leaving the throne room with her victory secured.

Zayid was waiting for her outside, grinning. "You are truly ruthless, sister."

Amara linked arms with him, chuckling. "I simply play the game as it was meant to be played."

And with that, the fate of Aurelia's royal marriage was sealed—not by love, but by power.