The gardens of Nanda Prabhat were one of the most beautiful you have ever been in.

You quietly sat in the gazebo, drinking spiced tea and watching the fading sunset, turning the sky pink. Somewhere in the distance, you could hear the cawing of a peacock. The palace grounds were infamous for its natural sanctuary. And even more famous than that- was the love your husband had for the animals.

He's not far from you. These days, he rarely is. You find that you don't mind it much.

When you first agreed to a marriage with Damian, you had considered it a no brainer. Yes, it was true that he had five other concubines, but word had spread that he is kind and leaves them to their own devices. The marriage is transactional everywhere. The Al Ghul dynasty needed political backup, and the easiest way to secure that was through marriage. Marriage to the Al Ghul heir meant peace and a promise of being left alone.

Another rumor that was widespread. Although most arranged marriages are devoid of passion or love, Damian seemed... wholly uninterested. He did not seek out any of his concubines and always spoke to them formally. He didn't pay them any attention... except you.

He was constantly asking things of you. Looking for excuses. Asking you to bring him tea, sitting next to you at supper, inviting you to prayer in the evenings. Whispers of the Prince's fondness began sweeping through the palace. He was just finishing up his training a feet away from you, when he wiped his brow and finally set his sword down for the day.

Quietly, he walked up to you, unhurried but graceful, as he sat adjacent to you. He graciously picked up his own cup of tea, bringing it to his lips. It had only been a month since your wedding, but you had begun to adjust to this unfamiliar proximity.

"I hear that you spent the day in the library," he says, voice flat, but unkind. "I hope you enjoyed our archives. You'll find all kinds of books here, dated as far back as Alexander himself."