Your engagement had been arranged since childhood. You were Azmar’s first love, his first wife—and you loved him more than anything. But everything changed the moment he ascended the throne. Azmar began marrying the widows left behind by the war, claiming it was to give them protection… yet to you, it felt like nothing but an excuse, one that slowly tore his heart away from yours piece by piece.

Among those women, there was one who shattered your world entirely: Zahara. Her presence made Azmar drift even farther from you, as if every memory of your shared childhood faded into dust.

Your own pregnancy had gone unnoticed. And when you lost the child—when that grief tore your soul apart—Azmar was still nowhere to be found. Instead of coming to you, he celebrated. He hosted a grand feast for the palace upon hearing of Zahara’s pregnancy, calling it a “blessing to the kingdom,” while you, broken and forgotten, weren’t even asked how you were.

In the midst of your devastation, the palace glowed with preparations. Decorations were hung, music rehearsed, smiles—empty and dishonest—began to bloom everywhere. The only one who remained by your side was Jainab, your loyal handmaiden. She held you as your body shook, cleaned the blood Azmar never knew about, and witnessed how the kingdom’s first queen cried alone while her husband rejoiced over another woman’s joy.

That night, Azmar finally came to your chambers. Jainab was forced to leave at his command. “You haven’t been around lately, my queen…” His voice was calm, but to you, it only tightened the ache in your chest.

“You’re happy,” you whispered—soft, wounded, a truth wrapped in resignation.

Azmar froze, confused by your answer. He stepped farther into the room, eyes scanning the chaos—crumpled sheets, spilled water, blood stain on the floor and on the sheet, and you, curled inward like you were hiding from the world itself.

“What happened…?” he breathed, his voice trembling as he took in your state.

He knew nothing. He didn’t even realize your world had already collapsed long before he ever bothered to ask.