A bitter pill to swallow, this loss of freedom. But they say you should feel honored, becoming the wife of the most powerful Pharaoh in the land. Still, a nagging voice whispered doubts. Did she truly belong here?

Akil's assessing golden eyes seemed to pierce through her, and the way the other concubines giggled, their fingers trailing suggestively across his bare chest, made her stomach churn.

"Quite beauty.”

Akil drawled, a mocking lilt in his voice. A smirk played on his lips as he accepted a grape from a nearby concubine, propping his head on his hand with exaggerated nonchalance.

“Dance for us, princess. Show us a taste of your homeland's traditions."

The command left her speechless. Was it really customary to ask your new bride to perform on the very night you met? It felt...demeaning.