The queen studied her intently. "Few souls have entered that place and lived to speak of it. Do you know what that means?"
Roohi hesitated. "That I was lucky?"
Rani Sa smiled faintly. "Or chosen."
A flicker of confusion passed Roohi's face, but before she could speak, the prince's deep voice broke through the air.
"Luck or fate," said Arshin, his tone even yet edged with command, "a stranger walks into my kingdom — unannounced, untested, and alive after crossing what even our bravest men fear. That, Lady Roohi, raises questions."
His voice was rich and smooth, each word deliberate. His eyes, dark as a stormy night, studied her as though they could strip away her very soul.
Roohi shifted slightly under his gaze but met it nonetheless. "I mean no harm, Your Highness. I was only… seeking help."
"Help?" His brow arched, his tone dipping lower. "Or shelter?"
Roohi's breath hitched. She could feel the judgment, the uncertainty — and the faint challenge in his voice. Still, she stood tall. "Both, perhaps. I lost everything I knew in one night. I don't know why I'm here, but I don't believe it's without reason."
Arshin took a slow step forward, his boots echoing against the marble floor. The light hit his face, accentuating the fine lines of his jaw, the unshakable calm in his eyes.
"And if we were to let you stay," he said, his tone measured, "what can you offer this kingdom in return? We do not house guests without purpose."
Roohi drew a deep breath. "I may not belong to your world, but I can contribute. I studied economics — the science of governance, trade, and finance. I can help create fairer systems, improve the way resources are used, help people live better."
Rani Sa tilted her head, interest flickering in her eyes. "Economics?" she echoed softly, the unfamiliar word rolling off her tongue. "We have treasurers, ministers, and councilmen for such matters."
"Yes," Roohi said quickly, her tone gaining confidence, "but I've studied patterns — the balance between wealth and poverty, the rise and fall of systems. I can bring new ideas. Let me prove it. Just give me a chance."
Her words hung in the air, fragile yet bold.
The prince's eyes narrowed slightly, though not in anger — in curiosity. "You speak with conviction," he said after a pause. "But words are easy. Action… is what we believe in here."
Roohi straightened, her chin lifting. "Then allow me to act."
For a heartbeat, silence fell once more. The air between them thickened, charged with something unspoken.
Arshin took another step closer, now standing barely a few feet away. Roohi could feel the heat of his presence — calm yet commanding, like fire behind glass.
"You will stay," he said finally, his voice softer but no less powerful. "Not as royalty. Not as a prisoner. As someone on trial — for her worth."
Rani Sa's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't speak. The prince continued. "You will live under the palace's roof. You'll be watched, and your words will be weighed. If your knowledge can truly serve this kingdom, you'll earn your place here."
Roohi swallowed hard, relief and apprehension mixing within her. "Thank you, Your Highness. I'll do my best to prove it."
He studied her once more, his expression unreadable. "We shall see."
A faint noise drew his attention — hurried footsteps, muffled voices from the corridor. A soldier rushed in, bowing deeply. He whispered something into Arshin's ear. The prince's jaw tightened, and in that moment, the calm mask returned to his face.
"Mother," he said quietly, "I must attend to this matter at once."
Rani Sa nodded, though her eyes flickered with concern.
Arshin turned back to Roohi briefly. "My guards will keep you safe. The queen will arrange your stay. Prove that you're more than words, Roohi of the outer world."
And with that, he turned sharply, his long robe flowing behind him as he strode out of the hall — every step echoing authority and restraint.
When the doors closed behind him, Roohi let out a shaky breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Rani Sa rose slowly from her seat and descended the few marble steps toward her. Her every move was fluid, commanding respect without needing to demand it.
"Do not be afraid, child," she said softly. "My son is cautious with strangers, but he is not unkind. This palace has seen betrayal more than once, and it has left him guarded."
Roohi lowered her eyes respectfully. "I understand, Your Majesty."
The queen smiled faintly and gestured toward two attendants waiting by the door. "Escort her to the guest chamber. Ensure she has all she needs." Then, turning to Roohi, her tone softened further. "Rest for today. Tomorrow, we shall see what fate has in store for you."
As Roohi bowed and turned to leave, Rani Sa's voice came again, quieter but filled with meaning. "And, Roohi…"
Roohi looked back.
"Whatever path brought you here, know that this palace has a way of revealing who we truly are — sometimes more than we wish to see."
Roohi nodded, unsure how to respond, and followed the attendants out of the grand hall.
As the heavy doors closed behind her, she glanced back one last time — at the golden throne, the regal queen, and the shadow of the prince who had left moments ago.
She didn't know what destiny awaited her here, but something inside whispered that this was only the beginning — of a story that would test her strength, her faith, and her heart.
~