The Prince and Mia

spilled from wrought-iron balconies, their sweet fragrance lost on Mia Ritchard. She was curled in the back seat, a small, broken figure, her crimson gown ,once a symbol of defiance,

adox: a magnet for a prince's desire a

rned against Ramzi's quiet, prophetic warning: You'll bear the cost. Passion and p

ng onto the sidewalk under the dark leaves of oleander trees. She stepped out, the crimson silk whispering against the stones. The night air carried the mournful wail of a Klbasian lut

ce feeling like a curse. Why did I go? she thought, the question a frantic spiral. Why did I let myself hope? The office, the Queen's icy scorn, Tarkan's

led again, and a third time, each attempt a silent, desperate plea she couldn't answer. Then, the name shifted: Myar. A hot, bit

hy would you

er he left you. He's been broken since the day he left. That whole playboy act... it's a lie. He just w

her humiliated me in front of you and Ramzi. She threatened my mother's

happen." She paused, her voice softening, pleading. "Remember when we were ten, hiding in the library? You read us A Midsummer Night'

onze curls bouncing, Tarkan's easy, boyish grin. "That was a

ed. "He's tearing himself apart over this. You're my sist

paid for her untouched tea, and retreated to the car, the city's lights blurring as

raying hair loose around her shoulders, her face a mask of worry. "Mia, what is it?" Sofia a

ouldn't have gone, Mama," she said, her voice breaking. "Myar invited me. We danced, we argued, and then... h

aid so much as smiled at a visiting noble. She guards Tarkan like a national treasure, and you, my love, are a threat to her reign." She sat beside Mia, her voice softening as she smoothed the gol

n cheeks. "I tried, Mama. I told him it was o

nger than their games. We will survive this." She paused, her gaze turning fierce. "Now, I am c

nder of a hope that had flared so brightly before being extinguished. She wept-for the boy who had crowned her queen

es accusatory. His bronze skin was flushed, his dark hair tousled, his mind a chaotic replay of the last hour: Queen Faya's venom, Mia's trembling defian

have ruined her, Ramzi," Tarkan had said, his voice raw with a guilt that was suffocating him. "

caution. The Queen is set on Lady Lamar. Your interest in Miss Ritchard

t brilliant mind, she is not a spark, Ramzi. She is my heart. Those years a

voice was blunt. "You cannot undo tonight

ed, his eyes fierce. "I will make thi

her adjoining sitting room. He moved to the connecting

ded... She's home? Is she alright? ... Crying that har

nd leaving only a profound, sickening guilt. His recklessness, his selfish need for answers,

his voice dangerously resolute.

. After tonight, your presence at her home will not comfort her; it wi

his bronze skin taut. "I caused this pain, Ramzi.

th of the storm. "Your visit is the scandal, sir. She

doorstep in the middle of the night was not an apology; it was a brand of shame. A new plan formed, born of desperation

with me," he said,

rtled, her emerald shawl s

alone is a disaster. It's a scandal. But with you, her oldest friend... it's different. It's us,

o be smart." She paused, her voice softening as she reached out to him. "Remember when Mia fell from that oak tree when we were twelve? You c

rateful smile breaking through hi

I will arrange the car at the private ex

d Lir. "Your Highnesses," he said, saluting sharply. "The car is ready, but be warned,

"Keep this quiet, Lir. We a

l but knowing. "As you command

ky, carrying a guilt-ridden prince and a determined princess toward a quiet suburb