The Prince and Mia

y open, but he saw only one name, the crisp black ink of Mia Ritchard searing itself into his vision. His bronze skin was taut with concentration, his deep brown eyes burning with dangerous r

nd for duty. Yet Mia's memory, her sapphire eyes, her hair spun gold in

g health demanded a stable heir, a prince bound to the politically perfect Lady Lamar. But Tarkan's heart, a rebel in a gilded cage, saw Mia as his only

. "Your Highness," he began, his voice low and cautious, "I must strongly advise against this course of action. Bringing Miss

and cool, the voice of a prince playing chess, not a man driven by longing. "Which is why you will arrange interviews for all ten candidates. And I have

sharpening. "Two positions, y

makes inquiries, she will find that we have hired the top graduate, a Miss Kaya Sharma, alongside

nd you believe Her Majesty will be so easily placated? Your history with Miss Ritchard is no se

am proving to my father and to the council that I am capable of leading. That my judgment is sound. A king's primary duty is

but he also saw the command. He bowed. "As you wi

Mia's name on that page was a beacon of hope, a spark of

anslator. Her blood ran cold. She stared at the screen, her blond hair falling over her shoulders, her sapphire eyes wide with panic. The modest dorm room, her sanctuary, suddenly f

ual invitation. It is a royal summon. To refuse would be a grave insult to the Crown Prince's office. It would jeopardize our

s of the room closing

one walls, a world away from its ancient intrigues. Or so she hoped. In the waiting area, Mia sat in a crisp but plain navy suit, h

r, her dark braid swinging with excitement. "A job in the prince's offic

shine, Kaya. You're at the t

tilted. "What's wrong? With your looks, you co

ew up in the palace, Kaya. My mother was a nanny. This is to

softly, her loyalty fierce. "You're brilliant. And

his face a stern, unreadable mask, and two severe-looking older palace officials. The interview was grueling, a rapid-fire test of translation, political

i said, his expression giving no

d a profound dread, desperately hoping Kaya's brillian

mzi's professional, measured voice said. "I am calling on behalf of the Cr

Thank you, Mr. Ra

i continued smoothly, his tone never wavering. "His Highnes

k I can accept," she stammered. "A job

ace. You will report directly to my office, with no requirement to interact with His Highness." He let another beat of silence pass. "The prince is, as you know, consumed with his official duties and his impending marriage to Lady Lam

Tarkan, the companionship of her friend, proof of his engagement, and security for her m

er sapphire eyes earnest, "they offered me a job in the Prince's office. It isn't in the palace itself, and Ramzi assured me I

yes find everyone. The girl lost everything over a single, harmless glance at a visiting noble because the king had taken an interest in her; the Queen knew and made sure she would never

rtain, you can keep yourself safe, then it is a chance few are ever g

e," Mia w

despite her racing heart. "Mr. Ramzi, this i

hiring Mia?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock. "Tarkan, after ev

her back to a world that threatened her peace. Accepting the job was a lifeline for her mother, but it was also a tether to the palace, to th