BEYOND THE CROWN

Arvin sat at his desk, quill in hand, as he wrote a letter to the ladies-in-waiting. He instructed them to relocate to Malaka Castle, where they would attend to Nailah's needs until his return.

As he finished writing, he sealed the letter and handed it to a waiting messenger. "See that this reaches the Imperial Castle by noon," he instructed.

The messenger nodded and took off, leaving Arvin to prepare for his own journey. He would be leaving for the Imperial Castle at noon, and he expected to arrive by evening.

The ladies-in-waiting were in the midst of their daily routine when a messenger arrived with an emergency letter from the Emperor. They exchanged nervous glances, wondering what could be amiss.

Lady Kanha broke the seal and read the letter, her eyes scanning the contents quickly. Suddenly, a smile spread across her face.

"What is it?" Kiara asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"It's from the Emperor," Lady Kanha said, hardly able to contain her excitement. "He says that Nailah may be with child, and he wants us to relocate to Malaka Castle to attend to her needs."

The ladies-in-waiting squealed with delight, hugging each other and jumping up and down. They quickly made preparations to leave for Malaka Castle, eager to reunite with Nailah.

As the ladies-in-waiting departed for Malaka Castle, Arvin arrived at the Imperial Castle. He made his way to his office, where he found Heman and Kaisen waiting for him.

"Ah, Kaisen," Arvin said, nodding in greeting. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."

Kaisen smiled. "I came to discuss some matters with Heman. But I'm glad I caught you, Arvin. I have some news from Tando."

Arvin raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Tando is preparing to get married in the next full moon," Kaisen said. "He was hoping you could attend."

Arvin frowned, thinking about his schedule. "I'm not sure I'll be available," he said. "I have a lot of responsibilities to attend to."

Kaisen nodded understandingly. "I know it's tough being the Emperor. But maybe it's time to lay low for a bit and not overdo it. You can't pour from an empty cup, after all. That's why there is a king for each kingdom. "

Arvin smiled, appreciating Kaisen's advice. "You're right, as always," he said. "I'll try to take it easy and prioritize my own well-being."

Kaisen smiled back. "That's all anyone can ask for."

Shortly, Kaisen left off to go and attend his brother's wedding preparations elsewhere, leaving Heman and Arvin

It had been a week since Arvin had seen this study. Heman had been handling all the matters that needed the emperor and also his own work, so Heman wasn't really looking well thou he is functioning well

"Heman, how are you?"Arvin asked with a soft, playful voice, almost mocking.

Heman looked too stunned to speak, but he didn't have the energy to start with this childish emperor. Deep down, he was glad Arvin took this time off. Arvin had always been a workaholic since he was first put as the crowned prince always put others first before himself he was truly for the people.

With a sigh, "I'm doing well, sire," Heman said. "Get some rest. we have a meeting before noon." Heman

Added

"And what are u still doing here then....you get some rest. I will look through those requests and then head to bed later." Arvin said

"No," a firm and steady answer came from Heman

Arvin knew Heman was stubborn, so he laughed

"Getting bold, are we..... it's an order my friend now move, " Arvin commanded.

And with this, Heman is always helpless...Heman gets up and heads to the door

"Good night, sire, "Heman said as he headed out

"Good night," Arvin responded

BACK IN MALAKA CASTLE

As the sun began to set, the ladies-in-waiting arrived at Malaka Castle, tired but excited from their journey. They were greeted by the castle's staff, who showed them to their quarters.

After freshening up, the ladies-in-waiting made their way to Nailah's chambers, eager to surprise their beloved Empress giggling with excitement.

As they entered Nailah's chambers, they found her sitting by the window, lost in thought. She looked up, startled, as the ladies-in-waiting curtsied before her.

"Nailah, we're here!" Lady Kanha exclaimed, rushing forward to hug her Empress.

Nailah's eyes widened in surprise, and then a smile spread across her face. "What are you all doing here?" she asked, hugging each of the ladies-in-waiting in turn.

"We received a letter from the Emperor," Kiara explained. "He told us to come to Malaka Castle to attend to your needs."

Nailah's cheeks flushed, and she looked down at her hands. Feeling grateful, "I didn't know he had sent for you," she said. "But I'm so glad you're here."

The ladies-in-waiting smiled, happy to be reunited with their Empress. They chatted and laughed together, catching up on each other's news.

"Guess who is now a ñabia (bride to be slang from the South),"Kiara said in an even concrete Southern accent. The girls scream in excitement..

Nailah then asked, "By who?"

All the other three ladies said at once, "Lord Tando!!!!"

Kiara was a blushing mess, causing her to cover her face with her palms

"Aww, come on, Kiara, you have known him all your life, and we have known about you guys for a long time. There's no need to be shy, "...Nailah said

"I'm scared a bit. What if he changes his mind? "Kiara frowns as she states.

The conversation took a surprising turn, and Gina's eyes widened in shock. "No one here has ever been a ñabia and not gotten married," Kiara said, her voice laced with concern. "See, her Majesty..." Gina jumped in, trying to comfort Kiara, but Lady Kanha interrupted, her voice firm.

"Kiara, it's pure nonsense that you think like that," Lady Kanha said, her eyes flashing with conviction. "You are Kiara Monti, the daughter of the governor of Bukid Tando. He would be a fool to call it off."

Nailah nodded in agreement. "And plus, if we're being realistic, I think back then, Mirha counted as a ñabia, did you not?" Lady Kanha asked, her gaze turning to Mirha.

Gina's eyes widened in shock. "What??" she asked, her voice sounding both shocked and angry. "When and who did... to Mirha?"

Mirha lowered her head in embarrassment, her cheeks flushing. Lady Kanha's expression turned prideful, with a hint of mockery. "It was Hosh ( Kanha's brother)," she said. "He proposed to Mirha after claiming he was in love with Mirha. But her father rejected the idea, and everyone had heard of the proposal. So, to die the situation, father took Hoshi to Lamig kingdom (Western kingdom), where he has been ever since. With his father's help, Mirha was brought to the castle in Bukid kingdom to work as Nailah's attendant. That's the whole story as to why Mirha came to be a lady-in-waiting to Nailah."

The room fell silent, the only sound of the heavy breathing of the ladies. Gina's face was a picture of disgust, while Kiara's eyes flashed with anger. Nailah's expression, however, was empathetic, her eyes filled with compassion for Mirha. Mirha herself looked embarrassed, her head still bowed in shame.

The silence was oppressive, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Finally, Mirha broke the silence, her voice laced with laughter. "Take it from a person who was almost a ñabia – you have a lot of traditional spas ahead of you."

Nailah joined in, her laughter infectious. "Oh, the traditional spas," she said, rolling her eyes. "I remember mine. It was... an experience."

As the conversation went on, the air slowly cleared of the heavy emotions, replaced by the warm glow of camaraderie. The ladies talked long into the night, sharing stories and laughter, until finally, they disbanded, each retiring to their respective chambers.

Back in the Imperial Castle~

Arvin stepped out of the meeting room, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. The meeting with the kings had been productive but also exhausting. He was looking forward to a few moments of peace in his study.

As he walked down the corridor, his guards fell into step beside him. They nodded to the servants and courtiers they passed, who bowed or curtsied in response.

Reaching the study,Arvin pushed open the door to his study, and he was greeted Rnzo's smiling face . He was not alone. Tando was sitting on the couch, chatting quietly.

"Arvin, welcome back," Rnzo said, standing up to greet him.

Tando jumped up as well, a huge grin on his face. "Arvin, I how have you been?" he exclaimed.

Arvin smiled. "Im doing well, Tando." he asked, walking over to his desk.

Tando took a deep breath, his eyes shining with excitement. "I'm finally making Kiara my wife!" he announced.

Arvin chuckled, happy for his little cousin. "Congratulations, Tando! I'm happy for you both."

Tando beamed with pride. "Thanks, Arvin! I was thinking of having the wedding at one of the castles in Taico. Would that be okay with you?"

Arvin nodded. "You can use any castle in Taico, except Malaka. That's where Nailah is staying, and I don't want to disturb her."

Tando nodded understandingly. "Of course, I wouldn't dream of disturbing her Majesty. Thanks, Arvin."

Rnzo, who had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly spoke up. "Hey, Arvin, can you use your powers to make lady Gina marry me?"

Arvin's eyes widened in surprise, and he stared at Rnzo in shock. "You're interested in lady Gina?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity

Rnzo nodded, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, I guess I am. I don't know, there's just something about her."

Arvin leaned back in his chair, intrigued. "When did you start fancying Lady Gina?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Rnzo thought for a moment before responding. "It was actually the night of the ball a week ago. I saw her, and... I asked to marry me.. She said no, but i know she did mean it. She was probably overwhelmed." Rnzo said confidentiality.

Arvin's eyes widened in surprise after listening to Rnzo's confession. "The night of the ball? You asked for her hand?"

Rnzo nodded, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, She was the potential wife i spoke of that night. After one conversation, I'm certain she is what I'm looking for."

"Whose daughter is Lady Gina again?" Arvin asked, curiosity, as he had a flashback.

"Exactly!!" Rnzo said excitedly

"She is a daughter of a governess..nothing special just a southern gem made for me." Rnzo stated, smirking

Tando chuckled. "If it weren't so early, I would say Rnzo had too much to drink."

Arvin laughed. "I had no idea. You're a sly one, Rnzo."

Rnzo's face as he glared at Tando. "Tando, you are getting too comfortable, little brother," he muttered,

Later that evening, after Rnzo and Tando had departed, Arvin's journey came earlier than usual a letter from his mother

Stated the arrival of Kian to Kamaya, that caused Arvin to depart immediately, leaving Taico kingdom for Kamaya Kingdom.