Alibaba finally retires to his chamber, and I wish him a good night at the doors of my own. As he disappears down the corridor, a tall figure emerges from the shadows behind me.
"So His Majesty can visit, but I can't?" Prince Malo's voice is low and accusatory. I turn around, and my face is just inches away from his. I take a step back, standing my ground.
"He's definitely not trying to shove politics down my throat," I reply, my voice steady but laced with irritation.
"It's not very ladylike to have a gentleman exiting your chambers this late in the night," he says in his usual serious tone.
"Don't worry," I say with a grin, "my maidens were in the room with us."
Prince Malo raises an eyebrow, clearly not amused. "That doesn't change how it looks, Daniella."
I roll my eyes. "Maybe you should focus more on your own affairs and less on who I have in my chambers."
He steps closer, his expression softening just slightly. "I care about your reputation."
I cross my arms, meeting his gaze evenly. "I can handle my own reputation, thank you."
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "You're impossible."
"And you're insufferable," I shoot back, but there's no real malice in my words. It's more of a tired resignation. "Was there something you needed, or did you just come to lecture me and mansplain stupid concepts to me?"
"I wanted to see how you're holding up," he says, his tone gentler. "It's been a rough few days."
I soften a bit at that, appreciating the concern even if it's wrapped in his usual stern demeanor. "I'm managing," I say. "Barely, but I'm managing."
He nods, his eyes searching mine. "If you need anything, you know where to find me."
Prince Malo grabs my hand as I try to enter my chambers. "You know we can go on with our engagement plan," he whispers, his breath warm against my ear, his warm breath against my ear sends shivers down my spine.
"Listen," I say, pulling my hand free from his grip, "I'm still mourning my sister. Until she is officially announced dead, I'm not doing any matrimony nonsense."
"Without any allies," he warns, "your kingdom will be dissolved whether you like it or not. Your dear Alibaba won't help, considering he's politically neutral."
"I'm aware of that," I reply, my voice steady. "I will let you dissolve my kingdom, if it means I can relax. I will sign off my rights to the throne." The shock on his face is palpable.
"Isn't that what you want?" I continue, my smile not reaching my eyes. "All members of the royal family have to sign off the kingdom to your kingdom. I will sign it."
"What game are you playing?" Malo asks, his voice betraying his disbelief.
"Just giving people what they want," I say, stepping closer and meeting his gaze. "There's no point in fighting alone for a kingdom my whole family has given up on."
He stands there, stunned, searching my face for any sign of deceit. "You can't be serious, Daniella."
"Oh, I'm very serious," I say with a smirk. "If everyone wants to surrender, why should I be the lone warrior in this losing battle? I have agreed to marry Sinbad, I will become his queen and I won't need the title of princess of the far south kingdom."
Malo looks at me, his expression a mix of confusion and frustration. "You can't be serious about Sinbad's proposal."
"I can and I will," I retort, turning to enter my chambers. "Good night, Prince Malo."
As I close the door behind me, I lean against it, taking a deep breath. The truth is, I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that I won't be a pawn in anyone's game, not even Malo's. My kingdom might be on the brink of dissolution, but I refuse to be manipulated into a marriage of convenience especially in the Cai family. Marrying into the Cai kingdom will give them more power than they have now. If I must fight, I'll do it on my terms.