Chapter 27 · Untitled Chapter

The resonance of Saud’s declaration had barely settled across the public hall before the assembly began to disperse in tense, guarded whispers. The men of the council stepped back with lowered heads, recognizing that the ledger had closed against them. Yet my uncle’s humiliation did not yield quietly into submission; it festered into the petty malice of a man whose domestic authority had been dismantled in full view of his peers.

I returned along the gallery toward the private wing, my dark abaya brushing the stone floor. Even behind closed doors, the quiet within the estate was deceptively fragile. Within an hour, the muffled scrape of boots and harsh, hurried voices echoed from the lower landing.

I stepped to the inner threshold of the corridor, my shaila pinned securely in place, and pulled the carved timber door slightly ajar.

Three domestic porters stood frozen on the gallery steps, carrying empty crates and heavy woven strapping, their eyes darting nervously toward the floor.