Unattainable

---

**"Has anybody seen my son?"** the King asked, his voice echoing through the marbled hall.

"Probably out on his parades, Your Highness," replied the servant.

The King's jaw tensed. "How does he expect to take the throne if he's hardly in the palace to fulfill his duties as prince?"

"Don't be so hard on him," the Queen interjected gently. "He's still young. And how do you expect him to produce an heir if he hasn't found a wife?"

"He better grow up," the King muttered. "He's not a boy anymore."

---

**Meanwhile...**

"We're not supposed to be doing this. It's completely forbidden, my lord," gasped the servant girl, her breath catching as she backed against the stone wall.

Lord Adinath's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Well, if it's forbidden... then why is your body saying something very different?" His voice was low, dangerous, intoxicating.

He traced her waist with his fingers, drawing her close. "If you want me to stop, just say so," he whispered, lips barely brushing hers.

She trembled as his warm breath ghosted along her neck. "Do you want me to stop? Hmmm?"

"No, my lord," she exhaled, clinging to him, her nails pressing into his skin.

"**My Lord!** Oh—sorry, my lord," came a voice from behind.

The startled servant jumped back, adjusting her uniform. A royal aide named Stefano stood awkwardly at the corridor's entrance, eyes politely averted.

"The King requests your presence," Stefano announced stiffly.

Lord Adinath sighed, still locking eyes with the girl. "Thank you, Stefano. Tell my father I shall be there shortly." He brushed a strand of hair from her face, smiling that infuriating smile that made women forget their own names.

"I suppose we'll save this... moment for later," he whispered, then turned and walked away, leaving her breathless and blushing.

This is was what drove women mad about Lord Adinath. He never gave too much. He teased. He left them wanting.

Son, what did I tell you about seducing the maids?" the King growled as Adinath entered the throne room.

Adinath smirked. "Oh, Father, I wonder who I take after..."

The Queen suppressed a chuckle. The King, less amused, cleared his throat.

"Anyway. You requested my presence?"

"Yes," said the King. "I've decided to host a grand ball. It's time you chose a wife. Now that you've broken things off with Lady Saraah..." he frowned, "—she was perfect for you, my son. I don't know why you let her go."

Adinath's smile faded just slightly at the name.

**LADY SARAAH**

Lady Saraah — the once-lover of Lord Adinath — was the epitome of beauty and class. She was adored by nobles and commoners alike. Her family name carried weight, and her grace lit up every room she entered. She had once held Adinath's heart, or so everyone believed.

His parents adored her — so much so that when the King learned of their secret affair, he tried to formalize the match.

But Adinath, ever the rebel, had ended it. Or at least, that's what he told the court.

No one knew what really happened between them.

Not yet.