Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

In the heart of Saudi Arabia, King was caught in a whirlwind of emotions after his recent outburst online, his heart aching with a mix of regret and frustration. His closest advisors, noticing his mood, decided it was time for a heart-to-heart. "King, we know international opinions don't matter much to us, especially our ties with North America, but we'd appreciate it if you could keep things a bit more under control," one of them started carefully.

"And remember, it's a long-standing tradition for our kings to have at least ten wives. Your father had thirty-eight, with countless children, all contributing to the royal lineage," another added, emphasizing the importance of upholding this custom.

In Saudi, the status of women was notably low, particularly within the royal family, where a prince could have multiple wives, showcasing wealth and power. Despite the nation's strength, the low status of women often went unnoticed. So, for King to publicly speak out for a woman on social media was against local norms.

The advisors didn't mind King choosing Brielle, but if he did, he was expected to marry a few more women from influential families to maintain appearances.

King stayed silent, his eyes glued to his phone as if waiting for a message, brushing off his advisors' comments as mere background noise.

He had brought Isaac over, yet Brielle hadn't sent a single message. It seemed she didn't miss him at all.

Staring at his phone, he even wondered if it was broken. If she didn't care about him, she could at least think about Max, right?

"King, the Feast of Sacrifice is coming up. We've invited ladies from other prominent families to attend, hoping to find a suitable mother for Prince Isaac," one advisor mentioned, eager to stick with tradition. They were all fond of Isaac but were anxious about the absence of a queen. The major families were already eager to position their daughters.

"If you prefer someone with Australian features, we can make arrangements. Or even Princess Meredith from the North American royal family is of suitable age," they suggested, trying to pique his interest.

After much discussion, King finally looked up, his face a mask of resignation. "Do as you see fit," he said, signaling his reluctant consent.

The advisors exchanged glances, taking his words as approval. "Rest assured, we will choose the most beautiful women for you," they promised, leaving King alone with his thoughts.

Once they left, King, in a moment of frustration, hurled his phone against the wall, shattering its screen.

A minute later, in the silence of his brooding, the broken phone buzzed with a spam call, adding insult to injury. He tossed it into the trash can, convinced that without his initiative, Brielle would never reach out. The illusion of their happiness seemed like a distant dream now. It was time to face reality, despite the ache in his heart.

He glanced at his watch and the black ring on his finger, his eyes welling up.

"Daddy?" Isaac's voice broke through his thoughts. The boy was accompanied by Noir, his ever-loyal dog.

King quickly masked his emotions with a smile. "Yes, buddy? Hungry again?"

Isaac had spent time in this castle before, enjoying the vast landscapes and adventures with Noir.

Looking at his son, King couldn't help but embrace him, realizing that Isaac was all he had left.

"How about daddy finds you a beautiful mommy?" he suggested, hoping to lighten the mood.

Isaac remained silent, images of Brielle flashing through his mind. It seemed the rift between his father and Brielle was final.

Feeling a vague sense of loss, Isaac simply said, "As long as daddy's happy."

King's heart clenched at those

words. Why chase after Brielle when he could have any woman he desired? Beautiful, obedient, intelligent anyone could outshine Brielle. Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

"Yes, I like that idea. I've already asked them to start looking. Soon, we'll have many people here so you won't feel lonely anymore," King assured him, trying to convince himself as much as Isaac.

"And what about daddy?" Isaac looked into his eyes, seeking reassurance.

Those three words pierced King's heart. He averted his gaze, struggling with his inner turmoil.

"I won't be lonely either. We'll stay here, just like before, and not go anywhere. Just the two of us."

"As long as daddy's happy," Isaac

repeated, his simple words

a profound truth that reached deep into King's soul, stripping away his pretenses.