Chapter Six

I whispered for him to put me down, but he ignored me and carried me straight to my room. Once we arrived, he gently placed me on the bed while Martha watched in amazement from behind. I was just as confused as she was. What had gotten into him? Why was he suddenly being kind? Despite my questions, I was grateful that he had chosen to protect me from his siblings.

After settling me on the bed, Reuben took a seat next to me, and I could tell he had something to say. He turned to Martha and demanded a first aid kit, prompting her to quickly leave the room to fulfill his request. I braced myself for what was to come, unsure if it would be good or bad news.

"First of all, I'm sorry for what happened tonight," he began.

But I chose not to accept his apology. "If you hadn't told your mom about me, we wouldn't be in this situation. So, I decline your apology."

Reuben didn't seem bothered. "The truth is, I don't care if you accept my apology or not," he replied in his usual arrogant tone.

Of course, it was all an act. "I knew it. Now tell me what you want. What's the reason behind your sudden kindness?"

Reuben paused as if considering his carefully, before finally speaking up. No "I'm asking just in case you don't have a problem with me having three hundred concubines," he asked in a serious tone. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't hide my shock.

"This is what you wanted to know?" I asked, completely bewildered.

He turned away from me and said, "My siblings doubt your ability, but I have faith in you. Naomi, you may not realize it yet, but you possess the aura of a queen. From the moment I discovered you were the one I would marry, I saw greatness in you."

His words left me speechless and shocked, but he continued, "There is no doubt in my mind that you will become the strongest queen in history. You are the kind of woman I need by my side. However, I must be honest and admit that I do not find you physically attractive."

His words shattered my heart, and I wanted to lash out at him, but I could only stare at him in disbelief. "You probably already have an idea of the kind of women I am usually attracted to, and you are quite different from them. But that doesn't change the fact that you are a good woman. I'm afraid I cannot see myself falling in love with you, not in this lifetime or the next. However, I still need you."

"Do you expect me to stay?" I asked bitterly, looking away because I was afraid of breaking down if I looked into his eyes. Being called unattractive to my face was a new and painful experience.

"It's not really up to you," Reuben replied, and I knew he was right. At that moment, I felt powerless and weak, and according to him, unattractive. There was nothing I could do.

I fought back the tears and faced him, trying to appear strong. "So, what do you suggest we do? You don't find me attractive, yet you still want me to be your queen. How do we navigate this situation?"

He smiled as if he had been anticipating this question for a long time. "It's quite simple, we pretend to be a couple in public, but behind closed doors, we keep our distance from each other."

"I am allowed to have concubines, but unfortunately, you are not permitted to be with another man. And as my queen, you have to bear me children. We can discuss the topic of intimacy later."

"Just so you are aware, I will be bringing in many concubines in the future, and you must not cause any trouble for them. I will ensure that your stay here is comfortable, and if anyone bullies you, you can come to me for help, except for the queen, as even I am afraid of my mother. That is all I have to say for now, do you understand?"

I found myself nodding in response. Reuben seemed satisfied with my answer and got off the bed. Martha entered the room with a first aid kit, but he paid no attention and left. She gave me a sympathetic look, and I could tell she had overheard our conversation.

Placing the box on the floor, she came to my side and said, "I apologize for everything you have been through, my lady. Shall I call a doctor to tend to your wounds?"

A strong wave of emotions overwhelmed me, and I couldn't hold back my tears. I cried uncontrollably as if I were a helpless baby. If Reuben were still walking in the corridors, he would probably be able to hear me, but I didn't care. My heart was breaking into pieces as if it were being pricked by countless needles.

Martha climbed onto the bed and gently placed my head on her lap as I sobbed uncontrollably. "Don't worry, my dear," she comforted me, rubbing my back. "Everything will be alright, it's only temporary." I clung to her tightly as she whispered soothing words into my ears, eventually lulling me to sleep.

Instead of waking me up with her usual loud drumming, Martha gently tapped me awake, for which I was grateful. I stretched and yawned, feeling as though the memories from yesterday were nothing more than a distant dream. I was determined to leave it all behind.

Turning to Martha, I asked, "What do I have planned for today?" I was starting to get the hang of this new routine.

Just as she was about to answer, the door suddenly burst open, and Belen and Jade entered the room with confident strides. Fear instantly washed over me as soon as I laid eyes on them. I hadn't expected our reunion to happen so soon.

"Good morning, Naomi," Belen greeted me cheerfully, but there was an underlying tone of something else.