Bab 47: Chapter 21: A Challenge Messiah Will Lose

To manage Zarniya's restlessness, Messiah pulled her up and settled her on his lap. He guided her arms to wrap around him slightly and held her waist securely. Zarniya seemed to find comfort in the position and stopped struggling.

Messiah didn't wake her; he let her sleep on him, holding her steadily to minimize the movement of the carriage. Her head rested against his neck, and her body was turned towards him.

"Saya is mine now," she mumbled in her sleep, causing Messiah to chuckle.

"I've always been yours, Niya." He rested his chin on her shoulder and combed her hair through his fingers. "And you're mine now."

Messiah closed his eyes and focused on the movement of the carriage, but the silence made him acutely aware of how she felt in his arms—the warmth, the softness, and the intoxicating effect of her drunkenness on him.