Married To The Dominant King

CHAPTER 3

⸻

NORA

The hum of the airplane did nothing to soothe my restless thoughts. For the entirety of the flight, my mind spun with confusion and unease. My parents’ recent behavior had become more and more suspicious. My mother’s strange reaction this morning, followed by a cryptic text from my father—Don’t go to Yıldız. Wait for me in Istanbul—only heightened my anxiety.

What were they hiding? Why were they being so vague?

I glanced out the small oval window, the endless clouds offering no answers. The feeling gnawed at my chest, a tight, persistent pressure that refused to let go.

“You okay?” Emma’s voice broke through my thoughts.

I turned toward her, my sigh escaping before I could form words. “I don’t know, Em. I’m just really confused. My mom was acting weird before I left, and now my dad sends me this strange message. It’s like they’re hiding something from me. But why?”

Emma furrowed her brow, lips pursed as she processed what I said. “Maybe… maybe he’s just busy,” she offered gently. “He might not want to burden you with whatever he’s dealing with. Or maybe—hear me out—he doesn’t want you to see how things work over here. You’re American, and maybe he thinks you wouldn’t understand the culture, especially if he’s working under royalty.”

My frown deepened. “Are you saying my dad is some kind of servant?”

She rolled her eyes. “I didn’t say servant. But working with royals isn’t like working a nine-to-five job in Manhattan. The dynamic’s different. The power structure’s different. Maybe he doesn’t want you to see him in a way that might challenge the image you have of him—successful, in control.”

I slumped in my seat, arms crossed. “That still doesn’t explain why they’re being so secretive.”

Emma leaned her head back with a sigh. “I get it. But sometimes parents just don’t know how to explain things until the moment’s right. Maybe that’s what this is.”

I gave her a look. “You could’ve just said that instead of dancing around it.”

She grinned. “Where’s the fun in that? I like watching you get worked up over my theories.”

Despite myself, I laughed. Emma could be infuriating—but she always knew how to lighten the mood.

“Well, I’ll take your theories under advisement, Dr. Watson,” I said dryly.

“You better,” she smirked, turning her attention back to her tablet.

As she lost herself in whatever eBook she was reading, my thoughts drifted again—to Dad, to the strange way Mom’s hands trembled as she hugged me goodbye. Something was definitely off. And the worst part? I had no way of finding out until I landed.

Eventually, the weight of everything caught up with me. My eyelids grew heavy, and I drifted into a reluctant sleep.

The dream came quickly. I braced myself, fearing the familiar scenes of falling, of being hunted, of something terrible lurking in the shadows. But this one was… different.

I stood in front of a grand mansion, unlike anything I’d ever seen in America. Surrounded by lush gardens filled with flowers I didn’t recognize, the estate felt almost ethereal. Familiar, somehow. A memory buried deep within me?

I didn’t have time to dwell on it.

The voice over the intercom woke me with a jolt. We had landed in Istanbul.

Emma stretched beside me. “God, finally. That felt like an eternity.” Emma grunted beside me. “I just hope it’s worth all the time and effort.”

“Stop exaggerating. It was a free trip, remember?”

“Exactly!” she beamed. “All the more reason to milk it for everything it’s worth. We could’ve been in Paris, Bali, anywhere!”

I rolled my eyes and stood up, grabbing my carry-on. “I just wanted to surprise Dad. After everything he’s done for me, this felt like the least I could do.”

Emma smiled and hugged me. “I know. You’re a good daughter.”

“And you’re a pain in my ass,” I teased, grinning.

She laughed. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

We finally exited the plane, stepping into the crisp night air. The city’s skyline sparkled against the darkness, and for a moment, the sight stole my breath.

“Holy s**t,” Emma muttered behind me. “This place is stunning. We are so going to have a blast.”

“I hope so,” I said softly, the weight of my parents’ silence creeping back in.

“Please don’t start with the overthinking,” she groaned. “You always go full detective and ruin the vibe.”

I gave her a look. “It’s not just anything. It’s my parents. It’s natural to worry.”

She relented with a nod. “True. But I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.”

I gave her a half-smile. “Alright. No more thinking.”

“That’s the spirit.”

We were headed toward the line of taxis when a tall man in a black suit suddenly stepped in front of us. He had the build of a bodyguard—military haircut, broad shoulders, the earpiece giving off major secret agent energy.

“Miss Aslan?” he asked, his deep voice laced with formality.

I blinked. “Yes? Can I help you?”

“I’m here to escort you to your hotel. Your father arranged for your protection.”

I frowned. “Protection? I didn’t ask for any bodyguard.”

“My apologies,” he replied, deadpan. “Your father instructed me to accompany you at all times. For your safety.”

Emma’s jaw dropped. “Wait, you mean we get a real bodyguard?”

I hesitated. “Look, I don’t think this is necessary. Emma and I can manage. Maybe just a ride to the hotel?”

Emma clutched my arm. “Are you insane? This is awesome! Like, we have our own personal Jason Bourne.”

I turned to her, incredulous. “You’re okay with being followed around everywhere?”

She pouted. “Okay, maybe not to the bathroom. But still… he’s kinda hot.”

“Jesus,” I muttered.

The man stood like a statue, expression unreadable.

“I’m sorry,” he said again. “But I can’t just drop you off. I’ve been assigned to guard you closely.”

I pulled out my phone and dialed my dad’s number. Voicemail. Of course.

“Seriously?” I muttered.

“He’s busy with palace matters,” the man explained. “He couldn’t meet you himself.”

Palace. My brain tripped over that word.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“Burak.”

Emma wiggled her brows. “Hard name for a hard man.”

Burak cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably. “Your father is connected to the royal household. That naturally brings risks. Anyone close to him—including you—is a potential target. My job is to ensure your safety.”

I turned to Emma. Her eyes were wide now.

“Okay… please tell me there won’t be any car chases or shootouts.”

Burak smiled. “Highly unlikely. But better safe than sorry.”

I tried to stay calm, but my thoughts were all over the place. And then I saw her.

Standing not far from the terminal, the same woman I’d seen in the airport back in the States. Dressed in black, her eyeliner thick and ominous, she stared at me again. Her gaze wasn’t admiring—it was predatory.

My blood ran cold.

“Burak?” I said sharply. “Can we leave now? We’re exhausted.”

Emma gave me a questioning look, but I ignored it. I didn’t need another one of her you’re overreacting lectures.

Burak nodded. “Right this way.”

He led us to a black limousine. A driver stepped out, opening the door.

“A freaking limo?” I raised a brow.

Burak merely shrugged, face still void of emotion.

Emma squealed. “This is amazing!” She hopped in without hesitation.

I gave the area one last glance and froze.

The woman was walking toward us.

“Burak,” I said, slipping into the car quickly, my voice sharper this time. “Let’s go. Now.”

He gave me a curious look but obeyed, stepping in and shutting the door behind him.

As the limo pulled away from the curb, I caught one last glimpse of her—standing by the airport doors, staring straight at me, unblinking.

Even through the tinted glass, I felt her gaze pierce through me.

Who was she? And what did she want?

Was she one of the enemies Burak had warned me about?

Because suddenly, this trip was starting to feel a lot more dangerous than I ever imagined.