Page 11 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

And out of nowhere, my brain questioned,"Why am I feeling so restless with this information?"It was her life, and she could marry anyone she wanted. She had to marry someone if I didn’t. Sooner or later, this day had to come.

I gulped the painful lump in my throat as I didn't know what to do.

As the night drew to a close, I packed my belongings, and we began our journey the next morning. As usual, I was in my guard's apparel.

As I crossed the threshold of Mahabaleshgarh, I noticed the decorations and chaos that erupted within the palace. It was true; she was indeed getting married.

The king was given the largest of the guest chambers, and he asked me to guard its door. With my helmet on, no one could recognize me, but dread gradually overtook my heart.

By afternoon, I observed the king departing to meet with other kings. He left me outside his chamber and returned later in the evening while I stayed in my place.

A part of me wanted to know whom Nandani would choose as her husband. She was a wealthy princess, and her father had organized such an extravagantSwayamvar.

?? ? ? ?

Nandani

Days passed, yet I couldn't get over everything that had happened. It had been a week, but no one talked to me, especially my father.

Stress and worry consumed us, as we knew the attendees had already leaked all the information, and everyone in the kingdom would learn of their princess’s tragic involvement.

No man or family would accept me anymore, as I had no reputation to be a part of an honorable family.

I confined myself to the four walls of my chamber, crying all week, not knowing what I was going to do anymore.

But suddenly, a thought crossed my mind, so I wiped away my tears and got off the bed.

He hated us.

And if he came here with the same hatred, it meant he now understood our strengths and weaknesses. If he wasn't here for me, he was here to learn about us. He wanted to know about us because he was seeking revenge.

And if he were seeking revenge, then this wasn't it. Surely, I was no object he could use to avenge his family.

How could he use me for his revenge?

But all I knew was that I wouldn't let him ever succeed in his devious plans. He punished my family for a crime they didn't commit and hurt their pride. I knew he must be eyeing the throne of Suryagarh.

He wanted to be a king. Always.

But I'll never let you become a king until I am alive. You shouldn'thave done this to me, Rudra, to any girl. You must face the repercussions.I pledged to myself.

Coming out of my chamber, I walked to my mother’s and found her seated on the couch.

“Maasa,” Going near her, I remarked,“I want to get married. Please extend the invitation of my swayamvar to King Surgami Dev Singh.”

She rose from her seat aghast and shouted,“Are you out of your mind?”

I controlled my surging emotions and exclaimed confidently,“No, I’m not.” She looked at me, horrified, exclaiming,“Surgami dev is an old man.”

“And one of the most influential kings of Indira,” I imparted.

“No, we’re not sending him the invitation,” she said.

“You will, Maasa. You'll have to,” I appealed and stepped closer to her.“With no heir of the king, Rudra is next in line. And if he becomes the king, he will wage a war against Mahabaleshgarh.” I filled her in.

“Since not for me, he, no doubt, was here to get a fix on all our strengths and weaknesses. Besides, if he wages a war against us, I'll be the one to die a thousand deaths, maasa. I cannot bear the thought of my father and brother fighting a war that I could prevent by marrying Surgami Dev Singh and conceiving his child. I will give him an heir; ultimately, Rudra will never get his hands on the throne.” I continued, taking her hands in mine.

“So please try to understand, Maasa. Baapusa8is getting older, and Abhinandan is too ingenious to face a man he thought was his friend in the war. We shall not let Rudra succeed in his devious plans, and only a marriage alliance with Suryagarh can prevent such a perilous situation from arising,” I quavered, and my mother stated,

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