Page 113 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

Suddenly, the hall erupted with people’s murmurings, and I rose from my seat.“Don’t try to step out of the line,” I said politely, balling my palms into fists, controlling my emotions.

He smiled warmly.“I’m not even trying to, Ranaji. But none of us here is deprived of the information on the shared history of both the kingdoms. Then this forced marriage between you and Princess Rajnanadani. I don't know why they did not object to it, but I’m certain the ties between the kingdoms are strained. And this might eventually lead to a war between two massive kingdoms. All the present kings and I want a peace treaty to be signed between Mahabaleshgarh and Suryagarh, before any peace treaties are signed between Suryagarh and other states,” He concluded, and I inhaled deeply.

I tried to calm my anger and looked at everyone. The silence made it evident—they all agreed with him.

But, Mahabaleshgarh. No.

“This is impossible,” I said firmly, and he blinked, lowering his gaze for a moment. A heavy silence followed.

“Then I take a step back from signing the peace treaty,” he said.“There will be no use of those peace treaties if we deploy our defence systems for the wars between these two kingdoms. My state and I would like to stay independent.”

I clenched my jaw tight. Tension grew in the room, and suddenly, Ranvijay asked,“Who all agrees with King Uday Singh ji?”

My breathing quickened, and I found most of the kings standing in his support. I felt my heart beating a little faster.

Ranvijay and Agastya looked at me, and I inhaled a deep breath. I had to answer.

My problems were nowhere near decreasing. In no world could I sign a peace treaty with Mahabaleshgarh—not until the king and the queen were alive.

They were the reason why we suffered so much. Like, how could someone kill the other so effortlessly? That too, for something wrong. She was promised to my father, and they both killed my father.

No way, I couldn’t sign a peace treaty with them. Yes, I knew that Nandani and I had got married, but a peace treaty—that was too much.

But I had to speak—something.

“I want you all to wait and see what we can do in this regard,” I said, and they looked at each other before sitting down.

But the person who proposed this was still standing, looking at me.“Ranaji, this peace treaty is essential in so many ways,”

I immediately replied,“Yeah, I heard that.” He shut his mouth.

“Now, I want you all to rest and enjoy today's special lunch,” I said, stepping down from the throne.

My mind had already scrambled beyond control. I sprinted out of the courtroom, ending the conversation without realizing what its conclusion was. Moving toward our chamber, I went to the rooftop because I needed time alone to think and settle my thoughts.

The day passed as I walked back and forth, creating countless scenarios and thinking of endless possibilities.

The sun hid behind the horizon, and I witnessed the nightfall right before my eyes.

I called an attendee and asked him to bring a mattress and a comforter. I decided to sleep on the terrace. Looking at her face would’ve only reminded me of our condition. And I didn't want to hurt her.

The attendee returned with what I asked, and I laid the bed. Removing my kurta, I lay down and looked at the stars.

I closed my eyes and kept thinking of other ways to solve the problem.

We, no doubt, needed the support of these states to ensure our victory against Mahabaleshgarh. So, how was I supposed to sign a peace treaty with them?

Time passed, and at midnight, when I was still deep in my thoughts, I heard the faded sound of the anklets’bells.

I opened my eyes and looked at her approaching. Standing beside me, she said in a hurt voice.“I was looking foryou for so long.”

?? ? ? ?

Nandani

Finding him lying there without his kurta on, and the moonlight casting a gentle glow over him, made my heart skip a few beats.

He looked distressed and tired and asked,“And how did you find me?”

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