Page 13 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

As I walked behind my father, lowering my gaze,everyone in the hall stood up in honour of the royalty as the herald made our presence known.

Walking toward a couch, I took my seat and looked around. I noticed young princes from small states waiting for the ceremony to begin. However, one empty chair had me gulping anxiously.

What if he doesn't come?

I fastened my trembling fingers to keep my racing heart in check. My extended family members were taking their seats, but my brother was absent. I looked into my mother’s eyes, expecting a particular suitor, specifically an older suitor.

My father began addressing the royal guests as everyone took their seats.

“I thank you all for enriching us with your cordial presence. You all have gathered here on the occasion of the Swayamvar of my daughter, Princess Rajnandani Mahabalesh, for whom you all have travelled so far. The event will continue for three days, and she will choose a man by the end. I welcome you all, and please seek what comfort you may.” He completed his part, and everyone applauded in delight.

Suddenly, the royal herald announced, making me sigh in peace.“Attention!!! The King of Suryagarh, Surgami Dev Singh, is entering the palace hall.”

“Finally,” I mumbled under my breath and looked at my father, who frowned, holding onto his sword.

I watched the old man, well-built and strong, standing in all his glory. His hair was grey, but his physique was healthy. With broad shoulders and a tall body, he seemed nowhere near old.

A group of soldiers assembled behind him.

Everyone rose from their seats, followed by my father, who stepped off the couch and walked towards him.

“You, here?” he asked. The old king laughed boisterously, replying,“Yes, I am here.” My father forced a laugh, and they both shared a formal hug.

“The preparations are marvellous,” he assessed, patting my father’s shoulder. My father countered,“Thank you, but are you here with a suitor?”

He laughed again, saying,“I am the suitor.”

“What?” my father asked, astonished.

I watched as my mother stood up from her seat and walked toward them. She greeted the king, taking my father by surprise.

Though the atmosphere was tense, they both led him to his seat. My mother whispered something to my father, and he whipped his head around to look at me.

In dread, I turned my gaze south.

As my father sat back, the ceremony resumed. Once I wasintroduced to the royal guests, we all retired to our respective chambers.

After coming to my chamber, I sat on my bed, exhaling tiredly. My heart pounded absurdly, so I closed my eyes to get a grip.

Visuals of Surgami Dev Singh kept crossing my mind, and I was terrified. It was just his age; he wasn't an old man! He seemed active and looked as young as my father.

“Nandani,” a voice caught my attention, and I looked at an alarmed Suman getting inside the chamber. She huffed in front of me.

Catching her breath, she sat beside me.“What?” I asked.

She informed me,“King Surgami Dev Singh wants to meet you,” and I wondered, with distress, why.

“Where?” I questioned.“In his guest chamber. Badi Maasa9told me to accompany you,” she mentioned.

I frowned upon hearing her. She called my mother Badi Maasa,and if my mother told her to do so, I would have to meet him.

“We’ll see him later after dinner,” I said, and she nodded.

By evening, everyone was busy at the dinner table. This was the right time to meet him.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I covered my face with the veil.

Suman tagged along as we walked towards one of the palace’s most enormous guest chambers to see him.

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