Page 149 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

“Anyway, Rajaji, we’re looking forward to establishing a peace treaty between Mahableshgarh and Suryagarh. Now that we share not only political ties but personal ones too, and since we’re all trying to move beyond a manipulated past, we mustn’t give anyone the chance to exploit misunderstandings that no longer exist,”

Surprised, her father looked at me, then his expression shifted into a wide smile.“Of course... Wow... Yes. I mean, this is the best thing to do. It’s the right step toward a better future,” he said, nodding in agreement.

I returned his smile and looked toward Ranvijay, signalling him to bring the documents.“We’ve already drafted a treaty. You can review it, consult with your advisors, and let us know if any changes or negotiations are needed,” I said.

“Well,” Rajaji chuckled,“I was expecting something good at this festival, but not this good.” I laughed lightly and caught Nandani watching me blankly while sipping her water.

“Also, Rajaji,” I continued,“Ranisa and I must return home today. Our neighbouring states are awaiting word from us. It’s urgent, but I promise to return soon for a longer visit once things settle down.”

And suddenly, Nandani choked on her water, coughing uncontrollably. Everyone turned to look at her with concern.

“What happened, Nandani?” her mother asked.

She glanced at me, her eyes wide, and I couldn’t help the slight smile forming on my lips.

“What? Today? Why?” she asked quickly, still catching her breath.

I raised a brow and leaned in slightly, my tone teasing but sharp.“Why do you look scared, Nandani?”

She coughed harder, shaking her head.“Scared? Me? Why would I be scared?”

Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and I held her gaze.

“Good,” I said. Then, looking around the table, I added calmly,“Also, Ranisa and I have something very important to take care of... before the end of tonight,”

Nandani nearly dropped her glass, her eyes now twice as wide.“What? Tonight?”

?? ? ? ?

Nandani

Everyone stared at me, utterly shocked and visibly confused, and that’s when I realised what I had just blurted out.

I turned to look at my mother, who looked at me, surprised, and immediately forced a wide, fake smile onto my face.

“What? Tonight? Hehehe… Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” I tried to play it cool, laughing lightly, and glanced at him, looking at me with a faint smile, as if he saw right through me.

“Yes, tonight. Or did you forget that we’ll finally do something you were so desperate for?” He said it casually, but I could feel the heat rushing to my cheeks, burning with embarrassment. I looked at my parents, wishing the floor would swallow me up, the butterflies in my stomach long dead from shame.

“What? Hehehe…” I let out a nervous laugh, hoping he would stop teasing me in front of everyone. But instead, he continued, all too smoothly.

“What, what? Didn’t you say you wanted to oversee the reconstruction of the kingdom’s outskirts yourself? You requested the head of architecture, remember? He’ll be arriving in Suryagarh by evening. Don’t you want to meet him?” He said it so nonchalantly, eating berries like it was nothing.

“Ohhh,” I exhaled, finally catching my breath. Relief washed over me like a wave.“Right... the reconstruction… the outskirts… yes, of course,” I tried to smile at my parents, but they looked at me like I was some fool.

“Why are you acting so silly suddenly, Nandani?” Daadisa voiced, and I immediately shrank into a small, sheepish smile.

“I’m sorry, Daadi-sa… I just don’t feel ready to leave yet,” I admitted quietly.

My mother placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.“You came to celebrate the festival with us, and we are so happy you did. But both you and Ranaji have responsibilities waiting for you. It’s better to fulfil those first,” she said, and I nodded instantly.

My eyes kept stealing glances at my dangerously calm husband, who was behaving like nothing was happening.

But inside, I was freaking out, thinking of how our first time would be.

This time, it felt different. Real. It was actually going to happen, and that thought alone sent shivers down my spine.

I felt like prey sitting beside a predator. After experiencing just a fraction of what he was capable of, I knew I wouldn’t stand a chance. The first time I asked him to make love to me, I hadn’t known that side of him. The side I hardly knew existed—the things he was into, the things he had thought for me, for us, things I had never even imagined—not in my wildest dreams.

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