Page 172 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

One of the things I cherished most about her was her unwavering honesty. No matter how deeply she loved me, she never hesitated to call out my mistakes.

“Now, I have many things to discuss with the officials. You should rest and get some sleep,” I said, kissing her forehead.

She smiled timidly and asked,“Did you tell Guruji?”

I nodded.“He was proud. He said he’s happy that I’m not becoming a king obsessed with victory, but one who values relationships and iscompassionate.”

?? ? ? ?

Nandani

Warmth rose in my chest, and I smiled at his response.

“He’s right. It makes me proud too… to see a king who puts people above possessions,” I said gently, and he leaned in, kissing my cheek softly.

“Now, you must rest,” he whispered,“get over your soreness... and maybe teach me something from those seduction lessons you took.” I stared at him, narrowing my eyes playfully.

“Knowing you,” I teased,“I should probably ask for a refund from that teacher,”

He let out a low, deep chuckle, and I couldn’t help but smile shyly. As I stood to leave, he followed and wrapped his arms around me in a tender embrace.

“Bahut sunder lag rahi hain aaj aap,”(You look so beautiful today.) he whispered. I giggled and tilted my head at him.

“Aapne aaj hi dhyaan se dekha hai humein?”(You’ve seen me closely for the first time today?)

He smiled and replied,“Because I’m no longer forbidden to love.”

I stepped back slightly, looking up at him as he leaned in to kiss me. His lips brushed mine gently, so light that the chill of my nose ring was still felt between us.

“Is it still hurting?” he asked softly.

I didn’t speak, simply nodded, holding his gaze.“Ahhh, my little bird,” he murmured, kissing my cheek.“I’m sorry,” he added in a low voice.

“For what?” I asked.“For holding back?” I asked.

He looked at me, taken aback, brows slightly furrowed.“Well, maybe you shouldn’t ask for that refund after all,” He laughed, making me chuckle.

Kissing my forehead tenderly, he said,“You should go and rest now.” I nodded and walked away.

Returning to my chamber, I found Suman sitting on the couch, watching me intently.

“You look… different,” she said, her brow raised with curiosity.

I lifted one of my own.“Different how?” I questioned, plopping beside her on the couch.

She leaned in slightly.“You're glowing,” she said with a small smile.

I pressed my lower lip between my teeth and smiled faintly.“Really?”

She nodded.“Yes,”

A short pause lingered in the air, then she leaned closer and whispered,“Something happened?” She animated her fingers between me and him, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

My cheeks flushed instantly. Inhaling a deep breath, I muttered,“Everything,”

Her mouth dropped open.“Whattttt?!” I looked at her wide-eyed, wondering why her reaction was so dramatic. But she quickly softened her expression.

“What? Wow! Congratulations!” she beamed.

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