Page 175 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

“Are you not getting late for your courtroom meeting?” I asked, and he pulled back just a bit, nodding.

“Yes, I was just about to get up.” He climbed out of bed, and Iwatched him walk into the bathroom.

Even though I was more comfortable now, my thoughts didn’t rest. I could sense that he was still worried about Abhinandan, about what was happening outside the borders… something weighed on him.

I stared at the ceiling and let out a deep sigh, lost in thought.Should I talk to Abhinandan?

But Rudra had clearly asked me not to interfere between them.

Still... shouldn’t I at least know what Abhinandan truly feels? He must’ve been devastated by everything that had happened. And after learning that, I married Rudra, despite knowing what he had done to me, and forgave him... I was sure he would be angry with me, too.

But I had to make him understand. Rudra had a reason to do everything he did.

Even if the reason didn't sound reasonable to Abhinandan, one mistake couldn't define a person entirely. We all make mistakes, especially when our minds are clouded, when we can’t think clearly or wisely.

Rudra’s mistake was rooted in half-truths and was misleading. And for that, he deserved a second chance—the one I gave him.

I didn’t know what was coming next, but something inside told me things were about to spiral. I exhaled sharply, trying to calm myself.

“You must take proper rest. I’ll ask the attendants whether you ate or not. So, take care of your diet, understand?” His voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

He had dressed for the court meeting and was drying his hair with a cotton cloth.

My gaze softened as I watched his bare chest, firm abs, and strength in his arms. Suddenly, the memory of our night together flickered across my mind. A shy smile tugged at my lips.

But his words brought me back. Wait… he had asked me to take care of myself.

“Are you going somewhere?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

He glanced at me and sat on the couch to put on his footwear. But his silence… it said enough.

“Where are you going?” I asked again, sitting up straighter in bed.

He stood and walked over to me.“You don’t have to worry. I’mjust going to check the actual conditions at the borders,” he said calmly.

I instantly reached out and held his hand.“What?”

He nodded, confirming it.

A wave of worry swept through me. My chest tightened.

“No, Rudra, you know—”

“Nandani, I have to go. The sooner we handle this, the better,” he cut me off, before I could finish, gently holding my wrist.

“But what if they attack you?” I asked, my voice trembling, tears already forming in my eyes.

He took a deep breath, eyes steady on mine.“Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything. And nothing will happen to your brother,”

He slowly pulled his hand away and stood.

When he walked away, I threw the comforter aside and stepped out of bed, desperate to stop him. But the moment my feet hit the floor, a jolt of pain shot through my knees. My legs felt numb, and my body felt completely drained.

A faint cry escaped my lips, and he turned back, hearing it.

“You should rest, Nandani,” he said gently.“I promise, nothing will happen,” he said, and then… he left.

And I just sat there, frozen, watching him go.

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