Page 206 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

Once done, I dressed in my nightgown, every movement reminded me of the bruising soreness he'd left behind.

Returning to the bedroom, I saw him still sprawled on his stomach, the covers barely clinging to his waist.

Smiling to myself, I pulled the comforter over him properly, when the sudden, loud knock startled me.

I called out,“Who is it?”

“Bhabhisa, it's Ranvijay,” came the nervous reply.

I quickly grabbed my dupatta and covered my head before walking to the door. Opening it, I found Ranvijay standing there, looking pale and anxious.

“What happened?” I asked, frowning.

“Bhaisa…” he choked out. He looked so disturbed that I immediately stepped aside.

“There,” I said, gesturing him in.

He rushed to the bed and called out urgently,“Bhaisa!”

Rudra's eyes flew open.

Seeing Ranvijay's face, he straightened up instantly.“Ranvijay,” he said sharply.“What happened?”

Ranvijay took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.“We're under attack. Surgami Dev Singh and Maasimaa are missing... I think something is terribly wrong,”

Without missing a beat, Rudra ordered,“Alert the army. I'm coming.”

Ranvijay nodded and hurried out.

Rudra swung off the bed and rushed toward the dressing room to change. When he returned, I was still standing there, my brows knitted in worry.

“Hey,” he said softly, pulling me into a tight embrace.“Everything will be fine,” he promised, pressing a hurried kiss to my forehead.

Looking into my eyes, he added,“You should rest, love,” He pecked my lips briefly.“I'll be back,” he said, and I nodded wordlessly as I watched him leave.

Still stunned, I sat down on the bed, trying to process everything.

Immediately, I rose to my feet and ran out, ordering Suman to take the ladies to the safest quarters inside the palace, and closed my chamber door.

Night had fallen completely, and as I stared out of the window, distant sounds of clashing swords faintly reached my ears.

But I couldn’t make sense of it. Why would Surgami Dev Singh attack like this? It was clearly a one-sided war; he had to know he couldn't win.

Why?

I paced the room slowly, the pain in my back sharp with every step. Only one explanation made my body shiver: a setup, an illusion.

But what was it?

And then I remembered—Surgami Dev Singh had left Mahableshgarh the night before my wedding, and Rudra had returned late in the evening, just before the ceremony.

Also, Rudra fought overnight with the army, which meant he was here a night before our wedding, right after he talked to me. He had the fastest horse, so he could arrive on time even while riding through the uneven path and hilly ways.

But how could Surgami Dev Singh leave in the middle of the night and still reach here to face Rudra?

Suddenly, a terrifying thought struck me, making my blood run cold. 'What the hell…?'

My body shook violently with the realisation creeping into my mind. I couldn’t believe it.

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