Page 26 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

“Oh,” He uttered, and I took my hand back.

“Well, I can help you with the drinks and other stuff. What do you want?” I asked in a friendly tone and he said,“Uhmm, nothing special. I have the drinks, but if you could arrange a Hookah26for me, it'd be a welcome addition,” I nodded.

“Alright, consider it done,” I said, and he looked at me dubiously.

“So…. will you send it to my chamber?” he asked, and I assured him. I will,” I confirmed.

Pleased, he patted my shoulder, whispered,“Perfect,” and walked away.

He wasn’t of any use for my mission. I had to find the Sultan, Nandani’s cousin’s husband. I just wanted to ensure I had fewer swords pointing against me on the wedding day.

I thought of going back to Suryagarh. So, I sneaked out when the king was asleep because he’d create an unnecessary scene if he didn't find me around.

I wanted to meet Nandani, but it wasn’t of any use at the moment. Though for once, I at least wished to see her. But, before that, I had to arrange a hookahfor Haider.

I walked toward the back of her chamber and craned my neck above to look up at her window two floors above. Like every time, I had to climb on the wall. It was midnight, and I jumped into her chamber over the window.

In the light of a few lit lamps, I walked toward her bed, and my sight fell on her sleeping figure.

As I staggered near, I found her shivering. Unfolding the comforter, I adjusted it over her form and settled on the edge of the bed near her.

She looked serene, and her angelic face and rosy, pouted lips looked beautiful as I watched her sleep calmly. I couldn't control my hands from touching her delicate petals.

“You are beautiful,” I muttered under my breath. Her eyelids fluttered, wrinkling tighter. She must be dreaming of something.

“Why are you doing this, Nandani?” I pleaded almost inaudibly to her.

I remembered the first time I saw her. To my eyes, she was the most enchanting, intelligent and tenacious girl. Her sharp wit always attracted me.

The most tempting thing was that she was secretly getting tutored on seduction in her palace. She managed to get herself ateacher who used to come to the palace disguised as a maid and teach her.

She flinched in her sleep, and I scooted a little closer to her, caressing her cheek.“Calm down, it's just a bad dream, little bird,” I spoke hushedly. She shivered, and I understood what it was.

Her menstruation was close, and she was having vivid dreams.

Her body would become numb during this time, and with the onset of her menstruation, she would start feeling sick and experience nightmares. She would often faint and always had trouble sleeping peacefully.

I held her hand and looked at her face marred with fear.

“I am sorry. I know you must have been dreaming about me and everything that happened. But trust me, I didn't want any of it to happen to you, I didn't want to taint your character. However, I had to leave because I couldn't get married. I cannot become anyone's husband,” I explained in a hoarse tone, looking at her, sensing that she was listening to everything.

“I regret returning to use you as a pawn again in my game, but looking at your face, I just couldn't. I did not have the heart to touch or do anything to you. However, it is hurting me, so please refrain from doing it anymore. Everything will get so complicated,” I mumbled, sliding her loose hair locks off her face.

I couldn't stop myself from pecking her hand. Her brows pulled up together, her cheeks too hot.

Leaning in, I gently kissed her forehead and promised never to let her marry an old man—especially my uncle. I stood up to leave before anyone caught me. After seeing her, I went back to my Kingdom, Suryagarh.

?? ? ? ?

Another four days passed, spent guarding the king. A part of me wanted to discuss backing out of the wedding, hoping he would understand. But I knew a womaniser like him would never step back from having a girl like Nandani.

She, very diligently, managed to pull the right strings to get me infuriated by marrying my enemy.

The next four days, each moment passed in excruciating agony, causing a strong turbulence in my heart. I felt a strange pain inside just thinking about the consequences I would face if she were to marry my uncle. For example, I might gain the kingdom, becomethe king, and avenge my father's death with her family, but at what cost?

On one side, I had Nandani standing against me; on the other, everything awaited me. It was as if she had presented me with only two options. Either drop the plan of getting the throne because she had determined to marry my enemy and produce him an heir, or stop her from getting married by... marrying her.

But to confirm what was going through her mind, I had to meet her and see her reaction. I could not force her until I knew what she felt for me.

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