Page 35 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

“Everything is fair in love and war. And, ironically, we have had both. It was love between us, but now it’s war. So everything is fair for me,” I said bitterly, and she restlessly shifted her weight from one foot to another.

“Nandani, please reconsider your decision. This is too dangerous—”

“No, it is not,” I said, cutting her off. She frowned at my reply.“What do you mean?”

“You just have to get me an herb that will make the king lose consciousness because, obviously, I'm not going to sleep with him for real; I'll just pretend I did.” Taking her hands in mine, I instructed my plan.“And, you will go and bring Rudra. So, when he catches me sneaking out of the king’s chamber in the middle of the night, he can reconsider his decision of kidnapping me.” She was panic-stricken by the time I finished.

“No, you will not do this. If you want to be with him, talk to him, fight with him. But please, not this,”

“Ssshhh,” I shushed her. Holding her shoulders, I said,“This is between him and me, Suman. He started this dirty game, so let me end it his way. " She tried to oppose, but I stopped her.“Just do as I say. For now, help me get this henna off and bring me a dress to change into.” She looked at me, confused, but eventually did what I said.

She returned with a bowl of oil, and we rubbed the henna off my hands.

Later, when I returned to my chamber after changing my clothes, I heard a knock on my door.

I opened the door and found my parents standing with a big platter in their hands. They stepped inside, and my father said,“We thought maybe we could have dinner together.” My lips wobbled, and I stuttered with a heavy voice,“You should have called me.” My mother placed the plate on the table and lovingly patted my head.

“It's alright. Come, sit,” I said, nodding as I settled between them on the couch.

As my father fed me the first morsel so affectionately, I couldn't tame my tears anymore.

“I don't know why our ancestors created such a ritual, but it is a tragic reality that daughters are meant to leave their parents and families behind. Tomorrow is your last day in the Kingdom. And since it is the demand of the tradition, we too have to bid farewell,” my mother’s voice turned hoarse, as if she was restraining herself from crying.

“Nandani, it's not late yet,” my father interrupted. I would be the happiest to hear that you have changed your mind about marrying that old man. We will find you a better suitor—someone your age, someone brave, someone you truly deserve. And don't worry about the consequences—we can handle them,” he said.

“Baapusa, I have grown up spending a lot of time with normal people, the wives of the soldiers, their kids, their mothers. We royals live in our palaces happily with our family, assured that the soldiers who serve us day and night will take care of our safety,” I softly pressed on the seriousness of the matter.“But these soldiers have a family too, who long for them. So, how can I break their hope by risking the lives of their loved ones when I can simply establish a peace treaty between the two kingdoms? I’m sorry, but I cannot let that happen, especially when I'm the root cause,” I illustrated the whole scenario, and he sighed sharply.

“So you will stand by your decision?”

“Very much,” I confirmed, and we again got back to feeding each other, living the last few blissful moments as a daughter.

None of us mentioned my brother throughout our conversation, but I knew they were hurt. So much.

We called it a night, and I locked the door once they left.

I had to get back to work.

At midnight, I covered my head with the veil and tiptoed out of my chamber, being on alert to avoid getting caught.

Once I reached the king's chamber, I noticed that Rudra was not present. The soldiers who were guarding looked at me, and I respectfully asked them to inform the king of my arrival.

Suman stood behind me holding a tray. Once the king permitted, the soldiers let us in. As we stepped inside, I saw the king preparing for the night.

“Nandani! What are you doing here at this time of night?” He looked at me, surprised. Cold sweats drenched my forehead and palms as I contemplated the possible consequences this plan could cause.

“I do not mean to cause you any inconvenience, your majesty, but I am here to have a word with you,” I clarified politely.

“What is it?” he asked.

“The vaidya earlier today had me examined. But for some reason, she could not quite establish whether I was chaste or not,” I said, and he tried interpreting.

“But I am,” I immediately clarified and continued,“I've never been touched before. I don't know what confused her, but now that I’m here, why don't you find it yourself?” I justified myself. He looked at me, perplexed, and I added,“You are an experienced man, Your Majesty. I believe you know better, and since we aregetting married tomorrow, I don't see a problem with it,” I stated.

By then, Suman had served the juice in a glass she had brought with her. Placing it on the tray, she walked toward the king.

“If you accept this glass of juice, I’ll take it, you accept my proposal,” I offered. He seemed uncertain initially, but picked up the glass anyway, giving a lewd smirk.

“Sure,” He agreed, sipping the juice, and ordered me, Suman, to leave us alone. My heart shuddered at the thought of being alone in the same room as him.

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