Page 54 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

Inhaling a sharp breath, I said,“I'll wait and see if the pain subsides by night, if not, I'll get a massage.”

“Ranisa,” an attendee called, standing at the doorways of the bedchamber, and we looked her way.“Badi Ranisahas asked you to get ready for the first-meal ritual,” she informed me, and I nodded.

“Okay, I’ll be there in some time.” She was about to leave when I stopped her.“Wait? Do you know where Ranaji is? I mean, what does he do after waking up, on a routine basis?”

With her head bowed down, she politely replied,“He went towards his old quarters.” I furrowed my brows in a daze.

“Old quarters?” she nodded.“Can you take me there?” I asked, and she looked hesitant.

“But Ranisa, these servant quarters are for men. Women are not allowed there.”

Getting up from the bed, I walked towards her and said,“I’m the Queen, so take me to these quarters.” She nodded and turned towards the exit.

“Please come with me, Ranisa,” I followed her out of the chamber and meandered through the colonnades and the royal gardens, where at a distance my sight fell on a remote building shielded by the royal palace, the servant quarters.

“This way, Ranisa,” the soldiers immediately moved aside, making way for me, standing in a line on both sides.

My steps froze in place when my sight fell on him, seated on a stool in the open bathing area, in just his dhoti36,visible to everyone. His back facing me, he filled the brass pot, emptying the water on his head.

His wounds were still fresh, and some of them were even bleeding.

I felt a knot in my stomach, looking at him, half-naked, taking a bath in the common area.

I caught the female attendants who came with me staring at him. Hundreds of soldiers were present, as it was open to everyone.

Stopping the attendees from following me, I dawdled in his direction, the sound of my anklet’s bells echoing in the hushed surroundings. I stepped near him and looked at his wet body.

Opening his eyes, he found me standing in front of him. Scanning me from top to bottom, he returned his gaze to my face and looked at me so intensely, as if he wanted to tear me apart. I felt my heart drop into my stomach.

“Ekaant!”(Privacy) I ordered.

All the attendants and soldiers left from there at his order, but I was rooted in my spot. I raked my eyes through the empty compound and, bringing my gaze back, I crept closer to him.

“You should bathe in the royal chambers, Ranaji,” I said, and I didn’t know why, but every time I addressed him as Ranaji, a sense of respect, pride of being his wife and timidness seeped through my insides.

He emptied another pot of water on his head, and a few drops splashed over my arms and face.“Habits cannot be changedovernight,” He stated.

Blinking nervously, I countered,“We’re meant to share everything as per our wedding vows. And so, I can't bathe in the open area.”

Suddenly, he stretched his hand out to me, confusing me.

I didn’t know what he wanted to do, so I placed my palm over his. He slowly pulled me closer and made me sit across from him, on my knees. My skirt was drenched on the wet floor.

All my courage flowed down the floor when he looked so deeply into my eyes, like he could see my soul. My heart pounded terribly against my ribs, making my breathing uneven.

I saw him filling another pot with water, and he steadily emptied it over my head. And the moment the cold water came into contact with my body, a jolt of shiver passed through my entire form, making me suck in heavy gasps of air and close my eyes.

It felt like thousands of flowers bloomed inside me, tickling me endlessly, making my whole body tremble.

Opening my eyes, I blinked at him frantically. I was cowering under his piercing gaze. Even though I was dressed completely, he looked at me like he had ripped my clothes off my body and was witnessing me naked.

The wild thought made me feel so hot; I immediately lowered my lashes.

Standing up from his place, he held out his hand. Holding it, I stood up.

I remembered that when I told him I was ready to live in a simple cottage with him, I had never imagined life would be so difficult.

He walked me toward a small room nearby and opened the door. As he took me inside, he locked the door, and I lifted my gaze to look at him.“I... I just came…to ask what you would like to have for breakfast,” I was stammering terribly with my words.

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