Page 79 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

She pounded the dry chillies with such force that their powder blew into the air. The moment I breathed, I coughed hard, feeling a burning sensation in my throat.

She deliberately did that. She too coughed. The surrounding attendees were eavesdropping on us.

“Nandani, please, don't be ang—”

“Suman,” she called loudly, cutting me off. Moving towards the flour grinder, she began grinding again, and I sat before her.

“Nandani, everyone is waiting for me in the royal court. But I don't want to meet anyone, leaving you angry like this,” I tried to convince her, and she instantly looked at me.

“I'm not angry, Ranaji,” she creaked, showing her fury. I asked,“So, why are you doing this? There are so many attendants, so leave it to them. They'll do it,”

She inhaled a sharp breath and moved her gaze to me.“No, I, too, am on a controlling period with you until you are,” she said, and I immediately held her arms.

“Are you in your senses?” I gritted in a whispering tone, and she yanked my hand away.

“No, but you are not allowed to touch me,” she said, and I inhaled a deep breath to keep my cool.

“Nandani, what are you playing at?” I questioned, but she ignored me again.

“Reva, heat some water, and come here, help me with the dough,” she said, standing up, dusting her hands right in front of my face.

“Alright,” I mumbled under my breath, and stood up. She seemed infuriated.

I looked at the female attendees working and helping her. It was only right that I left from there.

I went to the court where everyone was waiting for me. The royal herald announced my presence.“Saavdhaan!!! Rana Rudra Dev Singh, raaj sabha mein padhaar rahe hain….”(Attention!!! Rana Rudra Dev Singh is entering the Royal Meeting Hall….) His voice was so loud it echoed in the huge hall, vibrating my insides, boosting energy in my body.

The moment I stepped in, murmurs and gossip piped down, and everyone got up to greet me with joined hands.

“Welcome to Suryagarh,” I returned their greetings and walked towards the throne. Taking my seat, I told everyone to sit too.“Please, take your seats.”

I noticed my Guruji and immediately stepped down from the throne to take his blessings. Returning to my place, I ordered them to commence the meeting.

Ranvijay stood up, catching everyone’s attention.“Ranaji, we are all gathered here to establish a new peace treaty and make amendments to the percentage of taxes and duties in the current trade zones.”

I listened to him carefully and said,“Please introduce the revisedcontracts.”

?? ? ? ?

Nandani

I, along with a group of attendants, went to the dining area to serve lunch to the royal guests.

Since it was the first official gathering of the kings of all the neighbouring states after his claim to the throne, we prepared a royal feast with utmost effort and dedication to welcome them.

It was necessary for our kingdom in terms of bilateral agreements and diplomacy between these states. If these kings hadn't approved him as the new king, our empire might have faced difficulties in imposing a new ruling system and amending laws to continue operating.

I had worn plain clothes, contrary to what the royals wear. I was devastated the moment I learnt about his celibacy. He never mentioned it to me, never once referred to it.

I was furious, but mostly hurt because I couldn't bear to see him suffering. My husband—sleeping on the floor, doing all his work, and then ruling a kingdom—I couldn’t tolerate that. I couldn’t stand seeing him have normal food, be a king, and work hard to stay fit. I couldn’t endure seeing my man stay away from me.

It felt as if I had made a wrong decision about pursuing him. Maybe I got in his way. I wouldn't have done that if I had known what he was going through to achieve his goals.

When I found out about his controlling period, I didn't have the heart to enjoy the privileges of being a queen, a royal.

No, it wasn't to get his attention or prove anything. It was more that I was hurt to know that my man, my husband, was sacrificing a lot to succeed in his plans. As his partner, it was my right andresponsibility to stand beside him in all his good and bad times.

I replaced my wedding bangles with simple green ones and detached myself from everything that was a part of royalty.

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