Page 92 of Rudra Nandani: The Saga of Control And Seduction

I beamed instantly, observing how frequently he gave me new names. When I noticed the bright rays of the sun flooding through the windows, I abruptly rose to my feet.

“You must be getting late for the court meeting, I’m sorry,” I reminded him, realizing we had guests and that he was supposed to be in the courtroom for the meeting.

“It's alright, I spoke to Ranvijay. He is managing everything,” he said, pulling me back onto his lap. I blushed at the abrupt movement, but my brows knitted together at what he said.

“Spoke to Devarsa?” He nodded.“Spoke to him when?” I asked warily, narrowing my eyes and feeling paranoid about his answer.“When you were asleep,”

My jaw dropped in disbelief.“He was here?”

He hummed,“hnnn-hmm,” calmly playing with the loose strands of my hair, contrary to my anxious self.

“And he saw us like this?” I asked uprightly, pointing between us. He gave another nod, frustrating me.

To say I was embarrassed would be an understatement. I was mortified.

“Why didn't you wake me up? We were not in an appropriate position,” I grumbled in exasperation.“I have my hair open, I’m sitting on you. It wasn’t right, especially in front of your younger brother,” I was flustered by the whole situation and complained in a hurry, only for him to smirk.

“Everyone knows children doze off anywhere, anytime,” he said.

I glared at him, slapping him on his chest, and stood up in a flash.“I’m not a child, Rudra,” but he got me back.“Aww, my little angry bird,” He teased, pinching my cheek.

“Stop giving me these stupid names,” I gritted. However, he sneaked his hand around me and jerked me closer.

While I struggled to get away, he leaned closer to my ear and whispered sensually,“Your hair is so beautiful. I'm undoubtedly going to play with them while making love to you, little seductress.” A gasp slipped off my mouth, making me shiver visibly when I processed his words.

He nibbled on my earlobe, sucking it softly, igniting a passion so deep within me. A moan was about to escape my lips as I felt the sensation of his warm and wet tongue against my skin, but whenhe suddenly bit down on my sensitive spot, I hissed at the bittersweet ache.

“You still feel me there, my little death-note.” Suddenly, the memory of that night clouded my mind in the blink of an eye. My lashes fluttered heavily, feeling the area between my legs pulsating, spreading the heat throughout my being.

I took a moment to calm myself and muttered in a low tone,“Ranaji, please, get back to your work.”

I slowly pushed him against the chair’s backrest, and he smiled at me, saying,“You’re glowing.” He stared at me with an intensity that made me breathless, and I closed my eyes to keep my sanity intact.

“Ranaji, there's something I want to talk to you about,” I spoke in a stern voice to convey the seriousness.

“I’m all ears, Ranisa,” He said, holding my hand.

“Ranvijay agreed to a political marriage?” I asked.

Sitting upright, he lowered his eyes in gloom and interpreted the situation.“Yes, I was going to negotiate, but he agreed,”

I scrunched my brows in doubt.“But why does the king of Songarh want to establish a political alliance with Ranvijay? What benefit does he get from this?” I asked.

He intertwined our fingers and kissed the back of my hand.“You see, Nandani, a king is not the only title and personality who rules over a kingdom,” he said.“He is a representative of a group of people who work together to implement good governance in the kingdom. Ranvijay, Agastya, you and a few other courtiers are the pillars of this group. An alliance with any of these pillars benefits the king and the kingdom in terms of finance, security and support.

And Ranvijay, being a skilled scholar in economics, law, and social welfare, has positively influenced the foundation of my rule in Suryagarh. Being the father of seven daughters, the King of Songarh suggested marrying off one of his daughters to Ranvijay to strengthen the relationships with Suryagarh,” He explained, and I nodded.

“But what about him? Is he happy? He agreed to marry her, but he hadn’t met her. What if it doesn't work?” I said, and he pursed his lips, playing with our intertwined fingers.

He traced my palm with his fingers, creating invisible figures, and mumbled,“That's what I am worried about, too. Even thoughhe is very compassionate, he speaks less, is not very good at showing his emotions, and expects nothing from people. I just want him to be happy,” he said, and I couldn't agree more.

“Of course. Why don't we arrange a meeting to let them talk to each other?” I suggested, and he shook his head.

“That’s not how political alliances work, my little mediator. There are no such conveniences in diplomatic wedlocks. It's all on paper, like a transaction, a promise in words to seal a marriage between two people. And only after the marriage are the bride and the groom allowed to see each other, not before the wedding,” he described, tugging playfully at my cheeks.

“Oh yes! I just recalled it. My mother told me about this long ago:” His face stiffened at the mention of my mother, and he fisted his hands.

“Yes, because her hand in marriage, too, was a promise made by her brother to my father for political gains,” he said in a firm tone. I gulped, understanding why he was so easily affected whenever it concerned his father.

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