Rudra went to her room and saw meera doing cleaning works . She called her and told to pack her stuff .
" What happened princess..... Are you hurt ? "
" Nothing. Just pack . The mother Queen asked ordered to stay in his place . "
" But it makes our investigation hard "
" It does . But just tonight. I will find a way to come tomorrow. "
" Mm. "
That evening Rudra went to his room . She was standing by the window and observed the surrounding and the sky . She saw an eagle . It was her favourite bird . She heard a sound , without turning she knew it was Aarush.
," you came ? "
" Yes majesty" .
She was wearing white half saree with red border and red blouse. She didn't wear any jewel except her mangalsutra.
" Again no jewels, what is your intention? To show that agnikosha lack money ? " .
" No . Just I didn't want to wear that . "
He walked towards her and she turned. Her face was glowing in the presence of sun .
" Is she trying to seduce or is that normal way " he wondered.
Her long curly hair swayed because of air from window . The lamp fell on ground causing her dupatta to burn .
She was shaking her duppata. Aarush took off her dupatta and laid on floor. He put off the fire with his foot .
She covered her chest just but there was no need to do that since it was perfectly neat and not revealing. They heard sound from the door. The soldiers were arguing with first queen.
" I am going inside who dares to stop me ,? " She shouted and entered the room .
Aarush was embracing Rudra from behind , hiding her . His hands ware around her arms , carefull not to touch her . But Rudra could feel his body on her back . His face too close.
" K.. king" .
" Shh '' he wishpered beside her ear causing her ear to turn red .
Tara saw that scene and walked out without saying anything.
The sound of door heard .
He was about to remove his hand but she held it again. This time his hands were on her waist.
" Mother " she said softly and tilted slightly to see him . But that made them dangerously close. His breath hitched . Without averting his gaze he moved the curtain with one hand .
" M-majesty " she uttered. And he let her .
Meera came with another dupatta shortly after he left .
" Princess... You used to play with fire but what happened today ? "
Rudra laughed adjusting her dress .
" To lit another fire , I had to do that ." She continued " I saw the first queen coming from her room. I knew she would come here. God helped me through a gentle breeze and I caused a storm in her heart . "
" You are dangerous. Seriously but please don't be reckless. "
" Thanks for your concern but don't worry. I will be safe unless I wanted to be out of safe zone . "
" You will be staying here tonight? "
" I need to but I have a work for you . Find disloyal servants in the palace. "
" Yes princess. I shall leave then
The night came soon.
Rudra sat before the mirror, slowly applying oil to her hair. Loose strands rested over her shoulder, moving slightly with the breeze.
The vermilion on her forehead stood bright in the dim light.
The door opened.
Aarush entered.
His steps slowed for a moment as his eyes fell on her reflection.
Rudra noticed him and stood immediately.
"Majesty."
He walked in, closing the door behind him.
Silence lingered for a second.
"Do you want me to serve you, Majesty?" she asked softly.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"To me… you are just a slave," he said coldly.
"And yet you think of serving me?"
Rudra understood instantly.
"No… I meant—" she corrected calmly,
"—a head massage. I thought you might be tired."
A brief pause.
"No need," he said.
Silence settled again.
Rudra lowered her gaze slightly.
"You won't accept me as your wife…" she murmured, almost to herself,
"…nor even as a servant."
"What did you say?" Aarush asked sharply.
Rudra shook her head.
"Nothing, Majesty."
He stepped closer.
"I don't like things left unfinished," he said.
"Not words… not intentions."
A small pause.
Rudra looked up at him.
This time, her voice was steady.
"Then why the marriage?" she asked quietly.
That stopped him.
For a moment, he didn't answer.
His expression hardened again.
"That is not something you need to question."
Rudra didn't look away.
"I am part of it," she said.
A flicker of irritation crossed his face.
"You are part of a decision," he replied,
"not the reason for it."
That was colder than before.
Rudra absorbed it without reacting.
Her face remained calm.
"I understand," she said softly.
She sat down again, picking up the oil as if the conversation meant nothing.
Aarush turned away.
But his jaw tightened slightly.
Because she didn't argue.
Didn't plead.
Didn't react.
And somehow—
That felt more unsettling than anything she could have said.