He didn't say anything and lay on the bed. She put out some lamps and slept on the floor. The moonlight was showing its face through the window. Rudra looked like an angel. Aarush stared at her unknowingly.
She opened her eyes slowly and saw Aarush; their eyes met each other.
"Do you want anything, Majesty?" she slightly sat up.
"I don't want anything. Can't you sleep without disturbing me?"
She didn't say anything. In fact, she was thinking of a way to find the truth, but she kept her eyes closed again, feeling his gaze on her.
🌙 At Tara's room
Tara broke all the pots in her room one by one.
"How… how can she do that? He has never laid his eyes on me, but that stupid…"
"No, no. I will not allow someone to take my position."
"Call the head maid."
After a few minutes, the head maid arrived.
"Listen to me. Tell all your maids to inform me whatever they see of Rudra, and they will be paid generously."
"Yes, yes, Your Highness. I will do as you say."
The morning came. Rudra was doing meditation. Aarush slowly opened his eyes, and for one second, he forgot her presence. He ran his hand through his hair and saw Rudra meditating.
A knock was heard. She didn't respond.
"The Mother Queen is asking for your presence, King."
"Okay."
He got down and walked towards Rudra.
"Hey," he called her.
No response. He was irritated and tapped the back of her head. Her eyebrows frowned.
"Idiot," she thought.
"Yes, Majesty," she said, opening her eyes.
"I didn't expect this to be the first sight of the morning."
"This?" she thought. I am a human.
His mother gave him a silver box.
"What is this?"
"Toe rings."
"Don't you have maids to send it to her?"
"The husband should do this. Put this on your wife."
"My wife?"
He looked at his mother, but her gaze made him accept.
Rudra was being assisted by Meera. Meera was helping her with her hair.
"Princess, you shouldn't trust maids in this palace."
"As if I trust everyone."
"What about the king?"
"I don't know him. It is hard to read his mind."
Meera lowered her voice.
"Some of the maids… report to others."
"Others?"
Before Meera could answer, the door opened.
Meera stood normally. Rudra turned—not in panic, but in control.
"It seems you are busy."
"Nothing in specific, Your Majesty," Meera said, slightly bowing.
"You may leave," Aarush said.
The king walked towards her. Rudra stood and looked at him. She was wearing a teal saree with simple jewels. She looked graceful.
"What were you talking with your servant?"
"I just said that… my earring is heavy."
"Sit," he said. She didn't understand, but she sat slowly.
Aarush knelt before her.
"Majesty," she called.
"Shh. I know that you are jumping inside in joy, so no need to be dramatic."
Rudra didn't know what to say because he was right.
He took her one foot and slid a ring. He was about to do the next foot when he heard a silent chuckle. He looked at her. Her eyes were on him. He felt different. He had seen her tears, her sad face… even if it was her drama, but her smile was like a blooming flower.
"Why are you laughing?" he asked as he slid another ring.
She stopped smiling and leaned forward; he could hear the sound of her bangles and earrings.
"I woke up seeing your face."
"Only a few are fortunate to see my face first."
The door opened. The Mother Queen entered. They both turned.
"Oh… I am sorry for disturbing. I thought he wouldn't obey and came to check."
"Have you finished?"
"Yes. We have court. Don't rush, but try to come soon."
Her words even made Aarush's ears turn red, while Rudra enjoyed the scene.