21 Punishments

Siddhant stood up as Nayantara approached him.

‘What happened?’ she asked in a low, timid voice.

‘What was that, Nayantara?’ Siddhant asked strongly.

Nayantara blinked at him. ‘What?’

‘Don’t be so innocent. I know you intentionally chose that timing.’ Siddhant knew everything about the border issue. The head commander told him everything. And Nayantara also told him everything, including her future plans for taking over the castle. Siddhant was okay with her plan. Rajendra tried to enter opium in Maharav. This punishment was nothing compared to his crime. But he had never thought Nayantara would start this political fight in the middle of the function. There was no need to drag a pregnant lady into all this. He had let Nayantara handle this matter because he thought she wouldn’t like if he threatened her family. But no, she was the one who wanted to ruin everything.

‘He was my uncle’s man. What could I do if his man chooses that time to break the news,’ she said and tried to walk away, but Siddhant grabbed her arm and pulled her back roughly. A few strands of her hair came out of her elegant bun.

‘Don’t be smart with me. Tell me, why did you do it? Why did you ruin your sister’s function?’ he demanded strictly.

‘Why do you care?’

‘Nayantara, we can do this after the function. There is a throne hall to discuss this kind of matter. You shouldn’t ruin the holy event.’

‘Why are you getting so emotional? They deserve it. And it was not me. It was my uncle who started the fight. Even if he got the letter, he could stay quiet and wait until the function was finished. But no, he loves the castle more than her daughter.’

Siddhant shook his head helplessly. He didn’t know what was wrong with her. Sometimes she was a wise, big hearted queen, and sometimes she turned so bitter. ‘You don’t understand me, Nayantara. She is your sister. Didn’t you see she was crying? How can you make her cry in this condition?’

Nayantara looked away annoyingly. Just because she was pregnant that didn’t mean everyone should pamper her. She was like that. She always cried when she wanted something. Even Digvijay pampered Vishakha a lot and always expected Nayantara to understand everything. And now her husband was doing the same. Why couldn’t they see her tears? A person who doesn’t cry has no feelings? What about her pain?

Siddhant cupped her cheek, making her look into his eyes. There was a possibility that her uncle loved his daughter more than his niece. It was human nature that people love their own children more than their nieces and nephews. And maybe that was the reason Nayantara was so hateful towards her family. ‘Nayantara, is there something I don’t know? Were your uncle and auntie not good to you?’ he asked, and Nayantara froze in her place.

She felt all her energy drain from her body. She felt tightness in her chest. Suddenly, her mouth went dry, and her tongue felt heavy. A little voice inside her told her to cry out everything. But when she parted her lips, no words came out of them. That eight year old girl was still caged inside her, who was scared of everyone, who didn’t want to trust anyone. She had not told this to anyone. Not even her mother. But her mother had somehow figured it out. Seeing her speechless state, her mother had just asked her, “You were there?” and Nayantara had barely managed a nod, and then she had buried her face into her mother’s chest and cried a lot.

‘Nayantara, I’m talking to you,’ Siddhant said as he held her by the shoulders and shook her, bringing her out of her horrible past.

Nayantara blinked at him, coming back to her senses.

‘Are you listening to me or not?’ he asked again.

‘Why? The forced marriage is not enough reason to hate my uncle,’ Nayantara heaved in a hurt voice.

‘I also married you without your consent. If you can forgive me, then why not your uncle?’

‘You were a stranger when you married me. We were sworn enemies. I was expecting this kind of behavior from you — even worse. But he was my uncle. My family. His crime is bigger than yours. He didn’t think for once before giving me to our biggest enemy. He didn’t think how my life would be there. What if you wouldn’t treat me right? My life could have been ruined. But no, he just sold me to save himself and his son-in-law. He tarnished the reputation of our ancestors. He tarnished Anhilwara. If he had to sell someone, then why didn’t he sell his own daughter?’

‘Nayantara, language,’ Siddhant said warningly.

Nayantara gave a bitter laugh. ‘You cannot hear those words for Vishakha. But everything is okay when it comes to me. Nobody cares for me. Not even you. Anyone could sell me. Anyone could buy me. Where were all these ethics when you married me? And today I just ruined a function, you are lecturing me about right and wrong.’ Before she could stop herself, words came out of her mouth.

Siddhant’s nostrils flared, and his jaw hardened. And the next moment, Nayantara found her arm twisted behind her back as Siddhant pulled her close and grabbed her jaw with his other hand. ‘What I had said to you about your manners. Why do I have to repeat myself again and again? You have decided that you will not learn without punishment. You better change your attitude or I have to give you a hard lesson,’ he growled.

Nayantara whimpered in pain. His death grip was breaking her jaw and wrist. Her lips started trembling as she tried hard not to cry. ‘Ahh, my lord, you are hurting me,’ she said in an anguish voice, her breathing heavy.

Seeing her struggle, Siddhant melted. He didn’t want to get angry at her, but she had no control over her tongue. He released her arm and softly kissed her jaw. She let out a small sob, and Siddhant pressed her against his chest. He caressed her head and rubbed her back as she tried to control her racing heart. ‘Why do you say things that make me angry, huh? You think I don’t care about you? If I don’t care for you, then who will I care for? You are the only one I care about the most in the world.’ He pushed her back to look into her eyes. Her eyes were watery, but she didn’t shed a tear. ‘I’m aware of your pain, Nayantara. But I try to stop you because you are a pure soul. You never did any sin. And I want you to be like that. I give you power because I know you can light up the world with your knowledge and wisdom. Don’t jump into war and politics. It is not for you, my love. Don’t stoop so low in your revenge that it stains your pure soul,’ he said, and Nayantara lowered her gaze.

Siddhant was telling her this because he had made the same mistake. He was also blinded by revenge. His hands were stained with the blood of many people. He planned a total massacre for Anhilwara. But when Rajendra offered him a more precious thing than land, when he offered him Anhilwara’s pride, the daughter of Great King Digvijay, Princess Nayantara, he changed his decision. This way, not only he would have control over Anhilwara, but his enemy’s pride would also be shattered. Yes, at that time, she was just a thing to him. But when his thirst for revenge calmed down, he started regretting it. Why should he involve an innocent girl in the fight between men? She might have some dreams about her future husband. She might want to choose her husband of her own choice. But he ruined all her tender dreams. He didn’t want Nayantara to make the same mistake. He didn’t want her to burn in the fire of revenge. He wanted her to enjoy her life.

‘And please, Nayantara, never say bitter things about our relationship. It hurts me. I didn’t buy you, I married you.’ Siddhant’s voice was heavy with pain.

‘I’m sorry, my lord. I’m so bad. Every time I disappoint you. I’m sorry, you had to scold me again,’ Nayantara muttered.

Siddhant let out a heavy sigh. He could see it was a dry apology. She didn’t seem to agree with him. But he decided not to push much. She was young. And young blood was more hot. She would understand with time. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t tease her a little.

‘Apology is not accepted,’ he said, and Nayantara looked up at him in awe.

‘Then what do you want? You want me to cook for you like last time?’ she said, hurt.

‘Yeah, you have to do this when we go back to Maharav, but not here. I don’t want to spoil my good son-in-law image. What if Anhilwara takes his daughter back? But when we go back, you will do everything. You will cook for me, feed me, bathe me, massage me, everything.’

A small smile came to Nayantara’s lips by his play on words, and she looked away to hide it.

‘For now you take off your clothes,’ he said in a commanding voice, and Nayantara’s eyes widened.

‘What?’ she cried in absolute shock. ‘But we just make out in the morning.’

‘I’m in a vacation mood. So I will fuck my wife all day,’ he said shamelessly.

She stepped back from him. ‘But I cannot do this all the time.’

Siddhant narrowed his eyes. ‘Nayantara, just take off your clothes. If I had to do this, it wouldn’t be good for you,’ he said in a serious tone.

Nayantara’s cheeks pouted with anger. She couldn’t complete her sleep last night as Siddhant was horny and forced her to wake up early to satisfy his thirst.

Siddhant knew she was already annoyed with him, and now his demand made her more angry. It looked like she would burst in anger. But then she slowly gave in. She started with her jewelry and piled them on the chair. Siddhant’s eyes darkened with desire as she removed her saree, followed by her blouse and underskirt.

His features sharpened with hunger as he took in her naked glory from top to bottom and then up again, lingering on her small, licious breasts. ‘Open your hair.’

Nayantara felt extremely timid, as he was all dressed and she was completely bare in front of him. ‘I cannot do it myself.’

‘Come here.’ He grabbed her arm and turned her around, pulling her close to him. Her back pressed against him, and she felt his hardness. He inhaled her hair before he removed the garland of jasmine. His one hand started removing her pins, and his other hand slid to her thigh. Nayantara felt ticklish as his callous fingers caressed her bare thigh. His fingers dangerously went close between her legs, teasing her skin slowly, and wetness started leaking from her core.

Siddhant removed her final brooch, and her hair fell to her waist. He pushed her hair aside and buried his face into the curve of her neck, sucking and kissing softly. ‘Auh, Nayantara, you smell so good,’ he muttered against her skin. His hand cupped her breast, pinching her nipple.

A low moan escaped from Nayantara’s lips.

‘Why are you enjoying this, huh? Don’t forget you don’t want this,’ he said as he turned her around with a teasing smile on his face. He wrapped his arm around her small waist and pulled her even closer. ‘You should be glad that your uncle didn’t offer me Vishakha’s hand. Because I wouldn’t have accepted it, and Anhilwara had to pay the price for offering me a wrong princess.’

‘Why not Vishakha? When you were looking at her tears, didn’t you notice that she is more beautiful than me?’ Nayantara said, trying hard not to show her ardor.

‘Yeah, she is. There is no doubt in it,’ he slurred, and Nayantara’s eyes narrowed with anger. He enjoyed her jealous state for a moment before he said further, ‘But beautiful princesses are so many. But my Nayantara is just one. I had never seen a princess wearing torn clothes and running here and there on a battlefield surrounded by all the men.’

A smile came to Nayantara’s lips, and she slightly slapped his chest. ‘Are you going to remove your clothes or not? I’m feeling shy.’

A laugh rumbled from Siddhant’s chest. ‘So my nakedness will make you feel better?’

‘Yes,’ she said, and Siddhant laughed again. She and her weird logic.

He grabbed her waist and lifted her briefly, positioning her on the edge of the bed. He removed his clothes and climbed onto the bed. He guided her back onto the mattress and lifted her legs, so her calves rested on his shoulders.

He gripped her hips and pulled her towards him, impaling her tight channel on his cock. She cried out as her walls ripped around him. He looked into her brown orbs and played with strands of her hair. His hand slowly went to her breast, and he cupped it in his big palm. ‘Your breasts have grown bigger. Voluptuous actually.’

Nayantara blushed furiously, and Siddhant pecked her flushed cheek. Her warm, velvety walls throbbed around him, and he growled. ‘You feel so good,’ he said, and he started thrusting into her.

Nayantara let out a few painful moans before pleasure built into her. He was not rough, but she was sore from the morning session, and this position was giving him deeper penetration into her.

This time, he finished faster and pulled out of her, leaving her wet and wanting. He rolled to his side. ‘You are amazing,’ he panted and closed his eyes, trying to catch his breath.

Nayantara grunted. Her insides were aching for his cock. She turned to him and tapped on his shoulder. ‘Auh, my lord, I’m not finished yet,’ she said in a small, timid voice.

Siddhant suppressed his lips to prevent a smile. ‘So?’ he said carelessly. ‘I’m done.’

Nayantara gritted her teeth. ‘So this is your punishment? Your hard lesson?’ Her voice was hurt, laced with anger.

Siddhant’s head snapped at her in utter shock. ‘What? No! It was… nothing.’ He shook his head, and for the first time, Nayantara saw a tint of blush on his face.

‘Then what is it?’ she asked curiously.

Siddhant grinned. ‘You wouldn’t like to listen, my love. Forget about it. It just slipped from my mouth. I don’t intend to do it.’

‘Do what?’ Nayantara pushed.

‘Nayantara…’

‘No, tell me. I want to knw… Ahhhh…’

The shocking sound of his palm smacking her tender spot between her butt and upper thigh echoed through the room, followed by Nayantara’s strangled cry.

Tears collected in her eyes as she looked at him anguishly. ‘You hit me?’

‘You want to know.’ His rough palm slowly rubbed her sore flesh to soothe the pain.

Nayantara gaped at him. ‘So you are planning to hit me if I don’t obey you?’

‘Of course not. The physical punishments are for boys, not for delicate princesses.’ He smiled, tapping on her small nose. ‘But what should I do when I have a spoiled princess? How should I discipline her?’ he said, and his hand teasingly stroked her punished skin.

Nayantara flinched, and she felt some wetness leak from her core. ‘No, not again. Your hand is so heavy.’

‘Sorry, love, if it was too harsh,’ Siddhant said with a slight regret in his voice. It was a playful slap, but still, his iron-like hand could cause damage to her tender skin.

‘So this is how you boys used to be punished in your childhood?’ Nayantara said with a slight chuckle.

‘This is nothing. My father didn’t even bother to use his hand, instead he used a cane or whip.’

Nayantara’s eyes widened in horror. ‘What?’

Siddhant chucked, amused by her reaction.

‘But what did you do that your father had to whip you?’ she asked.

‘Many big mistakes. Like one day, the sword fell from my hand during fencing. I had not held it the way my father taught me. He beat me with a cane so that I don’t repeat my mistake next time.’

Nayantara shook her head in disbelief.

‘I still remembered my first punishment. I was just seven. I was looking at birds when Guruji was giving me lessons. My Guruji made me run into the farm under the hot sun without food and water. I ran and ran until I fainted. I woke up after five hours. Alone. Inside a hunt. My entire body was hurting so much that I couldn’t sleep. I cried and cried, but nobody came to calm me.’

Nayantara gasped. ‘And what about your mother? She didn’t protect you?’

‘She has no right to interfere in my upbringing. She just cried for me and applied ointment to my wounds.’

‘Was your father this strict with Aditya too?’

‘Like I would let anyone hurt my brother,’ Siddhant said possessively.

Nayantara smiled, wishing their brother bond always remain like this.

‘Yes, sometimes father beats him, but not as much as me. As an heir, my training was different from others. Once, I lost twelve fights back to back during my sword practice. My father was so enraged that he picked up a whip and kept lashing me until I was on the verge of unconsciousness. By the time he stopped, my back was bleeding, and I coughed some blood.’

Nayantara placed her hands on her mouth to cover her shock. She hugged him tightly and buried her face in his chest. ‘It was so brutal. How could he do this to you?’ Her voice broke, like it was her own pain.

Siddhant placed his hand on the side of her face. ‘I’m sorry, princess, if it disturbed you. I shouldn’t tell you all this violence.’

‘If I were there at that time, I wouldn’t have let anyone touch you,’ Nayantara said angrily and possessively.

Siddhant smiled. Her thin arms were wrapped around him protectively. Seeing her love and care, Siddhant’s heart swelled with emotions. ‘Nayantara, I’m fine. It is the past. And it was for my own good.’

Nayantara pulled back to look into his eyes. ‘How could you take it positively?’

‘What do you think, how could I grow an invincible warrior otherwise. And without these scars, how would I impress my wife? Don’t forget how much you are fond of my scars,’ he said to lighten her mood.

Nayantara cupped his cheeks and softly kissed his lips. ‘You are so kind, my lord. You had such a rough childhood, still, you are all calm and sensible.’ Her voice was wet with emotions.

‘My love, don’t feel bad for me. Look at the positive side. Now I’ve grown so fierce that no one can dare mess with me. Except for one person,’ he said, and Nayantara blinked at him confusedly.

‘The queen of Maharav. I’m so scared of her. She is such a cruel woman. She hits me. Scolds me. Threatens me. Torments me. She gives me orders. She makes me work hard day and night,’ he said, and Nayantara’s eyes widened with his pun. ‘And sometimes she bites and scratches me.’

A coy slipped on Nayantara’s face, but she quickly covered it and gave him a punch on the shoulder. ‘I torment you? I bite you?’ She punched again. ‘You are the one who always shatters me. You left no part of my body untouched by your punishing teeth. And every day you rip my inner muscles.’

‘Yeah, yeah, you are all sweet and submissive,’ Siddhant said wryly. ‘Now sleep for some time if you want to. Then we will take lunch here, as you have ruined the function.’

Nayantara looked away. No matter what Siddhant said, she knew she did the right thing. Her uncle and Vishkha both deserved this. After all, they should get a taste of their own medicine. ‘My lord, I want to leave tomorrow.’

‘Why? After doing this, you don’t want to face your family?’ Siddhant asked sternly, and Nayantara remained quiet.

‘We are not leaving. We will stay here for a few more days,’ he said.

Nayantara grew restless. ‘Why?’

‘I have some political visits to do with your uncle.’

‘What?’ Nayantara sat up abruptly, her breasts slightly jiggled. ‘You will travel with my uncle?’

Siddhant’s eyes fell on her breasts for a moment, then back to her face. ‘Is there any problem? I want to visit Anhilwara’s weapon factory. And we will also visit some princely states.’

‘Can’t someone else go to your place?’

Siddhant thinned his brows. ‘Something happened to your brain after coming here? What nonsense are you talking?’

‘But after what I did today…’

‘I will handle it.’ Siddhant cut her off. ‘You don’t have to worry. He won’t do anything.’ He knew her uncle was a cunning man. But he was used to handling this kind of lamb. Next time he dared something like this, he wouldn’t hesitate to dethrone him.

‘But, my lord…’ Nayantara quivered.

‘Nayantara, I have a lot of enemies, and I know how to handle them. And from now on, you will not be involved in any of Anhilwara’s matters,’ he stated with finality, and Nayantara lowered her gaze.

Seeing her worried state, Siddhant gently took her hand and pulled her over his chest. ‘My princess, you don’t have to worry about me. I can take care of myself. And now you give rest to your overthinking brain and sleep for sometime,’ he said softly, wrapping his arms around her tiny frame.

Nayantara closed her eyes. Suddenly, she felt scared of her thirst for revenge. She knew the throne demanded sacrifice. She was ready to sacrifice anything for Anhilwara’s throne. But that anything should not be Siddhant. She would die if… a strong chill ran down her spine at the horrible thought.

Siddhant felt her shiver and held her more tightly and securely, giving her a reassuring kiss on the head. Something is terribly wrong with my wife. And it is not just a forced marriage. There is something more than that. Something related to her past. Maybe her uncle was not nice to her. But then why is she hiding it? Why is she not sharing her past with me?

22 Birthday surprise

Nayantara was nestled in a deep, peaceful slumber. After spending fifteen days in Anhilwara, she was finally back in Maharav. She was relieved that Siddhant was all safe and sound. She knew he was capable of protecting himself in every way. He was smart and alert when it came to safety and security. But still, her uncle was a devil in disguise. That cowardly man would never choose a direct flight. He attacked behind the back. After coming back to Maharav, she dug herself into the work. Siddhant had clearly refused her to interfere in Anhilwara’s matters. She felt helpless. She realized she was as powerless as before. Siddhant had given her all the powers, and he could take it back whenever he wanted to. Now she had no plan for what to do about her uncle. How to dethrone him? But she knew she would figure out something.

‘Happy Birthday, my princess,’ Siddhant’s deep, soothing voice broke her sleep, followed by a kiss on her cheek.

Nayantara blinked and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. ‘Auh, I want to sleep,’ she muttered. For the last few days, she had been feeling a little slack. Maybe because of travel fatigue.

Siddhant held her upper arm and tugged her slightly. ‘Come on, princess, wake up. You can’t sleep long today. It’s your birthday.’

She pouted and slowly sat up. She looked at Siddhant. He looked handsome in an ivory kurta and dark navy blue overcoat. She smiled. ‘You remember!’ she had once told him a few months back.

‘Of course I do. How could I forget my princess’s birthday!’

Nayantara threw her comforter away and came out of the bed. She went on her knees and touched her husband’s feet. ‘Bless me, my lord.’

Siddhant’s heart swelled with emotions. He was not expecting something like this from his sassy princess. ‘Since when did you start believing in this ritual?’

Nayantara ignored his taunt and sat there patiently.

Siddhant smiled and placed his hand on her head, caressing it lovingly. ‘Live long. May God fulfill all your wishes and desires.’ He bent and held her up, pulling her into his arms.

‘I have a gift for you,’ Siddhant said, and Nayantara smiled at him, placing her tiny hand on his chest.

‘You are the best gift of my life. I don’t want anything else.’

‘Oh really?’ Siddhant smirked. ‘When did this happen? And what about all that — I’m an old man… and you are the princess of Anhilwara… and you deserve better.’

Nayantara narrowed her eyes. ‘At least I confessed my love even before you.’

Siddhant pulled her even closer and slightly lifted her to peck her lips. ‘Yes, my princess is so perfect. Thank you for accepting me. Sometimes I feel like I don’t appreciate you enough.’

‘I don’t want appreciation. Just don’t scold me. I get scared of you when you’re angry.’

A deep laugh rumbled from Siddhant’s chest. ‘I cannot promise that. I have to scold my princess when she gets too sassy. Now, c’mon, take a look at your gift first.’ He walked away with Nayantara still in his arms. He put her down in front of the three paintings, hidden behind red cloth.

Nayantara stepped forward and uncovered the first painting. Her mouth opened in awe. It was her childhood painting with her parents when she was just a year old. Her father was holding a small baby girl in his arms like she was his entire world.

Tears collected in Nayantara’s eyes as she continued to stare at the painting. She remembered the way she laughed when her father threw her in the air and then caught her back into his arms.

Seeing her silent pain, Siddhant stepped up to her from behind and engulfed her in his long arms. He squeezed her tightly, trying to give her his strength. ‘Are you okay?’

Nayantara just rested her head against his chest as they both looked at the painting. Nayantara was staring at her parents while Siddhant was observing his wife’s baby form.

‘You were a big fat potato at that time,’ he said, making Nayantara chuckle.

‘Where did you get it?’ Her voice was wet with emotions.

‘I found it in Anhilwara. I asked your uncle for your painting, and he gave me this beautiful artwork.’

Nayantara turned around to look into his eyes. ‘This is a wonderful gift, my lord. Thank you so much.’ She threw her arms around him and gave him a quick hug before she turned back to the painting, staring at her parents again.

‘Now will you just keep looking at this or will you move forward?’

Nayantara nodded with a smile and uncovered the second painting, which was of her and Siddhant in a royal pose. Nayantara was sitting on the chair, while Siddhant stood tall behind her with his one hand resting on her shoulder.

‘But, my lord, we never pose for the painting.’

‘I narrated it.’

‘You are so thoughtful, my lord. I love these paintings. What is in the third one?’ she said excitedly.

‘Go on. Open it.’

And when she opened the third painting, her eyes widened in shock. It was the painting of their first intimate moment in the bathroom. In which she was sitting on the edge of the pool, naked with her legs wide open, and Siddhant was in the pool, holding her thighs and staring at her hungrily.

‘What is this, my lord?’ she cried in absolute shock. ‘You painted our intimate moment.’

‘Realx, darling, the painter was female.’

‘Still, my lord, what if someone sees this?’

‘So what? The faces are not clear.’ There was a man and a woman who looked like them, but their faces were not detailed.

‘But anybody could tell that it is us.’

‘I’m planning to hang it in the bathroom. But if you don’t want to, then you can keep it in the cupboard.’

‘It will be better. I will put it in the cupboard,’ she said, covering it again.

‘See, in your argument, I forgot to give you sweets,’ he said as he strode to the table beside the couch. There was a big plate with bowls filled with various kinds of sweets. Siddhant picked up a bowl of kheer and walked back to Nayantara.

Nayantara’s mouth watered, but she shook her head. ‘I didn’t wash my mouth.’

‘So what? Have a little taste.’ He took a spoonful of kheer.

Nayantara smiled and opened her mouth, but as Siddhant brought the spoon near her mouth, she felt nauseated and dabbed her hand on her mouth.

Siddhant thinned his brows. ‘What happened?’

‘Something is wrong with this kheer. It smells so weird.’

Siddhant smelled it before he took a bite. ‘No, it is perfectly fine,’ he said, and held out another spoonful towards her mouth.

This time, nausea hit her even stronger, and she fell on her knees. Her face turned pale as she controlled her urge to puke.

Siddhant got her condition. He took the flower pot beside him. Throwing flowers on the floor, he handed it to her.

He rubbed her back and held her hair back as she puked her already empty stomach. She palmed her face as she felt dizziness.

‘Call the physician,’ Siddhant shouted. He bent on his knees and collected her in his arms.

‘Siddhant,’ Her voice was barely a whisper as she tried to hold his arm, but her grip was weak. ‘I’m feeling dizzy.’

‘I got you, princess,’ he said as he swept an arm under her and cradled her against his chest. He carried her to the bed and laid her gently. Her eyes dropped and she struggled to stay conscious.

Siddhant sat at the edge of the bed and gently dabbed her sweaty head. ‘Don’t worry, princess. You will be all right. Maybe you would have eaten something wrong while traveling.’ Siddhant’s voice was laced with worry.

The physician rushed into the chamber, along with Vida. She walked towards Nayantara while Vida took away the fouled flower pot and the paintings. The physician started her checkup and Siddhant was blabbering in the background. ‘She was just okay a moment before. And then suddenly, she vomited. What do you think she ate something wrong? Or she has caught some disease?’

The physician looked at the king with a smile. ‘She is not sick, my lord. The queen is pregnant. Congratulations, my lord, you are going to be a father.’

Siddhant and Nayantara both got jolted with this news. Nayantara sat up, ignoring a slight dizziness in her head. Siddhant’s face broke into a big smile as he digested the news, while Nayantara’s face dropped in shock.

Siddhant pulled her into his embrace and kissed the top of her head. If the physician was not there, he would have lifted her into his arms. She was carrying his child in her small womb. ‘Oh my God, Nayantara, this is such a big surprise.’

‘But… but… how is this possible? I mean, you had given me that herb…’ Nayantara said in a quivering voice. She suddenly realized she had missed her menstruation. She was so involved in Anhiwara’s matter that she forgot about everything else.

‘Sometimes those herbs don’t work on some people, my lady,’ the physician said.

Everything blurred around Nayantara as her head struggled to recover from this news. She could feel Siddhant kissing her head. This news spread through the place like wildfire. Everyone was there within a moment. Dadi ma, Rajmata, Aditya. And to Nayantara’s surprise, there were Adhisha, Vikram, Kathan, and her mama shri, mami shri, their son, and nani ma. Vida wrapped a shawl over her as she was in her sheer nightclothes. Everyone was happy around her, and they all congratulated her. There were kisses, hugs, blessings. Adhisha was telling Kathan that soon he’d have a little brother to play with. Nobody wished her birthday. In this new happiness, everyone forgot it was her birthday.

After some time, Siddhant told everyone to clear the room so Nayantara could rest. Everyone walked away, one by one. Rajmata and dadi ma were the last to leave. They both were super excited. As everyone left, Siddhant immediately pulled Nayantara into his lap. ‘Oh, Nayantara, I love you so much. Here I was thinking about making your birthday special, and instead you gave me such a big gift.’

Nayantara was shaken to the core, and she buried her face in the crook of his neck. This news was a bomb on her head, and she didn’t know how to deal with it.

‘Hey, what happened?’ Siddhant slowly rubbed her back as her hands fisted on his overcoat. She never cried or showed her tears, but Siddhant could always sense her pain in the way she hugged him.

Nayantara shook her head against his neck. There was strom in her head. And she knew if she said something, she would end up hurting Siddhant. He was so happy, and she didn’t want to ruin his mood.

‘What happened, Nayantara?’ he asked again, and Nayantara pulled back with a smile on her face.

‘Nothing, my lord.’

‘I know you’re not ready for this. I’m sorry for that day.’

Nayantara knew what day he was talking about. When he had come back from Ghan mission, and both of them were craving each other. It was just one time when he lost his control and ended up inside her. And then, she had taken that useless herb, which didn’t work.

Siddhant grew more tense when she didn’t say anything. ‘Trust me, Nayantara, I didn’t do it intentionally. I agreed I was so desperate for the child, but I didn’t do it intentionally.’

‘I know, my lord.’ She placed his hand on his cheek. ‘You don’t have to give me so much explanation.’

‘Tell me you are not angry with me.’

‘I’m not, my lord,’ she said with a tight smile on her face. She knew she had the best husband. No husband could give his wife this much privilege. She knew this male-dominated society. If someone else were in his place, he would not have waited for so long, especially when he was the great king. She couldn’t blame him for everything.

She cupped his face and softly pecked his lips, but then she immediately pulled back as she remembered she didn’t wash her mouth after vomiting.

‘This is not even a kiss,’ he complained.

‘My mouth stinks. Let me wash it first,’ she said, and tried to slide down from Siddhant’s lap. But he pulled her back and claimed her lips in a fierce kiss, plugging his tongue into her mouth.

Nayantara pushed against his chest and broke the kiss. ‘Easy, my lord. I’m with the child now,’ she said blushfully. ‘You will suffocate your baby.’

‘No, no, I’m so sorry,’ he said, and his gaze lowered to her belly. ‘I still couldn’t believe my baby girl is inside you.’

Nayantara raised her brows in surprise. ‘Baby girl?’

‘Yes, we will have a girl,’ he said with a big, bright smile.

Nayantara chuckled. ‘Your mother will kill me if it is a girl. You know that, right?’

‘It is my child. I don’t care what my mother thinks,’ Siddhant said irritably. ‘I want a girl. That’s it.’

‘Okay, okay, now let me go. I want to take a bath.’

‘No, you have to eat something first. Just wash your mouth. Are you still feeling dizzy?’ he asked softly.

Nayantara shook her head, but still, Siddhant walked with her to the bathroom. She washed her face and mouth and then came back to the room. She sat on the couch, and Siddhant offered her some fruits.

‘Fruits?’ Nayantara made a face.

‘For now eat this, princess. Hot and spicy food will make you feel nauseous,’ Siddhant said in an extremely soft and calm voice.

‘So I have to eat fruits all the time?’

‘Of course not. A separate meal will be cooked for you, which will be tasty and light on your stomach. But for now eat this.’

Nayantara nodded and started eating the fruits. Thankfully, she could eat it without feeling nauseated.

After she finished her breakfast, Siddhant went away for some time. He had instructed Vida to never leave her alone.

As the king left, Vida started jumping with joy. ‘Yes, yes, yes, I’m so happy. When the baby comes, I will play with him all day.’

‘Vida, go, prepare my bath,’ Nayantara said dryly. As Siddhant was not around, she put down her happy mask.

‘Yes, my lady.’ Her tone was filled with delight. She walked away, dancing and singing.

Nayantara hid her face in her palms and burst into tears. Where she was dreaming of the Anhilwara throne, and now her own life was in danger. And she still had no idea what happened to Queen Chitra, Mrignayani, and Aayushi.

But she didn’t have time to cry. There were guests in the palace. She took the bath and then called the head manager to make sure the guests were comfortable and enjoying Maharav’s hospitality.

To Nayantara’s relief, at least her uncle was not here. However, Siddhant had invited him behind her back when they were leaving from Anhilwara. But her uncle politely refused the invitation as Vishakha couldn’t travel and just sent the gifts.

Siddhant came to her by the time of lunch.

‘No, my lord, I cannot take lunch with everyone. Any smell or food can make me feel nauseated,’ Nayantara said. It was true, but it was not the real reason. Actually, she wanted to stay alone.

Siddhant gave an understanding nod. ‘Okay, then, we will eat here.’

‘No, my lord, there are guests in the palace. It doesn’t look good that you always stay with me.’

‘I don’t care. I want to stay with you.’

‘My lord, your baby is not going anywhere. But your sister and your friends are here for just a couple of days. You should have lunch with them.’

Siddhant shook his head in frustration. ‘I’m so sorry, my love. If I had known about your pregnancy, I wouldn’t have invited so many guests. I would have kept it simple.’

‘It’s okay, my lord. Now they are here, and their hospitality is our responsibility.’

Siddhant nodded reluctantly. He gave her a quick kiss and walked away.

The day passed quickly. There was a double celebration in the palace. There were a variety of programs. Dance, music, feast, charity.

Nayantara kept a happy face all day and passed the time somehow.

From the next day, the guests started leaving. Even Adhisha and Vikram would leave in two days. Siddhant insisted her sister stay for some days, but she said she would come later with plans to stay longer.

Nayantara waited until everyone left and the palace was completely empty. Now it’s time that she took the physician to task for this pregnancy. She wasn’t ready to believe this was an accidental pregnancy. Coincidence happens with normal people, not the royal ones. Everything about the royal people was planned.

She leaned back in the chair and looked at her bodyguards. ‘Abhay.’

Abhay stepped forward. ‘Yes, my lady?’

Her eyes were burning with anger and determination as she said, ‘I want the physician in the interrogation room.’

I will show, whoever the culprit is, what happens when you try to play with the Queen.

23 Interrogation

The guards stepped aside as Nayantara entered the interrogation room. Generally, women were not allowed there, including the queen. But as Siddhant had given her endless powers, nobody dared to stop her. Vida followed her with slow steps. She didn’t want to come into this scary room.

As per Nayantara’s instruction, the physician was already there, sitting on the old wooden chair. Abhay and Aazad were standing behind her. There was no window, and the temperature was so low. There were just a few lamps humming overhead, casting a faded glow in the room.

Nayantara walked up and stood in front of the physician. The air hung heavy with unspoken tension.

‘My lady?’ the physician said in a quivering voice. ‘Why have you summoned me here? What I did?’

‘I will ask you a few questions. And I’m expecting you to answer it quickly and honestly,’ Nayantara said in a low, threatening voice.

The physician gulped before she said, ‘I will, my lady. What do you want to ask?’

‘How did this happen?’

The physician understood her point. ‘I told you, my lady, the medicines fail sometimes.’

‘Vida, give me that medicine,’ Nayantara said, and Vida handed her a small box. She opened the box and showed it to the physician. ‘This is the medicine you have given me?’

The physician took the box in her hand and then shook her head. ‘No, my lady. This is not the medicine I have given you.’

A shiver of fear ran through Nayantara’s body. Then what did she take that day? ‘Then what is this?’

‘The box is the same. But the medicine is different. This is a simple digestive medicine. It could improve your digestive system.’

Nayantara sighed in relief. She had not taken anything dangerous. But then, why would anyone replace her medicine? ‘Did you check the medicine before sending it to me?’

‘Yes, my lady. The medicine reached me in the early morning. I opened the box and saw that it was the medicine you wanted. As you wanted to keep it confidential, I myself came to give it to you. But you were sleeping, so I gave it to Vida as she is your personal maid,’ the physician said.

Nayantara turned to Vida, and she shivered in fear.

‘I didn’t do anything… my lady. Trust me… I didn’t do anything…’ she started blabbering.

‘Shut up!’ Nayantara shouted, making her flinch. ‘Did I say that you did something? Just tell me where did you place the medicine until I woke up.’

‘Nowhere. I took the medicine and walked into your chamber. By that time, you had woken up. And I gave the medicine to you,’ Vida said everything in one breath.

Nayantara sighed. She remembered she had just woken up and was still on the bed when Vida had given her this box. ‘Are you sure, Devikaji, you never left medicine alone?’ Her tone turned soft and tired.

‘No, I didn’t. I immediately came to you… no wait. I think I left it for a moment. I went away to drink some water… and then I came to you.’

Nayantara thinned her brows. ‘So you mean to say you checked the medicine and then you went away to drink water and then you picked up the box and came to me?’

‘Yes, my lady.’

‘Where did you go to drink water?’

‘Nowhere. There was just a partition of curtain behind which the water pot was kept.’

‘Someone was there.’

The physician shook her head. ‘I didn’t see anyone.’

‘Who else works there?’

‘Just me and my assistant, Nirali. And maids usually come to clean the room.’

Nayantara shook her head in frustration. Now how would she find out who was the culprit among so many people.

‘My lady,’ Vida peeped. ‘Can I speak something?’

Nayantara gave a small nod.

‘There is gossip in the palace that in the last few months Nirali has been buying so many new clothes and jewelry,’ Vida said in a small voice.

Nayantara’s head shot up at Vida and then back to the physician. ‘Is it true, Devikaji?’

‘Yes, my lady. I even asked her how she got all this. And she told me that this time his father had a good harvest, and he gave her some money.’

Nayantara smirked. ‘Good job, Vida.’ She looked at Abhay. ‘Bring Nirali here.’

‘As you command, my lady,’ he said in his monotonous voice and walked out.

Nayantara paced up and down across the room until Abhay came back with Nirali.

‘But why are you taking me here?’ Nirali stopped at the door and looked back at Abhay.

‘I told you you are here at the queen’s order,’ Abhay said.

‘But what I did?’

‘Just go inside. Or I have to force you,’ Abhay said strongly.

She shivered and immediately stepped away from the tall, bulgy man. She walked in with slow steps. Sweat covered her forehead as she felt the queen’s sharp gaze on her. Her eyes widened seeing the physician.

‘You can go, Devikaji,’ Nayantara said.

The physician slightly bowed her head and ran out of the room.

Abhay gestured Nirali to sit in the chair.

‘What is happening here?’ Nirali quivered.

‘Just sit,’ Aazad shouted, and she almost fell on the chair.

Nirali slowly lifted her gaze to the queen. ‘What happened, my queen? Why did you call me here?’ She was sweating profusely, but tried to look calm.

Nayantara placed her hands flat on the table and bent forward to stare into her eyes, trying to read her expression.

Nirali immediately lowered her gaze and wiped her sweaty palms on her clothes. The air around her turned thick enough to choke on.

‘The physician told me everything about you.’ Nayantara broke the silence, her voice icy cold.

‘What? She is lying. I don’t even know anything about your medicines.’ Nirali burst out, but immediately bit her lip as she realized her mistake.

Nayantara narrowed her eyes on her. ‘My medicine? What medicine are you talking about? I’m perfectly fit. I don’t need medicine.’

Nirali freaked out. ‘Auh, nothing… I don’t know… The physician was here… so imagine that… it was related to… medicine…’ The sweat rolled down from her temples like a river.

Nayantara walked to her and took her hand, placing it flat on the table.

Nirali’s heart raced as the Queen took her pinky finger and caressed it before she twisted it at a weird angle. A creak sound echoed in the silent room, followed by a long, loud howl of Nirali. Her finger was broken.

Everyone froze. Vida started crying silently. She couldn’t see a bit of violence. Even Abhay and Aazad were shocked. They had never seen such a fierce woman.

Nirali was screaming loudly. Her other hand flung at Nayantara’s hand in reflex action. But Aazad grabbed her wrist and twisted her arm behind her back.

‘Ahhhh…’ Nirali cried helplessly as both her hands writhed in pain.

‘Don’t you dare touch the Queen,’ Aazad said warningly.

‘Ahhh… my fingerrr… Pleasssse… let me go… my lady,’ Nirali begged, a strong flood of tears rolling down her cheeks. That little finger triggered all the pain points in her body.

‘Don’t consider me a trophy queen. I will kill you, and nobody will even find your body. So speak up,’ Nayantara said in a dangerously slow voice.

‘I will tell you… I will tell you everything, my lady,’ she bawled.

Nayantara let go of her grip on her broken finger. She looked at Aazad, and he also stepped back.

Nirali’s hand was shaking in pain as she gently held her broken finger with her other hand.

Nayantara took a step back and crossed her arms against her chest. ‘Speak.’

‘I was outside,’ Nirali started, her voice shaking in pain. ‘when you were talking to the physician about that birth control herb. I came to work at my usual time, and I saw you there. I waited outside. And when I realized the matter was serious, I hid behind the pillar and overheard you. I didn’t pay any attention to it. But after two days, I went to Daadi ma’s room to give her medicine, as she had caught a cold. At that time, Rajmata was there. She was talking about you, complaining that why did the king need to marry his enemy? At that time, I didn’t tell her anything, but then I went to her chamber and told her everything about your plan. She gave me a price for this news and told me to replace your medicine with something harmless. So when the physician walked away to drink the water, I replaced it with simple digestive medicine. It causes no harm to your body, even if you take it everyday. And for that, Rajmata gave me a lot of gold coins,’ she finished, and the ground sank beneath Nayantara’s feet.

Nayantara shut her eyes in pain, and when she opened them, they were burning in rage. ‘You are fired. Leave the palace right now.’

‘No, my lady, no. Don’t do this.’ Nirali stood up from the chair and fell on the Queen’s feet. ‘Don’t take my job. Please, my lady. I’m begging you. I will never go against you. I promise.’

Nayantara stood there coldly as Nirali cried and begged. ‘Aazad, throw this girl out,’ she stated firmly.

Aazad stepped forward and grabbed her by her bicep, making her stand on her feet and pulling her away from the queen. ‘C’mon, you heard the Queen. I don’t want to force you,’ he said, and she cried harder.

Ignoring her plea, Nayantara walked out, Abhay followed her, but Vida was still there, aghast.

Nayantara stopped as she realized Vida was not following her. ‘You want to stay here, Vida.’

‘No, no, my lady.’ She ran behind Nayantara. She always thought the king was so dangerous and scary, but today she felt more fear from the queen.

Nayantara came back to her chamber and sat on the swing. Her body was burning with anger. She had never thought Rajmata was behind all this. Her head was throbbing in pain. Why did she hate her so much? Why was she so unlucky when it came to family? Why nobody loved her.

Suddenly, the guard made an announcement of Rajmata’s presence. Nayantara stood up from the swing. Now what she wanted. She was in no mood to meet her right now.

Padmini entered, followed by so many maids. The maids were carrying trays of clothes and jewelry.

‘Pranam, maa shri,’ Nayantara greeted her in a low, dull voice.

‘How are you?’ she asked.

‘I’m fine. What is all this?’ Nayantara said as she glanced behind her.

‘Oh, these are nothing. Some heirloom jewelry. Actually, I came here to meet you. Siddhant told me you are feeling so much nauseous. So I’ve made ginger paak for you. It will help with your queasiness,’ Padmini said with a smile.

‘Privacy,’ Nayantara said, and the maids put everything on the table and left the room.

‘Why did you do this, maa shri?’ Nayantara asked, looking straight into her eyes.

‘You think I will not find out what wicked games you are playing with my son.’ Padmini immediately came to the point. And why not, she was once the queen and now Rajmata. After all, she also knew politics.

‘I was not playing any games with your son. I love him. How many times do I have to tell you this? Stop considering me your enemy.’ Nayantara’s voice creaked.

‘That’s why you are not ready to carry his child?’ Padmini seethed. ‘If it was in my control, I would have thrown you out and got Siddhant married to someone else.’ Her words sliced Nayantara’s heart as she continued to lash her. ‘But I know Siddhant would never do this. So what option did I have left? But I must say, you are smart. I heard about that poor girl.’

‘So you are here to overturn my decision?’

‘Of course not. How could I overpower the Queen’s decision? And why should I? I got what I wanted. After seven months, my grandson will be in my arms.’ Her eyes lowered Nayantara’s belly. ‘I don’t care about anything else,’ she said, and Nayantara felt a machine, and after producing a child she was of no use. ‘And eat that ginger paak every day. It will give you strength, and you will feel better. I don’t want you to stay sick all the time,’ she said, and she walked away. But then she stopped at the door and turned around. ‘And gain some weight. You have to birth the heir of Maharav,’ saying so, she walked out.

Nayantara fell on her knees and burst into tears. How do I tell you, maa shri, that your wish will not be fulfilled. I too will end up just like Queen Chitra and Marignayani. They will kill your grandchild in my womb. Why does all this happen to me? She buried her face in her palms and cried harder.

Get the grip of your life, Nayantara, get the grip of your life. You are a princess. A queen. You can’t break, no matter what the situation is. Get up. Get the grip of your life. Her head shouted loud and clear.

She wiped her tears and rose to her feet. She sat on the couch and filled a glass of water. Her head was throbbing with stress. She took a few gulps. There were clothes and jewelry all around the table and couch. There was a jar in the middle of all the stuff. She picked it up and opened the lid. There was freshly made ginger paak with a lot of dry fruits in it. Her stomach growled. She was hungry, as she had vomited her breakfast. Her special food was not even able to calm her queasiness. She could only eat fruits, some beans, roti with honey or curd, rice, and ginger tea. The rest of the food her body threw up. She picked out a piece and put it in her mouth. It was sweet and a little spicy because of the ginger. She felt better as something went into her empty stomach.

‘Vida,’ she called, and Vida immediately ran inside.

‘Yes, my lady.’

‘Put all these inside.’

Vida quickly collected everything. It took her three rounds to take everything in the dressing room. She came back and noticed Nayantara was munching on the piece of sweet.

‘Are you hungry, my lady?’

Nayantara nodded, her face fell from hunger and stress.

‘Then why didn’t you tell me? Lunch is ready. Would you like to eat here or do you want to go to the dining hall?’ Vida asked.

‘Where is the lord?’

‘The king is still busy in the throne hall. But you cannot stay hungry.’

Nayantara nodded. ‘I will eat here.’

‘Okay, my lady.’ Vida walked out and came back in some time with her lunch. She placed the plate on the table.

Nayantara stared at the food. Her mouth watered seeing spicy paneer sabzi. She was about to attack the food, but stopped herself abruptly as a horrible thought clicked in her head.

‘What happened, my lady? You’re feeling nauseous again?’ Vida asked worriedly.

‘Vida, what if there is poison in my food?’ Nayantara said, staring at the variety of cuisine on her plate.

Vida jolted. ‘What are you saying, my lady?’ she cried in absolute shock. ‘It is not possible.’

‘Why not?’

‘You think the king will take your safety lightly. There are layers of protection around you.’

‘What layers?’

‘Don’t you know, the king has hired a poison expert. He has great knowledge of poisons. First, the head cook tastes your food. After that, the poison expert carefully checked all the food, including roti. Then the selected maid brings the food to you or hands it to me only.’

‘Impressive. I didn’t know about this poison expert. But, Vida, the killer will also be aware of all these safety precautions. If someone could change my medicine in a moment of distraction, then they could also add anything to my food.’

‘You are right, my lady. But what could we do? It is not that you can stay hungry all the time.’

Nayantara punched the couch frustratedly. She had to find some alternatives.

‘I have a solution,’ Vida said, drawing Nayantara’s attention to her.

‘What?’

‘We will add one more layer of protection around you. I will eat your food first, and then you will eat.’

‘Have you lost your head? I will put your life at risk to save mine? Your life is as valuable as mine. Never say this kind of thing again,’ Nayantara scolded, and Vida lowered her gaze. ‘And not all poisons have immediate effects, some are slow poisons. What will you do in that case? We both could die, do you understand that. Now stay quiet and let me think.’

Vida just stood there with her mouth shut. She felt blessed that she got such a caring queen.

Nayantara was aware of the kitchen system. Every day, fresh vegetables, meats, and other cooking stuff reach the palace. The kitchen manager kept everything as per need, and the rest of the things the servants could buy at a very nominal price. The head chef cooked for the royal family. And other chefs cooked for the ministers, officials, officers, and some selective army men and guards. The rest of the servants had to cook their own food in their homes.

Nayantara thought for a few moments before she said, ‘Call your mother and my daai ma.’

In some time, they both were standing in front of Nayantara. Nayantara stood up from the couch and threw her arms around her daai ma.

Savita rubbed her back. ‘How are you my daughter?’

Nayantara pulled back to look into her eyes. ‘I thought now I would never bother you and let you rest. But here I am. I want your help again.’

‘A mother never feels hassle doing anything for her daughter. Tell me, what can I do for you?’ Savita said.

‘You have to cook for me.’

‘That is it. I would love to cook for my daughter and her child. But why do you want me to cook? The royal chef doesn’t cook well?’

Nayantara stepped back and looked at both Savita and Malini. ‘Now listen to me very carefully. I have doubts that my life is in danger. I cannot explain everything right now, as I don’t have proof to prove my point. But if my suspicion is even one percent correct, then I cannot take any risk.’

Savita and Malini exchanged their glances in utter shock.

A thick silence hung between them before Malini broke it. ‘What do we have to do?’ she asked.

‘Have you grown vegetables in the garden as I told you to do on the first day?’

‘Yes, my lady. There are many vegetables.’

‘They are sufficient for me.’

‘Yes, my lady.’

‘Then you will give those vegetables to daai ma. And she will cook for me.’

‘But what about the other things?’ Savita said. ‘You need full nutrition. What about milk, dry frites, beans?’

Nayantara looked into Savita’s eyes with a sad smile on her lips. ‘I can manage without it. You know that.’

Savita shook her head. ‘You are the queen. There is the heir of Maharav inside you.’

‘We can buy it from outside. Simple,’ Vida said.

‘It is not simple, Vida,’ Nayantara said. ‘Who knows better than you that nothing about the queen remains secret. If daai ma buys expensive food, everyone will notice her. Just like Nirali’s case. That’s why I want to use garden vegetables and didn’t ask daai ma to buy vegetables for one more person.’

‘She cannot buy, but I can,’ Vida said arrogantly. ‘After all, I’m the queen’s personal maid. I’m rich. The queen largesse me a lot.’

Nayantara nodded, smiling at her arrogant cuteness. ‘That will work. But be careful.’

‘So now everything is decided,’ Savita said. ‘I have already cooked the food. I will give it to Malini, and she will send it here in the flower basket.’

Nayantara smiled. ‘Perfect, daai ma. After a long time, I will get to eat something delicious.’

Savita beamed. ‘You are making fun of your daai ma.’

‘No, no, really, your food feels like… home,’ Nayantara said, and Savita kissed her forehead.

‘My princess,’ she muttered and walked away with Malini.

‘But what about this food?’ Vida said as Nayantara sat on the couch.

‘You have to remove some of the food from my plate and send the rest back. Like I have eaten just a few things as I’m feeling nauseated. I know it is not right to disrespect food. But I have no option.’

In some time, Malini came back with a flower basket. As a gardener, it was her duty to send flowers to the king and queen’s chamber.

She kept the basket on the table and walked out. Vida removed the flower from the top. There were three earthen pots. One pot had potato sabzi, the other had roti and onion, and the third had dal and rice. Vida served everything on the plate.

‘I can’t believe you will eat this, my lady.’ Vida shook her head in disbelief. ‘You are King SiddhantVeer Agnivansh’s wife. The queen of Maharav. How will you eat the food of the commoner?’

Nayantara gave a faint smile. ‘Don’t feel bad for me, Vida. I’m okay with this. No one can run away from his fate. The suffering you have to bear has to be borne. Nobody could escape from his karma. Life is never easy for anyone, not even the queen.’

Nayantara started eating. The roti was perfect, but not paper thin like royal food. The sabzi was also tasty, but she couldn’t enjoy it as her sickness built up inside her. She could hardly eat one roti and then pushed the plate aside.

‘I can’t eat,’ she said, and her eyes fell on the jar of ginger paak. She wanted to eat it. It felt good for her mouth and stomach both. ‘Vida, take this ginger paak to the poison expert and ask him to check it when nobody is around. And then take it back straight to me. Don’t leave anywhere for a moment.’

‘Who brought it here?’ Vida asked out of curiosity.

‘Maa shri made it for me.’

‘You think…’

‘No, Vida,’ Nayantara cried in absolute shock. ‘She couldn’t even think of harming me. But I couldn’t trust the other attendees.’

Vida gave an understanding nod and walked away with the jar.

Nayantara leaned back on the couch and closed her eyes. She couldn’t doubt everyone around her like this. It was not healthy. She had to solve this mystery as soon as possible, or else she would go crazy.

24 Someone from the royal family

Siddhant was sitting on the swing with Nayantara lying on his lap in her night clothes. A gentle breeze carried the soft whispers of the night as Nayantara enveloped in the comfort of her husband’s lap. Siddhant’s gentle strokes on her hair and the rhythmic sway of the swing lulled her into a drowsy. Just as sleep was about to claim her, his question, ‘Has anything happened today?’, shattered her peaceful ambiance.

Her eyes flew open. She wasn’t prepared for the inevitable lecture on morality that was about to follow. ‘No, why?’

‘You look so stressed out.’ Siddhant didn’t know anything about Nirali. This time, nobody dared to inform the king about Nayantara’s presence in the interrogation room. The king himself had given her all the power. And they had seen what happened when you tried to go against the queen. Plus, the queen had a good influence on the king. So everyone kept their lips sealed.

She smiled, taking his big hand in her small one and kissing his callous fingers. ‘Stress is a part of life. But when you’re with me, I feel so relaxed.’

‘Oh yeah, that’s why today you ate your lunch and dinner without me?’

‘You got late, and I was hungry. So I had lunch early, so had dinner.’

Siddhant gave an understanding nod. ‘Did you finish your food?’

Nayantara nodded, but seeing Siddhant’s steely gaze, she slowly shook her head in no. ‘I ate one roti.’

‘That is very less,’ Siddhant said worriedly.

‘What can I do? I don’t feel like eating anything.’

‘Ah, poor thing. Try to eat plenty of small meals instead of big ones.’

Nayantara nodded. Of course, he had experience. This was not his first child. ’But I ate ginger paak maa shri made for me. She told me it would give me strength.’

‘You like it?’

‘Yes, very much. I think I will finish it in one or two days. Will you request maa shri to make more for me?’

Siddhant raised his brows. ‘Why? You cannot ask yourself?’

‘How could I ask her to cook for me? She is my mother-in-law. And if this is not enough, she hates me.’

‘That’s right. But now she will do whatever you ask.’

‘No, you ask her,’ she said like a little girl who had done something wrong and now was afraid to tell her mother.

Siddhant chuckled. ‘Okay, I will ask her. You eat as much as you want.’

With a contented smile, Nayantara closed her eyes.

Siddhant caressed her head as he said again, ‘Maybe I won’t be able to have lunch with you tomorrow even.’ He had a meeting with the head of the business association. They had some issues with the new taxation policies. He had to take lunch with him. Businessmen were important for the kingdom. He couldn’t ignore them.

Nayantara nodded without opening her eyes. ‘Yeah, it’s okay. Now that I’m going to eat small meals, my lunch and dinner time will change. And I’m planning to eat early every day. It is good for health. So I think you should eat with others.’

Siddhant narrowed his eyes. ‘Nayantara, what is cooking in your head?’

Nayantara looked up at him. ‘What? Why do you always think I’m doing something wrong?’

‘Because now I know you very well. If I find out later, it won’t be good for you.’

Nayantara raised a brow in challenge. ‘What will you do?’

‘Oh, so now you want to take advantage of your pregnancy, huh? Let the baby be born, then I will see you,’ Siddhant said as he leaned in and slightly bit her jaw.

Nayantara whined and pushed against his chest. ‘I was on the verge of sleep. Why are you disturbing me again and again?’

Siddhant smirked. ‘Let’s take you to bed. Then you will not feel sleepy and beg for my attention,’ he said, and Nayantara turned red.

‘Don’t tease me like this, my lord,’ she said shyly.

Siddhant laughed and stood up with Nayantara in his arms. He carried her to the bed and laid her gently. He bent on her, careful not to crush her belly with his weight, as he softly kissed her lips. He slowly moved down to her neck, giving her some feathery kisses.

Nayantara giggled as she felt ticklish with gentle caresses of his lips and beard on her skin.

He slowly removed her clothes. Nayantara’s hand reached to the knot of his lower. Once he was naked, Nayantara pulled him on top of her.

His dark eyes were a storm of emotion. ‘Finally, I can come inside you without fear. But now I cannot be rough with you,’ he complained, making Nayantara chuckle.

‘Oh, my poor husband. What a big issue this is,’ she mocked, and Siddhant glared at her.

He claimed her lips again, kissing and sucking the soft petals. His hands cupped her breasts, squeezing them in his big, rough palms.

Nayantara whimpered. ‘Ahhh… my lord… not so hard… they feel more sensitive now.’

‘Sorry,’ he muttered, and he softly kissed the techy skin of her breasts.

A soft moan escaped from Nayantara’s lips as he continued to kiss between her breasts and all the way to her belly. She felt wet and itchy for him. Reaching down, she took hold of his hard cock, positioning it against her opening.

He moved backward on his heels and lifted her hips up off the bed. He teased her core a little before he slipped inside of her, stretching her open. Nayantara cried in pleasure. Her hands fisted on the bedsheet as he started thrusting into her. His strokes were even and perfect, hitting all the right spots.

Nayantara screamed as her body thrashed underneath him. She clenched him hard, and Siddhant groaned loudly as he unloaded himself deep within her.

He loved to fuck her for a long period of time and make her come over and over again. But she was pregnant and already looked tired.

He collapsed beside her and pulled her close, covering themselves with the comforter. Her thighs were still quivering from the aftershocks.

He kissed her forehead. ‘It was not rough, was it?’

‘No, it was perfect,’ Nayantara said timidly with a reassuring smile.

Siddhant pulled her even closer, inhaling her feminine scent. She smelled like lavender and roses. His hand slid to her flat belly and he slowly caressed it. ‘I love you, Nayantara.’

‘Auh, my lord, if you don’t get angry, can I ask you something?’ Nayantara asked in a slow voice.

‘That I will decide after you ask me?’ Siddhant knew she could easily make him angry with weird demands and a sharp tongue.

Nayantara pouted but said anyway, ‘Are you sure, my lord, that Queen Chitra’s death was natural?’

All the color vanished from Siddhant’s face. Nayantara swallowed hard in tension. She had ruined his mood. But this talk was also important.

Siddhant let out a shaky breath. ‘Now how I tell you, Nayantara, how far I went to find out the truth,’ he said, his voice thick with emotion. ‘I never considered it a natural death. The report you stole is just an official record. You have no idea what I’ve done unofficially. I had thrown her personal maid, head cook, the poison expert, midwife, her bodyguards into prison. I tortured them for months to get the truth out of them. Even one of her bodyguards died during the interrogation. I was ready to burn the entire world, but then dadi ma said Chitra would never forgive me if I kept killing the innocents, and then eventually I had to accept that those were natural deaths.’

‘What about her baby shower? Did you arrange it?’ Nayantara asked.

‘Yes.’

‘What if some guest would have given her something?’

Siddhant shook his head. ‘That is not possible. Nobody was allowed to feed Chitra anything.’

Nayantara let out a heavy sigh. This mystery is only getting more and more complicated, she thought.

‘I know you find me a careless husband. Because I am.’ A lone tear slipped from the side of his eye.

‘No, my lord, I didn’t mean to hurt you.’ Nayantara sat up and rubbed his shoulder. ‘I just ask out of curiosity.’

‘I failed as a husband. I failed as a father.’ A few more tears slipped from his eyes.

‘No, my lord. You are the best husband, and you will be the best father. Please, don’t cry.’ Nayantara wiped his tears and laid on him, hugging him tightly. Siddhant buried his face in the crook of her neck.

‘I miss them, Nayantara. Chitra, Mrignayani, my stillborn child, and my little girl. I failed them. I was so busy building my empire that I didn’t pay any attention to my family.’

Nayantara pulled back to look into his eyes. ‘My lord, please don’t cry. I cannot see your tears.’ Her heart turned heavy seeing her mighty husband so helpless and broken.

Siddhant wrapped his huge arms around her securely, like she would vanish if he didn’t hold her tight. ‘You promise me, Nayantara. You will never leave me.’ His eyes were moist, and his voice was hoarse.

Nayantara gave him a soft kiss on the chest. ‘I promise you, my lord.’

‘And if death comes, I’m the one who will die,’ he stated firmly, and Nayantara placed her hand on his mouth.

‘Don’t say such ill things, my lord,’ she cried. ‘Who can hurt his pregnant wife like this?’ Her eyes turned glossy. How could he think about his death? He was her only family. Her husband. Her fortune.

Siddhant cupped her face. ‘No, no, princess, I didn’t mean that. I’m not going anywhere.’

‘Don’t talk about death.’ Her voice was a mixture of hurt, complaint, and warning.

‘I will not. I’m sorry.’ He regretted his words. He should have kept her happy, not tense her with negative talk.

‘We both will live and grow old together,’ she said firmly. ‘Except you get bored of me and want some sensible wife.’

A laugh escaped from Siddhant’s lips, and he slightly slapped her cheek. ‘You will never learn to control your tongue, will you?’ he said, and Nayantara gave a coy smile.

‘C’mon now, sleep.’ Siddhant pulled her against his chest and kissed her head. Sometimes he feared that his misfortune might swallow her. His arms wrapped around her protectively, holding her close. He didn’t have the strength to endure any more losses.

Nayantara closed her eyes. She could feel his pain and fear. She slowly rubbed on his chest as if trying to ease his pain. Don’t worry, my lord, I will give you justice. I will give justice to all those poor souls. I will solve this mystery.

---

The next day, Nayantara and Vida were in the store room of the chamber, searching through Chitra and Mrignayani’s stuff.

Vida looked at Nayantara as she took out a bhajan book and dusted it off. ‘You are different from other queens and princesses,’ Vida said.

Nayantara thinned her brows. ‘What do you mean?’

‘You don’t cough in dusty places.’

‘Vida, focus on the work.’ Nayantara said in a scolding tone as she opened one more trunk. She didn’t know what exactly she was searching for. But she wanted any letter or journal. Anything that could tell her something about their life or their mental state.

‘Yes, my lady.’ Vida went back to her work, but her chatter was on. — Oh, look at these bangles… They are so beautiful… And this mirror has such beautiful carving… Oh, look, this saffron box is so artistic… The gold pins… Oh, Princess Aayushi’s doll and rattle… and so on.

Every time, Nayantara just glanced at it and then went back to her work.

They continued their search for two more days, but Nayantara didn’t get anything useful.

A few days passed, and Nayantara didn’t get any clue that could advance her investigation. On the other side, Siddhant knew Nayantara was doing something behind his back. She always ate early, even before he came. He could easily find out why she was doing this. But he didn’t find it right to have his wife spied on. He trusted her. It was just that he wanted to make sure she was okay. Because she acted happy in front of him, but he could see sadness and stress behind her eyes. He knew she hadn’t yet accepted her pregnancy. He even asked her many times why she didn’t want to eat with him. But every time, her answers were different and unlogical. Even they had a little fight on this, but at the end, Siddhant had to give up. She was pregnant. He could scold or shout at her more than a limit. So again, he had to bend in front of her weird wish. This was not the first time she was hiding things from him. As long as she was healthy and safe, he didn’t want anything else. Anyway, there was no mess she created that he couldn’t fix later.

For now, her safety was his paramount concern. He asked his men to find the best midwife for Nayantara, who had never lost a mother or child. He was even planning to hire one more physician. He delved back into the background checks of the maids entrusted with Nayantara bathing and chamber cleaning. He visited the kitchen after a long time, where he issued stern warnings to the head cook and the poison expert. Anything suspicious about her meals, he demanded, was to be reported directly to him. He even extended his vigilance to the maid delivering the food, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness during every step to her chamber.

With each passing day, Nayantara’s frustration gnawed at her. Again, she forced herself through the investigation report, knowing it was a dead end. She needed a new approach, but her mind drew a blank. Chitra’s belongings had yielded nothing, so here she was, in the study room, trapped in a loop, determined to break free. She decided this would be the last time she would check the report.

Despair washed over her as she finished rereading the report. With a frustrated cry, she threw the papers in the air along with the envelope. Pushing back the chair, she rose to leave. But as she turned, a small slip of paper caught her eye, fluttering to the floor from the opened envelope. Bending down, she retrieved the crumpled chit. Her heart twisted with curiosity as she unfolded the tiny scrap, revealing writing so small it seemed almost invisible.

‘Vida…’ she shouted desperately as she sat on her chair and spread the small paper on the desk, carefully removing all the crease. ‘Vida…’

‘Yes, my lady, yes.’ Vida ran inside.

‘Give me a magnifying glass. And then collect all these papers.’

Vida ran away, and Nayantara waited impatiently. It felt like eternity by the time she came back.

‘What took you so long?’ Nayantara said irritably, and she snatched the magnifying glass from her hand. She adjusted the glass on the paper and tried to read it.

You are reading this, which means you want to find the truth. I’m the main investigation officer in this case. I am retiring this year and going to my village to spend the rest of my life. But before I go, I want to tell you something. I think Queen Chira was poisoned. And that caused her miscarriage. And in the case of Aayushi, she was not the target, but she might have unknowingly eaten the same thing that her mother ate. Maybe she used to eat from her mother’s plate. The physician couldn’t find any poison in their body. But there are some poisons that show no sign on the body. We took out the last two days of food from the garbage and tested it. But nothing. We checked Queen Chitra’s personal stuff. But nothing. I think whoever did this is one person and has direct access to Queen Chitra. He didn’t involve anyone in his plan. Maybe that’s why no evidence was left behind. No loophole. No witness. This is just a theory. We don’t have any proof. Chitra’s father is my best friend. Chitra was like my daughter. So I’m taking this case personally. I couldn’t help Chitra. But if you are smarter than me, then solve this mystery.

By the time Nayantara finished reading, she was covered in sweat. Her fear came true. Those were murderers. Her entire body went limp. She leaned back in the chair and took some deep breaths.

‘What happened, my lady? Are you all right?’ Vida asked worriedly as she put the papers back on the table.

When Nayantara didn’t answer her, she walked away and came back with a glass of water. ‘Here, my lady, have some water.’

Nayantara’s hand was shaking as she took hold of the glass and took a few gulps of water. She sat there like a statue, but from inside, she was in turmoil.

Vida eyed the queen anxiously. She had no idea what happened to the queen.

Suddenly something clicked in Nayantara’s head, and she straightened her back. ‘Vida, what were you showing me that day? You found a saffron box in Queen Chitra’s stuff, right?’

Vida blinked, confused. ‘Yes, my lady. What about that?’

‘Bring that box here. But don’t open it or touch saffron.’

Vida walked away and came back with the saffron box. She placed the small, artistic box before the queen. ‘Here, my lady?’

Nayantara didn’t touch it as her gaze stared at it suspiciously.

‘Vida, call the poison expert to meet me right now. Tell him to change his get up into a jeweler before he comes here,’ Nayantara said. She didn’t want to alert the killer in any way.

Nayantara waited for more than half an hour. It was her lunchtime, and her stomach was rumbling with hunger, but she ignored it. This matter was more important. Finally, the poison expert entered. He was in his mid-forties. As per her instruction, he had changed his get up into an old man. He changed his hair and attached a mustache. He wore a lot of gold chains and rings on his fingers. He was confused but still acted like a jeweler who was here to sell his jewelry to the queen.

He adjoined his hands to greet the queen. ‘Sorry to make you wait, my lady. Actually, this get up…’

Nayantara raised her hand to cut him off and signaled him to sit. He put his jewelry bag aside and took the chair in front of her.

‘What can I do for you, my lady?’ the poison expert said.

‘What is your name?’ Nayantara asked.

‘I’m Sudhansh.’

‘So Sudhanshji. I need your help on a very important matter. Whatever we talk here will remain between us.’

Sudhansh nodded. ‘I assure you about it.’

‘Good. Now I want to know something about poisons. Is there such a poison whose presence in the human body remains undetected?’

‘Yes, my lady. But those poisons are rare and highly expensive,’ he said, his voice calm and collective.

‘You were here by the time of Queen Chitra, right?’ Nayantara asked, closely observing his expressions.

‘Yes, my lady,’ he said in the same calm manner.

‘So are you sure nobody gives her poison?’

‘I cannot say that,’ he said dryly.

Nayantara narrowed her eyes. ‘Why? You are the poison expert. You didn’t check her food?’

‘I did. I can guarantee that the food I checked did not contain any poison. But I cannot say what happened to the food once it passed by me.’

Nayantara gave an understanding nod. She opened the saffron box and pushed it before him. ‘Do you know anything about this saffron?’

He looked at the saffron and then at the box. ‘I remember this box. So I think I would have tested this saffron.’

‘And there would be no poison in it?’

‘No, because if there was poison, I would have informed the king. And everything would be on the official record.’

‘I want you to check this one more time.’

‘Sure, my lady.’ He took out some chemicals from his jewelry bag. He picked up a pinch of saffron with a small tong and added it to the chemicals. His eyes widened as the color of the chemical slightly changed. He then took a cotton stick. Dipping it in the chemical, he swabbed the inside of the box.

Nayantara was nervously tapping her feet on the ground.

‘This cannot be possible,’ he muffled in shock.

‘What happened?’ Nayantara asked impatiently.

‘There is poison in it,’ he said, his voice low in disbelief.

Nayantara jolted. A cold sensation spread through her body. ‘What?’

‘Yes, my lady. But this saffron is not the main source of poison. The poison has seeped into it from somewhere else.’

‘You want to say this box is poisonous?’

‘No, the box is clean.’

‘Then how did saffron become poisonous? You said you had checked it before.’

‘Yes, I did.’

‘So you want to say that someone added poison after you checked it?’

‘Definitely.’

‘Are you sure it was not your miss out?’

‘No, not possible. I do my work with honesty and integrity.’

Nayantara sighed. ‘I’m not doubting your honesty, Sudhanshji. But this is a serious matter. A hidden enemy is living between us.’

‘I can understand your concern, my lady. I’m ready to support you in every way possible.’

‘Thank you, Sudhanshji. For now, you can go. And remember, whenever I call you, you have to come after changing your get up.’

‘I will be careful, my lady. Don’t worry.’ He stood up and joined his hands before he walked out of the room.

Nayantara palmed her face.

‘You were so right, my lady. I cannot believe someone killed Queen Chitra.’ Vida was also shocked. ‘Thank God, you don’t eat royal food.’

‘Vida, we have to solve this mystery as soon as possible. Queen Chitra’s parents live in this palace, right?’

‘Yes, my lady.’

‘You go to them and ask them if they know anything about this saffron.’

‘And we should ask the king as well. I’m sure he would have known about this.’

‘No, we will not tell anything to the king.’

‘Why, my lady? The king could help us.’

Nayantara shook her head. ‘If the king finds out this, he will raise my security, and that could alert the killer. And I don’t want him to escape this time by any means,’ she said, her voice firm with determination.

‘As you say, my lady. You know the best,’ Vida said, and she walked away with the saffron box.

Nayantara leaned back on the chair. Her head was throbbing madly. She knew the killer was from the royal family. If it was an outsider, he would try to kill the king for the throne, not his babies. As per this letter, Queen Chitra died from poison, and she had no sign of poison on her body. As Sudhanshji said, this kind of undetected poison is rare and expensive. If he is not an outsider, then who else can buy such an expensive poison? And who else had direct access to Chitra other than family members? Who else could bypass the investigation agency?

She wanted to tell everything to Siddhant. But he wouldn’t accept such a big allegation against his family without any proof. Siddhant was intelligent and powerful. He knew politics and maneuvering. And his skill was enough to down any kingdom. But he was not aware of family politics. He didn’t know such a thing existed in the world. He was so innocent in this field. Just like her father. He sees his family as a strength. Nayantara had seen his love and trust for his family. This allegation against his family can even cause a rift in their relationship. So she had to take every step carefully.

Whoever you are, you can’t escape this time.

25 A woman cannot sit on the throne

It was late evening. Nayantara already had her dinner. Siddhant had not come yet, so she was sitting in the study room with a wide chart of Agnivanshi’s family tree spread on the desk. Her pregnancy sickness, along with the stress of solving this mystery, was getting her mad. Due to this, her other work was also getting affected. She was losing her temper every here and there. The servants and officials were scared of her anger.

Suddenly a lightning struck followed by a thundering sound. Nayantara looked out of the window. It was rainy days, and the atmosphere remained gloomy most of the time, worsening her mood.

She sighed and looked back at the chart. First, she removed dadi ma and Rajmata from the list of suspects. She loved and respected them. And even if she thought logically, they both were desperate to see Siddhant’s child, so they couldn’t even think of doing such a hideous act.

Siddhant had some cousins and relatives. Maybe one of them had some old animosity with Siddhant or his parents. After all, she didn’t know everything about their family history. But they were outsiders, only came occasionally. Nayantara had a strong feeling that the killer was close to Chitra. So after cutting everyone from the list, only two persons remained. Aditya and Adhisha.

Adhisha was Siddhant’s sister. Why would she hurt her brother? And Aditya… Aditya was… Nayantara’s heart gave a horrible jolt. Aditya was Siddhant’s half brother. He was a mistress’s son. He definitely would have a rough past. He might have suffered many injustices. He might have been treated unfairly. Maybe that could lead him to take revenge. Maybe he wanted the throne.

No, no, Nayantara, what are you thinking? Adiya is a nice man. Don’t compare everyone with your uncle.

‘My lady,’ Vida’s voice broke her trance, and she looked at her.

‘Yeah, Vida. Have you found something?’

‘You will not believe, my lady. That saffron was given by no one but Queen Chitra’s parents.’

Nayantara stunned. ‘What? Are you sure, Vida?’

‘Yes, my lady. And when her parents found out, you reopened their daughter’s case. They started crying. They want to meet you. They want justice for her daughter and granddaughter.’

‘You told them everything?’

Vida shook her head. ‘No, I didn’t tell them anything. But it was obvious why I would ask them all these otherwise.’

Nayantara gave an understanding nod. ‘I can understand their pain. But I cannot meet them right now. That could alert the killer. Tell them to stay quiet about this, and you also stay careful whenever you meet someone. After all, you belong to me.’

‘I will, my lady. Don’t worry.’

‘This is getting more and more messy, Vida. I don’t know how I will…’ Nayantara’s voice cut off by a knock on the door.

Abhay walked in and bowed his head. Nobody was allowed to enter without permission except Vida, Abhay, and Aazad. ‘My lady, a maid has brought a message for you,’ he said.

‘What is it?’

‘The Lord has come to the chamber and is asking for you.’

Nayantara gave a slight dismissive nod, and Abhay walked out.

‘Vida, you wind up all these. I have to go,’ Nayantara said as she rose on her feet.

Vida looked at the window and then back to Nayantara. ‘Auh, my lady, there are lightning strikes,’ she said timidly.

Nayantara rolled her eyes and clapped twice. Aazad walked in and bowed his head.

‘Stay with Vida until she finishes her work and then drop her off to her room,’ Nayantara said to Aazad, and she left the study room. Passing through the sitting area on her way, she reached her bedroom.

Siddhant had already changed his clothes and was sitting on the bed, reading a book. He looked up as Nayantara entered. His brows furrowed at her increasingly weary appearance. Her tiredness seemed to deepen with each passing day. She offered him a wan smile before disappearing into the dressing room. She sat before the dressing table and started removing her jewelry. The task proved laborious without assistance. A groan escaped her lips as she wrestled with a stubborn bracelet clasp. She couldn’t ask Siddhant. He never helped her with her jewelry, as their locks were too small for his callous fingers. Finally, free of her adornments, she slipped into thin cotton night clothes.

She came out of the dressing room and found Siddhant was still lost in the book. She climbed on the bed and crawled to her husband. She lay down and threw her head on his lap.

Siddhant looked down and smiled. He caressed her head lovingly, pushing a loose strand of her open hair behind her ear. ‘How is my princess?’

Nayantara didn’t answer. She just buried her face more into his lap.

‘Hey, what happened? Are you not feeling well,’ Siddhant asked as he put the book aside.

‘I feel like crying,’ she said in a dull voice.

Siddhant placed his hand on her cheek. He had pity in his eyes. ‘Your queasiness will ease in some days, princess.’

‘I feel so lazy all day. I don’t like to do anything. I’m worried about all the public interest work I have started. They need to be completed on time.’

‘Don’t be so hard on yourself, princess. I have already talked to Aditya. He will look after your unfinished projects.’

Nayantara’s eyes lit up. ‘Really? Will he help me?’

‘Of course he will. After all, he is the prince of Maharav. This comes in his duty as well. You don’t have to stress about anything.’

Nayantara relaxed. Finally, she could focus on Chitra’s case. ‘Thank you, my lord,’ she muttered and slipped away to her side of the bed. She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.

Siddhant took his book again and read for some time. Suddenly, a thunderous boom shattered the silence, and the heavy rain started. Brilliant flashes of lightning illuminated the chamber through the windows, while the howling wind extinguished several lamps, plunging the room into deepening gloom.

Siddhant gazed at Nayantara with growing concern. He anticipated her to be startled awake by the tempestuous uproar, but to his surprise, she remained undisturbed. There was no trace of fear in her expression, as if the storm raging outside held no sway over her.

Siddhant smiled. Yeah, why would she be scared? She is a storm herself.

Another blinding flash illuminated the room, drawing Siddhant’s attention back to the window. The storm outside was making him uneasy. It surfaced Chitra’s image to his mind. She was very afraid of lightning and thunder. A sad smile formed on his lips as he remembered how she used to cling to him whenever lightning struck. A lone tear slipped from his eyes and fell on the book.

Setting aside the book, he attempted to surrender to sleep, but Chitra’s memory was an insistent intruder. The harder he tried to banish her, the more persistent her image became. His gaze fell upon Nayantara, slumbering peacefully with her back to him. Gently, he moved closer, enveloping her in his arms. She softly murmured at the intrusion but continued to sleep. He pushed her hair aside and kissed her nap. His hand instinctively found its way to her expectant stomach. Her soothing scent somewhat calmed his inner storm, and he finally closed his eyes, seeking solace in their shared future.

---

‘Hurry up, Vida.’ Nayantara said as she looked out of the window. Vida was making her braid. She had to wake up early, but Siddhant’s little seed in her womb made her so sluggish. Her sleep was only interrupted when Vida came to her and reminded her about her meeting. Two days had passed since Siddhant talked to Aditya to help her, and finally, Aditya had scheduled a meeting to discuss the project’s progress.

‘Why does Prince Aditya have to arrange the meeting so early in the morning? You should oppose it,’ Vida complained.

‘It’s okay, Vida. He must be busy, otherwise why would he suggest this slot? And he has to go to the throne hall after this meeting.’

‘So what? You are the queen. And you have an heir of Maharav inside you. So everything should happen according to your time.’

Nayantara laughed. ‘I cannot play the queen card all the time, Vida. If I’m the queen, then he is also the prince of Maharav. His time is as valuable as mine. I’m so glad he agreed to look after all my unfinished work. I can at least adjust according to his timing.’

‘But if Prince Aditya will finish your projects, the king and people will appreciate him. Why do you want to give the credit of your ideas to someone else?’

‘Who told you I did this for fame? These are fundamental rights, necessities for the people. But there was no one to look after it, I had to step in. But now that Aditya is ready to handle this, I can step back. A true leader doesn’t hoard power; they empower others to ensure seamless governance.’ She was attending the meeting today to answer any questions Aditya might have. After that, she would only attend when she was free.

‘Done,’ Vida said as she finally put the dupatta on her head.

Nayantara stood up and felt a slight dizziness. She rubbed her head and ignored it as she walked on.

‘My lady, but what about your breakfast?’ Vida asked.

‘I will eat during the meeting. Send a fruit dish there.’ She was already late, and everyone would be waiting for her in the meeting room.

‘Okay, my lady.’

When Nayantara came out of the dressing room, she found Siddhant was still asleep. She quietly walked out of the room. She had arranged the meeting in the meeting area of her chamber, so she didn’t have to go to the main meeting room.

Everyone stood up as she entered the meeting room.

‘Good morning, my queen,’ Aditya greeted her with a formal address as they were in the meeting room.

Before Nayantara could say anything or reach her chair, the dizziness hit her hard. She wobbled on her feet.

Aditya stepped forward as he noticed her distress. ‘Bhabhi shri, are you all right?’ he asked worriedly.

Nayantara didn’t answer, blackness covered her eyes.

‘Bhabhi shri… I think you should sit.’ Aditya’s voice was full of panic.

Nayantara tried to hold the chair beside her, but her entire body went limp, and she fainted.

‘Bhabhi shri…’ Aditya shouted and leaped forward. He placed his hand under her head before it could hit the ground.

Other officials lowered their gazes, as it was not appropriate to look at the queen in her weakest.

Only then, Vida walked in with the fruit dish. She froze in her place seeing the queen unconscious.

Aditya looked up at Vida. ‘Inform the king and call the physician.’

Vida ran off, and Aditya looked at the officials. ‘Leave everyone.’

They immediately walked out of the room, and Aditya looked down at Nayantara. He placed her head on his lap and slowly tapped on her cheek. ‘Bhabhi shri, please wake up.’ His voice trailed off. This was his fault. With a packed week, including a meeting with a neighboring princely state, he’d been eager to finish this task first. So before he left, he wanted to get an update on everything. But how could he forget the Queen’s convenience came first priority. She was pregnant, and she needed proper rest. He shouldn’t have rushed her into an early meeting.

Suddenly, he heard the heavy footsteps, and the next moment, Siddhant was there. He was still in his night clothes. He had just woken up, but sleep was nowhere in his eyes. Fear surged through him as his eyes landed on his wife’s lifeless body on the floor. He rushed to her side, pulling her into his lap.

‘Bhai shri, I don’t know what happened. She just collapsed. I’ve called the physician,’ Aditya said in a quivering voice.

Siddhant’s heart wrenched in pain as he looked at her closed eyes and pale face. ‘Nayantara…’ he patted her cheek.

Aditya stood up. Taking the glass of water from the table, he handed it to Siddhant. ‘Here, bhai shri.’

Siddhant took some water in his palm and splashed it onto her face. He repeated it again, and her lashes fluttered. She blinked at him. ‘Nayantara? Are you all right, princess?’

She blinked again, trying to take in the situation. ‘My lord…’

‘Yes, princess, are you all right?’

‘I… I think I… I…’

‘It’s okay, I’m here. You are fine. Don’t stress yourself,’ Siddhant cooed. ‘Can you take the water?’

She gave a small nod. Her body was still limp. Siddhant raised her head and pushed back a few strands of her hair before he poured some water into her mouth. She took a few gulps. She slightly coughed, and some water slipped out of her mouth.

‘Easy, easy,’ Siddhant rubbed her back. ‘Feeling better now?’

She nodded again, and Siddhant scooped her into her arms. He carried her into the room and gently laid her on the bed. Aditya followed them but stopped himself at the door.

Siddhant sat by her side, his hand caressing her sweaty head. ‘You got hurt somewhere?’

‘No, I’m okay,’ she said in a muffled voice.

By then the physician was there along with Padmini and dadi ma. Aditya wondered who would have told them. Padmini went straight inside, but dadi ma stood beside Aditya.

‘What happened?’ she asked. She was panting as she had tried to match her pace with the physician.

‘She suddenly passed out,’ Aditya said weakly.

‘Oh, my poor child. Her pregnancy sickness is a little high.’ Dadi ma muttered and walked in.

The physician approached Nayantara, and Vida drew the curtains around the bed so the queen didn’t feel uncomfortable.

The physician did her checkup and then came out of the curtains. Siddhant also stood up, pushing the curtain aside.

‘Mother and baby both are fine. Nothing to worry about, my lord,’ the physician said. Vida went to Nayantara from the other side of the bed and adjusted her clothes before she removed the curtain completely.

‘You have to do something about her sickness. Her body is very sensitive to it,’ Siddhant said.

The physician looked at the queen. ‘My lady, can you tell me what exactly happens to you? You always feel dizzy, or is it just today?’

Nayantara slowly sat up before she said in a low voice, ‘Auh, I feel nauseous sometimes. And feel light-headed after vomiting. But this is the first time I fainted.’

The physician hummed as she asked further, ‘What did you eat for breakfast today? Did you throw up?’

‘I didn’t eat anything.’ Her words were barely a whisper. Everyone stared at her in utter shock, and Nayantara knew she was in trouble.

‘This is very dangerous, my lady. Didn’t I tell you to keep nuts or dry fruits beside your bed and eat them first before you stand up.’

‘I know, but… I was late for the meeting, so…’ Her voice trailed off.

‘Meeting? What meeting?’ Padmini shouted. ‘You ignored your health for a mere meeting?’

Nayantara gulped in fear. Everyone’s eyes were on her, and she lowered her head to avoid their angry and hurt gaze. This wouldn’t have happened if she had eaten at least a piece of ginger paak when Vida was making her braid.

‘Feed her something first, my lord. I will come later to see her,’ the physician said, and she walked out of the room. She didn’t want to witness the family drama.

‘See, Siddhant, this is why I was against giving her powers. This ambitious woman doesn’t even care for her baby,’ Padmini snapped.

‘Maa…’ Siddhant pleaded.

‘What? You still want to take her side? This selfish woman…’

‘Maa… please…’ Siddhant’s voice broke.

Padmini shook her head in frustration. ‘I don’t know what you saw in her.’

Aditya, who was still standing at the door, walked in. ‘Maa shri, actually it was my fault…’

‘I’m not your mother,’ Padmini seethed, without even looking at him. ‘And I’m not talking to you.’

‘Maa, please, don’t talk to him like this.’ Siddhant’s voice raised this time. He never understood why his mother hated Adtiya so much. If she had to hate someone, that should be her husband. He cheated on her. What was Aditya’s fault in all this?

‘It’s okay, bhai,’ Aditya muttered, and he walked out of the room.

Siddhant sighed tiredly. ‘Maa, now you should go. She needs rest. I will make sure this will not happen again.’

Padmini glared at her thin frame in disgust. ‘And tell her to gain some weight,’ saying so, Padmini left.

Dadi ma walked to Nayantara, who was still sitting with her head low. She caressed her head. ‘Don’t mind your mother-in-law. She is scolding you for your own good.’

‘I understand, dadi ma.’ Nayantara’s voice creaked. ‘Sorry you all got worried because of me.’

Dadi ma cupped her cheeks and kissed her head. ‘My child is so wise. Just take care of yourself,’ she said, and she walked away with her slow steps.

‘Vida, bring her breakfast,’ Siddhant said, his voice dry.

‘Auh, my lord, can I eat fruits?’ Nayantara asked nervously. She knew Siddhant didn’t say anything to her, but he was a volcano from inside who could blast anytime. But she couldn’t eat the royal food. Fruits were fine as they were coming directly from her personal garden or Vida purchased them from outside.

Siddhant looked at Nayantara, and she immediately lowered her eyes, unable to handle his intense gaze. He continued to stare at her for a moment or so before he finally said, ‘Okay, bring the fruits.’

After giving the fruits, Vida walked away. Nayantara waited for Siddhant to feed her. But her heart broke as he handed her the plate. He sat there while Nayantara was eating. The silence between them was oppressive, the tension palpable. Nayantara stole a glance at Siddhant, whose face remained stoic and unreadable. Nayantara finished everything without any tantrums. She didn’t want to face his wrath.

‘Do you want anything else?’ His voice was monotonous.

Nayantara shook her head. ‘I’m full.’

Siddhant put the plate aside and stood up, but Nayantara held his arm. ‘My lord…’

He tried to extract his hand from her hold, but her grip tightened on his arm. Her eyes were pleading silently not to walk away like this.

‘Nayantara, leave my hand. I’m getting late for the throne hall.’ His tone was dangerously low.

Nayantara’s heart cried silently. ‘Please, my lord, forgive me.’

‘For what? The great queen can do whatever she likes.’

Tears collected in the corner of her eyes. ‘Don’t talk like this, my lord. I can explain…’

‘What will you explain?’ Siddhant roared, making Nayantara flinch. ‘Was the meeting that important that you skipped your breakfast?’

‘I was going to eat…’

‘When? After fainting from hunger?’ he snapped. ‘Didn’t I tell you that Aditya would handle everything. Or you think you are the only one smart here. Without you, we cannot run this kingdom.’

Nayantara fought back her tears as Siddhant continued to lash her with his words. ‘I never stop you from doing anything. I give you all the powers. But still, it is not enough for you. What did you want to prove by going to the meeting without eating anything?’ Siddhant said with seething anger. ‘Show me one husband who has given her wife this much power. What else do you want, huh? Or you think that one day you can sit on the throne.’

‘Why? I cannot sit on the throne?’ Before Nayantara could stop herself, words came out of her mouth. She immediately regretted it as Siddhant’s eyes narrowed on her. She didn’t know why she was losing her head. Why was her tongue slipping every here and there? This pregnancy had affected her brain even.

The next moment, Siddhant’s grip was on her jaw. ‘What did you say?’

A shiver ran down her spine as he locked his dark gaze on her. ‘Nayantara, a woman cannot sit on the throne.’ His voice low, the words slow with a significant pause between them. ‘She can only sit when her husband is beside her.’

‘Why?’ She couldn’t stop herself from asking. Now that the matter has broken out, she wanted to know his thoughts about this. Will he ever let her sit on the throne?

With a jerk, he left her jaw and stood tall. ‘Because a woman cannot protect the kingdom. Nobody will accept her. People will never feel safe under a woman ruler.’

Nayantara narrowed her eyes. ‘What makes you think this?’

Siddhant crossed his arms against his chest. ‘You have already proven your failure, my love. That day you wanted to save your kingdom, didn’t you? You had a fantastic plan. But why couldn’t you execute it, Nayantara? Because you don’t know horse riding,’ he said, and his words cut Nayantara deep in her heart.

He walked away and pulled out an ancestral sword hanging on the wall. He threw the sword on the floor, and Nayantara shivered with a clink of the heavy metal.

‘I will give you the Maharav throne if you can just lift this sword and place it on my neck. Can you do it, Nayantara? Even if I train you for this, will you still be able to defeat me? Will your strength ever match mine?’

Nayantara’s eyes welled with tears. She had never thought Siddhant would make her feel so low. He ignored all the things she could do and just pointed out that one thing she couldn’t. It was not that she hadn’t tried it. When she was in Anhilwara, sometimes she sneaked into the weapon room and tried to learn the art of combat. As she was a princess, nobody said anything to her and found her behavior childishly brave. Some of the army men even tried to teach her. But still she couldn’t learn it, and eventually she gave up on weapons and accepted that weapons were not for her. She knew there were some women who could fight like men. But what about those men who were not skilled in the art of war, nor were they intelligent? There were many princes who were the only son of his father. So even if they couldn’t fight well and were not able to protect the kingdom and people, their fathers gave them the throne anyway. They didn’t need to prove their ability. Just because they were boys. But when a woman wanted her rights, she had to prove herself. Nobody ever raised questions on men’s incompetence, but always asked women to prove their ability. Force her to learn everything. Even if her feminine body was not able to do it.

Her lips trembled as she asked, ‘Do men not lose in war?’

‘They do, darling. And they pay for it. Like my father paid with his life and some of Maharav’s states. And now your uncle is paying with his dignity. Right now you are safe and sound because you were not my target. You are a woman, and were not on Anhilwara throne. If you were on the throne at that time, you would have to face my worst side.’

‘If I was in Anhilwara throne, this wouldn’t have happened. I know the war strategies. I know how to use the army.’ Nayantara spoke with conviction.

‘Oh, my love, you don’t know anything. How many wars have you fought? War is war. Any strategy could fail on the battlefield,’ Siddhant said coldly. ‘And if you lose, I wouldn’t have thought twice before cutting your head off. Or it could be even worse.’

Nayantara shrinked, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. ‘Siddhant, please, why are you talking to me this way?’ She knew the meaning of worse. Rape and torture.

‘Oh, what happened? My princess got scared,’ he said silkily as he tried to cup her face, but she pushed his hands away.

A smirk adorned Siddhant’s face. ‘Now if you are feeling better, then stand up and prepare my bath like a good wife.’ His voice was laced with dominance.

He walked away. His departure left Nayantara broken. Tears streamed down her face. All her hope died the moment Siddhant said a woman cannot sit on the throne. So now, even if she got rid of her uncle, she couldn’t sit on the throne. Siddhant would place someone else.

‘Nayantara…’ Siddhant shouted from the bathroom.

Nayantara quickly wiped her tears and stood up. She almost ran into the bathroom but slowed down her pace with a one warning glare from her husband.

Siddhant removed his clothes and sat on the stool. He didn’t go into the pool as Nayantara had already taken a bath and he didn’t want to wet her clothes.

Nayantara took a tray of ointments and herbs. She started with his back. She took some ointment on her finger tips and started applying it to his broad, muscled back.

Everything was deadly quiet, only the tinkles of Nayantara’s bangles and her soft sniffles were breaking the silence.

Siddhant knew she was crying. He was harsh on her. But this was necessary to keep her in line. He couldn’t explain the distress he’d felt at the sight of her lifeless body. He wanted to make sure now she just focused on herself and the little life inside her. He couldn’t ignore her insolence every time. As Queen of Maharav, she possessed everything, yet her obsession with powers and the throne were mysterious. Its seeds might be in her past. But now he was done with her, he had asked her many times and every time she chose to lie.

She sniffled again.

‘Are you crying?’ Siddhant asked, his voice soft.

When she didn’t say anything, Siddhant grabbed her arm and swiftly pulled her into his lap. Nayantara gasped at his abruptness. She hastily wiped her tears with the back of her hand, smearing ointment across her cheek in the process.

Seeing her washed off face, Siddhant melted and pulled her against his chest. ‘Oh, my princess, I didn’t want to hurt you.’

Nayantara wriggled in his lap, her nails unknowingly clawed in his firm chest as she struggled not to break in front of him.

Siddhant held her tight in his arm as he said, ‘You know, Nayantara, the throne demands sacrifice. And women are too precious to throw in dirty politics and war.’ His hand was stroking her thin arm.

Nayantara felt so vulnerable in his lap. She wriggled again, her nails dug into his chest. She just wanted to run away, so she could cry freely. She was too hurt and angry to understand anything.

‘Stop it, Nayantara,’ Siddhant growled.

Nayantara looked up at him innocently. Now what mistake did she make that he shouted again?

‘You are turning me on,’ he said, looking down at his chest.

Nayantara followed his gaze and realized she was scratching his chest. She immediately pulled her hand back. ‘Sorry.’

Siddhant looked at the art she had created on his chest. ‘What a beautiful revenge. But save this fierceness when I fuck you.’

Nayantara’s cheeks turned red with shyness mingled with anger towards him.

Siddhant chuckled. ‘Oh, you are so beautiful.’ Seeing her coyness, he couldn’t stop himself from kissing her, but she turned away her face.

Siddhant sighed. He took some water from the bucket and wiped ointment from her cheek. He took his tiny hand in his and cleaned her fingers. ‘You go now and rest for sometime.’ With that, he released her from his grip.

Nayantara immediately stood up and was about to run, but stopped herself in time as she realized her husband’s intense gaze was still on her.

Siddhant shook his head, smiling. Oh, my queen is angry with me. Now how much will the king have to bow down to persuade his queen?

26 Kneel before the queen

The two months flew within a blink. Not much had changed in those days. Except Vishakha gave birth to a boy. Rajendra sent an invitation suggesting that after coming to Anhilwara, Nayanthara stay there until her delivery. But Siddhant refused that without even asking Nayantara. He couldn’t stay away from his wife and baby. And why should he throw his responsibility to someone else. They weren’t even going in celebration, as Nayantara couldn’t travel for six days. So he just sent the wishes and gifts.

Nayantara didn’t know how she felt about this news. Anhilwara had an heir now. One side was longing to see her nephew, and the other side she hated Vishkha. She must be very happy that her son would sit on the throne. The throne that her uncle took after killing his own brother. The throne that belongs to her.

Siddhant had finally found the best midwife. The physician and midwife both checked Nayantara, and confirmed mother and child both were healthy. So Siddhant was a little relaxed. The torment of Nayantara’s pregnancy sickness had finally subsided, and she was able to eat normally again. Dadi ma warmly urged her to join the family for lunch, but she politely declined, saying she’d join them in a few days. She wanted to buy some time. She still had to avoid royal food, no matter how mouthwatering it was.

The more Nayantara tried to solve the mystery, the more it got entangled. Vida collected all the information about Aditya. Aditya’s mother left her when he was three years old. Nobody knew where she went. What happened to her? Did she leave by herself or King Suryadev was behind it? Was she still alive? Aditya didn’t even remember her mother’s face. He never got mother’s love, as Queen Padmini never accepted him. King Suryadev was too busy to look after him. However, Siddhant loved him a lot. When he couldn’t sleep at night, he used to tell him stories. When he did something mischievous, Siddhant would take the blame on himself. For Aditya, Siddhant was his everything.

Nayantara didn’t like to doubt Aditya. She liked him from day one. She never got bad vibes from him. But to solve this mystery, she would have to look at everyone with suspicion.

She even collected information about Adhisha. Siddhant and Adhisha shared a deep bond. Siddhant loved and pampered her a lot. However, everything changed when Adhisha decided to marry Vikram. Her decision ignited a conflict between brother and sister. Siddhant was against their union, and one day Adhisha ran off with Vikram. Though Siddhant eventually accepted their marriage, the incident irrevocably damaged their once-close brother-sister relationship. She was not here when Chitra died. But when Mrignayani fell from the stairs, Adhisha was present in the palace.

Nayantara was losing her sanity. Everyone seemed innocent and murderers at the same time. She couldn’t get any solid evidence that could lead her to the truth. Just theory and theory.

She finished her dinner and went to the dressing room to change her clothes. She sat in front of the mirror, and Vida started removing her jewelry.

One maid went to the cupboard and came with night clothes. Another came with hot oil to message her head. As Vida finished with jewelry, Nayantara stood up to change her clothes.

Only then Siddhant walked in, signaling maids to leave. Everyone left, and Siddhant strode to Nayantara.

Nayantara looked at him through the mirror as he put his crown aside and threw his overcoat on the chair. ‘You came early today,’ she asked.

Siddhant narrowed his eyes. He hated seeing her like this — distant and lost. ‘I know you wouldn’t like my presence. But I want to spend some time with my baby.’

Nayantara blinked at him. He always used to talk to the baby. But she was not feeling the same attachment with the baby, even if it was inside her. Maybe because she was more focused on saving him than loving him.

‘You wait outside. I will come after changing clothes.’ Her voice was raw. Siddhant’s harsh words were still echoing relentlessly in her mind. His lack of remorse for his actions further compounded her distress. Yet, she couldn’t afford to be distracted by their conflict. She couldn’t shift her focus to unnecessary things. The throne, her ultimate goal, demanded her survival first. Although she didn’t fight him, that didn’t mean she would let him do whatever he wanted. Whenever he tried to get close to her, she just turned away. He could talk to the baby, but he couldn’t torment her body.

‘Let me help you,’ he said as he stood behind her, and in a moment he stripped her off, leaving her completely naked in front of the mirror.

His eyes darkened with desire as he stared at her bare form. He enveloped her fragile body in his long, muscled arms. His one hand cupped her sensitive breast, while the other went to her belly.

Nayantara suddenly felt self-conscious. Her breasts and hips had grown big, and her stomach had slightly emerged. She never noticed changes in her body. But now when Siddhant was ogling at her, she could help but felt timid for her body.

‘Beautiful,’ he said, running his hand on her small swell.

Nayantara’s breath hitched, and she bit her lip nervously. His lecherous gaze was swallowing her. He nuzzled into her hair, his breath warm against her neck. Pushing her hair aside, he placed his lips against her neck, sucking her tender skin softly.

Nayantara felt weak on her knees. ‘Siddhant…’ she panted.

‘Nayantara, I want you to rest, that doesn’t mean you lock yourself in the chamber. You are angry with me. Why are you punishing yourself and our little baby?’ His voice was soft, his thumb massaging her erected bud.

‘I’m not punishing anyone. Aditya gave me the updates. Everything is going smoothly. Those projects don’t need my attention any more.’

Siddhant turned her around to face her. ‘Then join me in the courtroom.’

Nayantara’s eyes shot up at him for a moment before she lowered her gaze and shook her head. ‘No.’ She was tired of hearing power hungry, ambitious, selfish. She was not power hungry. Whatever she did for Maharav, she had to do. She didn’t grow up like other princesses. She knew the problem of common people. And now that she was the queen of Maharav and she had her husband’s love and strength, that didn’t mean she forgot everything and drowned in materialistic things. She didn’t want to waste her entire life on jewelry and clothes while she could use her power to do something meaningful. And as for the Anhilwara throne, she wanted it because her vile uncle and any of his descendants didn’t deserve it. By killing his own brother, he had tarnished the Anhilwara throne. Now that throne only belongs to her.

‘Why not?’ Siddhant asked, drawing her attention back to him.

‘The courtroom drama is stressful. I don’t want to do anything like that,’ she said in a small voice.

Siddhant sighed. He knew that wasn’t the reason. ‘Why are you so stubborn?’

Nayantara looked away, her lips pressed tight and her eyes burning with annoyance.

Fuck! Seeing her in a fit of the sulks, Siddhant felt hard in the middle of nowhere. ‘Why does your stubbornness attract me so much towards you.’ His voice was thick with lust, and Nayantara’s eyes widened as he pushed her on the dressing table and claimed her lips. His hand slid between her legs. He pinched her clit before shoving his two fingers into her tight hole.

Nayantara cried at the sudden invasion and broke the kiss. ‘Siddhant…’ she heaved.

‘Don’t reject me, please…’ His voice was a soft plea.

Nayantara melted for a moment but then shook her head. ‘No, I don’t want it,’ she said with a slight push against his chest.

He looked at her with hurt visible in his eyes. But suddenly a look of hurt turned into anger, his jaw hardened, and he pulled out his fingers abruptly. She gasped as her soft, dry walls ached by his brutal pull.

A groan of frustration escaped his lips as he ran his hand into his shaggy hair.

Nayantara slowly rose on her feet, struggling to stay calm as fear gripped her body. She knew he was this patient with her just because she was pregnant, otherwise he would have thrown her on the bed and fucked her until she passed out.

He looked on the verge of exploding, but then he took a deep breath and slowly went to his knees.

Nayantara blinked at him, confused. ‘My lord?’

Siddhant didn’t look up. He had never bent in front of anyone, not even Chitra and Mrignayani. Swallowing all his pride and man ego, he said, ‘This slave is asking for your forgiveness, my queen.’

Nayantara froze in her place for a moment, and then she burst into laughter. ‘What is this, my lord?’ Seeing the mighty, undefeated king kneeling in front of her and acting like a slave did funny things to her insides.

Siddhant slowly looked up. His heart leaped with joy seeing his wife laughing freely after two months.

‘What are you doing, my lord? Stand up,’ she giggled.

‘No, I will not stand up until the queen forgives me.’

Nayantara grabbed his overcoat from the chair and wore it. It was heavy and covered her entire body. She stood tall and held her head high as she said arrogantly, ‘Do you know your crime? You raised your voice in front of the queen.’

‘I know I shouldn’t speak in front of the queen, even if the queen is wrong.’

Nayantara narrowed her eyes. ‘The queen is never wrong. 50 lashes for your insolence,’ she stated.

‘Oh, my lady, show some mercy on me. I will die,’ he said in a begging voice, and Nayantara burst into another fit of laughter.

‘Why should I?’

‘Please forgive me, my lady, and I will please you in every way.’

‘Be in your limits, you shameless man. I’m King SiddhantVeer Agnivanshi’s wife. You don’t have rights to even look at me,’ she said with her head high, voice laced with arrogance.

‘Why not? The slave is not human? He doesn’t have the right to love someone? This slave loves you. That old king doesn’t value you. Come to me. I will make you more happy,’ he said like an impudent servant who didn’t care about his life at all.

Nayantara laughed even more. She couldn’t help but imagine if this situation were real, Siddhant would have beheaded this shameless man by now.

‘So can I take it as a yes? Can I dare to touch the queen?’ He stood up swiftly, and the next moment Nayantara was in his arms.

Nayantara giggled, and he carried her to the bed. He gently laid her on the bed and stepped back to remove his clothes. Nayantara lay there with her eyes on him, admiring his physique. His firm, bare chest. His broad shoulder. His muscled arms. His amazing abs. His thick, muscular thighs. The heat pooled between her legs as her eyes fell on his hard erection. He was so big.

Nayantara’s heart lurched as he bent on her, caging her tiny frame with his huge body. He exuded an air of manliness with dominance and aggression.

He parted her overcoat and gawked at her naked body like he was seeing her for the first time. Her sandy white skin was glowing in the night lamps. His hand ran to his beard as he took in every inch of her body. ‘Oh, I didn’t know the queen of Maharav is so beautiful. The king is so lucky,’ he teased.

Nayantara’s cheeks flushed with shame. Her insides twisted so badly. The way he was staring and teasing her like he was a stranger, she felt extremely timid. ‘Be gentle. And careful with my breasts. Don’t squeeze them too much in your brutal hands.’

‘Yes, my queen. As you command. Anything else this slave has to be careful with?’

Nayantara slapped him on the shoulder. ‘Hurry up now or my husband will come.’

‘I don’t care. To get such beauty, I would even fight with the king,’ he mocked, making Nayantara laugh. He spread her legs apart, sucking and kissing her inner thighs. His hand slid between her legs, and he shoved his twin fingers inside her.

Nayantara cried and arched her back as his fingers curled and hit her sweet spot. ‘Ahhh… Siddhant…’

‘I know that old, brutal king hurt you there. Are you sore?’ he asked in a funny way, but his concern was genuine.

Nayantara’s cheeks heated up as she shook her head blushfully. He was making her uncomfortable by acting like a stranger. This was funny and insane.

‘Don’t worry, I will take care of you. I will make you feel better,’ he said as he kissed and sucked her crown.

Her hips jumped up in excitement, and wetness leaked from her core, milking his thick fingers. Her legs were trembling in pleasure and need as he continued to tease her with his fingers, keeping her right on the edge.

Suddenly he bit the tender skin of her inner thigh, and Nayantara cried in pain. ‘Ohhh… it hurts…’

He immediately licked there to soothe the pain. Nayantara knew it was punishment for keeping him away for two months. ‘Let me mark you. Let the king show this. The queen is now mine,’ he muttered deviously. His fingers thrusting in and out of her while his mouth was kissing every inch of her body.

Nayantara was on the verge of exploding, and his kisses turned more harder and passionate. He bit her neck, hip bone, and inner thighs, but thankfully he was gentle with her breasts and kissed her sensitive buds with all care and love.

Suddenly, he held her upper arm and pulled her onto his lap with his fingers still inside her. He claimed her parted lips and savored every corner of her mouth. His hand traveled down her ass and he squeezed her soft plumps, drawing more wetness from her core. He pulled his fingers out of her, and before Nayantara could whimper from the loss, he pushed her legs even wider and grabbed the hold of her hips, pulling her down on his hard cock. Nayantara screamed loudly as he impaled her. Despite the initial pinch of pain, she liked being stretched open by him. Her nails dug into his shoulders, her legs shaking as he filled her up.

Siddhant growled as her warm, velvety walls gripped him tightly, making it hard for him not to lose control right then and there. ‘You are so tight,’ he muttered under his breath.

Nayantara mewled and wriggled on his lap, trying to adjust with his massive cock. She could feel him deep inside her.

Siddhant gripped her hips tightly as he rode her on him. Soon Nayantara was a moaning mess. Her hands fisted his hair as he found the depth within her.

‘Tell me if it is too much for you.’ Siddhant knew he had to be careful and gentle with her.

‘Don’t stop,’ she cried eagerly as a deep pleasure built inside her.

Siddhant chuckled. He was holding and grinding her like she was weightless. His moment became more erratic as he continued to torment her.

She writhed in his lap. Her moans grew even louder as she felt her climax growing inside her. ‘Ahhh… Siddhant…’

‘Yes, my queen, cum for me.’ With that, Siddhant gave her one final, branding thrust.

Her body began to convulse, and wave after wave of pleasure washed over her.

Siddhant groaned loudly as her walls throbbed around him, and he filled her with his warmth. Her head fell on his shoulder and he grabbed onto her hips, holding her in place until his cock stopped twitching. She was limp in his arms and struggling to catch her breath. He rubbed her back as she slowly came down from her high.

He lifted her off him, sliding his cock out. His seed was dripping from her small hole. He gently laid her and dropped himself beside her, collecting her in his arms. Her legs were quivering, and he couldn’t help but smile. She was shaking from the orgasm he had given her. Pushing her hair from her face, he stared deep into her eyes. She looked back at him sleepily, and he grinned. ‘Hope this slave could satisfy the queen.’ He winked.

Nayantara slapped his chest. ‘Enough now, my lord. If your mother hears you calling yourself my slave, she will kill me.’

Siddhant chuckled. ‘Look at yourself. Your cheeks are tomato red.’

‘That is because you made me feel like I’m with another man.’

‘What could I do? I wanted to put a smile on my princess’s face,’ he said with a quick peck on her cheek. ‘Always smile like this. You are the fortune of Maharav. Without your smile, the whole palace looks gloomy.’

27 Who stole the sweets

Nayantara was sitting in the balcony with a book and a bowl of soup her daai ma had made for her. As she had nothing to kill her time, she’d established a new routine. She had started morning and evening walks through the garden. After the morning walk, she took a bath and visited the temple with dadi ma. She didn’t do the prayer for the first two days. She was angry with God ever since he took away her parents. She just sat in front of the idol and stared at him blankly. But slowly the peace of the temple began to affect her, and finally she surrendered to the almighty. She started praying for her husband and child’s well being. For some strange reason, she never asked for the Anhilwara throne, even if she wanted it so desperately. Dadi ma was also teaching her knitting. It was super boring work for Nayantara, but she couldn’t say no to dadi ma. The rest of the time she immersed herself in books, play chess with Aditya when he was free.

She took a sip of the soup, and her throat warmed with a sweet and spicy taste. She was so grateful for this. She would never be able to repay her daai ma’s favor. It would have been impossible for her to survive without her daai ma. She had given her the best room and all the facilities. But she knew her sacrifices for her were unpayable. She took another spoonful of the soup as she turned the page. She was reading the different kinds of battle arrays. She was sad that one more month slipped away without a breakthrough. Despair was engulfing her. Now she had started thinking that she would never be able to solve this mystery. She would also end up like Chitra and Mrigniyani. She looked down at the swell of her belly, which was now quite prominent. It was her first child. A seedling of her and Siddhant’s love. There was no way she could lose him.

‘My lady, look, what came for you,’ Vida called her from the room.

Nayantara tilted her head to look at her. She was standing in the middle of the room with a big hamper in her hands. ‘If it is clothes or jewelry Rajmata has sent, then put it in my cupboard.’

‘No, it came from Jasel. Princess Adhisha has sent it.’

‘Adhisha didi?’ Nayantara was a little surprised. She stood up, leaving the book on the chair. She walked in and took the basket from Vida before settling on the couch. Vida followed her, curious to see the gift.

‘What is it, my lady?’ she asked eagerly as Nayantara removed the shiny cloth from the basket.

Nayantara frowned as she stared at the items. There was a necklace, a silk saree, and a big box of sweets. There was also a small scroll. She picked up the scroll and unrolled it.

Dear Bhabhi shri,

I hope you and the baby both are fine. I have been planning to come there for so long, but you know the queen and wife’s duties. But I will come to your baby shower, and then I will stay there till your delivery. Kathan is also very excited to play with his little brother.

For now, I’m sending you my wishes with some sweets. These all are special dry ginger sweets and will stay fresh for two weeks. I hope you like it.

Take care of yourself and my nephew.

With lots of love,

Adhisha.

She wound up the paper and looked at Vida. ‘This sweets has been tested?’

‘I don’t think so, my lady. This parcel came from Princess Adhisha. And it is for you, so nobody unwraps it as it might be personal.’

Nayantara nodded. ‘Take this sweets to the poison expert.’

Vida was now used to this. The queen did not eat anything until she was completely sure about her safety. She walked away with the box, and Nayantara leaned back on the couch.

Sorry, Adhisha didi, but no one can give me anything without going through a security check, she thought with a sigh. She was tired of all these precautions. She was living in constant fear and stress. When would she be able to free herself from these threats?

She waited on the couch until Vida came back. ‘The sweets are clear, my lady. There is no poison in it,’ she said as she handed over the box.

Nayantara shook her head at her suspicious nature. Nayantara, why would she hurt her own brother. She rarely comes here. She is happy with her husband. Grow up and turn your investigation in some other direction. She opened the box of the sweets and smiled. There were different kinds of sweets with ginger in them.

She stood up and placed the box on the small shelf beside the bed. She would eat it later.

The rest of the day passed as usual. She took her lunch and then a nap. After waking, she read the book again, and then in the evening she took her dinner and went to the garden for a small walk. After coming back, she changed into comfortable attire and settled on the bed with her knitting, waiting for her husband.

Her eyes started drooping, and knitting needles fell from her hands when she heard heavy footsteps. She rubbed her eyes and straightened her back as Siddhant entered. His face was bearing the marks of a long day.

‘Cut some fruits for me,’ Siddhant ordered his wife and went into the dressing room to change his clothes.

He washed his face, hands, and legs and then put on his loin and a thin white kurta. He was buttoning his kurta when Nayantara’s scream split the air.

Siddhant… Siddhant… Her hasty voice was shattering the silence.

Siddhant was staggered. So many bad thoughts rushed into his head in an instant. Would she have cut her finger? Would she be feeling dizzy or nauseous?

He dashed outside and found her on the bed with fruits and a knife, but her hand was on her belly.

Fear gripped Siddhant, but then she looked up at him with a big smile, melting all his distress.

‘The baby is kicking. Come here,’ she squealed.

Siddhant eased up and reached her with quick strides. Sitting by her side, he placed his hand on her swollen belly, and the baby moved under his hand. That little movement of his child dissolved all his work fatigue.

‘Can you feel it?’ she chirped in delight.

‘Yes, Nayantara, I can.’ He had never seen her so excited about the baby.

‘It is real.’ She smiled down at her bump.

Siddhant laughed, amused by her excitement. ‘It is real from the last five months, and now you are realizing it.’

Nayantara ignored his taunt as she caressed her belly. This miraculous quiver in her womb aroused new emotions in her heart. ‘Oh, I love him.’

‘Her, Nayantara,’ Siddhant corrected her in a scolding tone.

Nayantara chuckled. ‘Yes, her. Happy now?’

‘So much,’ Siddhant said, placing his lips on her forehead. ‘I love both of you.’

---

Two days later.

Nayantara was sitting in dadi ma’s chamber, learning the kitting. Today Rajmata was also there, making it difficult for Nayantara to focus.

‘You are a slow learner, Nayantara. Why is it so difficult for you? At this speed, you will not even knit a napkin,’ dadi ma said.

Nayantara gulped. ‘Sorry, dadi ma, but I’m trying. This is not easy.’

‘Just tell her to go to the throne hall and argue with men. She is the best at it,’ Padmini said.

‘Don’t scold her like this, Padmini. We have to accept that our daughter-in-law is clever. After her arrival, the preliminary arrangement of the palace has become better than before. The maids always used to tell me how everything has become so smooth in the palace,’ dadi ma said, and Nayantara gave a little smile.

‘I never keep her away from her rights. The palace comes under her control, and I’ve given her all the authority from day one. Didn’t I give it to you, Nayantara?’ Padmini asked.

‘You did, maa shri,’ Nayantara said in a small voice.

‘But how could I allow her in the throne hall and courtroom while her husband is capable of handling everything,’ Padmini said.

‘Now I just rest all day, maa,’ Nayantara said tiredly. She didn’t want this discussion.

Padmini softened. ‘Better for you. Your focus should be on your health and the baby.’

Nayantara turned her focus back to knitting while Dadi ma and Rajmata were gossiping about a girl from Rajmata’s family whose husband left her.

Suddenly, Nayantara heard some voices coming far from the corridor. She clapped twice, and Vida walked in and bowed her head.

‘What is happening outside?’ Nayantara asked.

Dadi ma and Rajamata stopped their conversation and looked at them.

‘I will be back in a moment,’ Vida said and flew out.

Nayantara again picked up her knitting. In some moments, Vida came back with the information. ‘One maid suddenly collapsed, and they called the physician, and she declared that she had died.’

‘What? Where is she?’ Nayantara stood up, putting down her knitting.

‘She fell on the corridor outside the servant quarters.’

‘Sorry, dadi ma, I have to go. I will do this later,’ Nayantara said as she turned to go.

‘You cannot go there, Nayantara,’ Padmini said firmly, making Nayantara stop in her way. ‘What if she has some disease and you get the infection?’

Nayantara turned back. ‘I will stay away.’

‘But why do you want to go there? There are other servants to take care of it.’

‘Sorry, maa shri, but she survived for this palace. So I have to go for once.’ With that, Nayantara walked out. She knew her mother-in-law would create a scene but she would deal with it later.

She walked towards the servant quarter. Vida, Aazad, and Abhay followed her. The maids were running here and there.

The crowd stepped aside as Nayantara reached there. The maid’s lifeless body was lying on the floor, and the physician was kneeling beside her. She was a young woman. This was not the edge to die.

‘What happened, Devika ji? How did she die?’ Nayantara asked worriedly.

‘I cannot tell anything right now. I have to scrutinize her body,’ the physician said.

‘She was complaining about the headache a few hours ago,’ one of the maids said.

Nayantara nodded sympathetically. ‘Is her family living here?’

‘No, they are living in the town,’ another maid said.

‘Inform her family,’ Nayantara said and looked at the physician. ‘You finish her inspection and inform me whatever it is.’

‘Yes, my lady,’ the physician said, and Nayantara walked back to her chamber.

By the time of night, the physician came with the news that she died from high blood pressure that caused a clot, which led to a stroke. Nayantara had very little knowledge about this. She had read about blood pressure, which sometimes happened to old people, but this maid was young.

---

Five more days passed, and Nayantara almost forgot about that unfortunate incident. The maid died of a health issue, there was nothing she could do about it. It was late evening and she was walking in her chamber restlessly. She had finished her dinner, but in some time she started starving again. She didn’t want to ask her daai ma to cook for her again. Suddenly, she remembered that Adhisha had sent her sweets, and she had not yet tested them. She took the box from the shelf and opened it. Her mouth watered with the soft smell of ghee, roasted dry fruits, and ginger. But before she could pick up a piece and put it into her mouth, her alert brain noticed something.

‘Vida…’ she called.

Vida, who was arranging the cupboard, ran outside. ‘Yes, my lady.’

Nayantara held out the box as she said, ‘Vida, look at this box. Don’t you think one or two sweets are missing?’

Vida looked at the box and then at the queen. ‘I don’t know, my lady.’

‘As far as I know, when this box came here, it was full and the sweets were perfectly arranged. But now some pieces are missing.’

Vida blinked at her. It was just sweets. But the queen was worried as if some jewelry had been stolen.

‘Don’t look at me like this, Vida,’ Nayantara said irritably. ‘Some have opened this box. Call all the maids assigned to my chamber.’

‘But, my lady…’

‘I want everyone in front of me right now,’ Nayantara ordered in a firm voice.

Vida immediately ran off, and in no time, seven maids were standing in front of Nayantara.

Nayantara lifted the box for everyone to see. ‘Anyone knows about this box? Has anyone opened it?’

Everyone looked at each other and then shook their heads.

‘You cannot just say no. Some sweets are missing from this box. You guys are the only ones who come to my chamber. Tell me who stole the sweets, and I will forgive you,’ Nayantara said stiffly.

‘My lady, let it go. I will see who dares to eat your food and punish her,’ Vida said in a quivering voice, trying to protect her co-workers. She knew sometimes the servants stole the royal food out of desire to taste it.

Nayantara shook her head in disbelief. How could Vida be so stupid even after being with her for so long? She really thought she was scolding them because they took some sweets. But she didn’t have time to explain to her. First she wanted her answers.

‘Answer me,’ Nayantara shouted, and everyone shuddered in fear.

‘Auh, my lady, I make the bed and clean the side tables and shelf every day. I pick up your things, clean them, and place them back in their respective places. I didn’t open the box. I didn’t even know there were sweets in it,’ one of the maids, named Gita, said.

‘Maybe it was Zarna. Your replacement. She was cleaning there last week,’ another maid said.

Nayantara narrowed her eyes. ‘Replacement? What is this, Vida? How can you be so careless?’ Her tone raised as she scolded her. ‘You know nobody is allowed in my chamber except for the allotted ones.’

Tears collected in Vida’s eyes as she realized her mistake. ‘I’m sorry, my lady. Gita was sick for three days, so I called Zarna to do her work.’

‘Where is Zarna? Call her,’ Nayantara commanded in a stern voice.

‘My lady, she is dead,’ Vida muttered

Nayantara thinned her brows. ‘What!’

‘The girl who died last week was Zarna,’ Vida informed in a slow voice.

The ground sank beneath Nayantara’s feet. She looked down at the sweets, and her heart lurched with terror. Was she thinking in the right direction? ‘Leave everyone,’ she heaved.

Except for Vida, all other maids immediately ran off.

Nayantara took a sharp breath to calm herself. She shouldn’t jump to conclusions so fast. ‘Call the poison expert. Tell him I want to see him right now.’

Vida flew off. Nayantara walked to the couch and deposited the sweet box on the table. She sank into the cushions and grabbed the water jug. She poured herself a glass and took a few gulps to wet her dry mouth. With a heavy heart, she sat there, waiting for the poison expert. She knew he had to change his get up.

She let out a breath as Vida came back with the poison expert. She signaled him to sit, and Sudhansh took the chair in front of her.

‘I want you to recheck this sweets in front of me,’ Nayantara said.

‘Sure, my lady,’ Sudhansh said as he placed his bag on the table and took out the chemicals. He plucked out a small portion of one of the pieces with the help of a small tong and added it to the chemicals.

Nayantara held her breath, eyeing the chemical reaction.

‘No, my lady, no poison,’ Sudhansh immediately said.

‘Check one more piece,’ Nayantara said desperately.

He nodded and checked one more. Still, there was no poison.

Nayantara made him check a few more pieces before she gave up. She rubbed her temple as she said, ‘You may leave, Sudhansh ji.’

Sudhansh collected his materials and left.

‘Can I cut some fruit for you, my lady?’ Vida asked in a slow, careful voice.

‘Leave me alone, Vida,’ Nayantara said in a flat tone.

‘My lady, you shouldn’t take so much stress in this condition…’

‘You are not my mother-in-law, Vida. Don’t lecture me,’ Nayantara cut her off angrily.

‘Sorry, my lady.’ After mummering a soft apology, Vida left.

Nayantara palmed her face. Now she had lost her appetite. Maybe she was overthinking. She didn’t know whether the maid ate sweets or not. She couldn’t even say for sure that sweets were missing. This could also be her misapprehension. The maid was gone, and there was no one who could unravel this mystery. Except for one information. She died from high blood pressure. She should read about it. Maybe a little knowledge about that medical term might give her some ideas.

She stood up and started walking towards the library. Her steps were quick and purposeful. She had no medical books in the private library of her chamber. So she went to the main library. The guards bowed their heads as she entered. As usual the library was quiet and empty. She walked towards the medical section. After searching through some books, she finally found a book with a topic of high blood pressure. She placed the book on the table and took the chair. She started reading. The medical words were difficult for her to read and understand, but still she tried to catch as much as she could. Her heart gave a horrible jolt when she found out that high blood pressure is sometimes seen in pregnant women. And with that information, every piece fitted together. That sweets was the weapon of her death. A weapon to kill her and prove her death to be a natural death. But if something was wrong in sweets, then why the poison expert couldn’t find anything in it? Or is he also involved in this sinister motive?

Her mouth went dry, and her blood ran cold. Every time, every moment, death was hovering over her. Her family was nothing but a beautiful deception of her life. She found herself in a dark, deep well from which there was no way out. She was drowning in worries and there was no one to pull her out. She didn’t know how long she had been sitting there, but then a small kick in her belly brought her back to her senses.

She collected herself and came back to her chamber with deadly steps. She laid down on the bed. Her energy was utterly depleted. She shut her eyes tightly. She couldn’t believe her hard luck. Her father and husband both were mighty kings, but both of them failed to protect her. She was not safe in Anhilwara nor in Maharav. She was all alone in this cruel world.

28 Haze of terror

Nayantara’s screams were echoing throughout the palace. She was lying in the pool of her own blood. Her weak body was writhing in immense pain. Her cry and grief were heartbreaking when the physician informed her that her infant was already dead in her womb. A bloodcurdling scream escaped her lips as the physician tried to pull her dead baby out of her.

Nayantara woke up with a jolt. A soft cry escaped her lips, and her arms wrapped around her belly protectively.

‘Nayantara!’ Siddhant, who was in deep sleep, immediately woke up. He was a warrior, and anything unexpected around him could immediately alert his brain. He sat up and placed his hand on the small of her back. Her head was covered with sweat, and she was panting heavily. ‘Nayantara, what happened?’

‘Siddhant!’ Nayantara threw her arms around Siddhant’s neck, hugging him tightly.

Siddhant rubbed her back, and she nestled her face in the crook of his neck. ‘Hey, princess, what happened? You are not feeling well?’ he asked worriedly.

Nayantara clung to him even more and dabbed her mouth against his neck to suppress her cry.

‘Oh, my love, you are worrying me,’ Siddhant said as he pushed her back to look into her eyes.

Nayantara whimpered and fisted on his kurta, not ready to detach from the warmth and safety of his arms.

Siddhant patted her head. ‘Okay, okay, I will not leave you. Just tell me what happened? You had a nightmare?’

She nodded against his neck, and Siddhant kissed the side of her face. ‘Oh, my princess, it’s okay. Tell me, what did you see that frightened you so much?’

‘I saw… my… my…’ She shivered as the dream replayed in her mind. She didn’t know how to give words to that horrible dream. ‘I… no…’ She gave up with a sob.

‘Shhh… It’s okay. You can tell me when you are ready,’ Siddhant cooed. His heart ached at the sight of her distress. She looked so vulnerable. Her thin body quivering in his arms. ‘It’s just a dream, love,’ he whispered soft reassurances into her ear, his fingers tracing soothing patterns on her back. ‘You’re safe here with me. Nothing can hurt you.’

Siddhant kept holding her close and slowly she calmed down. She could feel her baby’s movement inside her. Her anxiety startled her poor child. She pulled back and looked around. It was morning already.

This was the worst nightmare of her life. Anhilwara was a breeding ground for her nightmares. But after coming to Maharav, she was almost healed. Her husband’s protective aura around her always eased her and made her feel like a home. But tonight, though, Siddhant’s presence offered no reprieve.

Siddhant picked up a glass of water from the side table. His hand gently stroked her hair as he brought the water to her lips. She hiccuped softly before gulping down the water. Her racing heart eased a little, and her stomach gurgled.

‘I’m hungry,’ she said.

‘What my princess wants to eat?’ Siddhant asked, stroking her cheek.

Her mood spoiled again as she realized she couldn’t eat what she wanted. ‘Fruits,’ she said under her breath.

Siddhant stood up and took the fruit basket and knife from the table placed against a wall. He settled on the couch and started cutting the fruits.

Nayantara looked down at her. Her jewelry and dupatta were taken off, and the knot of her blouse and skirt was slightly loose.

‘You slept without changing your clothes. So I tried to make you as comfortable as possible without disturbing your sleep.’

Nayantara gave a small smile. ‘You removed my jewelry?’ She knew how much Siddhant hated this. She had a hazy memory of him hovering over her, and as she realized it was her husband, she fell into a deep sleep again. The stress had put her into a death like sleep. Like her brain wanted to shut down everything.

‘Only I know how I did it. It’s so difficult. The locks are so small and stubborn. And I ended up breaking the lock of your necklace.’

Nayantara chuckled softly.

‘You looked very tired. You didn’t even stir when I removed your dupatta and jewelry.’

‘I didn’t realize. I just slept,’ she murmured and slid to the edge of the bed. Trembling, she slowly rose on her feet and stepped towards the bathroom.

‘Do you want me to come?’ Siddhant asked.

‘No, I’m okay.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yeah,’ she said with a reassuring smile and went in. Finishing her business, she washed her mouth and face and adjusted her clothes. Coming out into the room, she took her dupatta from the ground and wrapped it around her before walking to the couch and settling beside Siddhant.

Siddhant wrapped his arm around her, squeezing her affectionately. ‘Are you feeling better now, huh?’

Nayantara nodded as she picked up a slice of the apple.

‘What scared you so much?’ Siddhant asked. He knew she was strong. If she got scared like this, then definitely it was something serious.

Nayantara’s heart raced as her head recalled the nightmare. Her gaze met Siddhant’s, a silent battle raging within her. Siddhant was so attached to the child. The thought of sharing her terrifying dream filled her with dread. She knew it would unsettle him far more than it had her. She didn’t want to plant unnecessary worries in his head.

Siddhant cupped her cheeks, forcing her to look at him. ‘Even after spending all this time together, I still need to remind you that I’m your husband. If I can tell you everything about my fear and past, why can’t you?’

‘It was… I… I saw that… you were on the battlefield all alone, surrounded by so many enemies. You looked clueless and lost like you didn’t know how to fight, so I got scared,’ Nayantara narrated in a small voice.

Siddhant thinned his brows. ‘That is it?’

Nayantara lowered her gaze as she nodded. For her, it was reality. Her husband was actually surrounded by unseen enemies.

Siddhant’s jaw tickled. She again chose to lie. One day he would really punish her for constantly lying straight to his face. ‘Nayantara…’ He was about to say something, but a knock on the door interrupted them.

‘What?’ Siddhant barked.

‘It’s okay, my lord.’ Nayantara placed her hand on his bicep to calm him. ‘Come in,’ she said to whoever was outside.

The sheers on the doorframe parted and a maid walked in. She bowed her head before she said, ‘My lord, Prince Aditya wants to do sword practice with you if you are free.’

‘No, tell him…’ Siddhant said as Nayantara interrupted him.

‘Tell him the Lord is coming,’ she said.

‘Okay, my lady.’ With that, the maid left.

Siddhant lingered her face, and Nayantara forced a smile. ‘I’m feeling better now, my lord. What will you do by sitting by my side?’

Siddhant searched her eyes. ‘You don’t look good, Nayantara.’

‘I will be after a walk in the garden. You go.’

Siddhant shook his head. She was so difficult for him to understand. Fear was clearly written on her face. Still, she was denying it.

Siddhant leaned in and kissed her cheek. ‘Take care.’ He stood up and walked away. He used the bathroom before he left for the training area.

Nayantara just sat there. Her body was still reeling from the shock. One after another tears started falling from her eyes. Her sobs filled the quiet chamber. The dark days never left her. That dream was not easy for her to forget. She felt the same fear she had felt at the time of her father’s death.

She broke into more cries. Everything was falling apart. She was trapped in an endless maze.

No, Nayantara, don’t cry. She wrapped her arms around her own body as she consoled herself. So what if your father and husband couldn’t protect you. The queen doesn’t need anyone’s protection. You will come out of this. Just trust yourself. Don’t lose your patience and sanity.

And don’t forget it is not all about yourself and your child. Chitra, Mrignayani, and Aayush’s souls were waiting for justice. You are Aayushi’s choti maa. Think about that little princess. How would you face them if you lost this battle?

She wiped her tears and walked down to the garden to clear her head. Kicking off her clogs, she sank her toes into the cool grass. The crisp morning air and the grounding sensation of the earth beneath her feet began to calm her agitated spirit.

She inhaled the fresh air and tried to recall all the information she had.

She knew something was wrong about the sweets. But what? The poison expert had given it a clean chit. Maybe the sweets were not the main source of poison, just like saffron. It seeped into it from somewhere else. What was the main source of poison then?

There were lots of questions. Was Adhisha involved in this? Were already poisonous sweets sent here? Or someone tampered with it after coming here?

After a little walk, she went back to her chamber. She took a bath and then called the poison expert and asked him to check the box sides. But the box was also clean.

She paced around the room with her frazzled nerves.

Now she had one option left. She should try this on an animal. She didn’t want to take anyone’s life to save herself. But to find the killer, she had to do this. She was the queen. Her decision should be practical, not emotional.

---

It’s been two days since they gave a piece of sweet to a street dog. She asked Abhay to keep a close eye on him. And to her surprise and relief, the dog didn’t die even after two days. He was all healthy and happy, roaming into the stress freely. Maybe it was slow poison. She did not know exactly when maid Zarna ate it. So she decided to wait a few more days.

The killer was more cunning than she had thought. Now she understood why the investigation agency couldn’t find anything.

The next day, Nayantara woke up in the same gloomy mood. For the last two days, she was confined to her room. But today she decided to go to the temple with Dadi ma to get some peace. However, she had no expectations from God. He never helped her.

The maids gave her a quick bath and dressed her in yellow attire. She walked down from her chamber and went to Dadi ma’s room, which was on the ground floor.

Dadi ma was about to leave for the temple when she saw Nayantara coming towards her. Her face broke into a smile. ‘Oh, my daughter is back. I missed you. I’m now accustomed to your company.’

‘Sorry, dadi ma, I couldn’t wake up.’

‘I hope Siddhant is not tormenting you much,’ Dadi ma said in a serious tone.

Nayantara’s cheeks turned crimson with embarrassment as she shook her head. ‘It was not nothing like that, dadi ma. The baby made me sleep longer.’

Dadi ma nodded with a smile. ‘Then it is okay.’

Nayantara held dadi ma’s hand to give support to her old, weak body. They walked to the temple, which was on the east side of the palace premises. Vida, some other maids, and Aazad and Abhay followed them.

‘Nayantara, why don’t you convince Aditya to get married? Once I see your child and Aditya’s wife, then after I don’t want anything else,’ Dadi ma again started the same complaint.

‘I will talk to him,’ Nayantara said softly. However, she had no intention to force him for anything. If he didn’t want to marry, then there would be a strong reason. And she had to understand that reason before she would advise him for anything. But right now she didn’t have time to be involved in Aditya’s life. Maybe later she would look after him.

‘Promise me one more thing, you will take care of my Aditya after my death.’ Dadi ma began her emotional torture.

‘You are not going anywhere, dadi ma. Don’t talk like this,’ Nayantara said in a scolding tone.

Dadi ma slapped her wrist. ‘I’m old now. There is no need to be so sentimental. I’m just worried for my poor baby. He always smiles, but I know how broken he is from inside. He just wants some love, nothing else. I know Siddhant is there. But if he scolds him or gets strict with him for any matter, then you have to take Aditya’s side.’

Nayantara always had a soft corner for Aditya, even if he was on her list of suspects. She had seen how Rajmata used to treat him. She pressed dadi ma’s hand in a promising way. ‘Don’t worry, dadi ma, I will take care of Aditya. And you are not going anywhere. Okay?’

Dadi ma nodded with a smile. ‘My children’s happiness is all I need.’

By then they had reached the temple. Removing footwear, they walked up the steps. Vida and other maids followed them, but Aazad and Abhay stood outside. Dadi ma went to the inner sanctuary to do the pooja. Nayantara settled on the floor with her hands adjoined and eyes closed. Concentrating on God was difficult for her as her mind was clouded with worries.

Dadi ma finished the pooja and came out with the dish of prasad. Vida gave her a chair. Nayantara stood up from the floor with the support of her hands.

Seeing her struggles, dadi ma said, ‘Why don’t you sit on the chair?’

‘I’m okay, dadi ma,’ Nayantara said as she took the aarti.

Dadi ma broke a laddu in half and forwarded her hand to Nayantara. Nayantara froze for a moment. She always took the prasad but never ate it. She knew everyone was eating the royal food and they all were safe, but still she couldn’t eat it. The killer was smart, he would surely have found a way to poison her food only. But today dadi ma was willing to feed her with her hand. Her already tired brain couldn’t make up any excuse, and she opened her mouth to take the prasad. She smiled as its sweetness melted into her mouth. Dadi ma took another half of the laddu and put it in her mouth. Seeing this something clicked in Nayantara’s head.

‘Dadi ma, I have to go. Kashi will walk with you to your room.’

‘You don’t want to do the knitting today?’

‘I will do it tomorrow, dadi ma,’ she said and bent to touch her feed, but dadi ma stopped her mid-way. Even since she got pregnant, dadi ma never lets her bend completely.

‘God bless you,’ she said.

Nayantara walked away with Vida. Aazad and Abhay followed them. ‘Vida, you go to the poison expert and ask him to come to my chamber,’ Nayantara ordered.

‘Yes, my lady.’ Vida ran off, and Nayantara came back to her wing.

She paused at the base of the grand staircase, ascending to her chamber. Once, her lithe form would have effortlessly flown up those steps. But now, the weight of her burgeoning belly slowed her with each step. By the time she reached her chamber, she was panting. Siddhant had suggested shifting to the ground floor, which was as grand and big as the top floor. But she preferred her sun-drenched topmost haven, a sanctuary bathed in morning light. She slowly lowered herself on the couch as her hand reached for a glass of water. A nervous energy pulsed through her as she watched the doorway, each passing second an agonizing eternity. Her foot tapped an impatient rhythm on the floor. She was just hoping that this time she would get something.

Finally, the poison expert entered. And without any instruction, he took out his materials and spread them on the table.

‘The sweets again?’ he asked.

‘Yes, but this time you have to break the sweets in two and take the sample from the middle portion,’ Nayantara said.

‘Okay, my lady.’ Sudhansh looked impressed with this suggestion. People always look for weird ways to hide the poison. He did what the queen said and then slowly shook his head in disappointment. ‘No, my lady, no poison.’

‘One more,’ Nayantara’s voice was thick with irritation. ‘Or just break all the pieces and check everything together. I’m not going to eat it anyway.’

‘Don’t worry, my lady. I will not give up. If you want I will check each and every particle of this sweets,’ Sudhansh said calmly, and broke one more piece.

Frustration was boiling within Nayantara. She would kill this poison expert. She wanted to drag him to the interrogation room and torture him until he gave her some meaningful information.

Suddenly, Sudhansh’s eyes widened, and he looked up at the queen with a pale face.

‘What?’ Nayantara held her breath.

‘Your suspicion is right about the sweets, my lady. There is poison in it.’

Nayantara sat speechless as Sudhansh said further, ‘Someone has very tactfully added it in the middle of the piece while forming their shapes, and that too was not in all pieces.’

Nayantara swallowed hard to wet her dry throat. ‘What kind of poison is this? Do you know anything about it?’ Her voice was low and frightened.

‘This poison is found in one kind of flowering shrub. It could shoot the human blood pressure within a few moments,’ Sudhansh took a small pause before he added further. ‘It can be more lethal to a pregnant woman.’

Terror gripped Nayantara’s soul as she realized they were facing danger far closer and more sinister than she had ever imagined. The killer knew the poison expert would check this. In fact, the killer wanted the poison expert to check this and give it a clean chit, just like saffron. And this plot was not hatched in Maharav. If poison had been added after coming to Maharav, then it would have been on the outer surface. So this plot was cooked up in Jasel. And the mastermind behind this hideous crime should be no one but Siddhant’s own sister. Adhisha.

A pure anger surged through her body as she said, ‘Call the Lord.’

29 Uncovering the truth

Siddhant was in the throne hall, conferring with his ministers and officials, when a guard interrupted him with the news that the Queen wanted to see him right now. Initially, Siddhant bristled at the interruption. Such a summons, in the midst of state affairs, was unprecedented. What was so urgent that she couldn’t wait? However, his anger quickly subsided when he considered her delicate condition. She never did anything irresponsible. Could it be that she was unwell? With growing concern, he rose from his throne and headed towards his chamber.

The guards stepped aside and bowed their heads as the stormy King entered his room. Aazad closed the door behind him.

Nayantara was standing alone with her back facing him.

Siddhant strode to her. ‘Nayantara!’ He placed his hand on her shoulder, making her turn towards him.

Her brown irises were burning as she looked up at him.

‘What happened? Are you all right…’ Before he could finish himself, Nayantara raised her hand and slapped hard across his face.

Siddhant didn’t lose his calm posture as he said, ‘You are taking a lot of advantage of your pregnancy. Now what I did that I deserve this slap?’

‘Everything… everything was in front of your eyes, but you couldn’t see it. You were so lost to build your empire that you never watched your back. Your own people plot your fall behind you.’ Her voice was sharp, laced with pain.

Siddhant narrowed his eyes. ‘What are you talking about, Nayantara?’

‘Chitra, Mrignayani, Aayushi, everyone died because of your negligence. Did you know, my lord, Queen Mrignayani was also pregnant when she fell from the stairs. Did that click something in your mind? You both wives died when they were pregnant.’

Siddhant’s brows thinned in distress. ‘Have you found some new way to hurt me, Nayantara? If Mrignayani was pregnant, I would have known about it. She was not like you. She never lied or hid anything from me.’

‘Yeah, she was not like me. And that’s why she is dead,’ Nayantara snapped. ‘Before she could tell you about her pregnancy, someone pushed her from the stairs. And I would be dead by now if I wasn’t smart enough.’

‘Enough now, Nayantara,’ Siddhant said as he struggled to maintain his calm. ‘You have already seen Chitra’s investigation report. And in the case of Mrignayani, when she fell, there were guards in the corridor. Who could dare throw the queen of Maharav in front of so many guards?’

‘Your own sister. Adhisha.’ Nayantara burst out.

The moment those words escaped Nayantara’s lips, Siddhant’s delicate balance of composure shattered and replaced by a volatile eruption of rage. His gaze transformed into a fiery inferno. The scar across his face was pronounced even more. A low growl rumbled in his chest as his jaw clenched, and veins pulsed visibly on his neck.

‘Shut the hell up,’ he roared.

Nayantara flinched at his outburst. She was expecting this kind of reaction from him, but still hoping that it wouldn’t happen. That he would trust her. But no, he trusted his sister more than her. That’s why she didn’t tell him anything. But she couldn’t hide it anymore. It was time to reveal Adhisha’s true face to everyone.

‘Today you have crossed all the lines, Nayantara,’ he snarled, his voice raspy with anger. ‘My mother was right. I shouldn’t marry you. Are you taking some kind of revenge on me by breaking my family?’

Tears collected in Nayantara’s eyes. He ripped her heart out with his words. ‘This is what you think about me?’ Her voice broke. ‘I surrendered my body, my heart, my soul, everything to the biggest enemy of my kingdom. You threw the tax burden on Anhilwara’s people, still I thought about Maharav’s people. I consider them my own. Because of you, I got pregnant, and my life also came into danger. To save your child, I die every day. I lived in constant fear. I didn’t touch the royal food just to protect your child.’

‘What?’ Siddhant gawked at her. ‘You were not eating royal food? Then what were you eating?’

‘My daai ma cooked for me.’

Siddhant shook his head. That’s why she was eating early, so he couldn’t find out. ‘What is this nonsense, Nayantara? You need nutritious food. Were you eating every vegetable and…’

‘Don’t change the subject.’ Nayantara cut him off. ‘I have some proof against your sister.’

‘Oh yeah,’ Siddhant crossed his arms against his solid chest. ‘What is it?’

Nayantara took a sharp breath before she started. She told him everything from the beginning. The letter from the investigation officer. The saffron. Adisha’s gift. Theft of sweets and the maid’s death. And how smartly poison was put into sweets to bypass the security levels.

The shock of the information shattered Siddhant’s firm composure, leaving him rooted in place, his mind reeling from the gravity of the situation. Someone tried to poison Nayantara. ‘What? There was poison in the sweets?’ His voice was barely a whisper. His eyes clouded by a deep, unsettling concern. The thought of losing his wife and child was unbearable for him.

Nayantara nodded. ‘Yes, and it came from Jasel. Your sister’s home. She sent me poisonous sweets.’

Siddhant felt tightness in his chest. ‘This is not possible. I still don’t want to believe my sister is the culprit. You couldn’t prove any involvement of my sister in Chitra and Mrignayani’s deaths.’

‘Yes, I couldn’t, but I’ve proved her involvement in my case,’ Nayantara said in a firm voice.

Siddhant placed his hand on her cheek. ‘Nayantara, my love, you’ve got some confusion. Someone is trying to frame my sister. Why would Adhisha try to harm you or anyone?’

Nayantara pushed his hand away as she said, ‘For the throne, what else?’

‘Then she should try to kill me.’

Nayantara shook her head. ‘No, he will not kill you. If you die, there will be chaos. Princely states will try to free themselves. And kingdoms like Ahilwara will try to win Maharav. Your death will create unstoppable troubles for years. But if you sit her son on the throne in your presence, then he will be your support and protection until he learns to rule on his own.’

‘In that case, she should try to kill Aditya. I have already declared him as my heir. And it is not that I will not give anything to my sister’s son. She knows how much I love Kathan. I will never keep him away from his rights?’

‘Rights?’ Nayantara scoffed. ‘You think anyone could be satisfied with some princely states. She wants the Maharav throne.’

‘Maharav throne is not something to be given as a benefaction. Aditya is heir to the throne, not because he is my brother, but because he has proven himself. He is intelligent, hardworking, and a great warrior. Kathan is still a child. He has to study and prove himself. Even if I had a son, I would not have declared him as my heir until he proved himself. ’

‘You are not understanding, Siddhant. Rajmata will never let Aditya sit on the throne. Your mother is smart, and she knows when and how to use Rajmata’s power.’

‘Enough, Nayantara.’ Siddhant was agitated with arguing. ‘Not everyone has a crooked mind like you. My mother never gets involved in politics.’

Nayantara shook her head helplessly. ‘There is poison in my sweets. I could die along with my child. And all you care about is justifying your sister. Your wives are nothing for you. We are just a baby producing machine to you. After I die, you will marry someone else, right?’

Siddhant’s eyes softened with compassion as he leaned closer and kissed her cheek, trying to soothe her pain. ‘Why are you talking like this, my princess? What makes you think that you are a baby producing machine to me, huh? Don’t I value your knowledge and skills? I’m sorry I failed to protect you.’ His voice was full of regret. ‘But now I will not take your safety lightly. I will shift you to the castle of Sagalya. You will give birth to our baby there. It is a hill station. You will like the place.’

Nayantara pushed against his chest. ‘I don’t want to go anywhere. I want justice for myself and all those poor souls.’

Siddhant’s heart ached in misery. ‘I promise you, Nayantara, this time I won’t leave the culprit. You think I don’t want justice for my wives and children.’

‘You will never find the culprit. Because it is your sister, and you don’t want to see it.’

Siddhant closed his eyes in anguish. A storm raging within him. On one side, Nayantara’s life was in danger, and on the other side, she was blaming his beloved sister. The guilt of failure was killing him. Because of his failure, Chitra, Mrignayani, and Aayushi died. Because of him, Nayantara was suffering. The great, undefeated King was unable to protect his wives and children. He was responsible for everything.

‘Will you believe me if Adhisha conferences herself?’ Nayantara asked all of a sudden, and Siddhant immediately looked at her.

A guttural sound came from Siddhant as he shook his head in despair. The killer could be anyone, but not his sister. It was just not possible.

‘Just invite her and her husband Vikram here for some reason. I will prove that she is the one,’ Nayantara said.

‘Fine,’ Siddhant snarled. ‘But if you are proven wrong, the moment you give birth to this child, I will take it from you and throw you in prison for the rest of your life.’ With that, Siddhant walked away, leaving Nayantara in a pang of heartbreak.

---

Nayantara had started her preparation. This was her only chance. ‘Vida, when Adhisha comes here, you have to convey the news to her that I’m not well. But make sure Dadi ma and Rajmata don’t know anything about it or they will panic,’ she instructed Vida. Siddhant had already sent a friendly letter to Vikram with his fastest messenger that he wanted to discuss some political matters, and Maa shri wanted to see Adhisha, so bring her along.

‘How could I speak ill about your health? It is not right, my lady,’ Vida said.

‘Do you have a better option, Vida? Just do as I say,’ Nayantara said irritably, and she looked at her guards. ‘Aazad, Abhay.’

Both of them stepped forward. ‘Yes, my lady.’

‘You guys will keep an eye on Vikram the moment he steps into the palace. He might try to escape when the truth comes out. Make sure he can’t run away. Use more guards around his chamber if necessary.’

‘As you command, my lady,’ both said in unison.

---

A smile came to Nayantara’s lips as she heard her baby cry. She raised her head, eager to see her child. But before the physician could give her the baby, Siddhant took it in his arms and moved away.

‘Nooo…’ Nayantara screamed, extending her arms. ‘Please, my lord, give me my baby.’

Siddhant ignored her and walked away.

Nayantara sat up and staggered out of the bed. Ignoring all the pain and weakness in her body, she ran behind her husband. ‘Let me see my baby… please… my lord… let me hold him for once…’ she cried at the top of her lungs, but all her screams went into the deaf ears.

Her legs gave up, and she fell to the ground. She was bleeding and exhausted, but Siddhant didn’t show any mercy on her condition.

‘Throw her into the prison,’ Siddhant commanded his men before he went away with the child.

The guards, who didn’t even have the right to look directly at the queen, dared to hold her by the bicep. A trail of her blood lined the floor as they dragged her all the way to the prison.

Nayantara woke up with a gasp. She palmed her face. Her nightmares were consuming her. But how could she calm her mind when her own husband threatened her. She looked beside her. Siddhant was sleeping peacefully, his heavy hand lying on her stomach. A way of anger rushed through her body, and she shoved his hand away from her baby. She turned to her side and tried to sleep again.

Three days had passed since Siddhant had sent his messenger. The messenger came back within a day with the news that they were coming. Nayantara was expecting them tomorrow. The last three days were very stressful for Nayantara and Siddhant. There was a deathly silence between them. Nayantara stayed in the room while Siddhant immersed himself in work. They didn’t talk to each other at all.

Suddenly, Siddhant enveloped her in his arms, making her startle. She struggled in his hold, but Siddhant slowly pulled her close and kissed her shoulder. ‘Calm down, my love. This much stress is not good for you and the baby,’ he muttered in her ear.

‘You are the reason for all my distress,’ she seethed.

‘Try to sleep.’ Siddhant cut her off with a commanding tone.

---

Nayantara was quietly sitting beside her dominating husband, doing the breakfast in silence. The air was thick with tension. Neither of them could sleep last night. But Siddhant was not worried about himself, he could spend days without sleeping, but Nayantara needed rest.

Suddenly, Vida rushed into the chamber. She bowed to the king before she turned to Nayantara. ‘My lady, Princess Adhisha is coming here.’

Nayantara looked at Siddhant. ‘Hide.’

Siddhant shook his head in irritation and rage. How could Nayantara blame his sister? Today he was doing this, so never in the future Nayantara would dare to accuse his family.

He stood up and hid behind the bed. Nayantara laid down on the bed.

Adhisha entered and walked to the bedside. ‘What happened, bhabhi shri?’ she asked in her sweet voice, laced with fake concern.

Nayantara sat up and slid off the bed.

Adhisha’s face fell as she found Nayantara standing perfectly all right in front of her.

‘Welcome to Maharav, Adhisha didi,’ Nayantara said with a big smile.

‘A maid told me that you are sick?’

‘I should be?’

‘Of course not, don’t know why the maid gave me such wrong information.’

‘By the way, thanks for the sweets. They are so good that I finished everything in just two days.’

Adhisha blinked at her, too aghast to react.

‘What happened? You’re wondering how I’m still alive? Actually, I have an antidote to all the poison. No matter how hard my enemies try, I never get sick,’ Nayantara said coldly.

Adhisha blanched, all the color vanished from her face.

‘Adhisha didi, are you all right?’ Nayantara asked, placing her hand on her shoulder.

‘Yeah, I should go now. I’m tired from the journey.’ Adhisha turned around, but Nayantara held her arm, making her turn back.

‘What’s the hurry, Adhisha didi? You wouldn’t like to give me the recipe for your sweets.’

‘Leave my hand, Nayantara,’ Adhisha seethed.

Nayantara’s posture was holding power and authority as she stared into her eyes. ‘You think I will not find out about your ghastly intentions. Your game is over.’

Adhisha gulped in fear before she regained her strength and plastered a wicked smile on her face. ‘So what if you found out. My brother will never believe you.’

‘Oh, he will. I have all the proof against you,’ Nayantara said silkily.

Adhisha was stunned. She had never left any proof behind, then what proof was Nayantara talking about. ‘You bitch. You want to spoil my plan. You think I’ll let you live now,’ she snarled. ‘I want to see how you would tell my brother after your death. I don’t want to get my hands dirty, but you leave me no option.’ She leaped at Nayantara and grabbed her throat, pressing it hard with both her hands. Nayantara’s hands flung to her wrists to loosen her grip on her throat.

‘Don’t do this. Siddhant would find out,’ Nayantara heaved, struggling for breath.

‘If he couldn’t find out about his first two wives, then how will he find out about you? You die in peace, I will handle the rest of the things,’ Adhisha sneered.

Nayantara tried to kick her away. Her prod was strong, making Adhisha cry in pain, but still she didn’t lose her grip on her throat. The more Nayantara tried to fight, the harder Adhisha pressed her throat. She was so desperate to finish Nayantara.

Nayantara started losing her strength as her body struggled for air. Blackness covered her eyes, but Adhisha didn’t lose her grip. Nayantara was on the verge of passing when she heard a strong growl, and the next moment Adhisha was yanked away from her.

Nayantara started coughing, and Siddhant engulfed her in his arms. ‘Are you okay, Nayantara?’ His voice was tender, laced with worry and pain.

‘I’m fine. Don’t worry,’ Nayantara panted, and Siddhant rubbed her back as she gasped for breath.

Siddhant made her sit on the bed and handed her a glass of water before he turned towards Adhisha. A sharp pain pierced his heart as he looked at his little sister. Her own sister ruined him, let alone the other one.

Adhisha cringed. Siddhant’s sudden appearance startled her. ‘Bhai, you see she is making false allegations against me,’ she said in a quivering voice.

Siddhant’s hand landed against her cheek. The impact of his hand was so hard that she fell to the ground. ’Don’t call me bhai. Your brother is dead.’

30 A raging king

The physician was examining Nayantara, and Siddhant was waiting outside the curtains. He didn’t have the strength to face her. She was carrying his child. He should have kept her happy, spoil her in every way, but instead he hurt her with his bitter words. That poor girl stayed away from royal food. He had no idea what she was eating. Was she getting enough food or not? All this while she was struggling to find the truth. She fought tirelessly just to give justice to his wives and children. Yet, when she finally revealed the truth, he didn’t trust her. He chose his sister. And his sister stabbed him in the back. He couldn’t explain his pain the moment his sister’s true face came in front of him. The fierce warrior inside him, who alone could kill thousands, couldn’t even react when his sister attacked Nayantara. His mind was just not ready to accept the horrifying scene before him. His sister was a cold-blooded murderer. His sister. He still was not able to understand her motive behind this hideous crime. He wanted answers. He was grateful for Nayantara’s presence of mind that she called the guards and sent Adhisha away, otherwise he would have killed her.

‘My lord,’ the physician called him, breaking his chain of thoughts. ‘The queen is just fine. The buries will heal in some days. The baby is also fine.’

Siddhant nodded, and the physician left.

‘Are you all right?’ Siddhant asked as Nayantara came out of the curtains, without looking at her.

‘Yeah, I’m fine. We both are fine,’ Nayantara said in a soft, reassuring way.

‘The hearing is in an hour. You can join if you are feeling better,’ Siddhant said and walked away.

Nayantara stepped up to him. ‘My lord…’

‘Rest, Nayantara, you did not sleep last night. I will see you later,’ Siddhant said, and he retreated to the door with slumped shoulders.

---

After an hour, the entire royal family was in the courtroom. Siddhant was at the head of the table with his strong jaw locked tight. Nayantara was on his left, and Aditya was on his right. Dadi ma and Rajmata were beside Nayantara. And Chitra’s parents were beside Aditya. As it was about a member of the royal family, only the people related to this case were present there.

Dadi ma looked at Nayantara, and she adjusted her dupatta around her neck. She was wearing a heavy choker necklace to hide her bruises, but it was still visible.

Dadi ma thinned her brows. ‘What are you hiding?’ she asked, drawing everyone’s attention to Nayantara.

Nayantara shook her head. ‘Nothing.’

Dadi ma pulled away her dupatta, and everyone gasped in shock, seeing scratches and deep red fingers mark around her neck.

Siddhant shut his eyes in distress, as he already knew what was there.

‘Who did this cruelty to you?’ Dadi ma cried in shock and looked at Siddhant. ‘Siddhant, what is this?’ she demanded in a strong voice.

Nayantara gulped. For the first time, she heard Dadi ma’s loud voice.

‘You will find out, Dadi ma,’ Siddhant said weakly.

‘Siddhant, if you are behind…’

‘He didn’t do anything, dadi ma,’ Nayantara interjected. ‘You calm down. I’m okay.’

‘Why is the accused not here yet?’ Siddhant shouted in irritation and urgency.

A maid came in and bowed her head. ‘My lord, Princess Adhisha doesn’t want to come here.’

‘She is not a princess anymore. Her wish doesn’t matter. Just bring her here.’ Siddhant’s voice was rough, emotionless.

‘What is happening, Siddhant?’ Padmini asked with worry in her tone. ‘Why should Adhisha come here? And how could you speak about your sister like this?’

‘I have no sister. And I’m the king here. So everybody will stay quiet until they are asked to speak,’ Siddhant stated firmly.

Padmini was jolted by his son’s response. He was never this rude to her. Everyone looked at Nayantara for answers, but she lowered her eyes to avoid their questioning gaze.

The female guards dragged Adhisha inside, kicking and screaming. Her cheek was swollen with Siddhant’s slap. ‘Leave me. How dare you touch me. I will fire all of you.’

The guards threw her in front of the king and stepped back. Adhisha almost fell, but she held the chair in the middle to support herself.

‘What is all this, Siddhant?’ Padmini shouted. ‘How could you treat my daughter like this?’

‘Sit down, maa shri,’ Siddhant ordered, his face set in stone.

‘No, I will not. I want answers.’

‘So do I. Your daughter will give you answers.’

The law minister started reading the charges against Adhisha, and the entire royal family froze in utter shock.

Padmini angrily stamped her hands on the table. ‘My daughter cannot do this,’ she shouted, interrupting the law minister. ‘Siddhant, have you lost your head?’

‘Rajmata, will you please sit down or I have to send you out,’ Siddhant said in a deathly calm voice.

Dadi ma held Padmini’s arm and made her sit.

The law minister continued to read Adhisha’s crime.

Siddhant had a blank look in his eyes as he looked at his sister. Today the crown felt heavy to him, yet he kept it on his head to get the strength to do justice. ‘Now tell us, how did you do this?’

‘I didn’t do anything. This woman,’ Adhisha pointed towards Nayantara. ‘She is putting false allegations on me. Bhai, she is our enemy. She wanted to ruin our family.’

‘Shut up!’ Siddhant roared, making Adhisha wince in fear. ‘If you don’t tell yourself, then I have other ways to open your mouth. So speak up for your sake.’

‘Bhai, I… I didn’t do anything. She forced me to say all those things,’ she quivered.

Nayantara couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Adhisha’s pitiful state. Despite her own troubles, Adhisha was still determined to pull through.

Siddhant’s jaw tickled. He clapped twice, and the two female guards stepped forward.

‘Nooo… What are you doing with my daughter?’ Padmini stood up from her chair and ran towards her daughter. But the other two female guards held her back.

‘Apologies, Rajmata, but you cannot interfere during the proceedings,’ the guard said.

Adhisha’s eyes widened in horror. Fear flooded her as they approached her with a pincer and pushed her on the chair.

The guards look at the king. Siddhant hesitated a moment before he nodded.

Adhisha started screaming and begging. Her screams mingled with Padmini’s screams in the background.

The guards held Adhisha’s pinky finger and uprooted her nail in a blink. A blood curdling cry echoed in the room, followed by Padmini’s scream. Dadi ma and Chitra’s parents closed their eyes, while Nayantara and Aditya lowered their gaze.

Siddhant sat calm, unaffected, but from inside he was devastated. He knew his sister was fragile, raised in comfort and luxury, and unable to withstand such suffering.

Adhisha was bawling in intense pain, and Padmini and Dadi ma were begging Siddhant to stop this.

‘Now will you speak, Adhisha?’ Siddhant asked coldly.

‘I w-will, b-bhai. Plea-se, s-stop this,’ Adhisha weeped, her words unclear, her breath uneven.

‘Bandage her finger and give her some pain relief,’ Nayantara said, so she could stop crying and speak properly.

Everyone waited until the healer bandaged her finger and gave her some pain relief herbs. She cried throughout the bandaging process.

‘Now stop crying and speak, why and how did you do everything?’ Siddhant asked, his tone dry and harsh.

Adhisha was taken back by her brother’s coldness. He was so protective of her. But all his warmness and love were completely gone. She had lost her brother. But what else she could expect after the crime she committed. She took a shaky breath before she started, ‘Everything was beautiful in my life until Kathan was born.’ Her eyes were still dripping tears and her voice breaking due to the pain. ’My husband wanted the Maharav throne for Kathan. I told him it was not possible. But he asked me to kill my brother as I have easy access to him without any security check and nobody would doubt me. I clearly refused it. I tried to make him understand that Bhai shri had a daughter, and if he didn’t have a son, then maybe in the future he would give the throne to Kathen. We should just wait. But he didn’t want to take any risk. He told me that if I don’t want to kill my brother, then I have to kill his children. He should not have a son. I was not ready for it, but he threatened me that he would leave me and marry someone else.’

‘So?’ Nayantara couldn’t help but interject. ‘You are the princess of Maharav. You could stay here.’

‘It is not that easy, bhabhi shri.’ she sobbed. ‘Nobody gives respect to the abandoned woman. People will gossip all the time, bite me with taunts and bitter words. Even my own mother will not accept me. And after coming here, I would have to live under my sister-in-law and follow her orders.’

Nayantara shook her head. Society and its rules and mentalities. If noble-women didn’t have strength to leave their husbands then what would have happened to ordinary women. ‘But don’t you know the Lord wants Aditya as his heir?’

Adhisha mocked, ‘This bastard will sit on the throne.’

‘Adhisha!’ Siddhant growled warningly.

‘You are stupid, brother,’ Adhisha seethed. ‘Nobody will accept him. Not even Maharav people. We don’t know anything about his mother, her clan. She was a mistress. We can’t even say for sure that he has our father’s blood.’

‘Shut your mouth, Adhisha,’ An enraged Siddhant barked. ’One wrong word against choti maa and I will kill you right now.’

‘Bhai, please calm down,’ Aditya said meekly.

‘You wanted to kill Siddhant’s son. Then why did you kill Aayushi and Queen Chitra?’ Nayantara asked.

‘I didn’t want to kill Chitra bhabhi shri and Aayushi. I just wanted to kill the child in her womb. I chose the poison that could cause her miscarriage, and she will never be able to conceive in the future. I know my brother will never leave her or betray her, even if she couldn’t give him a son. He will happily live with Aayush, and then my Kathan will get the Maharav throne. But everything went wrong. They both died, and he married again.’

By the time Adhisha finished, Dadi ma and Chitra’s parents were a sobbing mess. Aditya was crying silently. Padmini was too shocked to react. They couldn’t believe what they were hearing.

‘How did you give her poison? Why did the investigation agency not find anything?’ Nayantara, who was the only one there in her correct state of mind, asked.

‘I had given her so many gifts in her baby shower. I knew everything would be checked as per the queen’s safety protocol. So those gifts were clean. But then after, I went to her room and told her that I forgot one thing. It was a small artistic silver spoon as a good luck for her and her baby. At that time, she was mixing saffron into the milk. I suggested she could use this spoon to take saffron. She was not smart like you and took it just to make me happy. The poison was on the spoon surface. She used that spoon every day, and poison slowly went into her body. Maybe she would have used the same saffron in Aayushi’s milk.’

‘Is the spoon still there?’ Nayantara asked.

‘No. After a week, when I was leaving for Jasel. I heard that she had a slight fever. I realized the poison had taken its toll, so I went to her chamber and stole the spoon and took it along with me.’

Nayantara took a sharp breath, shocked by her perfect plan. ‘But what if your brother would have used that saffron?’

‘I had to take that risk,’ she said shamelessly.

‘What you did with Mrignayani?’ Siddhant asked in a dull, broken voice. His sister had no humanity.

‘At that time I was in Maharav. I got the news that she was expecting. I couldn’t use the same poison every time. I couldn’t kill Mrignayani the same way. It could cause suspicion. So before you could find out about her pregnancy, I made her fall from the stairs.’

Siddhant’s eyes widened. ‘How? Why didn’t any guard show you?’

‘She suddenly met me at the staircase. She was going downstairs, and I stopped to talk to her. Everyone knew Mrignayani loved to wear long skirts and dupattas that swept the ground. That day too, she had worn a long skirt and dupatta with small bells on its edge. She was holding a plate full of pearls, and while talking with me, a few pearls fell from her plate. She bent to collect them, and I also bent to help her. Seeing her long dupatta, I quickly made a plan. She was lost collecting the pearls, and I fixed the corner of her dupatta at the carving of the staircase railing. Suddenly, a maid came there to help her, and I excused myself. So when she tripped over the steps, I was not there.’

Siddhant shook his head. He felt so wretched. His head was throbbing with unbearable pain. He was speechless at her sister’s criminal mind.

‘I thought now you will accept your fate and will not marry again. But then you married this sharp witch, who could see through the people. She always kept her distance from me. And when I sent her poisonous sweets, she caught me,’ Adhisha finished.

Siddhant fought back his tears as he said weakly, ‘When did you become so cruel, Adhisha?’ He had an image of his sister, who couldn’t even kill a fly. He turned to Chitra’s parents and folded his hands. ‘Pitaji, maa, I failed to protect your daughter. Because of me, you lost your daughter and granddaughter. I will not ask you to forgive me. I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I only deserve punishment. I will accept whatever punishment you will decide for me. Or just order my execution.’

‘What are you saying, my lord?’ Chitra’s father cried. ‘It was not your fault.’

Nayantara’s heart ached seeing her husband’s pain. But this was not the time to drown in grief. Justice hadn’t been done yet. The main accused was not here yet. She looked at the guards. ‘Present Vikram.’

In a moment, the guards dragged in an aghast Vikram, who was still unaware of everything. He was taken back as he found Adhisha seated in the dock like an accused person.

The room turned deathly silent except for the soft sobbing sound of Chitra’s parents and Dadi ma.

Vikram looked at Adhisha, trying to scrutinize the situation and damage.

Adhisha stood up to face him. ‘It’s over, husband. Everything is finished,’ she said with teary eyes.

Vikram stood stunned for a moment before he burst out. ‘You useless woman, you cannot do the simple work properly. And if you were caught, what was the need to give my name? Can’t you take all the blame on yourself? I’m your husband. You should protect me,’ he barked at his wife, stretching Siddhant’s patience to its breaking point.

With a roar of rage, Siddhant jumped over the table and made a lunge at Vikram. His crown fell as he seized hold of Vikram’s shoulders, and they tumbled to the ground.

Siddhant grabbed him by the collar and punched his face. The blow connected with a sickening thud, and Vikram’s head crumpled to the ground, his face contorted in agony, blood seeped from the wound, staining the stone floor beneath him. ‘You bastard, you coward, you turned my sister against me. You turned her into a cold-blooded murderer. I gave you an innocent girl, and you turned her into a psycho killer,’ Siddhant growled with another deadly punch on his face.

Vikram fought back, and their bodies collided in a violent struggle. They were rolling, punching, and hooting.

Adhisha started crying and begging for her husband’s life. She ran towards them but the guards held her back. Nayantara also tried to stop her husband.

But Siddhant was consumed by rage. No voice was reaching him. His eyes blazed with fury, transforming him into a savage.

The two of them were grappling, punching, and clawing at each other. But Vikram started losing his strength, Siddhant was too strong. Soon Vikram’s body was covered with bleeding wounds, while Siddhant only had some light bruises.

Siddhant climbed on Vikram’s chest. Vikram tried to push him away, but Siddhant was too sturdy, his body pressing down on him, trapping him in place. Siddhant blew on his eye, and blood flew from it in a fine spray.

Adhisha cried. Dadi ma, Rajmata, and Chitra’s parents shut their eyes. Aditya took a sharp breath, his fists clenched by his sides, struggling to stop himself from jumping into the fight and beat Vikram by himself. Nayantara placed her hand on her mouth to prevent her scream. Her heart lurched with terror as she witnessed her husband’s extreme cruelty. He had always been intimidating and domineering, but this was a level of brutality she never anticipated. Now she understood why he was known as a ruthless, heartless king.

Vikram was shrieking. Seeing death in front of him, he started begging. ‘Forgive me, please…’ His breath was coming in short panicked gasps.

‘Coward, at least fight and die like a man,’ Siddhant gritted.

‘I’m your sister’s husband. Do you want to make her a widow?’ Vikram played his last card, but that only made Siddhant more furious, and he started punching him maniacally.

‘You bastard,’ Siddhant howled, his callous fingers dug into Vikram’s chest. ‘She was wrong about you from day one. But I bent in front of her happiness. I should have kept her unmarried for the rest of her life than allowed her to unite with a greedy dog like you.’ With that, he slit his chest apart with his bare hands, blood gushed out from his chest, pooling beneath his body. Vikram let out a loud wail, and then he went silent.

Adhisha fainted the moment life went out of her husband’s body. But Siddhant was so blind in his rage that he didn’t realize he was dead. He kept beating him.

‘No, Siddhant, no, he is dead now,’ Nayantara cried. She was about to step between them, but Dadi ma held her arm and pulled her back.

‘Are you mad?’ she scolded.

‘But, Siddhant…’ Nayantara gagged as the thick metallic smell of the blood filled her nostrils.

‘Oh, my child, you cannot stop him. He is not himself. He could harm you even.’

Nayantara was about to say something, but her stomach twisted and turned. With a sudden retch, she vomited all over the floor.

Dadi ma rubbed her back. Aditya rushed to her side. ‘Bhabhi shri, let’s go from here.’

Nayantara’s retching brought Siddhant back to his senses. ‘Nayantara…’ He dashed at her, trying to take her into his arms, but Dadi ma held out her hand.

‘No, don’t touch her like this. Go wash yourself first,’ Dadi ma said with disgust.

Only then, Siddhant realized he was covered in Vikram’s blood, and all the ladies witnessed his utmost savagery. He stepped back, and Dadi ma and Aditya took Nayantara away.