You know the tag right
No beta we die like real men ( might make some changes later)
Wanted to get this chapter out quickly
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And i hope you enjoy the chapter.
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Somewhere in the forest of Kanakpura (Morning) ð±
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Indu, overhearing the exchange, narrowed her eyes at Ivaan and retorted sharply, "Oh, really? Maybe I should leave you and go with Vikram instead. He seems much more tolerable than you right now." She turned her head slightly towards Vikram, her tone teasing but with a touch of seriousness. "What do you think? Should I ditch this boring prince and follow you instead?"
Vikram, without missing a beat, grinned broadly and shrugged. "Sounds like a good idea to me. I could use the company-someone to actually talk to, instead of this silent shadow behind us."
Indu's smirk deepened as she threw a quick glance back at Ivaan, clearly enjoying the moment. But before she could take another step closer to Vikram, Ivaan's hand shot out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her back firmly. His voice dropped to a stern whisper as he leaned in, his brows furrowed with concern. "Why would you trust a stranger?"
Indu, despite the serious look on Ivaan's face, couldn't resist smiling mischievously. "Oh, and I know you so well, do I? For all I know, you're just dragging me through these woods with no clear direction." She tilted her head slightly, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Or... are you just Jealou-.....?"
Ivaan's jaw clenched for a moment and a glare from him stopped Indu, his expression caught between frustration and disbelief at her lightheartedness in such a situation. She winced making him release her arm his finger prints marked on her wrist with a blush red. He regretted it instantly.
Jealous? The word echoed in his mind, making him grit his teeth. "That's not the point, Indu. You can't just trust every person we come across. And Vikram-" his eyes flicked toward the tribal warrior, who was watching their exchange with bemusement, "-well, he could have any number of reasons for being out here. Don't get too comfortable."
Vikram, sensing the tension but finding amusement in it, stepped in smoothly. "Oh, come now, Prince. Do I look like the sort of man who'd lead someone astray? I'm only offering my help as before." He winked at Indu. "And maybe a more pleasant conversation than someone who spends half his time frowning."
Indu laughed, glancing back at Ivaan with a raised eyebrow. "See? Vikram seems perfectly trustworthy to me."
Ivaan's annoyance flared again. He cut in sharply, "It's not about whether he *seems* trustworthy. You have no idea what his motives are. Don't just go giving away information so freely." His tone grew sharper, frustration clear in his voice low.Does she have no sense of caution as a princess? he thought, shooting an annoyed look at Vikram, who seemed completely unaware.
As they walked further, Indu and Vikram continued their light banter, the tension between them from earlier almost entirely gone.
"So, Indu," Vikram began, clearly enjoying riling Ivaan up, "what brings a sharp-tongued woman like you all the way into the middle of these woods with a brooding prince? You don't seem the type to take orders easily."
Indu grinned, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, it's a grand adventure. I follow him wherever he goes because he's such a joy to be around." She says sarcastically casting a pointed glance at Ivaan, whose expression remained tight-lipped.
Vikram laughed. "I can see that. Well, if you ever need rescuing from him, I'm always around these parts."
Ivaan, clearly growing more irritated, interrupted with a sharp edge to his voice. "Alright, enough. We're not here to exchange stories. Focus on getting us out of here." His eyes darted to Indu, a silent plea for her to take this more seriously.
But Indu, still in good spirits, waved him off. "Oh relax, Prince. Me You, and Vikram are stuck in this anyways" She flashed him a grin, though it was softer, as if she understood his concern but refused to let him win the argument.
They walked in relative silence for a few more moments, but Vikram couldn't resist getting the last word in. "You know, Prince, you might want to learn how to loosen up a bit. A little trust can go a long way."
Ivaan shot him a look, his patience thinning. "its nothing against you man, I am just being a sensible guide to her, as it is The Princess hasn't been in the world outside her palace much," he muttered under his breath, his gaze fixed at Indu moving forward as they continued through the woods, his mind running over the situation. Something just feels off I can put my finger on.
Meanwhile, Indu, now slightly amused by Ivaan's constant interruptions, fell in step with Vikram again, shooting another glance back at the prince. "You know," she whispered conspiratorially to Vikram, loud enough for Ivaan to hear, "he's been this grumpy the whole trip. Maybe it's just his default mood."
Vikram chuckled. "Or maybe he just can't handle a Princess who speaks her mind you know the non-docile one's."
Ivaan's jaw tightened again, but he held back from snapping at them. He kept walking, though his mind was racing with concern. He couldn't afford to let Indu's playfulness make her reckless.
---
As the three continued their trek through the forest, the atmosphere thickened with a tense, unspoken undercurrent. The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves, the distant calls of birds, and the occasional creak of trees swaying in the morning breeze. The canopy above was thick, casting dappled patches of sunlight onto the forest floor, while the path beneath their feet was uneven, littered with roots and fallen leaves. It was dense, wild, and untamed-a maze of nature where only someone familiar could navigate confidently.
Vikram, ever the conversationalist, glanced sideways at Indu as they carefully stepped over an upturned root. "So, Indu," he began casually, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead, "you never did say-what land do you hail from? A kingdom, I presume?"
Before Indu could even open her mouth, Ivaan's voice cut in sharply from behind them. "We're not here to discuss personal details, Vikram," he said firmly, his tone more clipped than usual. "We have business to attend to. That's all."
Indu rolled her eyes dramatically, glancing back at Ivaan over her shoulder. "Oh, calm down, Prince Ivaan. I think I can handle a simple conversation." She turned back to Vikram with a smile, clearly enjoying the tension she was causing. "I come from a kingdom far from here," she began, but before she could elaborate further, Ivaan's footsteps quickened behind them, and he was suddenly at her side, leaning down slightly to whisper-yell into her ear.
"Are you out of your mind?" he hissed, his voice low but filled with frustration. "You're giving away too much. You have no idea who he could be reporting back to."
Indu turned to glare at him, her expression defiant. "He's our best bet, Prince Ivaan. He knows these woods, and we need him to guide us out. If he wanted to hurt us, he would have done it already," she whispered back, her tone equally sharp.
Ivaan shot her a hard look, his jaw tightening. "That's not the point, Indu. You don't have to tell him everything just because he's being friendly."
Indu smirked slightly, her eyes glinting with amusement despite the serious conversation. "Oh, I see. You're jealous again, aren't you? Just because I'm a better companion than you????"
Ivaan's expression darkened, his patience clearly wearing thin. "This isn't about jealousy, and you know it. Be more cautious. For once, stop trying to be clever."
But Indu, as always, wasn't one to back down. She folded her arms across her chest and whispered back, "I think you underestimate me, Prince. Maybe I trust Vikram because, unlike you, he doesn't treat me like a child."
Ivaan was about to retort, but Vikram, oblivious to their intense whispered argument, chimed in with a chuckle. "You two argue like you've known each other for years. Must be quite the story there." He then looked back at Indu, his interest piqued. "So, your kingdom... must be quite far from here for you to get this lost."
Indu smiled lightly, brushing off Ivaan's warnings. "It is. Quite far. It's-"
But before she could finish, Ivaan, his frustration boiling over,"We got lost in the storm, Vikram. That's all. No need for specifics." He shot Indu another glare, silently pleading for her to stop talking.
Indu, clearly not one to be easily silenced, raised an eyebrow at Ivaan and whispered, "Are you planning on speaking for me the whole time? I didn't realize I needed a chaperone."
Ivaan leaned closer, his voice strained with urgency. "I'm trying to keep you from giving him information that could get us both killed, Indu. That's the general code."
Indu, undeterred, shot back, "And what if he's our only way out of here, Ivaan? What then? Should I just be silent and hope he magically decides to help us it's okay to trust commoners didn't realise you were that snobbish?"
"He is a soldier not a commoner Indu!"
Vikram, sensing the palpable tension between the two but pretending not to notice, chimed in again, his tone light. "Well, I certainly don't mind being helpful. Besides, these woods are no place for wandering souls like yourselves. If I hadn't stumbled across you, who knows where you'd be?"
Indu was tired with the hours of walking, stumbled a bit Ivaan's hand shot to her arms to steady her, she held his arm steadying herself but decided to sit back at the rock for a while because both of them didn't seem tired at all from the walk!
"I'm exhausted, Vikram, you keep saying we are close, close to where exactly are me I don't remember this forest way at all!" Indu says fanning herself with her dupatta.
"that's the reason Princess the main way is all thrashed down due to the storm, this is somewhat a loop way only the tribals know." Vikram explains.
Indu sighed, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "I'm too tired for this, can someone give me some water, please?" Her cheeks were flushed and sweaty from the harsh sunlight she had been enduring. Why did I agree to this ? The sun is relentless, and I feel like I'm melting. I just need a moment to catch my breath. She thought to herself puffing out air. Ivaan smirked at her state, thinking she looked really ditzy. He pulled out his water can and held it out to Indu. At the same time, Vikram also extended his water can towards her. Indu looked up, surprised to see both of them offering her water. She quickly grabbed the water can from Vikram, making Ivaan frown a little before he placed his water can back in his bag. Of course, she picks Vikram's. Why does she always choose him? Indu smiled at Vikram, clearly enjoying the fact that he was backing her up. "See, Prince Ivaan? He's so helpful to us." *Helpful? I offered my water too!* Vikram, noticing her fatigue, asked, "If you're so tired, Indu, I could give you a piggyback ride." Ivaan looked at Vikram unbelievably *What?! A piggyback ride? Is he serious?* Indu was shocked by the offer. She felt a little flustered and looked back and forth between Ivaan and Vikram. She finally gave Vikram a clear smile. "That's so nice of you to offer, Vikram, but I'd rather walk if possible. Can I have something to eat as a refreshment?" Vikram nodded. "Sure, both of you stay here while I get something to eat for us." As Vikram walked away, Ivaan made a snide comment, "Why didn't you accept the offer? It was so tempting. Dont you trust him now?" Indu just smiled, noticing how visible Ivaan's emotions were. She called him closer, "If you want to know, why don't you come closer?" Ivaan, confused, stepped closer to her. Indu leaned in and whispered into his ear, "If it bothers you that much, why don't you ask me for a piggyback ride? I might just agree because, according to you, a prince is much more trustworthy than a warrior, as you say." Ivaan backed away, his heart racing at her hushed tone. "In your dreams, princess," he retorted, trying to hide how much her words had affected him. *Here we go again why does she always get under my skin? And why do I care so much?* Indu watched him with a playful glint in her eyes, enjoying the effect she had on him. She felt a thrill at the way Ivaan's usual composure seemed to falter around her. Meanwhile, Ivaan couldn't shake off the feeling of her breath against his ear and the teasing challenge in her words. He found himself more intrigued by her than ever before.
But Ivaan was far from convinced. He shot a withering look at Vikram as he was back with some fruits before pulling Indu up, just out of earshot. "Indu, listen-" he whispered harshly,
Indu leaned in, meeting his gaze with an intensity of her own. "No the same thing again Prince, And I don't know you well either, do I? Why is it so hard for you to trust someone else for once?"
Ivaan's eyes narrowed, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "It's not trusting the wrong person could get us killed."
Indu sighed, clearly fed up with the argument. "Fine, fine. I'll be more cautious. Happy?" She turned back to Vikram, her smile returning. "So, where exactly are we headed, oh wise forest guide?"
Vikram grinned, clearly amused by the dynamic between the two of them. "Oh, just ahead. There's a clearing that'll lead to a path. We should be out of the thick of it soon enough."
Ivaan, still fuming silently behind them, couldn't resist adding one more jab. "As long as you stop giving him every detail of your life story, we might just make it out alive."
Indu shot him a glare over her shoulder. "I'm not giving him anything dangerous. Relax."
The banter between Indu and Vikram resumed as they continued he didn't seemed bothered at all, with Ivaan trailing behind, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings, his hand never far from the hilt of his sword. Every so often, he would interject, trying to steer the conversation away from anything personal.
"So, what brings you out here, Vikram?" Indu asked, her voice light as she tried to move the conversation away from the previous tension. Ivaan looked up finding it odd the Tribal head's son wandering around Alone.
"Ah, the usual. Tribal duties," Vikram replied, his tone casual. "The forest is our home, and we protect it fiercely. Trespassers, strangers... we don't take kindly to anyone wandering through without permission."
Ivaan's eyes flicked toward Vikram, his suspicions sharpening. "So, why didn't you state out before you attack us outright, then? If trespassing is such a crime in your land?"
Vikram chuckled, casting a sideways glance at Indu. "Well, I was about to, but I heard someone scream and run I was trying to talk." He winked at Indu, who huffed in annoyance.
"I didn't scream. I was startled," Indu corrected him, her tone indignant. "You were the one sneaking around with a sword."
"True enough," Vikram said with a grin. "But let's just say I wasn't about to let some lost wanderers become casualties without knowing their intentions first."
Ivaan, still skeptical, remained silent, his eyes darting between the two of them. His internal monologue raced. He's far too nice and welcoming than before, Vikram wasn't talkitive at all during the festival or the hunt, he enjoyed being in the sidelines nor was he trying to get acquainted with Ivaan then why this sudden shift as soon as he saw Indu, Either he's trying to get something, or he's genuinely guilty for attacking her ?*
Indu, oblivious to Ivaan's silent brooding, asked Vikram, "So, do you often rescue people in these woods?"
Vikram chuckled again. "Not often, no. I rarely get the inspection duty we have well assigned teams who does the round I just happened to join them today and Most people don't survive long enough to need rescuing."
Indu shot a quick look back at Ivaan, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "See? We're lucky we found him."
Ivaan, thoroughly annoyed now, muttered under his breath. " So where are the others in your team, and Lucky isn't the word I'd use."
"uhmm yeah I actually spilted up with my team decided to just stroll around as the morning was clear and fresh today!" Vikram answered.
Indu ignored Ivaan, turning her attention fully to Vikram. "Well, I appreciate the help, truly. Though I have to ask-do you always carry a sword like that?"
Vikram smirked, tapping the hilt of his weapon. "Always. You never know when you might need it."
From behind them, Ivaan's voice was sharp. "Let's just focus on getting out of here I'm tired of this forest already."
Indu rolled her eyes again, casting a final glare at Ivaan. "Yes, *Your Highness*, whatever you say."
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Kingdom of Rana (Palace)ð°
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True to her word, the moment her grandfather's attention shifted to Aamir, who was now toddling around, Anya stopped singing abruptly. She shot Varun a pointed look, as if daring him to comment further. But Varun merely chuckled under his breath, his eyes still lingering on her.
"Pity. I wanted to hear the end of that song," he murmured, his voice teasing but filled with a subtle appreciation.
Anya narrowed her eyes. "You don't deserve the rest."
Varun leaned back, his gaze not leaving her. "Now that's just cruel, Princess."
The banter continued, with Varun occasionally throwing in teases just to see how far he could push Anya before she snapped. He had to admit, seeing her out of her usual stoic demeanor was... refreshing. She looked beautiful in a way that surprised him-more than just her appearance, it was the way her personality seemed to shine through when she was annoyed or playful. It intrigued him, more than he cared to admit.
The painter worked diligently, capturing their likeness while they pretended to be in love, occasionally exchanging smiles for the sake of the portrait. In reality, they were just trying to get through it without causing more complications.
After what felt like an eternity of forced smiles and awkward closeness, Anya let out a soft sigh. "This is the most ridiculous thing I've done in years," she muttered under her breath, though there was a faint smile on her lips. Varun, catching the rare moment of vulnerability, leaned in slightly.
"And yet, here we are," he said softly, his voice teasing but with a warmth that made Anya glance at him, momentarily caught off guard. "At least I hope we are making a good-looking pair for the painting, don't you think?"
Anya smiled sweetly, though there was a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Maybe. But I'll make sure this painting burns first."
Before Varun could respond, there was a sudden announcement. The return of the king and queen had been made known, and the old king's attention shifted, his face lighting up as he saw his son and daughter-in-law approaching. Varun's mood shifted instantly. His relaxed demeanor turned serious as he realized what this meant.
"Grandpa, look!" Anya said, smiling as she pointed toward the king and queen. The old man's face lit up in recognition, and he beamed with joy at seeing his son.
Varun, meanwhile, stood up, suddenly focused. He had been trying to warn the king about something important, but as his gaze fell upon the figures approaching, his heart sank. Beside the king and queen, all glamorously dressed, were Queen Mandhavi and her sister Ragini-Ivaan's stepmother and aunt. Their laughter and grace masked the menace they truly carried.
"Oh well," Varun muttered under his breath. "This is bad. This is what I was trying to stop."
Anya glanced at him, noticing the shift in his demeanor. "Why? Isn't that Queen Mandhavi? Ivaan's stepmother? Aren't we supposed to make acquaintances if my sister is marrying your brother?"
Varun clenched his jaw, an annoyed and frustrated expression crossing his face. **She doesn't know**. He couldn't blame Anya for her ignorance, but she had no idea how dangerous these two women were. **They'll destroy anyone close to Ivaan**, he thought, his internal monologue darkening as memories of Mandhavi's scheming flashed through his mind. Now that the king and queen had already met with Mandhavi, his chances of warning them were gone.
His only option now was to figure out what Mandhavi and Ragini were planning and control the damage. Before he could make any move, though, the king and queen were already embracing the old king, their reunion filled with joy.
The king, seeing his father fully lucid and happy, spoke with an emotion-filled voice. "Father, it's been so long since you've been like this. It's good to see you."
Grandpa chuckled, holding his son's hand. "My boy, it's good to see you too. Look at Aamir, he's grown so much. I remember when you were just like him."
The queen smiled warmly, her eyes misting at the sight of her father-in-law. She joined the reunion, and for a brief moment, the air was filled with familial happiness. But as the king and queen led Grandpa away, their attention turned to Queen Mandhavi and Ragini, leaving Varun and Anya behind with the two women.
Mandhavi's pleasant smile dropped the moment she spotted Varun. Her eyes narrowed, and her voice turned icy. "I didn't know Ivaan's lapdog would be here."
Varun remained calm, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "I didn't expect such a gracious queen to arrive without notice. But then, surprises seem to be your specialty, don't they?"
Ragini stepped in with a disarming smile, her eyes moving between Anya and Varun. "Oh, is this the princess we're bringing into our family? Such beauty! Ivaan is lucky to have such a beautiful girl."
Anya, still trying to navigate the strange tension between Varun and these two women, responded with a polite smile. "Thank you, but I believe you're mistaken. I'm not marrying into your family. My sister Indu is as of now promised to Ivaan."
Varun took this opportunity to correct Ragini with a diplomatic yet firm tone. "Indeed. Anya is not part of the arrangement. Princess Indu is the one promised to Ivaan I believe the letter must have arrived the kingdom but you two didn't seem to check for the details"
Mandhavi's smile turned sharp. "Well, either way, we'll be family soon. I do hope things run smoothly. After all, alliances are fragile things, aren't they, Varun?"
Varun's jaw tightened, his eyes locking onto hers with cold precision. "They are, Your Majesty. Which is why it's so important to ensure that everyone's intentions are pure." His words were polite, but the underlying accusation was clear.
Ragini attempted to diffuse the tension, her voice light and airy. "Oh, Varun, always so serious. We're here to celebrate, not to quarrel. Isn't that right, Anya?"
Anya glanced between them, sensing the unspoken war of words but choosing to stay neutral for now. She forced a smile. "Yes, of course. Please accompany us in."
Mandhavi, not one to back down, continued. "I just hope Ivaan's... companions understand their place in the grand scheme of things. After all, we wouldn't want any unnecessary conflicts, would we?"
Varun's smile was tight, but his eyes were hard. "Conflict arises only when someone oversteps their boundaries, Your Majesty. But rest assured, Ivaan and I both know how to keep things in line."
Anya observed the exchange, her mind racing as she tried to decipher the layers of hostility between them. It was clear to her now that Varun's easygoing charm had a sharp edge, and that edge was aimed directly at Mandhavi.
Varun could feel the undercurrent of manipulation in her tone, and he knew that this sudden visit had a deeper purpose. "What brings you here, Queen Mandhavi? Surely you didn't come all this way for pleasantries."
Mandhavi's smile widened, but there was no warmth in her eyes. "Oh, I have my reasons, little minister of the Prince.... But let's not spoil the moment. We'll have plenty of time to talk."
The tension in the air was thick as Varun and Anya exchanged glances. **This is far worse than I anticipated**, Varun thought grimly. **And now, I have to find out why they are here being all giggly and happy, my assumptions were the queen was here yet again to threaten and scare the alliance off by bullshiting on Ivaan **
As they all walked inside towards the palace Anya was impressed by how deftly Varun handled the situation. Though the conversation had been loaded with veiled insults, he had come out on top, his calm demeanor only enhancing his charm. Even she had to admit, as much as he annoyed her, he had a way of turning the tables.
When the queen and Ragini finally stepped forward accompanied by maids leaving the two alone , their polite smiles still in place, Varun turned to Anya with a grin. "Now, where were we? Oh yes, you were telling me how you planned to burn the painting."
Anya rolled her eyes,at his switch of personality but a small smile tugged at her lips. "And you were dreaming if you thought I wouldn't."
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And when
My girl Indu and Varun have to step up and flirt with them.
While Ivaan and Anya keep battling on the title of being the coldest ð
Nothing much from my end.
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