Chapter 25: Chapter 23 - the return to vyantara

We had finally arrived in Vyantara. After days of travel, endless hours spent on the road, and sleepless nights under the stars, we were back. But now that we were here, something felt... different.

I couldn't help but think about what had happened between Rudraksha and me just after we left Ranshara. That moment when our lips had brushed against each other, that fleeting kiss, was still fresh in my mind. The mere thought of it sent an unfamiliar wave of heat to my cheeks. It had been just a peck—a quick, soft kiss—but now, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wanted more.

I was acting like a teenager, wondering what had happened. Why did that small moment stir something inside me? And why the hell was I feeling butterflies in my stomach whenever I thought about it?

But Rudraksha? He was acting as if nothing had changed. His cool, calm demeanor was as stoic as ever, and he seemed to be carrying on like it was just another day. It drove me crazy.

Was I imagining things? Was he feeling anything? Or was it just me, getting worked up over a single kiss?

I couldn’t focus on anything, not with the way my mind kept going back to that one simple moment.

As we entered the gates of Vyantara, we were greeted by the usual royal procession, the city bustling with people coming to see us. The citizens waved and cheered, their voices filled with joy. The guards and servants had all been informed about our arrival, and everyone seemed to be in on the excitement.

Rudraksha and I rode together, with no space between us. I kept glancing at him, trying to gauge his reaction, but he remained perfectly composed, not looking at me or showing any signs of what had transpired between us.

The closer we got to the palace, the more the people seemed to cheer. They were celebrating us like we’d just returned from a honeymoon—a sentiment that, if I wasn’t so irritated, would have been a little amusing.

But then, as we dismounted from our horse, one of the older women in the crowd shouted out, "Blessings to you both! May you have an heir soon!"

I froze, my eyes narrowing at the woman. An heir?

I glanced at Rudraksha, who, as usual, was unfazed by the comment. He gave the woman a polite nod and continued walking toward the palace, as if being blessed with a future child was just another casual event in his day.

But I was still processing what had just happened. An heir? What was that about?

I turned back to the group of people still gathering around us, offering their well-wishes for our future family. “Wait a minute,” I called out, stopping them before they could finish their blessings. " why are you blessing me for having a baby soon ?"

The crowd fell silent for a moment, and I could see a few people giggling nervously, while others exchanged looks as if they were unsure how to respond.

Rudraksha, of course, didn’t answer right away. Instead, he glanced at me with a half-smile—a look that made my heart race despite myself. Then, he placed a hand on my shoulder, leaning down just enough for only me to hear.

“You’re making this more fun than it should be,” he murmured, the playful tone in his voice making the butterflies in my stomach dance wildly.

I rolled my eyes. “I’m just asking a question.”

He chuckled softly, squeezing my shoulder lightly. “Don’t mind them, Aranya. They’re just excited for us.”

"For us?" I shot him a teasing grin. "You mean, for you and your reputation."

He looked down at me, the amusement in his eyes now matching mine. “No. For us.”

I tilted my head, challenging him with my gaze. “Really? You’re not worried about what they think? About the rumors?”

He raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “Let them talk. They’ve always talked. We just give them more reason to do so.”

I raised my chin in defiance. “So, you’re not worried at all?”

“Nope.” He grinned in that dangerous, charming way of his. “Not even a little.”

I was still staring at him, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. How could he be so calm? And why was I feeling so nervous about something as simple as a silly blessing from the people?

Just then, I felt him take my hand, gently pulling me toward the palace gates. The tension between us seemed to ease a little with his touch, even if my mind was still racing.

Later that night, after dinner, we found ourselves alone in a secluded garden near the palace. The moonlight bathed the scene in a soft glow, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming jasmine.

I sat on the stone bench, my fingers lightly tracing the delicate petals of a nearby flower. Rudraksha stood beside me, watching me quietly, his gaze never leaving my face.

“I’m not getting married, am I?” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Rudraksha’s lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes filled with something unspoken. “Do you want to?”

I raised an eyebrow, teasing him. “Do you?”

His eyes darkened for a second, and then, just as quickly, the smirk returned to his lips. “Maybe. But only if you want to.”

I looked up at him, my heart racing again. “I don’t know if I do.”

His smile softened as he crouched down beside me, his hand resting gently on my knee. “It’s a lot of pressure, isn’t it?” he said, his voice more serious now. “We both know the expectations of the throne, of our people.”

I nodded, my thoughts wandering. “It’s not just the throne. It’s—everything.”

He leaned in closer, his voice a soft murmur. “Then let me make it easier for you.”

Before I could respond, he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine, soft and lingering. The world around us faded away, and I felt my body relax, my heart settling into the rhythm of his embrace.

We pulled away just a little, my eyes still closed, and his breath hot against my lips. “You’re not alone, Aranya.”

I opened my eyes, meeting his gaze, and I felt something in me shift. A softness. A warmth.

And in that moment, as his hand moved to cup my cheek, I realized—I didn’t want to go anywhere. Not without him.

We sat there for a while longer, just enjoying the moment, the gentle breeze stirring the leaves around us.

Finally, I broke the silence with a grin. “You know, if we’re going to be married—”

He looked at me incredulously, raising an eyebrow. “You’re already starting with that?”

I chuckled softly, feeling a little mischievous. “Well, if we were going to, maybe we should start with you being less insufferable.”

He shot me a look, but it was playful, the usual sternness replaced with a faint smile. “Maybe you’re the one who needs to be more patient.”

I shrugged. “Maybe. But, honestly, I like when you tease me. Makes things fun.”

His smile grew wider, and for the first time since I met him, I saw the man behind the king—real, raw, and laughing with me.

“You’re impossible, Aranya.”

Because in that moment, with his fingers intertwined with mine, I was exactly where I wanted to be.