Chapter 9: Chapter 7 - In His Presence

The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of the royal chamber, casting a warm glow across the room. I stirred awake, my body was still sore but far better than the day before. The wounds from the whiplashes would take at least six weeks to fully heal, as the physician had said, but at least I was able to move without excruciating pain.

The female maids entered quietly, their faces calm yet attentive. They helped me reapply the medicinal paste over my wounds with gentle hands before assisting me in bathing and dressing in an outfit of this era—a royal blue lehenga with intricate gold embroidery. The fabric was soft and light, yet regal, fitting for someone staying in the Maharaja’s chamber.

After a quick breakfast served in my room, I decided I had spent enough time resting. My body ached for movement, and my mind craved distraction.

It was time to explore the palace.

The corridors of the palace were grander than I had remembered. Every hallway was adorned with intricate carvings, depicting tales of past rulers and great wars. The pillars stood tall and proud, their surfaces gleaming under the morning light. The scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, and the faint echoes of temple bells rang from a distance. The floors were polished, smooth under my bare feet, as I walked through the endless halls.

As I turned a corner, I suddenly heard a voice—his voice.

It was powerful, deep, and commanding, echoing through the vast courtroom. My feet stopped instinctively, my breath hitching.

Curious, I moved closer, careful not to draw attention to myself. From behind one of the massive pillars, I watched as Rudraksha sat on the throne, his posture regal, his gaze sharp. He radiated power, an aura so intense that even the most fearless warriors in the room looked uneasy under his scrutiny.

A man knelt before him, trembling. The ministers and court officials stood silently, not daring to interfere.

“You stole from my people,” Rudraksha said, his voice calm yet deadly. “And you expect mercy?”

The man’s forehead touched the cold marble floor as he pleaded, “Maharaja, forgive me! I was desperate!”

Rudraksha leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the throne. “Desperation does not justify betrayal,” he said, his voice like steel. “You did not steal to survive. You stole out of greed.”

The entire court held its breath. His judgment was absolute. One word from him, and the man’s fate would be sealed.

“Throw him in the dungeons ,” Rudraksha commanded, his tone final.

The guards dragged the man away, his wails echoing through the hall.

I swallowed hard. The way he commanded the room, the sheer power in his presence—it was terrifying. A single glance from him was enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.

This was the ruler they feared.

And yet… I had seen a different side of him.

I turned away before he could notice me, not wanting to interrupt his court affairs.

I walked until I reached the gardens, where the scent of blooming jasmine and roses filled the air. The greenery stretched endlessly, with fountains carved from stone, their waters glistening under the sun. Birds chirped melodiously, and a soft breeze caressed my skin.

My eyes landed on a wooden swing beneath a massive peepal tree. A smile tugged at my lips. Swings had always been my favorite.

I walked over and gently sat down, letting my feet push against the ground as I swung lightly. The maids who had accompanied me stood nearby, and I took the chance to learn more about the kingdom.

“So, tell me,” I asked, “how is Vyantara now? After the loop ended, did anything change?”

One of the maids tilted her head. “Loop?”

I frowned. They didn’t remember.

“It doesn’t matter,” I said quickly. “Just tell me how everything has been.”

The maids eagerly shared how Vyantara had flourished under Rudraksha’s rule. Trade had expanded, military strength had increased, and no enemy dared to challenge them. It was the strongest kingdom of its time.

As they spoke, I suddenly heard his voice behind me.

The maids immediately stopped talking and bowed before him.

I turned my head slightly, my breath catching as his golden eyes locked onto mine.

He took a few steps closer, then, to my surprise, asked, “May I sit beside you?”

I blinked, startled. He was the Maharaja, the most powerful man in this kingdom, yet he was asking for permission to sit beside me.

I nodded silently.

He sat down, the wooden swing creaking slightly under his weight. The scent of sandalwood and something distinctly surrounded me.

“What happened?” he asked, his voice softer now. “You’re here alone.”

“I just wanted some fresh air,” I replied, looking away.

He hummed in response.

I hesitated before speaking again. “You’ve built a powerful kingdom, Maharaja. The maids were telling me how strong Vyantara has become after the loop ended.”

His gaze flickered, and he nodded. “Yes. It took time, but I made sure no one could ever trap my people again.”

I noticed faint scars on his arms—marks of past battles. Without thinking, I reached out and brushed my fingers over one of them.

The moment I realized what I had done, I quickly pulled back. “I-I’m sorry—”

He caught my hand before I could fully retract it. His grip was gentle, firm.

“Aranya,” he said, his voice deep and calm, “you don’t have to apologize for touching me.”

I swallowed, feeling warmth spread through my chest.

“Please,” he continued, “treat me like you did the first time we met.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “You mean like how you’re treating me like a king?”

He let out a soft laugh, a rare sound that made my heart skip a beat.

I looked away, feeling my cheeks warm. Why was he being so sweet?

After a pause, I asked, “Why hasn’t anyone questioned why I’m staying in your chamber?”

He let out a nervous chuckle.

“Well… because I told them you’re my wife,” he said casually.

I froze.

“What ?!”

He smirked. “ don't worry I'm just joking .”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

“I told them you’re my life-saver,” he continued. “You’ll be treated just like I am.”

I hummed in response, still slightly in shock. Maybe the life saver is better than being a wife.

“You’ll recover soon,” he said.

I sighed. “I don’t want to just sit in a room for weeks. I want to explore Vyantara.”

He hummed thoughtfully. “You will, but after you recover. At least two weeks.”

I groaned. “I’ll get bored.”

He chuckled. “Then stay with me.”

I blinked. “What?”

He leaned back slightly. “Help me with my work. You’re from the future, aren’t you? You know what happens. Did you read history?”

I playfully narrowed my eyes at him. “Maharaja, I’m an archaeologist.”

His brow furrowed. “A... what?”

I smiled. “An archaeologist. I study history, excavate sites, and uncover the past.”

He hummed. “So you’re calling me old?”

I burst out laughing. “It’s true though , Maharaja.”

He rolled his eyes playfully. “Call me Rudraksha.”

I hesitated. “I can’t. What will people think? I don’t want to die here.”

His expression darkened slightly, and before I could react, he placed his hand over my mouth.

“You really say anything that comes to mind,” he muttered.

I mumbled against his palm, and he sighed before letting go.

“Fine,” he said. “Call me Rudraksha when no one’s around.”

I smiled. “Alright… Rudraksha.”

He looked at me, something unreadable in his gaze. Then, softly, he said, “It feels like home when I’m with you.”

I looked away, my heart racing.

What was happening between us?