Author POV

Devgarh was gleaming like the Moon itself. Finally, it was the day, when the 'pride of Devgarh' was going to get a glimpse of her would be husband. Princess Chandralekha, the eldest daughter of Maharaj Vishwaroop was regarded as the 'Pride of Devgarh'. Her charm was unbeatable. Unlike a normal Royal born, she was quite connected to the commoners of Devgarh.

She loved to interact with them and know their judgements, while keeping her identity hidden. The head commander of Devgarh, Raghav, was her aid in this work. He was an expert when it came to giving new appearances to the Princess so that she could collect 'real' opinions from the people of her kingdom.

That was the time when Raghav had started falling for the Princess. It took him two years to confess his feelings, and as expected, she rejected him. This incident created a ridge between them, separating them, but the little Princess, Rajkumari Rooplekha, had always been closer to Raghav, as his sister.

She was secretly learning fencing from him, and like a perfect brother, he was making her a strong and independent woman. She was the 'baby Roop' for both Chandralekha and Raghav.

Amidst the disarray in the palace, as all the servants were busy doing their respective works, a petite figure ran towards the chamber of Rajkumari Chandralekha.

With a grin plastered on her face, her small steps kept running, forgetting to breathe properly, she finally reached the entrance of the chamber.

Chandralekha POV

"Rajkumari, wo nikal gaye hai Vijaygarh se"

"Princess, he has departed from Vijaygarh"

As soon as my attendee, who was also my best friend, Sukanya said this, I lifted my brows, with my lips parted a little, in elation.

"Satya!?"

"True!?"

This word escaped my mouth as a whisper, and the speed of the attendees, who were placing jewellery on me, hastened extemporaneously.

"Haan haan Satya! Aur sab unke swagat ki taiyari bhi kar rahe hai"

"Yes, yes, it's true and everyone is making arrangements for their welcoming ceremony"

Her breath was hindering her words as she had come here running wildly just to inform this to me. I felt my heartbeats getting faster. My chest started doing up and down, breath hitching in between. I have been waiting for this day since this alliance was fixed. His father, Maharaj Uday, was the one who had initiated this conversation with my father. He wanted me to get married to his eldest son, Prince Yuddhjeet. Pardon me, he is not a Prince anymore, he is the King now. The man of my dreams - MAHARAJ YUDDHJEET SURYAVANSHI! Since I have come to know about love and desires, he was the only one ruling my mind and heart. I wanted to live all the beautiful moments of my life with him. Lifting my timid gaze up, I glanced at myself in the mirror. Will he like me? Am I looking presentable? Ah! I licked on my lips and gulped as these thoughts were killing me from inside.

TODAY was the day, finally. I haven't seen him yet, but my little excited heart knows that he would be caring and loving towards me. I had somehow managed to receive a portrait of him and that was the only source of my expectations, loving thoughts and an unnecessary smile on my face. I was excited and nervous, equally. Biting my lips, I saw Sukanya coming closer to me and picking up my favourite moonstone pendant. She settled it perfectly on my neck, pecked my forehead and muttered in her sweet voice.

"Perfect!"

I was almost ready to leave the chamber when I heard my father's voice at the entrance of dressing area.

"Ekaant"

"Privacy"

The attendees moved out of my chamber, leaving me and father alone. Being my father's favourite child, I was very close to his heart. He loved both his daughters from the bottom of his heart, but since the past few days, we were not talking the way we used to talk and this was because of my over-excitement of getting married to Maharaj Yuddhjeet. I don't know why, but he doesn't like him much. He says we need to analyse his personality first. He is the damn King. Who are we to test him?

"Pitaji is vishay me aur baat nahi karna chahte hum"

"Father, I don't want to talk about this anymore"

I said without hesitation.

"I didn't come here to talk about that, daughter. I came here to tell to you that they've arrived. You should be there to welcome them." He exclaimed

I smiled listening to him. Did he agree to this alliance?

"My doll, know him first. Talk to him thoroughly and if you feel you are not getting along, just let me know. I will cancel this alliance."

He was right this time, but I nodded, muttering

"Pitaji, I'll be careful but I love him. I love him wholeheartedly. I will be his Queen. I know I'll get along with him"

He smiled and I returned one back to him. I came out of my chamber and started walking behind him. Adorned in a blue coloured lehenga, along with a blue blouse, that was embroidered with golden strings, I wasn't feeling less than a nymph. Turquoise blue stoned jewellery was matching perfectly with my skin tone. My loosely braided hair was enhancing my charm, and my kohl filled eyes had deepened the emotions that were quite discernable at this moment. Placing the dupatta on my shoulder, since covering the head wasn't a rule in my kingdom, I kept strolling behind my father, keeping my timid gaze low.

We belonged to the Lunar or Moon Dynasty, the Chandravanshi! Our land was popular for the feminine aspects of the world, like arts, beauty, wisdom and cultural upliftment. The education here, was imparted to everyone, irrespective of gender, social status and caste (varna). My father had named me, his eldest daughter, after our clan - Chandralekha. He always wanted me to represent my dynasty, with my knowledge and aptitude.

We kept walking through the humongous galleries, emblazoned with traditional paintings and ravishing artworks. Moving out of the interior Palace building, we arrived at the gardens, blossoming with seasonal flowers, their redolent fragrance inflating the air. I inhaled deeply, letting the aroma calm down my galloping heartbeats. My nervousness and excitement seemed at war inside me. I glanced at the merry flowers, smiling at me, imparting confidence to me. Placing my small and soft palm on my chest, I patted it a little to console my enlivened heart.

The attendees had already gathered there, at the entrance, with all the required necessities. My little sister, my baby Roop was also standing there. Aww! My little dove was looking mesmerizing in the white gown.

Beautiful floral patterned earrings had adorned her small ears. Flowers were settled marvelously over her soft and brown curls.

I went to her and stood beside her, but not before sharing smiles. My father walked away to the main entrance. I stole a glance of Raghav, our head commander, who bowed down before my father and stood beside him, taking one step back. He took a glimpse of me too, making me lower my gaze, to avoid unnecessary anxiety.

"Finally, you'll unite with him."

Roop muttered and I hummed.

"Then, we'll find a Prince charming for you too."

I smiled while maffling

"Ah! I prefer being away from this shit. I am enough and happy."

She blabbered and I hit her shoulder lightly, and muttered, with slight anger in my voice.

"You don't behave like a Princess sometimes. Raghav is spoiling you."

"Bhaiya is raising me into a strong woman."

Roop spoke with confidence, and I saw her grinning happily at Raghav, and he smiled back, while kissing his fingers and pointing them towards her. Both of them were definitely very hard to handle, and I didn't want to face Raghav specifically.

"Focus on the guests, Roop. Not your brother!"

I warned her, in a low tone.

"Huh! You're always jealous of us."

She mumbled, when loud sounds of trumpets and conch shells broke our conversation. Everyone started settling themselves in their respective positions and both of us, along with the female attendees, brought our hands in forward, wrapping the palm of one hand around the other's wrist.

Indistinct sound of faded horse steps, along with elephant trumpet, started becoming louder.

"They are here. Everyone get ready!"

My father ordered, authority exuding in his voice and everyone started settling themselves in urgency. I stiffened myself properly and waited for them to arrive at our entrance.

A small cavalry arrived, before the actual convoy of the Royal Suryavanshi family. There were many palanquins, but I could see that two of them were decorated massively. A subtle thought crossed my mind - 'they must be the Queens'. The convoy halted, and women began parting the curtains of the simple palanquins, coming out of them. They approached those decorated ones and started parting their covers.

My gaze shifted to a warrior type man climbing down his horse when their soldiers took their positions on the side, standing in a line. That man was wearing a metallic helmet and the moment he removed it I heard my father's roaring voice.

"Welcome, Prince Indrajeet!"

Oh! So he was Indrajeet, the younger brother of my fiance. He was also twenty three, just a few days younger than my would-be husband. He was masculine and well built, with broad soldiers and heavy biceps. He was wearing a maroon dhoti and three glinting gold necklaces of different lengths. His earrings were shaped as the bright Sun, with a half Sun-shaped tilak adorning his glowing forehead.

The Suryavanshi were supposed to emit this kind of aura, it was expected, undoubtedly! The curtains of those eye-catching palanquins were opened now, and I could see two sets of beautiful feet touching our land.

Two alluring women emerged out of them. Sukanya, who was standing beside me all the time, whispered in my ears, in a low voice.

"The one in blue, is Maharani Khyati - the Rajmata of Vijaygarh, mother of Maharaj Yuddhjeet."

I nodded at her words, looking at that woman. She was undoubtedly not looking like a 'mother'. How could someone appear so young and appealing after having a grown-up son like the King? Blue hypnotizing eyes, that held the ability to enchant anyone. Curly, thick and brown hair, that could bind anyone in their trap. A slender nose, with berry like plumpy pink lips, high cheekbone that emitted Royalty. She was a Queen indeed! Two, perfectly carved, long slender arms, adorned with blue glass bangles, and gold kangans were captivating me. The blue sapphire jewellery was blending perfectly with her dazzling body

"She looks so young!" I muttered.

"She is one of most popular beauties all across Bharat." Sukanya whispered, and I nodded.

"She deserves the recognition." I maffled.

Then I looked at the other one. She was Maharani Mohini. She had a wheatish complexion and she was looking gorgeous, too.

Her eyes were filled with Kohl, decorated with gold jewelleries, along with a traditional headpiece, she seemed to represent our culture in the most decent and perfect way. My mind started wondering about me, standing at that position - the Queen of Vijaygarh! I giggled internally.

They both were approaching our entrance when my sight fell on a man, mounting down his black horse. He was tall and well built. He uncovered himself of his metallic helmet, and my eyes widened with awe. I literally gawked at his perfectly carved masculine body, well trimmed beard, with an appealing moustache, body decorated with gold and precious gemstones, eyes radiating power and confidence, a thin hair-lock was perfectly settled on his forehead.

"Here comes the King of Vijaygarh - Maharaj Yuddhjeet Suryavanshi!"

Oh! The moment Sukanya mumbled, I froze. Is he the King? He is God himself! I've never seen a man so handsome and enchanting. I thanked Mata Lakshmi in my heart, when my mind thought

HERE COMES THE MAN OF MY DREAMS!

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After a really long and hectic welcoming ceremony, the guests were finally resting in our palace. Maharani Mohini seemed quite happy, but Maharani Khyati was inscrutable. She hadn't even smiled since the moment she arrived, and I couldn't decipher any sensible reason behind this.

Anyway! I wanted to have a few words with my Man, but it seemed quite onerous as everyone was after him. Father, his soldiers, our soldiers; everyone had to discuss some or the other thing with him. I couldn't wait anymore! Isn't waiting all these years enough? I asked Sukanya to arrange our private meet as soon as possible.

After some time my father reminded him of the promise that his father had made, years ago, and he nodded. Damn! He looks amazing just while nodding. I can't wait to see him hovering over me and making love to me.

"I will be pleased to have a conversation with her." The King declared.

I came out of my dreamland. His voice was deep and impactful. I'll definitely melt away while making love with him.

He approached me slowly, and I lowered my gaze. My heartbeats were racing and he stood before me. He was tall and I could hardly reach his neck. My breath hitched at that moment, and I gulped to maintain a normal disposition, when he muttered

"Shall we go to the garden?"

His voice was low and deep and I was already feeling butterflies in my stomach. I simply nodded, keeping my timid gaze low. He signalled his hand, for me to move first and I started walking. He was following me and we came out of the hall, far from everyone's vision. He kept following me while I was taking small steps. He didn't speak a single word. I could feel him staring at my revealing back. God knows what he might be thinking about me. Sukanya had told me about a mole that I had on my lower back and she admired it. Is he staring at that mole?

We reached the entrance of the rose garden and I said slowly

"Here"

He came beside me and forwarded his hand. I looked at his hand and then lifted my eyes to look at him. His stared back at me. His gaze was soothing yet intense. I got lost in his eyes, and he spoke

"Take it"

He signalled me to hold his hand and I forwarded my hand, but the moment my hand touched his; I felt shivering sensations running all across my body. His hand was warm and a little rough. He must be a fighter. Definitely! He is a King after all. I lifted my gaze again to look at him when he muttered

"You're beautiful"

He said this while maintaining that intense gaze. I felt like melting away. I remembered how I sneaked out of my palace once to visit a renowned fortune teller of my dynasty. She was the one who told me that I was destined to be the Queen of Northern Bharat and I'll sit on Vijaygarh's throne as the Queen. I was sure that her words would come true and I could feel the king of Vijaygarh was falling for me, already. He had to, I was so beautiful after all.

He took me with him and we sat on a wooden bench that was placed in the middle of the garden. I looked at him glancing around the garden for a moment, and he shifted his gaze towards me again. I felt timid, and he placed his index finger beneath my chin to lift my face up. I looked at him and my breathing fastened with his move. He kept looking into my eyes, and maffled

"Do you love roses?"

I nodded and questioned him

"Do you love them too?"

He nodded and asked

"Why do you love them?"

This question was a little weird for me. I didn't have any specific reason for loving roses. I mean they have a beautiful fragrance, and they look beautiful, but I couldn't just blabber all this, so I chose a short and significant answer

"Because they are beautiful and I love beauty"

I stopped for a while, and inquired back

"And why do you love them?"

He gave me a smile and said

"Because it has thorns that can make someone bleed"

I was shocked listening to his answer and to be honest I got a little scared too, but I tried to change the topic by saying

"Do you like me?"

I knew it was quite early to ask this question, but I had nothing else to talk about or I should say I was dying to know whether or not he likes me.

He kept ogling me and his expressions didn't change at all. His gaze turned penetrating and I felt something twisting in my stomach. His gaze was enough to kill me! What would happen when he would touch me. This thought was making me shiver in both good and bad ways, and he mumbled

"Will you be able to handle my love, pretty rose?"

I couldn't get this. What did he mean by this? I asked him

"What do you mean by this?"

He passed me a devilish smile while saying

"Pleasures come with pain, pretty rose! My love will be painful. Will you be able to handle it?"

This was scaring me to be honest, but I knew what kind of pain he was talking about. I looked down and smiled. I knew I was blushing already. His touch was so tempting that for some time I started imagining our kiss and that made me blush even more. I nodded shyly while saying

"Aaj se nahi, hum to tab se apse Prem kar baithe hai jabse apke pitaji ne hume apke liye chuna tha. Aur rahi baat peeda ki to nisandeh seh lenge. Prem kia hai apse. Apke atirikt aur koi hamare hriday me sthan na pa saka. Yadi apke prem me hume thoda dard mil bhi gaya to hum usse apna saubhagya samjhenge"

"I have been loving you since your father chose me for you. And for pain, I would bear the pain. I have loved you and nobody except you could dwell in my heart. If your love comes with a little pain, I would consider it myself lucky to endure it."

I said this without lifting up my gaze.

"Then I embrace you in my life, pretty rose." He asserted

I was happier than anyone to realise that he had already given me a nickname. I was blushing when I felt him holding my shoulders and making me face him. He placed his index finger beneath my chin again and leaned forward. Was I going to have my first kiss right now? I was getting crazy at this thought when I felt him coming dangerously closer to me. Our noses touched each other, and I closed my eyes. I could feel his breath on my lips when he muttered in a deep and sensual voice

"I would love to kiss you before I leave your palace."

I opened my eyes when I felt him going away. He stood up in urgency and forwarded his hand again. I blushed and took his hand. He started walking back to the hall where everyone was waiting for us. We were passing by the gallery when he broke the silence

"Apki peeth pe jo til hai wo atyant sundar hai."

"The mole on your back is extremely beautiful."

I blushed at his words and now my cheeks were hurting since I've never blushed this much in my entire life. I know my cheeks must be appearing tomato red right now, but I was happy about it as it was happening because of my Man.

We reached the hall and I stole a glance of everyone who was looking at us with a smile on their faces. They all stood up and my Man said

"Hume ye sambandh sweekar hai aur hum sheegra atisheegra Rajkumari se vivah karna chahte hai."

"I accept this alliance and I want to get married to the princess as soon as possible."

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