The echoes of sacred mantras still lingered in the air as Ruhanika was escorted through the dimly lit corridors of Suryagarh’s inner palace. Her wedding attire, once vibrant and rich with the colors of celebration, now felt like chains clinging to her skin. Each anklet’s chime sounded more like shackles than bridal bells.
Behind her walked Rudra, silent and unreadable.
The guards opened the door to her new chamber—a massive space adorned with weapons, tiger skins, and war relics. It felt more like a warlord’s trophy room than a queen’s quarters.
"This is not a home," Ruhanika whispered, turning to face him.
"This is a fortress," Rudra replied, stepping past her. "And you're safer here than anywhere else."
"Safe?" she scoffed, clenching her fists. "You burned my dreams and called it protection."
Rudra's gaze didn’t waver. "Dreams are for those who can afford peace. We are not those people, Rajkumari."
She flinched at the word. It sounded different from his lips—mocking, possessive, final.
"Do not call me that," she said.
"You are still a princess," he replied with a faint smile. "Only now, you're mine."
Ruhanika’s eyes burned with rage, but her tears had dried somewhere between her kingdom’s fall and her forced wedding. Her father, King Surajmal, had surrendered her in a heartbeat. No war council. No negotiation. No last stand. Just… silence. And now, here she was—in the lair of the lion himself.
"Why me?" she asked suddenly. "Out of all the kingdoms, all the women, why did you choose me?"
Rudra didn’t answer immediately. He moved to a window, overlooking the moonlit courtyards of Suryagarh Fort.
"Because you are the only one who never bowed," he said finally. "Not in assemblies. Not during festivals. Not even when your father begged."
Ruhanika's breath hitched.
"You think I admire you?" he added with a dangerous softness. "Maybe. Or maybe I just wanted to break the only spirit I couldn't crush with my sword."
She stared at him, stunned. That single admission carried more weight than an army.
"I won't bend," she whispered.
"You will," Rudra said. "But not yet."
He left her there, alone in a palace built from bones and ambition.
Outside, the wind howled against the ancient stone walls. Ruhanika stood still for a long time, then walked to the mirror and slowly removed her bridal veil. Her reflection showed no tears, no weakness.
Only fire.
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