Changing Of Course [✔]

32. Disclosing secrets

| Edited |

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A few months had passed. Winter was set to arrive, announcing its presence with a drop in temperature. The capital city of Champa faced the cold breeze. The streams of the Ganga and Chandan rivers were filled with rainwater, raising the water level, and the coming winter was making the water even colder.

Inside the palace of Anga, its queen adjusted herself comfortably. She had good relations with all the members of the court. She had bonded not only with her personal maid, Sarita, but also with all her maids.

Karna and she were getting to know each other quite well. He realized his wife was wise and full of knowledge. Their frequent accidental touches, meeting of eyes during evenings spent together talking, and her visits to his study chamber to discuss her duties as his queen were bringing them closer.

The evening air was cool as the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue across the palace gardens. Madirakshi walked over the soft grass, her fingers grazing the soft petals of blooming flowers. She found solace here, surrounded by nature, where the fragrance of jasmine and roses mingled with the cool breeze.

Karna, who had been watching her from a distance, quietly approached. She was lost in thought, her eyes closed as she inhaled the sweet scent of the flowers. He couldn’t resist the urge to join her in this peaceful moment.

"You seem to enjoy the gardens as much as I do," Karna remarked softly, not wanting to startle her.

Madirakshi opened her eyes, her gaze meeting his. A gentle smile spread across her lips. "The gardens remind me of home," she replied, her voice filled with warmth. "They bring me peace."

Karna stepped closer, his hand reaching out to take hers. "And you bring me peace," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. "Do I?" she asked, her tone playful but with an undertone of seriousness.

"Yes," he said, drawing her closer to him. "Whenever I’m with you, I feel like the weight of the world lifts off my shoulders."

Madirakshi blushed at his sincerity. "And what about now?" she asked, her voice just above a whisper.

"Now," he said, wrapping his arms around her, "I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be."

They stood there, the world around them fading away as they got lost in each other’s eyes. The warmth of his embrace, the steady beat of his heart against her cheek, and the scent of the flowers around them created a perfect moment of harmony.

With a crimson blush on her cheeks, Madirakshi rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes as they swayed gently in each other’s arms. No words were needed; their silence spoke volumes. In that moment, everything was perfect, their hearts beating in sync.

★

That night, as the palace grew quiet, Madirakshi sat before her dressing table, the soft glow of oil lamps casting a warm light over her. Her maids worked with practiced hands, removing the last pieces of jewelry from her ears and wrists.

Sarita, her closest maid and confidante, gently combed through her long, wavy black hair, letting it cascade over her shoulders like a dark river.

Madirakshi’s thoughts were far away, still lingering on the tender moment she had shared with Karna earlier in the evening. She could still feel the warmth of his embrace, the way his words had wrapped around her heart, making it race.