The Fire In Her Eyes

V

The young prince diligently followed after the princess making sure he was out of her sight but she was within his. He knew it was wrong of him to follow after her but something tugged at his heart which made it impossible for him to leave her. He had been lurking around the court room waiting for them to come out but he was surprised when he saw Mohana walk out with tears streaming down her face. He had briefly seen the hand print on her red cheek before she ran away. He clenched his jaw in anger ready to throw hands with whoever had hurt her but first he had to make sure she was alright.

He had been hopping through various kingdoms, meeting princesses but none of them stood out to him like a certain noirette. It wasn't anyone's fault that maidens were expected to be quiet, shy and softspoken to be eligible for marriage. That was just how the times were, women were considered to be below men and were expected to be submissive. None of the maidens Rudra met had phased him. Some were just after him for his wealth, some were too shy but most of them were just afraid of him. He didn't want to spend his life with someone who was afraid of him, he wanted someone who would keep up with him, someone who was fierce and would keep him in line. He wanted someone who would understand him and correct him if he was in the wrong.

Rudra had spent his entire life learning his father's trade, preparing himself to ascend the throne. He was an earnest young man who had never been distracted by any woman before. Even on some days when his companions used to visit brothels, he would stay at home either exploring his hobbies or spending time in the library. For the first time in his life, he was enthralled by a lady and he was loving it. He loved her wild and fierce nature. Even when she was standing in front of a man almost twice her size, she did not back down

He knew he was here for the other princess but what if the youngest princess was the one who caught his eye?

Mohana finally came to a halt when she neared the scenic pond surrounded by beautiful rocks and bushes. That pond, located in the back forest behind the castle had always been a getaway place for her whenever she felt down or angry. Mohana untied the string holding the heavy skirt to her waist and removed her blouse. Mohana sighed in relief as she escaped from her itchy clothes and was down to her petticoat and the cloth that bound her breasts. She released her hair from the tight bun and entered the pond. 

Rudra hid behind a tree as he watched the princess stop near the bank of a beautiful pond. His eyes widened in surprise when she started stripping down behind a bush. He quickly shut his eyes and wondered what in the word was she doing. As tempted as he was to sneak a glance, Rudra was a virtuous man. He only peaked after he heard a splash which ensured she had entered the pond.

Rudra was mesmerized by the raven haired beauty in front of him. Her tan skin glowed in the sun and her wet hair framed her delicate face, making her look like an angel. Even though all he could see was her face, he was enraptured by her beauty. He broke out of his trance when she submerged below the surface. Rudra counted down the seconds in his mind as she went under the surface. He didn't think much until after twenty seconds had passed. His concern grew when he counted past twenty five. He wondered why she wasn't coming up. A strange feeling struck his heart and he panicked thinking she was drowning. 

Rudra didn't give it much thought as he came out of his hiding place and jumped in the pool. The pond was very deep, he thought as he swam towards the bottom looking for Mohana. He was quick to find her, eyes closed, her hair floating around her. He quickly grabbed her by the waist and surfaced.

Mohana's eyes snapped open as she felt someone grabbing her by the waist. She kicked at the huge body but it was too strong. Mohana had a habit of swimming to the bottom of the pond and holding her breath for as long as she could. She wasn't trying to harm herself but it was just peaceful and made her forget her worries for a few seconds.

Mohana pushed her hair out of her face as she surfaced.

"What in the world were you thinking?!", Rudra asked angrily. "Why would you jump if you do not know how to swim? Were you trying to kill yourself?!"

Mohana's eyes scrunched in confusion as she recognized the voice and soon the face. Mohana gasped as she found herself in the arms of the handsome prince.

"Prince Rudra! What are you doing here? Did you follow me here? Oh my god I'm not proper!", Mohana exclaimed and pushed away from him when she realized she barely had any clothes.

She got out of the pond and ran behind the bush to put on her clothes. She flushed red as she put on her clothes recollecting the position she was in with the prince moments ago. Mentally preparing herself for the embarrassment, she walked out and towards the prince who was standing near the edge of the pond.

"Why were you drowning yourself?", Rudra asked her.

Mohana gave him a confused glance and said, "I wasn't drowning, I was just holding my breath underwater but that's not the point. What the hell are you doing here? Did you follow me?"

Rudra nervously looked away as she started grilling him with questions.

"I wasn't following you, I-I was just taking a stroll.", He said in a small voice.

Mohana almost laughed at how adorable and nervous he looked but she just glared at him suspiciously.

"How convenient, you just happen to be taking a stroll in this scorching heat and specifically in this part of the forest without any guards?"

"I- fine I followed you here.", He admitted guiltily.

"Why?", Mohana asked confusedly.

"I saw you walking out of the court room in tears. You seemed awfully angry and sad. I was just worried."

Mohana's heart fluttered as she heard the prince's confession. For the first time she wondered if that was how it felt to have someone worry about her aside from Avantika or Daksha. Before her heart could fly away any further, she clenched her jaw. The prince was here for his sister and besides having a lover was the last thing on her list.

She answered in a closed off manner, " Well as you can see I'm completely fine. What you saw just happened in a spur of moment. I would be grateful if you don't mention this to anyone. If we are done here, I would like to take my leave."

Rudra clenched his fists in desperation. He wanted to tell her to wait, he wanted to ask her why did she come here. He wanted to tell her how he didn't like the fact that any other man could find her in that state but all he could do was nod and watch her leave.

"Princess.", He called out.

She halted and turned her face around to look at him.

"I hope you haven't forgotten our arrangement. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

She curtly nodded and left. 

He would be out of her hair after tomorrow, thought Mohana as she walked away from him.

******

"Brother, where have you been?! You even missed out on lunch.", Akshat asked as he watched his brother enter the guest quarters, soaking wet.

The two brothers had always been very close and always shared everything with each other. Rudra filled him in on what had happened. Akshat was already aware that the woman was Mohana that day upon being informed by Rudra. 

Akshat smiled as he listened to his brother talk about the princess with so much admiration. He knew his brother was enamored of her. He was happy for Rudra. The poor boy had always been so engrossed in his duties, he deserved his happiness and if that came in the form of the Mohana, he was more than happy to accept her.

"What do you plan on doing brother? You seem to have a lot of fondness for the princess.", Akshat grinned at his brother.

"Make her my wife."

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Also let me know if you've been liking it so far :)