69 ways To Fall In Love: Saanvi [Book I]

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The next day, Kundan waited near the mighty Royal Gates with two horses reined near him. "I figured this could make our journey easier."

"Thank you, Kundan. Now, one final check of our luggages then we set off," Laasya said.

The walk to the jungle took most of their day, so they decided to camp there for the night. None of them spoke a lot, which Saanvi didn't expect from either of them. The night was cold, accompanied by a drizzle. Their fire threatened to go out any second. As if feeling the tension in the air, Kundan spoke up, "So, you both have been friends since childhood?"

"Yes, we are. We pretty much grew up together and trained together. Later, she joined the Abhijaat Varg, but I have no other option than to take up my duties as the next Queen, " Saanvi spoke, staring off into the space in front of her.

Besides her, Laasya commented, "You almost say that getting to rule a nation is a bad thing. Many wish that they had gotten the opportunity you have. "

"I, for a fact, know a lot of people who wish they had never gotten any of these opportunities." Kundan seemed shocked at what he just said and quickly added, "What I mean is that knowing that one day millions of people's lives will fall on you can be stressful."

This man barely knew anything about the royal duties, yet he had worded out Saanvi's exact thoughts. She couldn't help but be both curious and impressed. Instead, she just said, "You may call me Saanvi for the time we are on this mission."

The fire illuminated Kundan's face, and for the first time, Saanvi noticed a scar just above his eyebrows. The shaggy hair that usually covered his forehead was now swept back a little. She had seen enough sword marks to know that the one on his forehead was from the same weapon. She decided not to pry further, but this man had started to peak her interest in a lot of ways.

"I will take the first nightwatch shift. Both of you get some rest," Laasya said.

No one complained and left a silence looming over them.

The day after, they put off the fire and removed any traces of their having been there. The farther they went into the jungle, the denser and more difficult to navigate it got. Laasya led the way, being all 'highly qualified and all'. They stopped by a creek to get some rest when Kundan had the genius idea of telling them that he could make a raft. Without a doubt, everyone agreed, and soon enough, a lot of energy was saved.

"Saanvi, if we throw you into the water right now, no one will be able to find you and we can just tell everyone that you got lost," Laasya announced with a mischievous grin. There comes the bastard from inside of her. It had to show up sooner or later.

"I'd rather we throw you into the water and tell everyone that you just got lost."

"Oh please, I am too chad for that." The smirk was not off her face yet. One thing to know about Laasya is that once it has started, it won't be going down easily.

"Ladies, I think I would rather hurl myself into the river and then tell everyone that I got lost just to get your attention," Kundan said, which made Laasya let out a snort.

"I like this guy," Saanvi said.

"Oh! So you like me? Am I growing on you now?" He teasingly wiggled his eyebrows. Saanvi was regretting a lot of things recently. The color rose in her cheeks as she hit him lightly.

"I see a bhaang can! We must stop now!" Kundan wailed.

Saanvi retorted, "We. Are. Not. Stopping. For. Bhaang!"

"You don't know pure intoxication, bébe!"

"What kind of word is that even?! Besides, getting intoxicated on a mission is not very smart. "

"It will be dark soon. If there is a bar nearby, we can get proper rest, but, getting wasted is a no from me too," Laasya said, and this was the first time Saanvi noticed how quiet she had been for the rest of the day. Saanvi figured that she might just have been tired and agreed to the bar idea.

Following the cans, they located the bar. It didn't take long for Kundan to pass out, drunk. Laasya barely touched a drink and just went into her booked room, shutting the door. Something felt off about her. She was not giving her usual cheery vibes. Saanvi decided to lurk in the bar a little longer. She had found a new means of entertainment by watching all the drunk people. Two fully grown men, to be specific. Not to be a pervert or anything, but she was shipping them hard. At their table sat another lady who, Saanvi was sure, shared the same thoughts as her.