"When the mind falls in love, it's temporary. When the heart falls in love, it lasts a lifetime. When the soul falls in love, it's eternal."
Ruhanika
I continued to dart a sharp look at him, refusing to budge. He seemed to think I was a child who would see this as some sort of challenge and give in.
“I don’t have to prove anything, Dev,” I stated firmly. His smirk wavered, and for a brief moment, he just looked at me, his expression shifting to something softer before he sighed aloud.
“Please, just stay here for today,” he said quietly, the vulnerability in his voice unmistakable. His uneasiness hung in the air. What has gotten into him? He seemed... different, more troubled than usual.
“But it’s not good for your reputation, Dev,” I said, my gaze sweeping over his face. “Attendees have seen us together, and rumors will spread—about us, about you.” I know no one dares question him, but he still has his dignity to uphold. I can’t bear the thought of anyone dragging him through idle gossip. He’s far too noble for that. Besides, what if the Royals hear of this? They are fiercely protective of their lineage, and they won’t take kindly to the idea of the crown prince of Magadh having a courtship with his attendee. They won’t tolerate it.
“You don’t need to worry about any of that. No one will dare say a word. And even if they do, it doesn’t matter to me. No one will ever question you while I’m alive,” he said, his voice low and reassuring, as if he could persuade me to ignore my own concerns.
“But—”
“Please, Rooh,” he interrupted, his voice more urgent now. “I don’t trust Avantika. She’s angry—furious, actually—and I know she’ll do anything to feed her pride. There’s no security outside your room, and I can’t assign any guards there because it’s in the women’s quarters. I can’t take any chances when it comes to you. Please, stay until she leaves,” he said, his voice dropping as his worry became more apparent. So this is what had been weighing on him—Avantika.
“I understand your hesitance, but I need you to trust me. You’ll be safe here, I promise. But for my peace of mind, I need to know that you’re within my sight,” he said, his olive-green eyes softening with a vulnerability that made my chest tighten. I hated seeing him like this, hated being the source of his worry. I wanted to be his strength, not his weakness. And yet, despite my own reservations, I trusted him completely.
“I don’t want people to start questioning you, Dev,” I said, still uneasy. “I know they won’t dare say anything to your face, but the rumors—”
“Let them talk,” he said with a shrug, his voice suddenly light as though the opinions of others were nothing more than background noise. “I don’t care about anyone or anything except you. Just stay here tonight,” he added, looking at me with hopeful eyes.
How could I possibly refuse him when he looked at me like that?
“Fine,” I relented with a sigh. “Only for tonight.” The things I do for this man.
His face broke into a smile, and he looked so ridiculously cute that it almost made me forget the weight of the conversation we just had.
“Thank you, Rooh,” he said, pulling me into a warm, brief hug.
“You’re welcome, Your Highness,” I replied with a dramatic flourish, trying to lighten the tension.
He chuckled at my tone, pulling back from the hug, but still keeping my hand in his.
“Let’s go,” he said, standing up and tugging me along. His grip on my hand was firm and insistent.
“But where?” I asked, puzzled.
YOU ARE READING
Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love
Random"We shouldn't play with fire, Rooh," He spoke near my ears, pecking my jawline. I was breathing erratically unable to encompass my perturbation. "What if I want to play with it?" I said, my voice sensual, subduing my thudding heart. His hand went t...
