"There you two are!" Minnal exclaimed, bursting onto the balcony with impish delight. "Don't tell me you're hiding from your own party?"
Devika withdrew her hand from Suryadev's, flushing. But the Maharaja's mask was already back in place, his expression once more shuttered.
"Merely catching a breath of fresh air, dear sister," he replied smoothly. "These grand affairs can be so...suffocating."
Minnal scoffed, her keen gaze missing nothing. "Well I think they're utterly dull. All those simpering maidens, paraded about like prized fillies!"
She leaned against the balcony rail, regarding the glittering scene below with unveiled disdain. "Tell me, sister, what is the purpose of us women in this world? To be sold off to the highest bidder? To bear children and keep house?"
Devika bit back a smile, knowing Minnal's biting words were meant to provoke. "Come now, traditions exist for a reason. Though I'll admit, I share your distaste for artifice."
"Artifice indeed!" Minnal cried. "I swear if I must smile and simper to one more vacant-headed nobleman, I shall scream."
Despite himself, Suryadev let out an amused huff.
"You find this funny?" Minnal rounded on him. "I speak only the truth. Women are not breeding stock, nor obedient pets."
"Peace, dear sister," Devika intervened gently. "The Maharaja means no offense."
Suryadev inclined his head. "Forgive me, Lady Minnal. Yours is a bold spirit, rare in this world." His eyes glinted with interest. "I imagine any man would be hard-pressed to tame you."
A smile tugged at Minnal's lips. "Tame me? They may try, but I assure you they will fail."
With that she swept off, leaving Devika alone once more with the enigmatic Maharaja. Their eyes met in silent understanding.
"She will change the world, your sister," Suryadev murmured.
"Or die trying," Devika said wryly.
His lips quirked. "Shall we?" He offered his arm.
Linking her hand in the crook of his elbow, Devika let him lead her back to the festivities.
But her thoughts lingered on the glimpse of his inner self she'd been privileged to witness.
A man lay beneath the Maharaja's mask, complex and vulnerable.
And try as she might, she could not stem the tide of her growing feelings for him.
YOU ARE READING
The Maharaja And I : Inspired by Bridgerton
Historical FictionA story as captivating as any inspired by the scandalous affairs of Bridgerton. The Rajmata faces a challenge: securing a Maharani for the enigmatic Maharaja Suryadev. Bazaars' and temples' gossips of Vijayanagara Empire buzz with speculation. The h...
