The Maharaja And I : Inspired by Bridgerton

Propriety Be Damned

The flickering flames of the oil lamps cast a warm glow across the intricately carved stone walls of the ancient temple. Devika stood before the statue of Lord Shiva, her hands clasped in reverent prayer, the sweet fragrance of incense caressing her senses. Lost in her devotions, she startled at the sound of approaching footsteps echoing against the polished floor.

Suryadev emerged from the shadows, his chiseled features illuminated by the dancing firelight. Their eyes met, a flash of surprise and unspoken longing passing between them.

"Your Highness," Devika greeted with a coy smile, dipping into a graceful namaste. "I did not expect to find you here at this late hour."

Suryadev's gaze smoldered as it traveled the curves of her body draped in shimmering emerald silk. "The gods work in mysterious ways, Lady Devika. Perhaps they sensed my ...fervent desire for divine inspiration tonight."

She arched a delicate brow. "And have you found the *inspiration* you seek, my lord?" Her voice dripped with playful innuendo.

He stepped closer, his presence commanding yet alluring. "I believe I am looking upon her now. Although I fear mere mortal words pale in comparison to poetry composed by the devas themselves."

Devika felt her breath hitch and cheeks flush at his bold flirtation. The charged air practically crackled between them. "Be careful, Your Majesty. Some say flowery words from a silken tongue disguise a serpent's bite."

"Ah, but you are no naive maiden." His fingertips ghosted along her bare forearm, igniting sparks in their wake. "I sense the tempest lurking beneath still waters. The shakti coiled within, begging for release..."

"We dance a dangerous dance," Devika whispered, pulse quickening under his feather-light touch. "The palace walls have eyes and ears."

"Then let them feast upon our passion," Suryadev growled, capturing her lips in a searing kiss that left her weak in the knees. Devika surrendered to the hunger of his embrace, tangling her fingers in his raven hair, propriety be damned.

Suryadev's tongue traced the shell of her ear and moved down to her neck, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine.

Devika moaned softly as he nipped at her earlobe, his body pressing her against the cool stone wall behind her.

The flickering flames of the oil lamps cast a seductive glow across the intricately carved statues around them; they kissed deeply, lost in their passionate embrace.

Their clothes were in tatters on the temple floor while they made love against the ancient statues that were carved perhaps centuries before.

The scent of sandalwood and musk from the incense sticks mixed with their sweat and desire, creating an intoxicating perfume.

"Oh god," she whispered breathlessly between kisses.

"Oh, you already are", he growled back, his hands traveling over every inch of her body with possession.

His fingers moved lower, and with one smooth move, he slid into her, filling her completely as he began to take slow but powerful strokes.

She gasped at the sensation that consumed her whole being as he pinned her against the wall - she felt both powerless and wanting more of him at once.

Suryadev's hips crashed into hers sharply while his teeth grazed along her jawline leaving marks that would later turn into bruises she would cherish.

He bit down softly on her lower lip when she came calling out his name in ecstasy. His eyes were hooded with lust as he looked into hers - eyes mirroring each other's emotions - raw desire and lust taking over any sense that was left between them.The flickering flames of the oil lamps cast a warm glow across the intricately carved stone walls of the ancient temple. Devika stood before the statue of Lord Shiva, her hands clasped in reverent prayer, the sweet fragrance of incense caressing her senses. Lost in her devotions, she startled at the sound of approaching footsteps echoing against the polished floor.

Suryadev emerged from the shadows, his chiseled features illuminated by the dancing firelight. Their eyes met, a flash of surprise and unspoken longing passing between them.

"Your Highness," Devika greeted with a coy smile, dipping into a graceful namaste. "I did not expect to find you here at this late hour."

Suryadev's gaze smoldered as it traveled the curves of her body draped in shimmering emerald silk. 

"The gods work in mysterious ways, Lady Devika. Perhaps they sensed my ...fervent desire for divine inspiration tonight."

She arched a delicate brow. "And have you found the *inspiration* you seek, my lord?" Her voice dripped with playful innuendo.

He stepped closer, his presence commanding yet alluring. "I believe I am looking upon her now. Although I fear mere mortal words pale in comparison to poetry composed by the devas themselves."

Devika felt her breath hitch and cheeks flush at his bold flirtation. The charged air practically crackled between them. "Be careful, Your Majesty. Some say flowery words from a silken tongue disguise a serpent's bite."

"Ah, but you are no naive maiden." His fingertips ghosted along her bare forearm, igniting sparks in their wake. "I sense the tempest lurking beneath still waters. The shakti coiled within, begging for release..."

"We dance a dangerous dance," Devika whispered, pulse quickening under his feather-light touch. "The palace walls have eyes and ears."

"Then let them feast upon our passion," Suryadev growled, capturing her lips in a searing kiss that left her weak in the knees. Devika surrendered to the hunger of his embrace, tangling her fingers in his raven hair, propriety be damned.

Suryadev's tongue traced the shell of her ear and moved down to her neck, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine.

Devika moaned softly as he nipped at her earlobe, his body pressing her against the cool stone wall behind her.

The flickering flames of the oil lamps cast a seductive glow across the intricately carved statues around them; they kissed deeply, lost in their passionate embrace.

Their clothes were in tatters on the temple floor while they made love against the ancient statues that were carved perhaps centuries before.

The scent of sandalwood and musk from the incense sticks mixed with their sweat and desire, creating an intoxicating perfume.

"Oh god," she whispered breathlessly between kisses.

"Oh, you already are", he growled back, his hands travelling over every inch of her body with possession.

His fingers moved lower, and with one smooth move, he slid into her, conquering her as he began to take slow but powerful strokes.

She gasped at the sensation that consumed her whole being as he pinned her against the wall - she felt both powerless and wanting more of him at once.

Suryadev's hips crashed into hers sharply while his teeth grazed along her jawline leaving marks that would later turn into bruises she would cherish.

He bit down softly on her lower lip when she came calling out his name in ecstasy. His eyes were hooded with lust as he looked into hers - eyes mirroring each other's emotions - raw desire and lust taking over any sense that was left between them. 

*****

Suryadev bolted upright in bed, heart thundering against his ribcage, the vivid sensations of the dream still clinging to his skin. He could almost taste Devika's jasmine-scented lips, feel the scorching heat of her body pressed against his.

Scrubbing a hand down his face, he exhaled shakily. These nocturnal fantasies were becoming more frequent, more intense. The proud Maharaja found himself utterly consumed by thoughts of the fiery noblewoman.

This went beyond mere physical attraction, raged like an unstoppable inferno that threatened to engulf his very soul. He ached to possess her, cherish her, unlock the mysteries contained within those fathomless eyes...

Suryadev released a frustrated groan, falling back against the silk pillows in defeat. Despite his notorious self-discipline, he was powerless to stop the onslaught of emotions Devika evoked in him - a thrilling yet terrifying realization for a man who prized control above all.

Sleep eluded him for the rest of the night as he wrestled with his awakening heart and clawing lust. One thing was certain: the Lady Devika would be his undoing...and his salvation. Come hell or high water, Suryadev vowed to make her his Queen.