The Obsession

Chapter 30

Maanvika sat in the dimly lit chamber, her mind a thousand miles away. She was lost in thought, reminiscing about her times with Veer. Memories of their open combat training sessions flooded her mind, and she couldn't help but faint tear when she smile.

One particular memory flashed before her eyes ,Veer scolding her coping the move of one she fight with , her seeing him scolding her for the habit everytime she laugh and he stunned at her laughter not apologize. She recalled the way his eyes crinkled at the corners, the way he gave up to scold her on copying opponent fighting style. Her heart ached when she felt the void.

Just as she was getting lost in the memory, a soft voice broke the spell.

"My lady?"Maanvika's gaze snapped back to the present, and she saw Jaanvi standing before her, Maanvika surprise etched on her face.

Maanvika's emotions surged, and she smile she amazed by her being here when she had left her back in Chancellor residence"Jaanvi"

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she held her hand, feeling a mix of sadness, longing, and comfort. Jaanvi smiled at her back, whispering soothing words in her ear.
"Chancellor ask chief guard and he let me in, my lady. I'm here for you."

Maanvika held on tight, letting Jaanvi's familiar face and presence calm her racing heart. For a moment, she forgot about the impending marriage, the king's demands, and the harem's constraints. All she felt was the comfort the ache of lost homesickness.

Maanvika patted the cushion beside her, inviting Jaanvi to sit. "How's my brother? How's his condition?"

Jaanvi sat down, her expression serious. "He's recovering, but still unconscious. The physician says it will take time before he fully heals."Maanvika nodded, concern etched on her face.

Jaanvi noticed her distress and asked, "My lady, what's wrong? You look like you've suffered. Why are you like this? This is a beautiful place, and you're going to be part of the royal family. You should be happy."

Maanvika shook a hint of bitterness in her voice. "Happy? You think I should be happy,when i m in cage ,capture like a prisoner,just like how you feel when you were slave i feel same?"

Jaanvi looked taken aback, and Maanvika pinched her cheeks playfully. "I'm sorry, Jaanvi. I...don't want to hurt you but this is how I feel."

Jaanvi's expression softened. "I brought your belongings, and Chancellor gave you wedding gifts he said you are his only daughter. Your mother asked me to tell you she's sorry and that she really cares for you. She wants you to be happy and make her proud by being part of the royal family she asked if you became queen later favour your brother and father,to tell you she cry later when you left."

Maanvika's eyes welled up with tears as she took the gifts and belongings from Jaanvi. She felt a her chest heavy and weight sadness, gratitude, and longing. She put her hand on Jaanvi's hand, whispering"Thank you, Jaanvi. You're my only one in this place."

Jaanvi smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Chancellor told me to take care of you well. You know my lord Dharya once told me to never leave you alone, only then will I be worth the money he spent to buy my freedom."

Maanvika's sobs chuckling, and Jaanvi laughed. "My lady, I'm here for you, don't cry."

They look when an old lady with rows of maid appeared before them as she approached the chamber. The lady introduced herself as "i m queen Dowager personal maid, the household management maid, sent by Queen Dowager herself."

Her expression was stern, but her eyes held authority "his majesty told he will the arrangement of the marriage himself you are the royal bride so know the producers and process. You will undergo a series of tests to determine your suitability for the position."