The Barbaric Proposition {Royal Engagement Series 1}

69. Facing Death

Darkness has covered everywhere. Other than the torch lit at the far corner there's no other source of light. The soft breathing of the person sitting on the floor was the only living thing in the darkness. Being pampered her whole life Ananti never thought that she would end up like this. She only dreamt of living a good life with her husband and children but what happened to her?

She wanted to marry a wealthy man so that she don't have to think about her later life. When her father said that entering the palace would fulfill all her desire she agreed without a second thought. Even though there wasn't any proper rituals or marriage in the process, she was sent to the palace to live in without knowing whether the man would want her or not. But she was confidant enough that once there some interaction between them then the Samrat couldn't ignore her anymore and definitely fall for her. But did that happened in the end? There were other women waiting in line already. And Samrat on the other hand never cared about their existence at all. They lived in the palace like a guest in waiting for Samrat to meet.

Being spoilt from childhood how can a desperate heart be in peace? She envied when the other two kunwaries getting the chance to meet the Samrat frequently while they had to stay behind in the corner of ShtriMahal. She also wanted some attention, wanted to do something to get Samrat's favour. She wanted Samrat to notice her too. Her dream of having a fruitful marriage life was slipping further away from her. No matter how much she tries to stop she couldn't reach there. She could only watch it slipping farther and farther until it disappeared completely.

Ananti felt her heart clenched. She raised her hand clutching her chest and closed her eyes squeezing it tightly. Maybe if she didn't agree with her father's decision would get life be different from the current one? Would she be able to live the life she wanted away from the chaos and fights of the palace?

The sudden cracking of door got her attention. Under the dim light she could see three figures are standing at door steps before it slightly moved towards her. The room filled with lights as more torche flames were brought inside. Ananti could clearly see the face of the person standing right infront of her.

"I hope you are enjoying your time" the deep voice made her startled. She has seen Samragyi before but never heard such tone. Today her expression was different from what she usually has. Today expression was telling her she is not an ordinary woman.

"If you are done staring me would you like to answer few questions of mine?" Nandini asked again. Ananti stayed silent then lowered her head showing a reluctant gesture.

"No?" Nandini didn't sound surprised. "Ah, as a kunwari you really have such attitude" Nandini stepped closer then squatted down infront of her. Grabbing her chin Nandini forced Ananti to look at her, "do you think you can play with me?"

The depth of her eyes startled Ananti all of a sudden, "I don't like dragging things for long. If you think your silence would buy you a time then I must disappoint you. Since you can't talk, I have no use for you" Nandini got up and gestured Isha something.  Isha immediately pulled a sharp sword out of nowhere before handling it to Nandini.

Nandini held the sword and brushed her slander fingers over the edge before eyeing towards Ananti. Under the torch light the sword was shining like a diamond and Ananti gulped down hardly. Her heart started to beat faster while her mind went blank.

What's happening? Why Samragyi is holding a sword and playing so effortlessly without being feared of getting hurt? She did it like it was a usual action of hers. But how does she has such sword? A normal woman wouldn't go around holding a sword like this.

"Since you are not going to talk then what's the point of letting you take breath? It's annoying me" Nandini said pointing the sword towards Ananti while keeping the tip of the blade on Ananti's neck, "ah what a sight! I haven't seen it for such a long time. A white skin being drowned in blood, just thinking about it made me excited" Nandini revealed a smile on her face. But the more she smiled, the scarier she looked in Ananti's eyes. At this moment Ananti realised something. The woman infront of her wasn't a Samragyi but a witch. The way she hold the sword so casually it's not something an ordinary woman would do. The fear of death gripped her heart.