The Monster King

Chapter 68

The ceremony concluded earlier than expected, and as they retreated to their private chambers, a palpable tension hung in the air. Reyansh shed his heavy jewellery, each piece clattering onto the ornate dressing table, a stark contrast to the weight he carried in their relationship. Kiara, feeling the heaviness of the day, swept her hair up into a bun, her fingers brushing against the strands that had once cascaded down her back. The memory of her long, flowing hair, which had always been a source of pride, tugged at her heart. She missed the way it had framed her face, a curtain of silk that had once shielded her from the world, and now it felt like a piece of herself was missing.

It had been months since Meera had departed for her grandmother's kingdom, and with each passing day, Kiara felt the absence more acutely. By her calculations, Meera was expected back next month, and she found herself eagerly anticipating their reunion, desperate for her friend's support and understanding. The loneliness weighed heavily on her, and the void left by Meera's absence deepened her resolve to navigate the tumultuous waters of her marriage alone.

As she glanced around their opulent room, Kiara couldn't shake the hatred that simmered within her for all Reyansh's past deeds. The memories of his arrogance, his cruel words, and the way he had wielded power without regard for her feelings gnawed at her. Though the throne of power had been restored to him, she was determined not to let the facade of their royal life blind her to the truth. She was waiting for the right moment to confront him, to punish him for the pain he had caused her.

Her heart ached as she thought of the impending reckoning. She was not one to shy away from confrontation, and though Reyansh wore the crown, she was silently plotting her own path toward justice. The air was thick with unspoken words, and as she turned to face him, the determination in her eyes was masked by a calm exterior.

"Are you alright?" Reyansh asked, his tone a mixture of concern and arrogance, unaware of the storm brewing within her.

Kiara offered a tight-lipped smile, brushing aside his inquiry. "Just tired from the celebrations," she replied, though the fatigue was more emotional than physical.

As she sat down on the edge of the bed, her mind raced with thoughts of their future. She would reclaim her agency, and with Meera's return, she would have the strength to confront Reyansh on her own terms.

"I'll be ready when you least expect it," she whispered to herself, the promise resonating deep within her. This was not the end; it was merely the beginning of a new chapter, one where she would no longer be overshadowed by his ambition or power.

As Kiara sat on the edge of the bed, lost in her thoughts, she felt Reyansh's presence draw near. Before she could turn to face him, his warm breath brushed against the nape of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. In a moment that should have been tender, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. But the gesture only intensified the conflict raging within her.

"Why do you seem so distant?" he murmured, his voice low and edged with frustration. He turned her slightly to face him, and as he did, his gaze fell on the scarred skin of her neck—where his name had once been tattooed. The ink was marred, the letters faded and smeared, but the mark itself was unmistakable. It was a brutal reminder of a moment in which she had taken a sword to the ink, attempting to erase the pain he had caused.

"You shouldn't have ruined this tattoo," he said, anger simmering just below the surface, his voice low and tense.

Kiara shot back, her tone equally sharp, "And you shouldn't have cut my hair." The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their shared history.

His eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and disbelief. "So, we're playing the blame game now?"

She faced him squarely, her resolve firm. "It's not a game, Reyansh. Every decision you made affected me, and I won't pretend otherwise."