Hearts Across Time..

23.

Chapter 23:  "Heart Weaves"

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and crimson across the sky, the remnants of the battlefield lay quiet. The echoes of clashing swords and cries of valor had faded, replaced by the soft rustling of leaves and the gentle murmur of the evening breeze. But within the palace of Ananthpuri, a different kind of chaos reigned.

Devika moved through the halls, the weight of the day pressing heavily upon her shoulders. The air was thick with the scent of healing herbs and the sounds of frantic footsteps. She had shifted from warrior to healer, treating the wounded who had survived the battle. Each life she saved was a reminder of the fragility of existence and the cost of their shared vision.

“Devika!” A voice broke through her thoughts. It was Urmila, the queen, her face etched with concern. “You need to rest. You’ve been working tirelessly since the battle ended.”

“I can’t,” Devika replied, determination fueling her words. “There are still so many who need help.”

Urmila placed a hand on her shoulder, grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions. “You’re a healer, not a miracle worker. You need to take care of yourself to help them.”

With a sigh, Devika stepped back, realizing the truth in Urmila’s words. She had pushed herself to the brink, consumed by the desire to save every life she could. “I just… I can’t help but think of all the lives that were lost.”

Urmila’s eyes softened. “You did everything you could. Your bravery today has inspired everyone in this kingdom, including your prince.”

At the mention of Rudra, Devika’s heart fluttered. She had fought alongside him, their bond strengthening with each passing moment on the battlefield. The way he had looked at her, the admiration and affection in his gaze—it sent a warmth coursing through her.

“Have you seen him?” Devika asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Urmila nodded. “He’s in the war room, discussing strategies for the future. He needs you by his side.”

The thought of being near Rudra filled Devika with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped inside. The room was filled with the faint light of oil lamps, casting flickering shadows against the walls. Maps lay sprawled across the table, marked with symbols and notes from the strategists who had gathered.

Rudra stood at the head of the table, his posture commanding, a fierce determination etched into his features. When he noticed her entrance, his expression shifted, softening as his eyes locked onto hers. “Devika,” he breathed, relief washing over him. “I was just thinking about you.”

The tension in her chest melted away as she approached him. “I’m here. I wanted to see how I could help.”

“Help?” Rudra chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’ve done enough for one day. You fought bravely, saved lives, and inspired our men. What more could I possibly ask of you?”

“The same thing I would ask of you,” Devika replied, a fire igniting within her. “We need to focus on rebuilding, on the reforms we discussed. The people of Ananthpuri are counting on us.”

His eyes sparkled with admiration, a mixture of pride and gratitude. “You are relentless, aren’t you? It’s one of the many things I admire about you.”

Heat flooded her cheeks at his compliment. “I just want to make a difference. We’ve seen too much suffering.”

Rudra stepped closer, the air between them thick with unspoken words. “I believe in us, Rudra,” she whispered, the words tumbling from her lips as if she had been holding them back for far too long.