The Barbaric Proposition {Royal Engagement Series 1}

81. The Lost Prince

Nandini was sitting silently in her room. It was already late night but no one could sleep at all. They are waiting for Sanchit to wake up. The tea on the table was turning cold but her mind was on something else. Just then Manik walked in and found her deep thinking staring at the darkness through the window aimlessly. He moved closer slightly frowning.

"What are you thinking?"

Nandini was startled by his question. She turned her head to look at him. Shaking her head she let out a sigh, "it's nothing. Just some random things"

Manik could catch her lies easily as he stared at her with an intense gaze, "is that so?" He nodded, "but why do I have the feeling you're so reluctant to open up a little?" He sat down beside her.

Nandini found it hard to keep her pretence. She heaved a sigh and put her words directly, "I just don't want to return back" she pursed her lips. Showing her dissatisfaction clearly on her face, "it's hard to adjust the life of cage inside the mahal"

"You don't like to live there?" Manik chuckled, "there are people who craves for such luxury and comfort. They are even ready to sacrifice anything to grab the fame. But here you are disconnecting yourself from it. It's surprising"

"I never wished for that" Nandini was quick to respond. "Nor I ever wanted to associate myself with the royals or anything that related to such term. I wanted to put myself where I could see my freedom. Not the cage where it suffocate me"

He shook his head, "let me remind you something my wife, the place you are calling is not a cage. Of course, there's some boundary, I wouldn't deny that, it was set to protect you but the way you put it in your mind is different. I never caged you, I never restricted you from doing anything you want.  You are free to do things as per your desire. You just need to make sure you don't leave evidence behind for people to track you, that's it"

Nandini was speechless. He put the things infront of her so easily. Like he was solving a mystery she was unable to. She could only stare at him as she listened more to his words.

"I have also been living in those cage. There's time I wanted to free myself but when I think of the throne, which my father and uncle secured with their lives, I couldn't choose my desire over it. This was also the reason I let Chand go around and let his life free from the responsibilities. I didn't want him to suffer in the war of court" Manik heaved a sigh but still put a slight smile on his face. He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him making her sit on his lap.

"I was alone before, half of my life went with the court matters and cleaning all the mess. I wanted someone to help me with it so that I can share my worries and express myself freely. Now that you are here I couldn't find myself to let you go.  Won't you help me?" His eyes were filled with emotions she had never seen before. Nandini couldn't find her voice to reply.

She has seen him being cold and solemn all the time. But today he let out his emotions letting her see that he also has the heart and wanted to be loved. Her mind exploded and her heart flattered. In her life only this man could pull out her soft side and she couldn't even deny it. Suddenly she couldn't hold herself back and determined. She never craved for a partner who would help her in every steps because she always believed she was enough for herself. But since he was destined she doesn't taking the help. She circled her arms around his neck with a smile.

"Then Samrat, we are sailing the same boat so let's do this together" Nandini said and Manik smirked. He kissed her tasting the flavour of her lips making her moan. His arms tightened around her waist stroking the bare skin sensually. Their kiss heated more as he pushed his tongue inside her mouth claiming for his territory. Nandini moaned again. His hand reached up to cup her breasts when someone knocked on the door before opening it.