THE CURSED CHILD

A Love Born of Darkness

The palace was quiet that night, save for the soft rustle of silk as Manyta moved through the candlelit corridors. Her thoughts were heavy, swirling with confusion and defiance. She had spent an entire year fighting Udayveer—fighting his control, his affection, and most of all, her own wavering heart.

He was a contradiction. The same man who had taken her freedom now gave her the liberty to roam, learn, and even challenge him. He was dark, powerful, and ruthless, yet he would soften in her presence. It unsettled her.

As she entered their chamber, she found him seated by the window, his silhouette framed by the moonlight. He was deep in thought, his usually sharp features softened by an uncharacteristic melancholy.

"You're staring again," Udayveer said without turning around, his voice laced with amusement.

Manyta crossed her arms, refusing to let him get the upper hand. "Hard not to, when you insist on brooding like a tragic hero in a bard's tale."

He turned to face her, his smirk lighting up his face. "Do you think I look tragic, Rani sa? Or heroic?"

"Neither," she shot back, her tone dry. "I think you look insufferable."

Udayveer chuckled, standing and walking toward her with a predatory grace. "And yet, you're still here. Curious, isn't it?"

Manyta stepped back instinctively but caught herself, refusing to give him the satisfaction. "I'm here because I have no choice, Yuvraj. Don't mistake it for anything else."

He leaned in, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, but I do. You see, you could have tried to run. But you didn't. Tell me, Manyta, why is that?"

She refused to answer, her jaw tightening. He always had a way of twisting words, of drawing out feelings she didn't want to confront.

When she didn't respond, Udayveer sighed dramatically and stepped back. "Fine, keep your secrets. But know this: no matter how much you fight me, I'll always know the truth."

"And what truth is that?" she asked, her voice sharper than intended.

He tilted his head, his smirk returning. "That you feel it too—this fire between us. Deny it all you want, but it's there."

Later That Night

As the hours ticked by, the two found themselves sitting by the fire in their chamber. It had become an unspoken tradition between them—sharing the silence of the night, neither willing to retreat first.

"You're unusually quiet tonight," Udayveer said, breaking the silence.

Manyta didn't look at him. "Maybe I'm enjoying the peace. You should try it sometime."

"Peace?" He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Is that what you feel when you're near me, Manyta? Peace?"

Her cheeks warmed, but she masked it with a glare. "Annoyance, mostly."

Udayveer laughed, a low, rich sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "Ah, my fierce queen. You wound me."

"You'll survive," she muttered, rolling her eyes.

"Will I?" he countered, his tone turning serious. "You seem to think I'm indestructible, but you have no idea how much power you hold over me, Manyta."

She finally met his gaze, startled by the raw honesty in his voice. "I hold no power over you, Udayveer. You're the one who holds all the cards."