The Promised Queen

𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓇𝓉𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓊𝓇

I couldn't believe this.

Sneaking around the palace. On my wedding day.

It felt like something straight out of a heist movie, except instead of diamonds or priceless artifacts, I was after something far more elusive—answers. Answers from Hruday.

Nishi had insisted I throw on a jacket over my bridal blouse, claiming it was a brilliant disguise. It wasn't. 

The embroidered jacket clashed with the rich reds and golds of my wedding attire, but she grinned mischievously as she handed me a face mask.

"In case anyone asks, you're here to steal something," she said with a wink. "Which, technically, you are—your future husband's time."

So here I was, sneaking through the palace like a thief, my face partially hidden beneath the mask, my heart pounding for reasons that had nothing to do with the absurdity of the situation.

I needed to see Hruday. To confront him. To demand answers about last night and the letter he mentioned.

The letter.

What letter? What had he written that I supposedly ignored? His words had been cryptic, but the hurt in his eyes was unmistakable.

My mind refused to rest until I knew the truth.

Bhagyashree and Ishaan flanked me as we moved through the palace halls, ducking behind pillars and sneaking past unsuspecting servants. 

Each step felt like a small victory in our secret mission.

"Careful," Ishaan whispered as we approached the main corridor. His eyes darted left and right, scanning for anyone who might catch us.

We hurried down another hallway, though not without mishaps—I nearly tripped over the edge of a loose carpet, stumbling forward with a gasp, only to have Ishaan grab my arm just in time.

"Graceful as ever, I see," he muttered, smirking.

"I'm wearing heels and a saree," I shot back, narrowing my eyes. "You try it."

A few steps later, disaster struck again. Bhagyashree, ever the klutz, bumped into a small pedestal holding an ornate vase. The vase wobbled precariously, teetering on the edge.

Ishaan lunged forward, barely catching it before it crashed to the ground. He exhaled sharply, holding the vase aloft like a trophy.

"Can't take you girls anywhere," he whispered with a shake of his head.

We hurried down the corridor, but just as we reached the last turn toward Hruday's room, two servants appeared from the opposite direction.

"Ah, Ishaan bhaiya!" one of them called out, clearly recognizing him. "The musicians need your approval for the playlist."

Ishaan spluttered, caught off guard. "Uh—yes, of course! The playlist. Very important."

"And," the second servant added, "the caterers are asking about the seating arrangements."

"Oh, right, right." Ishaan nodded rapidly. "I'll handle that... right after I finish this... very important task." He glanced at me and then back at the servants. "Top secret. Can't say much."

The servants exchanged confused glances. "Top secret?"

"Yep," Ishaan said, his voice rising an octave. "Royal business. You wouldn't understand."

Before they could question him further, Nishi grabbed my hand. "Come on," she hissed, pulling me down another hallway.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the long corridor leading to Hruday's room.