The Empress of his Heart

FORBIDDEN LOVE: FOR HER ALL SHALL BURN

Author's POV

The soft glow of lanterns bathed the grand bath chamber in a warm light, reflecting off the surface of the water that was scattered with rose petals and marigolds. Nitya sat in the expansive marble tub, her fingers idly playing with the water, and a soft sigh escaped her lips. She had spent so much time battling her emotions, trying to keep up with the weight of the situation she found herself in, thinking about this royal family and what happened in the temple today. But tonight, it felt different. There was something magical about the way the water embraced her, the flowers surrounding her, the silence that was just hers.

"Rani Sa," a girl's voice called from the other side, "The makeup artists are here. Please come soon."

It was the day of the coronation, it is the day she will become his queen infront of everyone.The thought made her chest tighten slightly, though she couldn't quite name the feeling—pride, perhaps, or the weight of responsibility. She sighed softly, tilting her head back against the edge of the tub, letting her eyes drift shut.

She could feel the warmth of the water against her skin, the soft weight of the petals sticking to her body, but she knew it was time. She wasn't just Nitya today. She was the queen of this house—Riddhaan's queen—and she had to step into that role. The thought felt surreal, like a dream, and she wondered, just for a second, if this was really happening. She was the woman Riddhaan loved, the woman who would soon stand by his side. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

Nitya took a deep breath, glancing back at the tub where petals floated lazily on the surface of the water. She brushed off the few petals that clung to her arms and shoulders, leaving behind faint traces of their soft touch. Nitya tightened the towel around her, taking a deep breath. She brushed her fingers through her wet hair, water dripping from the ends onto the floor. The title Rani Sa felt strange but powerful. She wasn't used to being treated this way, and yet, tonight, she was expected to embody that title fully.

The water embraced her like a gentle whisper, warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the storm raging in her mind. The petals swirled around her, soft against her skin, like a reminder of the beauty she was stepping into.

Her maids stood at a respectful distance, their heads bowed as they awaited her instructions. Nitya, however, waved them off with a kind yet firm gesture. She needed this moment alone. She needed to breathe before the crown settled on her head and the eyes of the every personal turned to her.

Her fingers trailed lazily through the water again, her thoughts drifting. Could she truly live up to the expectations placed upon her? Could she shoulder the responsibilities of being not just Riddhaan's wife but his queen? The questions weighed heavily, but the silence was hers alone to bear them in.

But all she knew he had hers and she would do everything for him

When the bath was complete, the maids helped her step out, wrapping her in a silken cloth embroidered with gold. Nitya moved toward the large mirror at the corner of the room, where her coronation attire awaited her. Her fingers brushed over the heavy golden lehenga, its intricate embroidery glinting as if alive.

Without hesitation, she slipped into it with care, the fabric cool against her skin at first, before settling around her curves like it was made just for her. The intricate embroidery sparkled under the light, making her look like she had stepped out of a dream.

She tightened the blouse, adjusted the skirt, and let out a steadying breath. The moment she turned, she found herself surrounded by a team of makeup artists. One began working on her hair, weaving it into an elegant bun adorned with tiny jasmine flowers. Another carefully applied her makeup, enhancing her sharp features, while a third slid delicate bangles onto her wrists, their soft jingles filling the room.