𝐊𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐚 : 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐦 | 𝟏𝟖+

𝟐. 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒓

Dia, her 37-year-old cousin, giggles mischievously, a playful glint in her eye as she teases, "You marked her by applying sindoor, now, Rudra Ranawat, it's your turn to be marked by her."

Without hesitation, Rudra drops to his knees, the motion slow and deliberate, exuding a sense of reverence that borders on obsession. The room descends into a stunned silence, all eyes drawn to the sight of the formidable king bowing without an ounce of hesitation.

He brushes Kiara's feet lightly, the touch almost devout, before pressing his palm firmly against the ground. His eyes remain locked onto hers.

Kiara's breath catches, and she steps back slightly, she blinks, her heart pounding. This man-her husband- They haven't spoken at all since the wedding, their worlds still unfamiliar, yet his actions are anything but distant.

Rudra stays on his knees, his hand steady on the ground, his eyes locked on hers with a gaze that makes her heart race. "Let me wear your mark, not as a choice, but as the first bond I surrender to, binding me to you forever."

A hush falls over the room. Some people gasp, while others exchange stunned glances, their eyes wide in disbelief. A few are hooting, others closing their mouths in shock, witnessing the sight of the powerful King kneeling before her, offering himself so completely.

"Aap... aisa nahi kar sakte," she whispers, her voice respectful yet soft. "A king shouldn't kneel like this."

He remains still, unwavering, his gaze never leaving hers. His hand is still outstretched, waiting. "A king's worth is proven when his queen grants him the honor of bearing her mark."

Kiara feels the eyes of everyone on them, but all she can focus on is the man before her-bowing, offering his humility, his respect, and something even deeper.

Dia watches, her teasing smile fading into awe. "Well," she says softly, "what are you waiting for? Not every man kneels for his wife like this."

Kiara's eyes flicker from Dia to Rudra, her emotions tangled-uncertainty, disbelief, and something more that she can't yet name. Slowly, she shakes her head, her voice still quiet "Not like this."

Rudra remains unmoved, his stance steady, he would wait forever for her.

The silence breaks with loud shouts of encouragement.

"Go, Kiara!" Dia's voice rings out, filled with excitement. "Don't just stand there! Take this step! It's his way of showing you how much you mean to him!"

His mother calls out just as urgently, "Do it, Kiara! This is the start of something beautiful!"

The other women shout in unison, their voices full of energy and support. "Go, Kiara! Don't hold back!"

Each shout feels like a push, a wave of energy that propels her forward. The room erupts in a chorus of encouragement, and Kiara feels the weight of their words pull her into the moment.

Kiara looks down, her heart racing, and her eyes meet Rudra's. His gaze is intense, as if he's looking deep into her soul.

He softly blinks, silently urging her to take the next step.

With a deep breath, Kiara slowly raises her foot from the ground and gently places it on his hand. The room falls silent, the weight of the moment hanging in the air as their connection deepens.

Rudra lifts her foot with a reverence that is almost sacred, placing it gently on his thighs. His eyes close, as though the simple touch of her skin against him has awakened something deep within him, filling him with a sense of life he never knew he needed. He lowers his head slowly, his forehead brushing against her feet, a silent surrender, as if in that moment, he is seeking not just her blessing, but her acceptance, her permission to belong to her completely.