𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧

30⚚ Adoration

Vencie POV:

It was already evening, and Amaira was in Daksh's restaurant, her laughter echoing in the kitchen as she worked alongside him.

Daksh, was teaching her a new recipe while the other brothers bustled around, helping in small ways—grabbing ingredients, mixing sauces, and generally trying to keep up with her enthusiasm.

Viraj and Gaurav, however, were strictly banned from the kitchen. Everyone knew they'd only manage to turn it into a disaster zone if allowed inside.

Gaurav had reluctantly agreed to sit this one out, but Viraj had sulked for a full five minutes before Amaira silenced him with her signature puppy eyes and a dramatic pout.

Now, if anyone is wondering why the brothers were indulging in such an unusual activity, the reason was simple: Amaira.

All it had taken was her adorable face and a heartfelt plea. She had told Viraj, "This might be my last day of freedom as a normal person so pleaseeee," her voice tinged with sadness.

Starting tomorrow, she would officially take on her Crown Princess duties. And under Agastya's orders, she was also taking a break from college, much to her dismay.

Though she'd managed to negotiate continuing her classes online and only attending exams in person, the thought of leaving her normal routine stung.

Viraj, of course, couldn't resist her puppy eyes. One look at her pouty lips and shimmering eyes, and he had caved completely.

Hell he will burn this world if she ask with her adorable puppy eyes.

So, That's how they had all ended up here, trying to create a night she'd remember fondly.

In the kitchen, Amaira stood at the counter, stirring a pot as Daksh watched over her with a smile. She glanced at him, her brows furrowed slightly.

"What do you think happened to Dad, Bhai?" she asked, her voice quiet but insistent.

Daksh sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that day. "Come on, Princess, stop thinking about that," he said gently. "Didn't we all agree to just enjoy ourselves today, hmm?"

Amaira pouted, her lips curving downward adorably as she glanced between him and the bubbling pot. "But I feel like something's not right, Bhai," she said softly.

Rithvik, who had been chopping vegetables nearby, stepped over and ruffled her hair affectionately. "Everything will be fine, yeah?" he said, his voice steady and reassuring. "We promise."

Amaira nodded reluctantly, though her mind was far from at ease. Internally, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was being kept from her.

From the moment she had woken up, it felt like everyone was avoiding the question she was desperate to ask: What happened to her dad?

It wasn't just their words—it was the way they brushed off the topic entirely, changing the subject with forced smiles and promises that everything is fine. But is it, really?

Even Viraj, who usually shared everything with her, had been quieter than usual.

Still, Amaira told herself that maybe they were just trying to protect her, to keep her happy during what they knew was a difficult transition for her.

She sighed and focused on the task at hand, telling herself that for tonight, she'd let it go and enjoy her time with them

Outside the kitchen, Viraj stood near the door with Gaurav, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. His eyes never strayed far from Amaira's silhouette through the glass window of the kitchen door.