𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢

9. Accident

Author's POV

The Next Day -

"Best of luck, puttar! I know you're going to rock it!" Shrayn's family cheered, their faces glowing with pride.

"Of course! And thank you, my cudiesssss!" Shrayn beamed, on the video call last time after rushing toward the door. "Okay, bye! Imma goin' or I'll be late!"

Dressed in her racing suit, she looked bold, fierce, and undeniably breathtaking. Confidence radiated from her, her every step screaming power.

As she reached the dining hall, a deep, commanding voice stopped her in her tracks.

"It doesn't suit the queen to be late for her own battlefield, Sardarni."

Arthur.

Sitting at the head of the table like he owned the world-well, technically, he did. His intense gaze locked onto her, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

"Aapse matlab?" Shrayn shot back sharply, crossing her arms.

Arthur chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Jiii, aapse hi toh sab matlab hai." His voice was slow, teasing, yet dripping with something deeper.

"Ummh... Ummh..." Naveer and Arshi wiggled their eyebrows at the exchange, making Shrayn roll her eyes.

"He's a dumbo. Don't take it the wrong way. And no way he and me-baba ill!" She scoffed dramatically.

Arthur leaned back in his chair, biting his lower lip to suppress a chuckle. "Who knows? 'Me' and 'who' might just turn into 'you and me' someday..."

Shrayn shot him a death glare. "Shut up, yaar. Pehla raja dekha hai jo itni bakwaas karta hai!"

Arthur raised a brow. "Oh? And how many kings have you seen in your entire 24 years of life, Sardarni?"

"I-uhh..." She stammered.

"Bol bhi do ab." His smirk deepened, eyes glinting with victory.

Shrayn groaned, turning on her heels. "Forget it. I'm leaving!"

"Wait, your royal highness," Arthur called out, signaling a maid to bring something.

Shrayn frowned as the maid returned with a bowl of curd and sugar.

Arthur took the bowl from her ha up a spoonful, holding it out toward Shrayn.

"Eat." His voice was firm yet oddly gentle.

Shrayn narrowed her eyes. "Kya hai yeh?"

Arthur smirked. "Kha lijiye. Jehar nahi hai. Our culture believes it brings good luck."

Shrayn huffed but leaned in, taking a small bite. The sweetness melted on her tongue.

Arthur watched as Shrayn scooped a spoonful of curd and sugar into her mouth, her brows furrowing in curiosity.

"You're acting all nice... should I be worried?" she asked, chewing slowly.

Arthur smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Just being a good host, Sardarni. Wouldn't want you to lose today and blame me for bad luck."

Shrayn narrowed her eyes, swallowing the bite. "I don't need luck to win."

Arthur tilted his head, his gaze darkening just slightly. "We'll see."

A challenge.

She didn't like it.

No, scratch that-she hated it.

Gritting her teeth, she turned on her heel and stormed off. But just as she reached the door, his voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Should I drop you off, Sardarni?"