𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧

43⚚ Past or Present

Hey, sweets!

I know it's been a while, so I'd recommend reading the previous chapter again to get back into the flow of the story. I promise I'm healing and will be back soon—please wait for me a little longer!

Author POV:

"Vixen, how many times do I have to tell you to be careful?" Viraj scolded, his voice low but firm as he stood beside her. His posture was calm and composed, but Amaira knew better—he was fuming.

She blinked up at him innocently. "Careful about what?"

Viraj clenched his jaw, stepping closer. "Don't act clueless, Vixen. You called my name along with yours for the pooja. You've been looking at me too much. And just now, you turned to me for help instead of taking stool."

Amaira folded her arms, giving him a playful smirk. "So what, Vijulu? I always look at you. I always call your name. What's wrong with that?"

Viraj exhaled sharply, his hands twitching as if he wanted to grab her and shake some sense into her. "What's wrong is that you're being reckless. You can't keep giving people reasons to suspect us."

She tilted her head, her smirk deepening. "And why not? What if I want people to know?"

Viraj's eyes darkened, his fingers curling into fists. "Vixen," he warned, his voice dangerously low.

She pouted dramatically. "What? Are you ashamed of me?"

His expression turned into pure disbelief. "Ashamed? Vixen, if I had it my way, the whole world would know you belong to me. But right now, it's not safe!"

Amaira huffed. "So I'm just supposed to pretend? Act like my heart doesn't beat for you? Like you're just my bodyguard?"

Viraj let out a low growl, his patience wearing thin. "That is exactly what you're supposed to do! Until we figure everything out, you need to be careful."

Amaira rolled her eyes. "You're too paranoid."

Viraj took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "And you're too stubborn."

She grinned. "A perfect match, then."

Viraj groaned, rubbing his temples. "You're being a brat, baby."

Amaira giggled. "And yet, you love me."

Viraj sighed, his frustration melting just a bit as he looked at her mischievous eyes. "More than you'll ever know, Angel."

The brothers, who had been watching their playful bickering with fond smiles, just chuckled.

Seeing them like this again—teasing, bickering, being their usual selves—was the biggest relief after everything that had happened.

Amaira finally sighed, folding her arms. "We can fight later, Vijulu. Right now, help me!"

Viraj sighed dramatically. "Yes, My highness."

Everyone expected Viraj to simply lift her up in his arms, but he had his own way of doing things—his own unique way of making everything special.

Instead, he bent down and took her left foot into his hand, placing it gently on his shoulder, With his other hand, he firmly held her right foot, balancing her effortlessly as if she weighed nothing.

Amaira gasped, clutching his shoulder for support, her eyes widening in excitement. "Raj!" she squealed, feeling the unexpected yet perfect balance.

Viraj smirked up at her. "Go on, baby. Ring your bell."

Amaira giggled, loving how he always had his own way of doing things. She stretched up and rang the bell—not just once but multiple times, letting the sound echo through the temple.