𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧

46⚚ Beheading

Vencie POV:

"Welcome to Kashyap's Kingdom!"

Rayan's booming voice echoed across the palace entrance as he ran toward Amaira, his excitement evident. His face was lit up like a child seeing their favorite toy after years.

His little sister is finally visiting his kingdom after so long.

Beside him stood Queen Sneha, her expression more composed but no less filled with warmth. She held her regal stance for a moment—befitting of a queen—but it crumbled the second her eyes landed on Amaira.

"Amaira!" Sneha gasped, unable to hold back any longer. She rushed forward, wrapping Amaira in a tight embrace. Amaira, taken aback for a second, smiled and hugged her just as tightly.

"Oh, how much I missed my little princess!" Sneha murmured, holding her like she never wanted to let go.

Amaira chuckled, melting into the warmth of the embrace. "I missed you too, Sneha Maa," she whispered.

A fond smile graced the face of King, Rayan's father, as he watched the scene from a distance. He was a reserved man, always quiet and composed, but his eyes held undeniable affection for Amaira.

She had been a part of this kingdom for so long, visiting often as a child. Queen Vaishali had been like a sister to him, and because of that, Amaira was nothing short of a daughter to him.

Ruhi, standing beside Amaira, smiled at the warmth of the moment, while Gaurav stood a little behind, observing everything with a calm but alert gaze.

Rayan finally reached them and playfully ruffled Amaira's hair. "You little brat! Do you know how long it's been since you last came here?!"

Amaira pouted, fixing her now-messy hair. "Bhai, I've been busy, okay?!"

Rayan scoffed, folding his arms. "Busy? You couldn't even send a message, huh?"

Sneha playfully smacked his arm. "Stop troubling her the moment she arrives!"

Amaira giggled, shaking her head at their antics. This felt like home.

As they stepped inside, Amaira couldn't help but admire how little had changed. The grand palace, with its intricate carvings and golden chandeliers, held memories of her childhood.

This was the place she ran around barefoot, the place she played hide-and-seek with Rayan, the place where Sneha Maa would spoil her with sweets.

A part of her felt comforted by the familiarity. Another part ached at how long it had been since she'd last been here.

But before she could dwell on her thoughts for too long, her phone rang, breaking the moment.

Everyone turned to her.

She blinked and quickly pulled it out, smiling nervously. "Sorry, Sneha Maa. I need to take this call."

Sneha nodded understandingly. "Of course, dear. Go ahead. Get some rest in your room afterward, alright? I already asked the maids to prepare it beforehand. We'll talk once you're well-rested."

Amaira smiled gratefully. "Thank you."

Rayan and his father had already left for kingdom affairs, so Sneha turned toward Ruhi and Gaurav. "Come, let me show you your rooms."

As they walked away, Amaira stepped aside, looking at the caller ID.

She already knew who it was before she even answered.

Her Vijulu.

***

"Babyyyy!"

The moment his voice rang through the call, a smile tugged at Amaira's lips—automatic, effortless, like breathing. It had only been half a day since she left, but she already missed him more than anything.