𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧

70⚚ A Queen

The entire Rajvanshi Kingdom was a vision straight out of a royal dream.

Every street was drenched in vibrant silks and fresh marigolds, every rooftop glittered with golden drapes that danced in the wind, and every village echoed with the sound of dhols, shehnais, and joyous laughter.

Lamps floated in lotus-shaped bowls across the lakes, and flower petals rained down from balconies as dancers twirled in traditional attire, their anklets chiming with every graceful step.

The air was thick with the aroma of sweets being distributed in abundance—laddoos, jalebis, and kheer served with warmth and pride to every single citizen.

It was, after all, their beloved Princess Amaira's wedding.

The entire kingdom had been invited—no one was left out. From nobles to commoners, every person held a smile on their face and pride in their hearts.

It wasn't just a wedding—it was history in the making.

The angelic princess of Rajvanshi and the most feared, long-lost royal prince of Kshatriya were to be wed. And the world watched with breath held and hearts full.

Agastya personally ensured that every tiny detail was perfect. It was his only sister's wedding—and no one would dare forget that.

The guest list sparkled with royalty. Kings, queens, crowned princes, and jeweled princesses from all neighboring kingdoms had arrived, their carriages gilded in silver and horses adorned in emerald-threaded tack.

Royal flags swayed in the breeze as whispers spread like wildfire, "The feared Prince of Kshatriya... Viraj himself... is the groom?"

Every pair of eyes was eager, curious, desperate to catch a glimpse of the couple who had rewritten destiny.

But inside the princess's palace, the mood was rather... pouty.

"Babe, come on! Don't sulk... you'll see him in just a few hours," Ruhi said with a laugh, trying to coax Amaira out of her moody cloud.

Amaira sat cross-legged on her bed, arms folded, lower lip jutting out in the biggest pout Ruhi had ever seen. "Ruhiiii," she whined dramatically, "I haven't seen him since yesterday! I've never stayed away from him this long!" She pointed indignantly to her belly.

"Look, little bean misses their Dada too!"

Ruhi let out an affectionate coo, crouching beside her best friend. "You little cutie," she whispered to the bump, "your Dada is going to cry when he sees your Mama today. But sweetheart," she looked back at Amaira, "it's tradition. It's a bad omen to see your groom before the wedding. That's why the entire kingdom has made sure Viraj stays far, far away from here. Just a few more hours, Amaira. Come on, let's get you ready for your big day."

Amaira huffed, resting her hand on her belly protectively, her heart aching in the most bittersweet way. "A few hours feel like forever without him," she whispered.

Ruhi smiled softly, brushing her fingers through Amaira's hair. "And yet, Your forever starts tonight."

As Amaira got down from her bed, a knock interrupted the moment.

"Come in," she called, and the door instantly burst open.

Her eyes lit up like the morning sun. "Sneha maaa!" she squealed, dashing forward.

"Awww, my baby!" Sneha laughed, wrapping her in a warm hug and gently caressing the baby bump. "How are you, my little angel?" she asked softly, eyes brimming with affection.

Amaira giggled, the joy radiating from her face. "I've never been this happy, Sneha maa. Never."

Sneha hummed with a smile. "I can see that glow on your face, princess."