“But people will not support you. Even if you try to announce it, you’ll face challenges at every step,” he responded.
I turned, confused.“What do you mean?”
“I witnessed my parents declare their illicit relationship to the world, trying to be seen as a legitimate marriage. But no one accepted it. After they passed, we weren’t allowed to live in the palace; no one cared for us. We were labelled the illegitimate children,” he reasoned, and I took a sharp breath, listening intently.
“I didn’t know that,” I confessed, blinking nervously.“I mean, not to this extent.”
“It’s irrelevant whether the world is aware. What counts is that you know. Relationships accepted by society can still involve betrayal and separations. The person, unafraid of societal judgments, doesn’t care what others think. They live a life on their own terms, filled with pride because they know judgments fade with time,” he stated, prompting me to bite my lower lip.
“That’s a way of advocating fearlessness. But people of royal blood, like you, leave a legacy. Their actions shape the future and set an example for others; people remember them for it. That’s the purpose of monarchy: to uphold righteousness,” I articulated, watching a slight smile cross his face as I glanced at him over my shoulder.
“Wow, that’s impressive. You know a lot about politics,” he remarked, catching me off guard.
“Um… It’s merely my opinion. I mean...” I fumbled to find the right words.
“How much have you studied?” he asked.
My gaze dropped in embarrassment.“I studied a little in my childhood—mostly household chores, how to respect others, and such.”
The horse’s hooves thudded softly against the forest floor as I went on, tightening my fingers around the reins.“But after my husband left and my parents abandoned me, one of my sisters urged me to seek work in Mahabaleshgarh. I passed their tests and became one of Nandani’s maids. We grew close, and I shared everything with her while she studied.”
I drew a slow breath as the cool night air steadied me.“That’s when I grew curious about academics, and she welcomed it. She made me her study partner, though she was always sharper than I was. Learning the basics took time, but we read together, discussed things once I mastered reading and writing.”
I paused briefly before adding,“Nandani had a keen interest in history, politics, and war, which led to passionate debates. She cared deeply for the common folk, too, often sending me into the village to learn what never reached the king.” I lifted my gaze then.“That’s how I learned.”
He held me tighter, stating,“You know, very few truly grasp what royalty is. Most kings view it as power over people, but few understand royals are meant to serve the people.”
I nodded.“Well, that’s true, but I’m glad Ranaji understands this well. In Mahabaleshgarh, Maharani40Abhishree introduced many changes that had never happened before. And, you know, when King Ranvardhan was alive, they would engage in very heated arguments about the people and the children. Back then, no one could have guessed how much they loved each other.”
He hummed.“I miss King Rajvardhan. I first met him on Holi,” he said, and I chuckled.
“Yes, I sort of remember that,” I replied.
“Yes, it was Bhabhi-sa and Bhai-sa’s first Holi. Bhabhi-sa visited him, and that’s where I met him for the first time. He was the first king I had seen who was down-to-earth, friendly, and understanding,” he said, and I nodded.
“He was,” I agreed.“He fought for me, too. When my in-laws came to court demanding me back, he outright denied,”
“He did?” he asked, surprised.
I nodded, smiling widely.“Yes, Nandani asked him to do that. He loved both of his children very much, but everyone knew he adored Nandani more than King Abhinandan. He could yell and argue with him, but he never raised his voice at her.”
He chuckled.“That’s why she sometimes acts like a spoiled princess,”
I laughed.“She’s actually sweet,”
He kissed my cheek.“But I didn’t like it when she raised her hand to you,” and I shook my head.
“You know, she cared about me more than my actual mother ever did. Not every slap is derogatory,” I replied, and he inhaled sharply near my neck.
“Do you remember when I hid behind you during that Holi?” he asked, and I nodded timidly.
“Yes, but back then, I felt angry,” I said softly.
“Why?”
I laughed, recalling the memory.“Because I hate Holi. It feels like forced fun.”
He laughed, tightening his arm around my waist.“You’re cute sometimes,” he said, and I furrowed my brows.
