He reached the handler at full gallop and leaned from the saddle, one hand off the reins, his body angling out over the horse's side at a speed that made her grip the armrest, and lifted the spear from the handler's arms without the horse dropping a single stride.
He came back upright, rising slightly in the stirrups.
And then, threw.
The spear crossed the meadow and hit the target dead center. The metal ring exploded off the post.
The crowd erupted, and the drum beats grew deafening.
Yamini realized she was standing.
She had no idea when she stood up. She was standing on her feet with her hands pressed against her chest, clutching the emerald fish tightly.
Sensing Rani Suchitra’s gaze, she turned. The queen mother was watching her with a regal yet unreadable expression.
Yamini wasn’t sure if it was disapproval or something else.
Rani Suchitra said nothing. She simply turned back toward the meadow.
Yamini sat down quickly.
Meanwhile, Bharat Jogra turned the horse and rode back towards the dais.
The black horse thundered closer. But Bharat didn't slow it.
Yamini’s breath caught in her throat, wondering if he had lost control of the animal.
It was barely a few feet away when Bharat tightened the reins, and the stallion reared, front hooves high in the air.
The crowd gasped along with her.
The animal remained mid-air for a suspended moment before the hoofs landed perfectly on the ground.
And then, golden-brown eyes met hers.
The crowd was still roaring around them. She couldn't hear any of it.
He looked at her the way he always did. Intensely focused.
Yamini’s breath remained caught.
Bharat didn't get down from the horse. He simply looked at her with his intense gaze.
Yamini’s heart thudded when he reached for the ceremonial sword at his side and offered it to her.
With slightly trembling hands, Yamini reached for it.
The crowd cheered loudly.
He looked at her for a moment longer and then turned the stallion and rode to the far end of the dais. He dismounted in one clean movement and handed the reins back to the handlers.
Yamini watched in a daze while he took his sunglasses from the security head and put them back on before walking up the dais.
He sat beside her.
He didn’t look towards her or say anything.
Meanwhile, she held the ceremonial sword tightly in her hands, her face hot despite the cold mountain air.
