Yamini stood just inside one of the upper galleries overlooking the courtyard.
Guests continued arriving every few minutes.
Luxury cars rolled through the palace gates. Helicopters landed on the distant pad. Security personnel escorted politicians, businessmen, and members of royal families into the palace.
Looking down at the crowd, Yamini had the distinct impression that every influential person in the country had somehow gathered at Jogra Palace.
The valley announcement had already made everything feel real.
Tonight, somehow felt even bigger.
Because tomorrow, the public would know she was the new Jogra maharani.
A familiar nervousness fluttered in her stomach.
She smoothed her palms against her silk lehenga and exhaled slowly.
The deep emerald lehenga had been chosen by Rani Suchitra. Diamonds sparkled at her ears and wrists. The emerald fish pendant rested against the base of her throat, standing out among the Jogra jewels.
Her mother had nearly cried when she saw her dressed for the evening.
The memory made Yamini smile.
Across the courtyard, she spotted her parents speaking with several guests who included royal families they had known for decades. Her father looked quite pleased. Her brother stood nearby, looking considerably more comfortable than he had during their last meeting.
She knew her father now felt that his social standing had increased considerably in royal and business circles due to his newly formed family connection with the Jogra royal house.
Her gaze drifted toward the rest of the family.
Ram Devara stood beside Sanjana, who looked beautiful in a traditional pink silk saree. Samar Keshwa and Viraj Sahom were engaged in conversation with several ministers and business leaders.
Her eyes moved instinctively toward Rani Suchitra.
The queen mother stood near the center of the courtyard, speaking with a group of guests. Deep ruby silk caught the lantern light as she moved through conversations with effortless composure.
Has she forgiven me?
Yamini still didn’t know if Rani Suchitra had forgiven her for the past. But the fact that Rani Ma had invited her mother to the palace early and spent time together for most of the day gave her hope.
Suddenly, she felt a shift in the air.
Yamini didn’t have to turn to know who was behind her. But she turned anyway, only for her breath to catch.
Bharat Jogra stood a few feet away, looking every inch a maharaja.
He wore a high-collared, black traditional Jogra attire with a heritage brooch. The design was understated compared to many of the elaborate outfits worn by the royal guests. Somehow it suited him perfectly and made him even more commanding.
His golden-brown gaze moved slowly over her, his attention lingering briefly on the emerald fish pendant before returning to her face.
“You look beautiful.”
The compliment caught her completely off guard.
For a second, she simply stared.
Bharat Jogra rarely offered compliments. Most conversations with him involved schedules, instructions, security arrangements, or one-sided arguments.
Heat rose into her cheeks.
