“For generations, the House of Jogra has carried the responsibility of serving its people, protecting its legacy, and preserving its traditions.”
The guests listened attentively.
“In recent weeks, our family celebrated an important occasion.”
Her eyes moved briefly toward Bharat.
Then toward Yamini.
“My son Maharaja Bharat Singh Jogra entered into marriage.”
A murmur moved through the crowd.
Many must have already heard the rumors or speculated. But hearing it publicly confirmed was something different.
Rani Suchitra continued. “Tonight, it is my honor to formally present his wife.”
Her gaze settled on Yamini.
“Princess Yamini Gaur.”
A brief pause followed. Then came the words that still made Yamini's pulse jump.
“Maharani Yamini Singh Jogra.”
Applause erupted across the courtyard.
Yamini felt her breath catch.
For weeks, a part of her still believed that the marriage wasn’t real. But now, hearing those words spoken aloud somehow made everything feel real.
Yamini pressed her palms together and bowed respectfully as the applause continued.
Beside her, Bharat remained composed.
But she felt his thumb shift slightly against her waist.
The smallest movement. The gesture made her pulse jump, but steadied her in a strange way.
The receiving line formed almost immediately afterward.
One guest after another stepped forward—politicians, business leaders, royal families.
Bharat acknowledged each person with the same regal nod. And she followed his lead as best she could with a smile pasted on her lips.
Thankfully, years of attending royal functions during childhood made the process familiar.
At one point, Pooja appeared, her face brimming with excitement.
Yamini smiled. This time, her smile was genuine.
“Congratulations,” Pooja said.
Bharat acknowledged with a brief nod.
Pooja then looked at her. “You look incredible, maharani,” she said.
Yamini knew her friend was happy and excited for her.
