A startled gasp escaped her as she wobbled, her balance gone. Before she could fall, his long fingers gripped her forearm, steady and unyielding.
She looked up, shocked.
His sunglasses were still on, his expression unreadable, but his hold was firm.
“I’m fine,” she said, heat rushing to her cheeks.
Then her heel slipped again.
The ground rushed up to her when a muscular arm came around her back, the other under her knees, and suddenly she was lifted off the ground.
Yamini froze.
He carried her as if she weighed nothing, his stride unbroken as he turned toward the palace entrance. He didn't look at her while he carried her. His gaze was fixed ahead, navigating the path with focus.
The guards snapped to attention, their gazes carefully neutral, as though the Jogra maharaja carrying his newlywed bride were the most natural thing in the world.
She knew it wasn’t.
Her heart pounded wildly as she stared at the strong line of his jaw, the rise and fall of his chest beneath his coat. This was the first time he had touched her since the wedding. Really touched her.
She didn’t know what unsettled her more. The ease with which he held her or the fact that he said nothing while doing it.
“I can walk,” she murmured again.
He didn’t put her down.
The palace doors opened, and warmth rushed over her skin as they stepped inside. The contrast was startling. Thick rugs underfoot, golden light from chandeliers, the scent of pine and incense in the air.
Bharat carried her through the entrance hall and set her down only once they were fully inside.
The moment her feet touched the floor, he stepped back.
Just like that, the distance returned.
Yamini steadied herself, her pulse still racing, her body oddly aware of the absence of his arms.
“I have an important meeting tonight,” Bharat said, adjusting his cuff. “It may go on until midnight.”
“Uh… okay.”
“You will have dinner without me,” he continued. “The staff will see to everything you need.”
The words were polite and formal.
A part of her wanted to demand answers. But she felt mentally exhausted from the day and the unpredictable events.
Maybe some time alone would help her prepare to face him later on with questions.
“I’ll have someone show you to your room.”
Their bedroom.
Her pulse sped.
A group of palace maids approached, bowing respectfully. Bharat nodded once, already turning away.
Yamini watched him go before she turned towards the maids.
