Yamini watched him turn slowly.
The kitten reached his feet and sniffed his bare ankle, tail flicking uncertainly.
For one suspended second, nothing happened.
Then he took a sharp step back.
His jaw tightened as his gaze fixed on the kitten.
“What is that animal doing here?” he asked.
Yamini slid off the bed, her heart pounding. “It’s a kitten.”
“I can see that,” he said, his voice calm but in a scary way. “Why is it here?”
She moved quickly, scooping the kitten into her arms before it could wander closer to him. “I found it outside this afternoon. It was freezing.”
His eyes flicked to the cardboard basket, then back to her. “Hasn’t the staff informed you of the palace rules?”
“They did,” she replied. “I told them it was okay.”
His expression didn’t change. But something strange settled into his gaze.
“Animals are not allowed inside the Jogra Palace,” he said.
She frowned. “Are you allergic to cats?” she asked.
“That is irrelevant.”
“That means you aren’t allergic to pets,” she said.
He didn’t deny it. “The staff will take care of it in the morning.”
She stared at him. “Take care of it, how?”
“That is not your concern.”
Her chest tightened. “You plan to have it thrown back into the freezing cold.”
There was silence.
The kitten squirmed against her chest, letting out another small mewl.
Something inside her snapped.
“You’re unbelievable,” she said, anger rushing up fast and hot. “Cold. Absolutely cold and cruel.”
His eyes remained calm. “Animals are not allowed into the palace.”
“Oh please,” she shot back. “It’s a helpless kitten, not a threat to your existence.”
“This palace functions on rules,” he said, voice low.
Yamini scoffed rudely. “Yes, I know about your precious rules, Maharaja Bharat Singh Jogra.”
He didn’t respond.
She stepped closer, cradling the kitten protectively. “The Jogra Palace is my home too. At least for the duration of our contract marriage. And I want an exception made to the pet’s rule.”
