Page 5 of A Royal Deception

“But… why?” I asked in confusion. “Is there something I can do for you, Yuvarani Sa?”

She shook her head with a smile.

“I just want to get to know you better.”

“Me?” I asked suspiciously.

She nodded before she walked away to meet the person who had called out to her.

I shrugged off the odd conversation and looked around, trying to keep my eyes off the couple who was still being photographed. But as if pulled by a magnet, my eyes wandered back to His Highness, and I felt a pang in my chest when I saw him staring into Kavya Baisa’s eyes.

I wanted to look away, but I forced myself to keep looking at them because I wanted my heart to understand once and for all that this man was promised to another woman. I had no right to lust after him, even from a distance.

Someone cleared their throat next to me, and I was jerked out of my reverie. It was the creepy-looking man who had been trying to get friendly with me earlier. His Highness’s cousin, Prince Sangram Singh.

“Khamma ghani, Hukum,” I murmured, taking a discreet step away from him, but the pest came even closer. His elaichi-scented breath wafted over my face as he leaned forward, making me gag.

“The Rani Ma has given a few more presents for Kavya Bhabhi Sa’s extended family. Will you help me distribute them, Shivina?”

It wasn’t what he said. It was the way he said it that made me uncomfortable. Still, I had no choice but to do as he said. Rani Sa would be furious if she found out I had refused to help her Jamai Sa’s cousin just because he gave me the icks.

“Of course, Hukum,” I replied, forcing a smile.

“They are in one of the spare bedrooms down that corridor,” he said with a grin, and again, I wanted to throw up because every fibre in my being told me not to go into an empty bedroom with this man.

“If you just tell me where it is, I’ll find it, Hukum,” I said feebly.

“No, no! I have to show you. Come along now,” he insisted, leading me indoors.

I cast one desperate look back at the guests, wondering why no one had noticed this happening right under their noses. I couldn’t raise my voice and refuse to go with him because that would humiliate the Mirpur family, but there was no way I was going to let this motherfucker molest me, I decided.

The corridor was empty because all the guests were outside on the terrace. I didn’t even see any staff hanging about. Just my luck, I thought despairingly. I’d give anything to see another human being right now. Even a chance burglar trying to get his hands on some of the family’s jewellery. But we didn’t bump into a single soul.

“I’ll take it from here, Hukum,” I said, trying my luck one last time.

“Oh no! I couldn’t allow you to wander around all alone. It’s a huge palace, and you could get lost for days,” he replied unctuously.

Sangram pushed open the door to a bedroom with a quick look around and gestured for me to enter.

“The stuff is right there on the big table, with a list of recipients. You need to distribute those presents carefully,” he said.

I knew there were no presents, but I couldn’t say so without insulting him, so I entered the room reluctantly. As expected, the room was empty save for the trays of sweets piled on the big table, ready to be distributed among the guests after the ring ceremony.

“There’s nothing here,” I said and turned to leave, but he barred my way.

“What’s your hurry?” he asked with a laugh that sent shivers up my spine.

“I think I can hear my Rani Sa calling me, Hukum,” I said shakily. “I must go.”

“I don’t hear anything,” he replied, with a shrug, reaching out to place his arm around my shoulders.

“Don’t touch me, Hukum. Or I’ll call for help,” I threatened, backing away.

A sly light came into his eyes.

“And what’s that going to achieve? You know you’ll only get into trouble with your Rani Sa. Come on, now. I’m just being friendly.”

“I don’t want to be friends with you,” I spat. “Let me leave before I scream the place down.”

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