Page 123 of Sumanika

She gulped silently and nervously, nodding a little. "A little," she admitted, and I chuckled, helping her stand up immediately.

"Okay, then let's go," I said, and she widened her eyes. "What about the fire?"

She asked, and I replied, taking her to the Ashwait. "It will keep the wild animals away from here."

She giggled, and I quickly helped her tie a turban around her hair bun. She swiftly fashioned the turban and applied the fake mustache.

We both dashed toward the crowded area of the nearby Kingdom where this facility was available. Since it was late at night, the market would be closed.

After a while, we reached our destination, and I secured Ashwait away from the old palace.

"What is this place?" she asked. I took her hand and led her inside.

"Remember, you cannot speak," I reminded her as I guided her through the busy crowd toward an oldhaveli.

I sensed her slight nervousness through her hand, but the way her eyes scanned the crowd and the late-night market showed her curiosity.

"This way," I said, guiding her down a narrow lane toward the back door of the Haveli and knocking on the wooden door.

She looked at me, and I smiled at her flushed cheeks.

"Who is this?" a manly voice caught our attention as the door opened.

"Is Dance Under Moon open?" I asked slowly, and he scanned us briefly before nodding.

"Yes," he replied, then asked, "What is your name?"

"Bhan Singh," I said, watching his gaze shift to her. "This is Eklavya. She can't speak and is getting married next month, you know," I added with a smirk, and he chuckled.

"All right," he welcomed us, and I noticed her taking in the decorations and lighting of the place. This was a well-hidden spot in the Kingdom, accessible only to princes and individuals from wealthy territories.

I saw her eyes widen, noticing the women mingling with men.

"Public or private?" he asked, turning back to me, and I looked at her and muttered, "Private. No disturbances, dim lighting, and some food." He nodded before guiding us to the third floor of the Haveli.

He opened the door for us, letting us inside a vast room adorned with red carpets, curtains, and a stage surrounded by fire torches attached to stands. There was a couch with minimal lighting, meaning the performers would overlook the audience.

"You two wait here," he instructed. We walked toward the couch as he drew the curtains, leaving a two-foot gap to let us watch.

"They’ll be here in a few moments," he said, and I noticed a few attendees entering with dry fruits and peanuts to snack on.

"Thank you," I said softly, dismissing them.

"Is this a brothel?" she asked in a low voice once they left, and I shook my head.

"No, it’s not a brothel. Sex for money is prohibited here. It’s only for entertainment and educational purposes. Young princes come here for grooming, you know," I explained slowly, and she nodded.

"Oh,"

"Are you okay?" I asked, leaning back against the couch and pulling her closer so her head rested on my chest. She hesitated for a moment but then relaxed.

"Yes, just feeling different," she said, and I watched as the performers entered the room and locked the door behind them.

Suman

I watched two people enter the dimly lit, warm room. The sudden change of plans caused my heartbeat to drop. I felt his fingers gently feathering the back of my hand, and I couldn’t help but move closer to him as he wrapped his shawl around me.

"Are you comfortable?" he asked softly, whispering into my ear. I nodded slightly.

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