Page 52 of Sumanika

“But you know about it, don’t you?” he said as I gazed at his face, leaning in closer. My cheeks flushed, and I felt suffocated, trapped in his embrace. I attempted to lean back, trying to create some distance between us, but as he drew me nearer, my weight shifted onto my toes, and my eyes widened in astonishment.

“Be a good wife to me,” he muttered.

My stomach twisted. His lips moved closer to mine. I turned my face away, trying to resist my sinful surrender.

“Ayeh,” he breathed, wrapping his other hand around my shoulder and cupping my jaw with his large hand, forcing me to meet his gaze.

My lips quivered and parted as I huffed. He drew nearer, and I could feel our breaths mingling against each other’s lips.

I couldn’t help but give in; I felt too weak to struggle. To my surprise, he kissed the tip of my nose and murmured,“I need to go for a day. I want you to keep my dagger with you.”

His words prompted me to open my eyes and regard him with furrowed brows.“Where and why?” my lips muttered, and he smiled.

“That’s like how you ought to question your husband,” he said, and I gritted my teeth a bit.

“Half husband,” I reminded him. He smirked slightly, loosened my hand, and leaned in closer, bringing his lips near my ear.

"Jitno tum ho na uske liye hum aadhe hi Kaafi hai,"

“My half is sufficient for all of you,” he said, his dagger brushing my cheek. It felt cold against my skin as he gazed into my eyes.

“It’s not serious between my fiancé and me.” Suddenly, his words shattered my world, and I stood frozen. But before I could react or ask anything, he stepped away from me, leaving me with his dagger in hand, unsure of how to deal with it.

“See you tomorrow,dinner,”

Agastya

After meeting her, I returned to my chamber. Today presented an excellent opportunity to learn about Mehrangarh’s plans. However, one thing—only one thing—filled me with terror.

I glanced at Eklavya as he waited for me.“How did it go?” he asked.

I furrowed my brow.“What?” I asked while walking with him to the entrance.

“The secret affair,” he teased, and I glared at him. However, I couldn’t help sharing.“She hates me,”

“Why?” He placed his hand on my shoulder.

I took a deep breath and looked in his direction.“Bad reputation,”

He smiled,“Interesting.”

I let out a deep sigh and mounted my horse. I didn’t mention this to anyone, but I felt I should share it with her.

“Are things getting spicier?” he inquired as he mounted his horse while I glanced his way.

“Can you tell me what spice is going on in Mehrangarh?” I redirected his question, and he chuckled. He had come here early in the morning to join our mission.

“Nothing, just the letter exchanges,” He informed.

We rode toward the famous Mehrangarh brothel. Last night, Eklavya sent me a letter informing me that the head commander of Mehrangarh would arrive tonight. I had already sent a few of my spies there.

“Agastya,” Eklavya said, catching my attention,“I don’t understand why she’s marrying you. If she loves someone else, why can’t she simply be with him?”

“Because she doesn’t have options. She can’t tell anyone about her condition, and when it comes to men, she can’t trust anyone. However, she feels safe with me,” I answered.

He furrowed his brows.“What is her condition?” he asked.

I shook my head.“I promised her I wouldn’t tell anyone,” I said. He asked,“So, she knows you’re plotting against her kingdom?”

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