Page 54 of Sumanika

I glanced at a mattress on the floor. A lamp hung on the wall as I sat down.

“Do you want something to drink?” she asked, and I shook my head in refusal.“I need you to do something for me,”

She smiled broadly and closed the door. I clenched my fist and looked at her, lying beside me with her elbow supporting her head.

“Of course; where have you been for three years?” she asked, and I replied, attempting to ignore her as she hiked her skirt up to her thighs.“Busy,” I said, feeling her hand brush against my arm.

“What do you mean? I heard your brother has become the King of Suryagarh. That makes you a prince now,” she said, and I looked at her with a fixed smile.

“It’s just Agastya for you, and I’m in a bit of a hurry,” I said as she stepped closer.

“What's the hurry? Kunwar Aga—”

“Shhhhh.” I quickly hushed her, not wanting her to finish. I was relishing those two words from just one person.

Her expression changed.“What’s happening?” she inquired.

I bit my lip.“The head commander of Mehrangarh is visiting this place. I want you to know how he plans to use that gray powder,” I said, and she furrowed her brow.

“Elaborate,” she requested.

I explained,“They are making gray powder, and I suspect they intend to use it in a war against Suryagarh. Therefore, I want you to find out how they will use it.” I explained, clearly not being truthful, and she nodded.

“Okay, consider it done,” she agreed.“But what about my prize?” Her tone made me gulp, and I attempted to negotiate:“Any amount.”

Chuckling softly, she shook her head.“I have plenty ofamounts.” her eyes stared intensely into mine.“How about a night?”

I knew this would happen, so I just smiled and shook my head.“No, I’m swamped right now,” I said, and he cupped my cheek, making me look at her.

“In what?” her tone was brutal.“Fucking your wife? Are you married now?” She asked. The rage and jealousy dripped her tongue.

I shook my head.“No, are you mad?” I grinned feignedly,“Not this time, but maybe another time,” and proposed.

Her jaw tightened, yet she smiled, luring me by her hand to my waist.“What about your dagger? I'm sure it’s not tired,”

“I lost it,” I replied, and she clenched her jaw.

“You lost your dagger? How is that even possible?” she asked, and I tried to avoid upsetting her, knowing she was the only one who could resolve this without complicating.

“Umm, I need your help.”

“Of course,” she replied, standing up.

“Just wait here. Is he the tall, rugged one with the long beard?” she asked, and I nodded.“Yes, that’s him,”

She walked out of the door, and I immediately palmed my face.

I am visiting this place for the very last time. I promise.

After some time, she returned. I observed her entering with two glasses in her hands. Sitting down, she passed a glass to me.

I tried denying it, shaking my head.

“It’s fruit juice,” she said, and I took it.

“What did he say?” I asked, and she sipped to rinse her mouth before me. After spitting into the corner, she spoke.“That bastard came into my mouth.”

Because of my mother, I have always had a soft spot for women in the skin business.

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