Page 133 of A King's Oath

“You just said I can never go to Nawanagar.”

“That isafterwe are married — no returning to Nawanagar.”

“You will leave your home?”

He swallowed, his gaze panning away from her into the small window that streamed some light into this stone and wood stable.

“I cannot leave completely until Sharan is old enough to support Papa. But I anyway travel for an average of 8-10 months in a year. I can spend that time with you and only return for important events or occasions. To work where I need to.”

“And live in Paris the rest of the year?”

“I have been offered honorary citizenship by Argentina. It’s been years in the making. Their polo club has also been courting me.”

“You will leave Gir Zephyrs?”

“No. I will only accept citizenship. Far away from India, or anybody who remotely knows us as Kunwar and Kumari. A new country, new city, new people. Different from ours.”

“This is a huge decision, Samarth. Think about it. I heard all that Hukum said but…”

“Do you also agree with him?”

“Of course I agree!” She stepped up vehemently. “But I am the affected party. You can’t listen to me.”

“I want to listen to you.”

“Wanting and happening are two different things.”

“I want it to happen.”

“I know. I see it.”

His fingers came to her jaw, lightly, like a tentative feather, touching and letting go, fluttering up her jawline, up her cheek, coming to rest on the side of her face. Avantika felt her eyes fall close. His fingers shook on her skin. It was surreal. Her mouth dropped open, panting. The 4-7-8 technique was not working.

“I haven’t done this in a long time,” his breath, his voice, his vibration was closer. Close to her open mouth.

“How long?”

“Since a girl owed me a debt and did not pay back.”

Her chest caved in a sob and she fell into him as his mouth captured hers.

24. Inflation

The city centre of Arezzo was as charming as Tuscany’s sunlit rolls of hills. It was evening and the sun was mild, tilting towards the horizon. But dared if the people of Arezzo slowed!

Avantika walked down Piazza Grande, the beaming city square with sloped roads. Medieval Medici structures surrounded the square, ancient stone towers now teeming with cafes, ristorantes and luxury boutiques. It was her haven. She was a once-in-a-while-kinda shopper. But when that once-in-a-while arrived, she was a serial shopper and could put Kresha and her mother together to shame!

Her left hand heavy with bags, her right hand busy pushing the gelato cone close to her face to swipe as much as she could before it began to melt, Avantika balanced herself on her kitten heels on the cobblestone alleyway under the arched porch of a complex. Being a princess was a full-time job now, wasn’t it? Especially when one was a princess in love.

“Ouch!” She flailed as her toe caught in a groove. Before she could go lunging into the nearest pillar or shopper — whoever was unlucky enough, her arm was caught in a strong, tight hold.

“Easy,” Samarth came around to hold her bodily up. She found her balance and stared at his face, tinted with her brown glasses.

“You are early?” She smiled. “What does the MRI say?”

“There’s something in my heart.”

“Huh?”

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