Married To The Devil

It would be a pain, but Uruvi would eventually recognize that he was the best choice for not only her but the Kuru Kingdom as well.

After all, hadn't he just saved her from humiliation by accompanying her into the jungle at an immoral hour? 

Yes, Uruvi would come to her senses, and she would eventually appreciate his concern for her... Anand smiled at his thoughts.

Uruvi and her unwanted retinue made their way toward the dense woods; the clouds above cleared to display the magnificent moonlight.

Its light trickled through and out of the dense branches. Uruvi welcomed all of the forest noises that surrounded her.

She hadn't spent much time in these woods. The previous time she was here, she was nearly struck by an arrow, and then she made love with her husband in these woods.

A soft gasp of fright brought her out of her reverie, and she rolled her eyes. 

"It is but an owl, Surili.," she whispered into her maid's ear. "Sit still. Hinto can sense your fear. The trip will go more smoothly if you just trust me."

Surili swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded her head, her sole indication to Uruvi that she would do her best to comply.

Surili was not terrified of riding a horse; she had done so hundreds of times with Uruvi.

What she was afraid of was the potential wrath of Nawab. Of what his reaction would be to the entire situation. 

"Surili is more than welcome to ride with one of my men or myself, if she is a hindrance to you, Raani-ji," Anand offered.

Uruvi scowled as she turned to face Anand, who was intruding on her personal space.

"Surili is fine wherever she is. You, however, are free to depart. I've been down this path before and don't need someone to show me the way."

"It was but an offer sweet Vi; you do not need to show jealousy."

Uruvi's eyes widened. "Jealousy? You must be joking."

Anand simply shrugged his shoulders. "What other explanation might you have for not allowing Surili the comfort and strength of strong arms to keep her safe?"

"She's safe with me. I am an excellent horsewoman, and she does not need to be in your arms!" Uruvi focused her concentration on Hinto and drove the beast forward.

The obnoxious chuckle of a cocky Prince permeated the forest, making Uruvi's heart race with rage.

She was growing tired of his laughter and the fact that he always seemed to be near her.

The only place she had sanctuary from him was in the paddock. At first, she was also free from seeing him, when she was with Nawab. 

However, he also began blatantly pounding on the door to their bedroom as well. In the pretence of wanting to talk with Nawab.

He even insisted on walking her and Surili to her bedchamber, which she was sure Nawab would frown on, but Anand claimed it was a great idea, and it was now a regular occurrence.

At least with Surili, Uruvi had declined all of his attempts.

The group of five, a much larger group than Uruvi had hoped, was now in the heart of the woods.

Eventually, they made their way through the forest and reached the brink of the river.

She slid off her mare, ignoring the look of annoyance that Anand threw at her.

She choked back a fast reaction as she watched him lift Surili from Hinto's back.

Her eyes dipped as she noticed his hands resting comfortably on her maid's hips.

"Surili," she hissed, her gaze flashing toward Anand. "She's steady; now release her," she demanded...

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Anyone else missing our Nawab? 🥺