The Royal Contract

The palace corridors seemed longer tonight, each step echoing in the eerie silence. Meher’s mind was clouded with thoughts of Samaira, of Rajveer’s unshaken calm in the face of the revelation.

She sat by the window in their bedroom, the soft glow of the moon reflecting off her bangles as she absentmindedly twisted them. Her heart ached with uncertainty. Could she trust Rajveer’s words, or was she just another obligation in his life?

The door creaked open. Rajveer entered, his eyes dark with unreadable emotions. “You’re still awake.”

She didn’t respond, staring at the stars instead.

Rajveer exhaled. “Meher, talk to me.”

She turned, her eyes piercing into his. “What am I to you, Rajveer? A responsibility? A burden? Or… something more?”

His jaw clenched. “Why are you asking me this?”

“Because I need to know,” she whispered, voice barely above a breath.

Rajveer walked toward her, each step slow and deliberate. He knelt before her, taking her cold hands in his warm ones. “You’re my wife, Meher. The only woman who holds power over me.”

She searched his face for deception but found none. “Then why didn’t you tell me about Samaira?”

His grip tightened slightly. “Because she was never an option. You are my reality.”

Her heart wavered, but the wounds of doubt weren’t so easily healed.

A Test of Trust

The next morning, the palace was abuzz with preparations for a royal gala. Rajveer, ever the composed prince, busied himself with work while Meher found herself an unwilling part of the high-society drama unfolding in the main hall.

Samaira was still here.

“I must say, Meher,” Samaira said, her voice laced with false sweetness. “You’ve adjusted well… for someone who wasn’t meant to be here.”

Meher smiled tightly. “And yet, here I am, Rajveer’s wife.”

Samaira’s lips curled in amusement. “For now.”

Meher’s patience snapped. She stepped closer, her voice dangerously low. “You think you can shake my place in his life?”

Samaira smirked. “I don’t need to. Time will.”

Before Meher could respond, a strong arm wrapped around her waist. Rajveer.

“I see you’re making my wife feel welcome, Samaira,” he said, his voice calm but edged with warning.

Samaira’s confidence faltered. “I was just… talking.”

Rajveer’s eyes darkened. “Talk less.”

Samaira excused herself, leaving Meher stunned. Rajveer turned to her, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Don’t let her get into your head, shahzadi.”

Meher sighed. “It’s not that easy.”

He tilted her chin up, making her meet his intense gaze. “Then let me make it easier.”

And then, in front of the whole court, he kissed her.

The world blurred. Gasps and whispers filled the air, but all Meher could feel was him—his lips claiming hers, his hands anchoring her to him. When he pulled back, his voice was low but firm. “You are mine. No one else matters.”

Her breath hitched, her heart pounding. Maybe, just maybe, she could believe him.