One 'Hidden Secret' In The Palace

Part 25 ?? A Night of Passion & Surrender ? ??

Rajmata clenched her jaw.

“Sometimes, I wonder… maybe punishing her in childhood was a mistake. Now she’s become indispensable to the prince.”

Just then, a soft voice broke through her thoughts.

“ Pranam Rajmata. ”

Nandini stood quietly, her hands folded, eyes low.

Rajmata turned to her, frowning.

“Where were you? The prince has been calling for you since he entered the palace. How many times must I remind you not to give him a reason to complain?”

Her voice grew harsher.

“If I hadn’t made a promise to your grandmother, I would’ve had you thrown out of this palace long ago. But I always keep my word. Still, that doesn’t mean I’ll tolerate disrespect or disobedience.”

Nandini lowered her gaze, swallowing back the pain.

“You’re being raised in this palace because of my word — remember that. I won’t tolerate any more carelessness. As long as the prince is here, there should be no complaints about you. None. If Manik becomes upset… so will I. Don’t forget that.”

Rajmata turned away coldly.

“Now go. And next time — don’t make us wait.”

Nandini stood frozen for a moment… her heart aching.

But without a word, she quietly turned and walked away.

Tears shimmered in her eyes — again.

She had already lost everything.

And now… she was holding on to fragments of dignity in a palace where her presence was merely tolerated. But her soul — it still whispered Manik’s name. Even if the world didn’t care, she still did.

Nandini quietly walked away.

Her steps were hesitant, her heart heavy. She slowly made her way towards his room—Manik's room. Pausing outside the door, she took a deep breath to compose herself, steadying the storm within, then gently pushed the door open.

“Nandini! Where were you?”
Manik’s voice thundered, sharp and impatient. “I’ve been calling you again and again. Where did you disappear?!”

His angry glare made her flinch.
Fear rose in her chest.

Just outside the room, Rajmata heard his voice echo through the corridors.

"This is exactly what Nandini is good for—nothing. The day Manik refuses to assign her any task, she will have no place in this palace. We’ve kept her here only because I made a promise to her dying grandmother. But that promise won’t hold forever..."

Rajmata’s cold voice trailed off in the hallway.

Inside, Nandini’s hands trembled.

“I-I-I’m s-sorry, Yuvraj...” she stammered, lowering her eyes in shame and fear.

“Go and bring my black coffee. Now,” Manik snapped, not looking at her again.

She silently nodded and left.

---

Nandini returned moments later, carefully holding the coffee tray. Her hands still shook, her heartbeat loud in her ears.

“Y-your c-coffee, Yuvraj,” she whispered.

Manik rose from the bed and took a slow step toward her.

“Hm. Close the door,” he said calmly.

Nandini froze.

“W-why?” she asked, startled.