#jvas

Bijjaladeva stormed out of the palace, as fast as his legs could carry him. It had been eight whole months since he had seen his son, and he slowly went insane in the huge palace by himself. Kattappa governed the empire on Bhalla’s behalf, adding insult to his father’s injury. Now that his son had finally returned to him, he could be happy. 

Or so he had thought.

Bhalla returned to Mahishmati with his fully pregnant wife, her best friend’s words from six months ago ringing in his ears. 

Devasena stood a few metres away from Bhalla, her grip on her sword steel-like. “She needs to be at Sundarsi right now, and you know that. Why did you bring her here?” “Because she needs her best friend more.” Bhalla stared ahead, watching the small kingdom. 

“Kuntala looks like it has recovered.” Devasena scoffed at his remark and glared at him. “No thanks to you.” Silence settled as her eyes softened slowly. “You can keep her here however long you wish to, but she needs to be at her home to be truly happy. To be safe. Or her child-”

“I can’t take her to Sundarsi, that will alert my father of our whereabouts immediately. I wish to be away from him, for their sake. He would kill them both if we go now. She’s safest here, away from my father’s evil intent.”

He sighed, turning to Devasena. “I need to protect her, and the one coming to us soon. So think of this as me trying to be a good husband.” Devasena kept staring at him, her eyes cold, and she turned to leave. She paused, her back to him. “You need to go to Sundarsi for your wife, though. Her child needs to be born there, and you know that.” Bhalla huffed, nodding. 

“I do know what they both need, but for now, let us stay here until the time is right.”

Bijjaladeva froze the minute Aarya set foot into the palace, his eyes bulging out as he stared at her pregnant body, tears filling his eyes as he turned to look at Bhalla, his lips wobbling as he raised a shaky finger up at his son. “What have you done?” He cried, horrified and disgusted. Bhalla stared coldly at his father as Aarya dutifully bent down slowly to seek Bijjaladeva’s blessings. “We seek your b-” “Silence, you witch!” Bijjaladeva thundered, glaring at her as he stepped back, looking at her and then at his son. “How could you do this, Bhalla? You wed and now she’s expecting a child?! A child from her is no less than a curse to us, to our kingdom!” Bhalla silently helped Aarya stand up again, rubbing her belly gently and supporting her back, fondly smiling at her, before turning to coldly stare at his father. “You will not speak ill of my child, Nanna, or of my wife.” Bhalla’s proud smirk peeked through when he called Aarya his wife, and Bijjaladeva fumed. 

“Wife? Wife?! You trust this witch of a woman that much? You left your kingdom for months, letting it be governed by a slave, and you returned with this vile woman, swollen with a monster like her, and you expect me to be completely alright with it?!” Bijjaladeva glared at Aarya and pointed at her belly with disgust, spitting venom. “Are you even certain that this vile witch is carrying your-” A dagger materialised in Aarya’s hand as she pointed it at Bijjaladeva’s throat, a dangerous glint in her eyes as she pressed it in enough to draw out blood. Bhalla coldly glared at his father, a protective arm around Aarya. “Speak however you wish to about me, not a word against my child.” Aarya hissed, stepping forward as Bijjaladeva’s eyes shook, unable to look at her. “You’re old and my king’s father, so I’m bound to give you a little more respect than your worthless self deserves, but don’t mistake my manners and morals as weakness.” Bhalla calmly pulled her back, gently taking the dagger out of her hands as he smiled at her. “Aarya, you need to rest, come on. Go to our quarters, I’ll be with you shortly. I need to talk to my father.” Aarya nodded, following a few soldiers and maids and leaving, and Bhalla turned to glare at his father. “Aarya told you to say whatever you want about her, but if you even think of doing so again I’ll slit your throat myself, Nanna. She’s my wife, your daughter-in-law and the Empress of Mahishmati and Sundarsi.” Bhalla watched as his father’s face crumbled, a flurry of emotions passing through him as the old man choked and stumbled upon his words, tears running down his face. “You- all this, for a sleazy wo-” 

“No. All this, for my woman. For my wife.” 

Bhalla glared at him and stepped closer, towering over him as he slowly spoke. “I’m warning you for the last time, Nanna. Not a word against my queen; not a word against the mother of my child.” Bhalla turned and stalked off as his father was left behind, alone yet again. Bijjaladeva collapsed on the floor, weeping like a lost child, watching the emperor of Mahishmati with his family.

— — — 

Aarya sat on her bed, sighing softly as she rubbed her swollen belly, shifting uncomfortably as she settled down. Being pregnant wasn’t the greatest feeling in the world, it’s honestly not talked about enough. The pains, the discomfort, the uneasy changes in the body. Aarya scowled, trying to find some sort of comfort when she heard a chuckle and turned to see her husband watching her, a smug smile on his face. She scowled harder, rolling her eyes. “Aarya, this is ridiculous, you know that. I still don’t know why you’re so mad at me.” Bhalla waltzed over, gently lifting her and fixing pillows under to make her comfortable exactly how she preferred, moving to sit behind her as he pushed her head into his lap, massaging her head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, I’m not mad at all, husband.” Aarya refused to sigh out in relief as he massaged her head, his hands slowly moving to her shoulders. “I just wish to know why we are here and not in Sundarsi.” She sat up and Bhalla smirked, nodding. “You’re not mad, are you?” “I wish to give birth in my kingdom and you brought me—”

“I brought you here only to show my father how happy you make me, my queen.” Bhalla interrupted gently, cradling her face. “I brought you here so that my wife would step foot in the palace, not just the Queen of Sundarsi. I brought the Empress of Mahishmati, the mother of my heir and my wife to Mahishmati. And I know I did no wrong.” Aarya stared at him, sighing softly as she moved closer to him, resting her back against his chest as he gently wrapped his arms around her, kissing her temple. She watched as he interlaced his fingers with hers, rubbing his thumb over her fingers as he raised her arm to kiss her fingertips. 

“I still wish to give birth in Sundarsi, Bhalla.” She whispered, looking at him softly. “I know, my queen, and you will. Because as much as the child inside is mine, I’m glad you have a bigger claim on the little one.” He kissed her temple again, leaning lower to kiss the place her neck met her shoulder, running a soothing hand over her side.

Aarya smiled softly at his affection, nuzzling into him. “Who do you think it will be? A prince or a princess?” Bhalla chuckled at her question, kissing her cheek. “A warrior, like my wife.” Aarya blushed and giggled, shaking her head. “Your wife hasn’t been a warrior ever since she’s gotten a child inside her, you know. That’s a long time.”

Bhalla softly stared at Aarya and brushed a strand of hair out of her face. “This is also a battle you’re fighting, Aarya. Do you think I don’t notice the doubt and fear in your eyes every single second of the day? The worry, the insecurity, the troubled questions about yourself and this unborn little royal.”

He kissed her, pulling her closer as his hand ran over her back, making her sigh softly. “You’re the strongest woman I’ve had the pleasure of knowing my entire life, and I’m the son of Rajamata Sivagami. I’ve seen you govern your kingdom while on the run, care for me, yourself, our child, help Devasena rebuild her kingdom, not complain a single time about our conditions and push through all of it with the most graceful smile.” Bhalla caressed her face, resting his forehead against hers. “I’ve known women were the fiercest forces on this planet, but I only truly understood how strong after seeing you. I love everything about you, Aarya, and I’ll help in any way that I can to aid you in this internal battle of yours. And if I must take you to your kingdom, I shall.”

Aarya calmly stared at her husband through his monologue, a small smile playing on her lips as she realised just how much Bhalla changed in the last few months, a change even Devasena couldn’t believe despite seeing it with her own eyes.

Aarya kissed his forehead and smiled gently at him, cupping his face. “I’m so proud that my child has you as a father. Amarendra would be, as well.” Bhalla softened at her words, resting his head against hers as they simply basked in each other’s presence. 

— — —

Aarya rested in Bhalla’s arms as they sailed to Sundarsi, and he gently rubbed her hips to soothe any of her pains. His father, who came to talk to him, saw him and fumed silently, turning and walking back to his room in the ship, pausing in front of the small statue of Durga Maa that was sailing along with them. “You… you made me bring that woman into our lives, haven’t you? Fine. I'll be the one to make sure she’s gone as well. Forever.”

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Aarya woke up feeling refreshed, her heart light surprisingly. She knew she was surrounded by the enemy force who was waiting for her to make the wrong move but the only thing she could focus on was the fact that she was getting married to a man she thought she hated until a few days ago, and suddenly she couldn’t imagine her life without. Her akandas glowed a dull grey as the sunlight fell on them, and she frowned as she picked them up. “That doesn’t seem right.” She murmured as the dull grey enveloped her hand, spreading chills to every part of her that they touched.

She shrugged as she set them down and freshened up, walking out of her room. 

The servants greeted her with immense respect, their eyes shining with something akin to fear and disbelief as she strolled past them all. “Where’s Bhalla?” She turned and asked, making one of the servants step away uneasily. “Er, His Majesty is still in his room. But we advise you not-” “I’ll get him out then, thank you.”

Aarya waltzed to Bhalla’s room, knocking twice and walking in after she heard no response. She looked around, frowning when she didn’t spot him. “Bhalla!” She called out, her frown deepening as she saw no sign of him. She exhaled, twisting the ring on her finger when a voice rang in the room, “At your service.” 

Aarya’s breath hitched, turning around as she saw Bhalla step out of his washroom, hair wet and his loincloth clinging around his waist loosely. Steam came off his body, making him suddenly look all the more like a God. Her face flushed violently as she took a step back, turning away when her knee hit a table, making her buckle. Bhalla surged forward, wrapping his arm around her waist to steady her as he smirked down at her. “Instead of falling because of things, fall for me next time, will you?” 

She just rolled her eyes, trying to stop the blood rushing to her cheeks as he stepped closer to her. “You have to- oh!” She slipped again as her knees gave out because of the bed behind her and she fell onto it, looking up as Bhalla placed both his arms on either side of her. Her eyes widened and he leaned in to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his eyes dropping to her lips. “Your face is red, you’re sweating in my room and it’s generally cold this time of the year in Mahishmati. Is this because of me?” 

“No,” Aarya huffed, her eyes falling shut as Bhalla nuzzled his head into the crook of her neck, his warm breath tickling her. “I’m still not used to your kingdom. Sundarsi is so much colder than here, in case you haven’t noticed.” “Is that so?” He murmured into her skin, tracing his fingers across her waist and revelling in her shivers. “I haven’t noticed, really. I was focused… elsewhere.” 

“Flattery won’t get you anywhere.” Bhalla looked up for a moment, his eyes twinkling as they raked over her hungrily. “I have you on my bed now without flattering you, Aarya. Do you want me to start flattery now?” His hand on Aarya’s bare back slipped up, toying with the strings of her blouse while Aarya tried in vain to push him away. “Behave yourself, will you? This isn’t right.”

“You’re mine, and this is something everyone knows now. If people question my actions and affections I’ll serve their heads to you on a golden platter.” A smile crept on her face, still trying to get distance between both of them. “Although,” Bhalla pulled away, a smirk on his face when Aarya tried to fight the frown off her face. “I like listening to you, and you told me to behave.” 

He got off the bed and pulled her to her feet, smirking at her visible anger. “What brings you over to my room? Is there anything not right with the services? I could-” “No, it’s none of that,” Aarya interrupted him, her eyes darting around his room as she walked around, all of her interest suddenly on the intricate works on the walls. “I was just… I wanted to see you and your kingdom, and who better to show me the place than you?”

Bhalla’s face softened as he observed her, a smile making its way onto his face as he waltzed over to her. “You needn’t ask, I’ll show you my kingdom. Come, get ready and I’ll show you everything.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and she smiled, brushing past him to leave his room.

His eyes locked on the akanda she left by his bedside, frowning at its dull grey glow as he picked it up, studying it. “Kattappa!” The general walked in, bowing to Bhalla who continued to study the stone. “I want you to do something for me.”

— — —

Bhalla waited in the stables, pacing around as he waited for Aarya to arrive, when Kattappa approached him with a frown. “Something is wrong in Sundarsi, Your Majesty. And it seems all the priests of their temples are worried about it, because whatever is happening over there, it’s not their doing. Either that, or someone is forcing an insider to do something.” 

Bhalla’s frown deepened as he watched Kattappa put out the akandas, whose glow got weaker, flickering dark grey. “When a Sundarsi citizen uses their stones, they glow as white as the moon. Sometimes, the glow could change, but they never felt cool to touch when being used, or turned grey. It has started since their queen has come here, and now their general wants her back in Sundarsi.”

“What’s going on?” 

The men looked up, watching Aarya walk in with a frown on her face. “Is there something wrong, Bhalla?” He shook his head, stepping forward and holding his hand out for her to take. He spared Kattappa a final glance as he shoved the stones out of her view while Bhalla helped Aarya onto a horse. 

“Come now, let me show you my world.”

— — — 

Hushed whispers echoed in the halls as Aarya swatted Bhalla’s wandering hands away, glaring fleetingly at him while he rolled his eyes, following her. “It was supposed to be a tour around your kingdom, Bhalla, not an opportunity for you to-” “I know, my queen. You don’t have to scold me so much.” He stared at her strutting figure and scoffed silently, his glare shifting to the soldiers guarding the halls. “Even my mother didn’t scold me the way you always do.”

“Well then, you better get used to this, my king. You’ll get an earful daily if you don’t mend your ways after we wed.” Bhalla smirked, opening his mouth when Aarya yelled out in shock, her bracelet snapping off and falling. The akanda at the very centre shattered in the air as the pieces fell to the ground, black as the night. Aarya held her wrist, wincing as Bhalla rushed to her, cradling her hand delicately in his while they stared at the broken stone in concern.

“This- this has never happened before,” Aarya mumbled, her eyes frantic as they looked to Bhalla, “Our stones are the strongest, this is not supposed to happen, Bhalla, what’s going on? This is a very bad omen, have I gone wrong anywhere?”

He shushed her, bringing her closer while Kattappa ran into the hall, eyes wide. “Your Majesties, please follow me.” They followed him as they all entered the courtroom, seeing the officials of Sundarsi present too.

 Anjasi and Sadhana bowed, their frowns evident as they made way for the head priest to approach Aarya. “Your Majesty, there’s someone here to see you.” He said gravely, guiding Aarya and Bhalla to the palace doors. “Guruji, what’s happening? The akandas, they’re not supposed to-”

“Perhaps,” He sighed, staring at the man who walked through the doors of Bhalla’s palace, “he is your answer.”

Aarya turned, her face turning pale as she stared, the man kneeling down in front of her. Bhalla observed as the man kneeling took Aarya’s hand in his, bringing it to his forehead while the others filled the hall. Anjasi and Sadhana watched him with uncertainty, their grip on their weapons tight while Aarya pulled her hand away, stepping back.

“I apologise for keeping you waiting all these years, Your Majesty,” Rudra said, looking up at Aarya as though her eyes held all the answers in the universe. “But now, I have returned to make you mine again.” 

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He didn’t notice the quiet whispers in the halls, or the flickering fires lighting his palace. He didn’t notice his father’s outrageous screams or Kattappa’s frown. He didn’t notice the restless people of Sundarsi discussing what should be done. But he noticed Aarya’s stoic but pale face, her reluctance to look up and her fingers twitching at her sides as she got bombarded by every voice, demanding answers. 

“Aarya will not speak to anyone right now,” Bhalla’s voice boomed over every other voice and instantly made them shut up. He walked over to Aarya, carelessly brushing past Rudra and took her hand into his, rubbing soothing patterns. She exhaled, closing her eyes as he gently brushed her hair out of her face. “Would you like me to take you to your room? It’s been a long day, you must be exhausted.” 

“But Bhalla-” “Not now, Nanna.” Bhalla firmly said, casting his father a glare as Aarya nodded slowly, moving closer to him. Bhalla turned to Kattappa and nodded wordlessly, making the old general bow and escort Anjasi, Sadhana and Sundarsi’s head priest away. As Bhalla and Aarya began to leave, Rudra’s voice made them pause. “I’ll come along, Your Majesty.”

Bhalla’s face hardened and he turned, but Aarya said, “No, you will not. Bhalla, let’s go.” Rudra’s face crumpled behind them as they left, the flickering lights slowly going out entirely. He turned to see Bijjaladeva staring at him with a sneer, who then turned to one of the guards and said, “Give him a room. We still need to discuss this later on.” 

He watched Rudra leave and his sneer returned, closing his eyes as the fire came back to life in the torches.

— —

Aarya rested her face in her hands, groaning as Bhalla sat next to her. “What is going on? The stones, now Rudra back, this is all so confusing and scary, Bhalla. I was told he was dead, and now he’s standing in front of me.” Bhalla’s eyes softened as he realised she was avoiding Rudra’s proclamation of winning her, and turned her face towards him, a smirk on his face.

“This is a very stupid joke, I’m sure he’s not even Rudra. That impostor will be punished, don’t-” “Oh but he is, Bhalla. That man is Rudra.” Aarya stood up from her place, pacing around her room as he watched. “How do you know?” She sighed, turning to him with an almost guilty look in her eyes. “Rudra is the only one who raises my hand to his forehead, and he only did so when we used to meet secretly. No one touched me, and so he did that in our privacy.”

Bhalla stood up as well, towering over her as she avoided his eyes.”Look at me,” she slowly looked up, feeling his warm eyes on her face. “If you wish to go back to him,” Aarya opened her mouth but he raised his hand, stopping her. “I will not let you go easily, Aarya. I’ll fight you to keep you with me, and him too. I’ll fight your Mahadev if I have to, my name is not Bhallaladeva for no reason.”

Aarya smiled, bringing her hand up to cradle his cheek. “You won’t have to fight anyone anymore, Bhalla.” He leaned into her touch, closing his eyes as his heart sped up at her words. “You won, alright? You won me over, and nothing will make me leave you. I’m all yours.”

Bhalla’s eyes shot open as he stared down at her, his heart racing at her admission. “You’re all mine?” She nodded, her face burning as he pulled her closer to him. “I’m all yours, in this life and the next.”

“Say that again.”

Thoughts left Aarya’s mind when he pulled her face towards his, straight into a seering kiss. Her knees gave away as he hooked his arms under her legs, carrying her to her bed without breaking the kiss. Bhalla set her down gently, pulling away and smirking when she chased after him, eyes closed and breathing heavily. 

“You didn’t say it again, Aarya.” 

Her eyes fluttered open, and she huffed slightly as his smirk widened. “I’m all yours, Bhalla.” His smirk softened and he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, straightening. “We will solve this problem, and get married too. I can’t wait to call you my queen. Now sleep, you must be tired.”

He turned to leave when Aarya grabbed his hand, her eyes fluttering shut already. “Stay for a while, please. I want you close.” He wordlessly nodded, a small smile on his face as he sat next to her on the bed, caressing her cheek fondly as she drifted off peacefully.

Bhalla studied her features for a little longer, exhaling as he walked out and shut the door behind him, face grim. “Is she asleep?” The voice made him snap out of his thoughts and he looked up, seeing Rudra in front of him. He strolled over to Bhalla, eyes on his hands that were still on the door. Bhalla nodded, his eyes hardening as both of them sized each other up.

“You’re her fiancé, aren’t you? I’m surprised she has agreed to wed you.” Bhalla sighed to himself, straightening as he towered over the soldier. “I’m surprised you thought she would still wait for you.” Aarya had in fact, waited. Bhalla guessed Rudra didn’t need to know that.

“Oh, I’m completely sure she waited. I know my princess very well, Your Majesty.”

Rudra knew. It didn’t matter though.

“Maybe your princess waited for you, but not my queen.” Rudra’s face fell before he got stoic again, stepping forward. “As long as it was her who chose, and you weren’t chosen for her. But you should know, her mind changes very quickly. Will you ever be enough? You, who is no different from the beasts her Mahadev kills without mercy.”

Rudra turned to leave when Bhalla spoke up. “You might be right, but she won’t let me die in his hands. I thought you knew better, Rudra; don’t you know how fiercely protective she is of the ones she loves? Parvati also takes the form of Durga and Kali when she sees fit.” He patted Rudra’s shoulder and smirked, leaning forward. 

“Underestimate me and my will to kill for her all you want, but don’t disregard her loyalty for me. Or wait, maybe you’ll see it for yourself.”

Rudra glared as Bhalla left, his hands twitching at his sides.

— —

“So,” Bijjaladeva began, a sneer on his face as Aarya sat in front of him, Bhalla to her side. All the priests of Sundarsi and Mahishmati were present too, charts and horoscopes lined around, waiting, while Kattappa and Sadhana stood guard close to their king and queen. “Now that her former lover is back, do we still have to go about with this charade?” Bhalla scowled, his grip on his sword tightening while Aarya rolled her eyes.

“We all know you hate me, stop trying to put out your ideas like they matter here. I’m going to wed him, whether you like it or not.”

The doors opened and Rudra walked in, eyes on Aarya as he bowed to her. The head priest of Sundarsi cleared his throat, carefully regarding Rudra once before he turned to Aarya. “Your Majesty, according to your charts, there is no better day for you to wed than the day after tomorrow. And if not then, you can’t wed for another year. So I suggest you-” “Then we will do it the day after tomorrow.” Bhalla said, looking at Aarya who nodded with a smile. “We don’t wish to wait.” 

Rudra watched the processions as the plans went on, his eyes on Aarya as she animatedly took part in everything, her enthusiasm rubbing off on everyone around her. His eyes shifted to Bhalla, Rudra’s chest tightening uncomfortably as he saw him gaze at her. 

Aarya would turn and look at Bhalla, her smile turning shy as she would look away, their fingers touching fleetingly out of everyone’s sight and glances more than just lingering. Rudra’s face remained the same as he stepped away from Aarya, eyes staying on her for a second before he turned to leave the room. His footsteps echoed in the halls as he strode past everyone, tears burning in his eyes when a voice called out to him.

“You don’t wish for them to get married, do you?” Bijjaladeva’s words made him freeze in his place, unmoving while the old man caught up to him. “It’s visible in your eyes, you actually have returned to make her yours again. So why aren’t you-”

“Because I might be hers, as I have always been, but her heart belongs to your son. And as much as it pains me, I love her too much to ever take her away from what makes her happy.” Bijjaladeva rested his hand on Rudra’s shoulder, tutting sympathetically. “You’re a good man, Rudra,” he cooed gently, “and as much as I hate that vile woman, she deserves better than my son. You would protect her from everything, not just as her love but as a soldier too, but I can’t say the same for my son. He has his brother, his nephew and mother killed, his sister-in-law jailed and tortured ruthlessly for going against him. Should Aarya ever disagree with him, what’s to say he won’t do that again?”

His grip on Rudra’s shoulder tightened as he inched closer, voice low. “You love her and she loves him, but Bhalla may not later on. Protect her, Rudra. Do whatever you can to save your queen, and I’ll help you with it. You shall thank me later on, believe me.” Rudra stayed quiet, mulling over his words as the old man watched him, mouth twitching into a smirk.

— —

Bhalla and Aarya sat next to each other, watching the sunset when Anjasi arrived, bowing. “Your Majesty, you need to leave to your quarters, the wedding preparations require you to stay away from the king till the day of your wedding.” Aarya smiled gently at Bhalla and stood up, walking away from him. As he watched her retreating figure, a frown took over his face, and he turned to Kattappa. “Did you tell Nanna about Rudra being the one Aarya was in love with?” He shook his head, making Bhalla’s frown deepen. 

“Find out what Nanna is up to, I don’t like where this is headed.”

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Rudra walked through the halls, reaching Aarya’s room in a matter of seconds. He paused in front of her room, fist twitching as he raised it to knock on her doors. Before he could, however, the doors opened and Aarya stood there, ready to walk out. She saw him and stopped, frowning slightly. 

“Do you want something?” He slowly nodded, eyes low. “Yes, can we talk alone, Your Majesty?” Aarya’’s frown deepened but she nodded wordlessly, opening the doors wider to let him in. She shut the doors behind them, back still towards him when Rudra said, “You need to break this marriage.” 

“And why is that?” 

Rudra frowned, wanting to step closer but refraining as Aarya turned to him, glaring harshly. “He- you deserve better than him, Your Majesty. Bhallaladeva isn’t what-” “Take his name with respect, Rudra. He is the emperor of Mahishmati.” Aarya glared again, moving past him and sitting by her table. 

Her fingers fidgeted with the akandas around her wrist and she sighed, trying to calm down. “Listen to me, Your Majesty,” Rudra pleaded, getting onto his knees in front of her as he stared at her. “This man is a murderer, he killed his family. He murdered a child without remorse. He killed his citizens ruthlessly and you-”

“Rudra,” Aarya interrupted, looking at the sky with an unreadable expression on her face. “It has been about three to four months since Bhalla came to see me in our kingdom. Do you know what has changed in Mahishmati since then?” Rudra shook his head, and Aarya cracked a small smile. 

“The people are at peace, which is coming off as a surprise to them too. The merciless tyrant they are used to still exists, but is instead being ruthless to people against Mahishmati, not her own citizens. He’s listening to them, growing the kingdom for their development, and the crime rate has gone down too. Rebels against him are at an all time low, and Kattappa has reduced overworking for his emperor’s protection.”

Aarya’s smile got wider, a soft blush dusting her cheeks as she looked at him. “All because he wanted to prove he was worthy of me. So tell me, someone who wants me so much that they are willing to change their entire existence for me is not enough?”

Rudra scoffed at that, standing up. “Are you willing to risk everything for a man who violently changed himself for you? What if it is all an act? Won’t Sundarsi be in danger?” Aarya raised an eyebrow at his outburst, regarding him silently. “Do you think Sundarsi can’t take on Mahishmati? We are still not on good terms, despite the rulers getting wed to each other.” She stood up, looking at him with an unreadable expression. 

“Sundarsi’s actual problem began when our magic started to weaken; our stones turning black and shattering, our entire force away from our roots over here in another kingdom. And do you know when this began?” 

Rudra’s breath hitched in his throat when her voice dropped, her gaze turning sharp as she said, “Ever since you returned, Rudra. You’ve come back from the dead, and now everything is falling apart. I’m going to marry Bhalla in two days, and-” 

“Then don’t marry him, Aarya!” Aarya froze at those words, watching Rudra get frantic. “Come back to Sundarsi and continue with your war against Mahishmati, take over and snub these pathetic people! Let’s get wed, you and I! I’m still in love with you and I know that somewhere, you love me too.” He took his hands into hers, pulling them to rest on his chest as he gazed at her. 

“It’s not too late, Your Majesty. Save your kingdom from him. Save yourself from him, please.” Aarya stared at where her hands were, her eyes on the akandas as they flickered grey, and sighed softly.

“How did you return, Rudra?” she asked slowly, the stones getting darker as they stayed on his chest. “You died, didn’t you? How did you come back from the dead?” Rudra stepped away, his eyes wavering as Aarya’s stare pierced through him, suddenly feeling extremely suffocated in her room.

“I...” 

“You died, Rudra. A warrior’s death, according to your troops. So tell me, what are you doing here, in a world where the dead have no place? What-”

“I need to leave, Your Majesty. Rest well.” Rudra let go of her abruptly, bowing once and storming out of the room. He stopped, resting his head against her doors as he steadied himself, his thoughts running wild. 

“I’m not supposed to even be here, am I?” He mumbled to himself, looking at his shaking hands. The soldiers passing by frowned at his odd behaviour, watching as he staggered towards his own room. One of the guards outside noticed him, watching him leave and walked out of the hallways, towards Bijjaladeva’s room. He knocked, entering and bowing to the old royal.

“Your Majesty, you were right. That man tried to persuade her, but it seems like it didn’t work. She sent him out.” Bijjaladeva scowled, rubbing his hands pathetically as the guard continued, “He also seemed a little agitated, sire. He kept looking at his hands and was struggling to get out of there.”

Bijjaladeva’s scowl deepened as he stood up, picking a goblet of wine. “He is doing what we want him to do, for now. Let it stay that way, don’t meddle. The sooner he sways that witch, the better. My son will realise she is no good for him and our war against that lowly kingdom will bring them all onto their knees.”

He turned back to the guard and said, “Now, do what I tell you to do.”

— — 

Kattappa hid behind a pillar as the guard walked out of Bijjaladeva’s room, following him to Rudra’s room. The guard knocked twice and went in, and Kattappa watched as he got out a few minutes later, leaving.

Kattappa frowned, walking to his room and knocking, entering to see Rudra on his bed, shaking slightly. He hurried to his side, helping Rudra sit up and watching as he doubled over in a fit of coughs. “Are you alright?” Kattappa steadied the man, handing him a glass of water as he nodded, drinking it.

“Never better, Kattappa. You should leave, I’m sure you have more pressing matters to deal with than a soldier that came back from the dead, being treated like a royal.” Kattappa stared wordlessly at Rudra as he stood up, walking out to the balcony. “Is there anything you would like to tell me, Rudra? Because I can help you, no matter what it is. Even if the problem is from my kingdom.”

Rudra paused, his back still against Kattappa as he looked at the fields below, catching Bhalla swinging his sword around. His eyes stayed on the emperor who struck the air viciously, and huffed out a short laugh. 

“My problem isn’t something either of us can solve, Kattappa. But I appreciate your sentiment. I see why Devasena and Amarendra were so fond of you.” Kattappa didn’t say another word, turning to leave when his eyes fell on the black, broken akandas that littered the floor around where Rudra was standing. He opened his mouth, but Rudra cut him off. “I think you should leave now, Kattappa. I wish to be left alone.” 

Kattappa nodded stiffly, a sinking feeling settling in his chest as he left the room.

— — 

The moon shone on Bhalla’s back as he took his royal robes off in the empty fields, bending to pick his sword when a voice made him pause. “What’s a man like you doing out here all alone? Don’t you need to be with a woman at a time like this?” He chuckled, turning around and seeing Aarya there with a small smile on her face.

“Maybe I could keep you company,” she cooed flirtatiously, and he laughed again, watching as she approached him slowly, her hips swaying deliciously. “Oh, I don’t think so. I have my sweet wife waiting for me back home, and I wish to go to her.” Aarya raised an eyebrow, ghosting her fingers along his torso and smirking as he suppressed a shiver. 

“A wife, you say? Then why are you still standing here, with me? You should be heading to your sweet wife now, and make sweet love to her under this moon. She would love you all the more for that.” 

“Such bold words from such a pretty mouth, you’re a vile woman, aren’t you? Quite a temptress, I must say.” Bhalla caught her drifting hand and pulled her closer, leaning down to reach her height. “And my sweet wife who waits for me everyday doesn’t care for sweet love, if you want to know.” His voice dropped lower as he inched closer to her lips, hands wandering down. “She loves that we need to get new beds every other day.” 

Aarya burst out laughing, pushing him away as she tried to stop herself. Bhalla scoffed and rolled his eyes, looking annoyed at her as she ruined the moment, but before he could say anything, she gasped, pulling him out of the way.

Rudra’s body fell from the sky, skin ashen and blood flowing out of him. They both flinched at the sound of the body hitting the ground. Aarya ran towards him, pulling his body towards her and shaking his face, trying to wake him up.

“Rudra? Rudra!” She tried, slapping him and shaking him when his eyes opened, making her fall back at the suddenness. Rudra moved sluggishly, slow and awkward as Aarya stood up, backing into Bhalla. “Bhalla, something is wrong.” She whispered, her grip on his arm tightening as Rudra tried to stand up, falling back onto his knees. Bhalla moved her behind him, raising his sword when they heard Rudra laugh, the sound making Aarya move impossibly closer to Bhalla.

“Absolutely nothing is wrong, Your Majesty,” Rudra said as he set his joints back into place, looking up at them as broken akandas hovered around him, their black glow eerie. “If anything, I’m just doing what I said I would when I came to this kingdom. I’m making you mine again.”

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