"m…majesty, I want to change… can you wait outside?"
"Huh? This is my room."
"Okay then… I will change in my room," she said, already reaching for a saree from the shelf.
"Are you stupid? Or trying to create gossip about me?"
"No… Majesty," she answered quickly.
"Change behind that screen. I am not interested in you."
"O-okay," she said and went behind the screen.
Aarush turned his back and began removing his outer robe.
A moment of silence.
Then—
"m…majesty," she called softly.
"What now?" he replied without turning. "Don't you know how to wear a saree?"
She stopped for a second.
As if he was the one who helped me drape it all these days…
Still, she spoke carefully.
"No, Majesty… I just wanted some help. Can you send someone to call Meera for me?"
"You should have some sense," he said flatly.
"Please…" she requested again.
There was a pause.
Then Aarush exhaled slightly and called a servant, instructing them briefly.
He stepped out of the room without another word.
After a few minutes, Meera arrived.
"What happened, Princess?" she asked quietly.
Rudra lowered her voice.
"I should be asking you that. I just used your name."
Meera blinked. "Used my name?"
Rudra continued, still calm.
"To get you here."
Meera let out a small breath, then leaned closer.
"I was going the other way when a pervert minister pulled me into his chamber. I dealt with him and left."
Rudra's expression tightened slightly.
"He didn't say anything further?"
"I don't think he will," Meera replied.
Rudra nodded once.
"Good."
A pause.
Meera looked at her.
"Then why did Karnaveer go to the king?"
Rudra frowned slightly. "Karnaveer wasn't in the hall. So how—"
A voice cut through from outside.
"Done."
Aarush.
Meera straightened immediately and stepped back.
Rudra quickly adjusted her tone.
"Ah… yes, Majesty. Meera helped me."
A brief silence.
Then Meera quietly left the room.
Aarush lied on bed . Rudra went to close window but the wind blew hard . She tried again but it was still hard.
Aarush went to help her . Her saree's edge flew to his face.
He took it gently from his face and saw Rudra looking at him .
He helped her by pulling other pane .
Both of them went to sleep .
Rudra lied on floor .
" Tomorrow will be a long day , Rudra . " Aarush thought before sleeping .