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XVI Fallen Yet Alluring
Last Updated:
2025-02-26 13:57:22
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The Rule XVII Achilles' Heel
Princess Inayat was forcibly reduced to her knees, her wrists bound behind her back. Her knees hit the rocky ground, her robe rustled, stirring the dust around her. A faint cry escaped her lips, but her jaw remained clenched, resolving not to betray her vulnerability. However, the sight of her father, battered and bruised before her, threatened to undo her composure. The men of Samarth had clearly subjected him to brutal treatment during his attempted rescue of Inayat. Behind her, Kumar and their comrades lay captive, their eyes fixed on Inayat and the royal family with a mix of concern and despair."Inayat," her father whispered, his voice barely audible. His lips, swollen and split, curved into a gentle, loving smile, one that only Inayat could discern."Father," Inayat replied, her voice trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. Her heart quivered, like a bird frantically beating its wings against the confines of its cage. She gazed at her family, and the reality of their dire
Last Updated : 2025-03-04The Rule XVIII Daughter Of A Tyrant
Inayat's gaze froze on her father's lifeless body, her eyes wide with horror. Samarth's sword still pierced his heart, a merciless reminder of the brutal act that had unfolded before her eyes. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with the weight of her grief.Her breath caught in her throat, and she stumbled forward, her arms wrapping around her father's shoulders like a vice. A heart-wrenching wail tore from her lips, "Father!" The sound echoed through the eerie silence, a haunting lament that seemed to shake the very foundations of the earth.The guards and Samarth stood unfazed, their faces etched with a mixture of curiosity and discomfort, as they witnessed the raw, unbridled grief of a daughter mourning her father's senseless slaughter. But Samarth, he had nothing to show. Inayat, however, was oblivious to her surroundings. Her world had narrowed to the lifeless body beneath her touch. She cradled her father's shoulders, her fingers digging deep into his still-warm flesh, as if w
Last Updated : 2025-03-10The Rule XIX The Triumphant King
As night descended, the palace was enveloped in a deep silence. The guards, stationed at their posts, stood vigilant in their duty at night. To pass the time, they exchanged hushed whispers, sharing quiet jokes to keep each other company. On the other hand, the kingdom was alive with anticipation, the air thick with the promise of change. The reign of Agnil had come to an end, and Samarth, the newly about-to appointed king, now held the reins of power. The advisors and servants, exhausted from their preparations, slept soundly, dreaming of the momentous occasion that would soon unfold. But Samarth found no rest. His mind was filled with thoughts of the future, his heart stirred by a restless energy. He rose from his bed, his silk night clothes rustling softly as he moved. The stone floor felt chilly beneath his feet as he walked through the darkened hallway, the only sound the soft echo of his footsteps. The guards, sensing his approach, stood to attention, their eyes fixed on the
Last Updated : 2025-03-14The Rule XX A Humble Slave
As the flickering torches cast a warm glow across the chamber, Sagar, a loyal attendant, approached the throne with a reverent bow. "My lord, I bring tidings of the anticipated arrival. King William of the realm of Everia has sent word that he comes in peace, bearing a desire to pay his respects to your majesty tomorrow."Samarth's eyes, those meadow green beauties, shone with approval as he nodded graciously. "You may withdraw, Sagar. Your diligence is appreciated." With a quiet bow of reverence, the attendant departed, leaving Samarth to his contemplations.As the night's velvety darkness gathered outside, Samarth sat in solitude, his thoughts consumed by the weight of responsibility that rested upon his shoulders now. The kingdom of Tziyonia, now under his stewardship, was abuzz with activity. Messages of felicitations had poured in from neighboring kingdoms, their monarchs eager to congratulate Samarth on his ascension to the throne.Many had been taken aback by the overflow of
Last Updated : 2025-03-22The Rule XXI Especially A Mistress
Samarth's smile grew, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. "Don't try to defy me, my dear," he whispered, his voice dripping with sensual menace. "It will only make me go hard and harder on you for the rest of our night. And I doubt you'll enjoy the consequences."As he finished speaking, he gently reached out and tucked a stray strand of Inayat's silky hair behind her ear. His fingertips grazed her smooth skin, sending a shiver down her spine. "It would be wise for you to comply willingly, Inayat," he whispered, his voice low and persuasive.Inayat's eyes flashed with defiance as she met his gaze. "Or else?" she murmured, her tone barely above a whisper, as if sharing a distasteful secret.Samarth's lips curled into a subtle smile. "Ah-huh, I will make you, as I've said earlier." He leaned in closer, his breath caressing her skin, and Inayat's heart skipped a beat.As he kissed her cheek, Inayat's eyelids fluttered closed, and she felt a rush of fear mixed with trepidation. Sam
Last Updated : 2025-03-24The Rule XXII Move Forward
Inayat strolled through the palace courtyard, under the warm sunlight of late afternoon. The sweet fragrance of blooming lotuses wafted through the air which was heightened by the coolness of the water pool and wet soil, and fresh green leaves, but her mind remained consumed by the memories of the previous night. Samarth's touch lingered in her thoughts, and with each recollection, a shiver coursed through her body, taunting her with the realization that her body, once reserved for Izhar, was now being claimed by his elder brother.The gentle rustle of the palm trees in the courtyard made a silent and soothing whisper in the slowly passing summer sir, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach. Months had passed since she began to emerge from the anguish of Izhar's death, but only she knew the countless hours she spent crying and reminiscing about their laughter, their moments of love, and the memories they shared. Each day, she liv
Last Updated : 2025-03-31The Rule XXIII Conflict Brews
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night..." the royal tutor's voice recited the sacred words, his voice graciously yielded to the dignified presence that had entered the room. Samarth's deliberate footsteps, echoing off the heels of his shoes, signaled his arrival, commanding the attention of all present. The maidservants surrounding Aabroo and her tutor bowed their heads in reverence, their eyes cast downward in respect, as Samarth approached. With majestic composure, Samarth completed the scripture, his voice blending seamlessly with the tutor's, "...that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Aabroo's countenance illuminated with a radiant smile as she rose from her seat, her slender arms enveloping her brother's legs – due to her height – in a tender, affectionate embrace. "I am utterly delighted t
Last Updated : 2025-04-04The Rule XXIV Solemn Decree
A week had passed since Queen Calantha's letter arrived, claiming the river Eldrida as her own. Samarth had offered peace and was now waiting for a response, which might take some time. He hoped for a peaceful answer, as war was not something he desired. According to his wisdom, peace was always the better choice. However, if provoked, he would not hesitate to defend his people.As he practiced swordsmanship in the courtyard, the sound of clashing steel echoed through the air. The leaves of the nearby trees rustled softly in the breeze. Samarth focused on his training, his movements precise and controlled. The sky was darkening, with clouds gathering on the horizon. The air carried the scent of impending rain, a smell Samarth enjoyed. He decided to practice outside, savoring the fresh air and the sound of nature. The sound of clashing steel and the rustling leaves created a soothing background noise. Samarth's thoughts were focused on the task at hand, yet he was also mindful of
Last Updated : 2025-04-10
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The Rule LXI “Let Them Wonder.”
The sun had barely risen above the sandstone ridges of Tziyonia when the first trumpet call rang through the eastern gates. A long, golden note, echoing down into the city’s heart, stirred the air like prophecy. With it came heralds in royal blue and silver, their steeds dusted with travel, banners gleaming under morning light.By mid-morning, the kingdom had shifted. Market women paused their counting; armorers stood straight at their anvils. The very stones of the streets seemed to hum with the weight of announcement. At every intersection and courtly corridor, voices rang loud and jubilant:“By royal decree, a feast in the king’s honor!”“All noble houses are summoned to prepare their fairest daughters!”“Let the daughters of Tziyonia and distant lands present themselves in splendor — for the eye of the king shall look among them.”The city’s pulse quickened. Seamstresses were summoned before breakfast had settled. Silk merchants saw their stalls stormed. Jewels were polished until
The Rule LX The Call Of A Feast
Pale light filtered in through narrow windows of the council chamber, casting long shadows across the mosaic floor. The large round table, polished by time and tempered by centuries of counsel, held goblets of spiced wine and sealed scrolls — evidence of discussion, persuasion, and subtle war.It had been fifteen days since the burial of Aakash, and though the court still moved with respectful silence, the rhythm of palace life was slowly returning. Mourning had been dignified, as befitting a soldier who died with honor — but time moved forward, indifferent to loss.Lord William stood with his hands folded behind his back, a deep maroon cloak draped across his shoulders, clasped with the sigil — a serpent coiled around a crown. His white hair was oiled and combed neatly, his expression unreadable. Around the table sat the chief officials — Ministers of Trade, War, Culture, and Lineage. These were men seasoned in statecraft, loyal to the realm, and loyal — perhaps more cautiously — to
The Rule LIX Farewell Of The Bold
The night had fallen heavy upon the kingdom. A hush lay over the land, broken only by the muffled sound of hooves pounding against the earth. Samarth, the King, rode hard beneath the darkened sky, the wind pressing against his cloak like the breath of fate itself. He had been summoned not to council, nor to war — but to farewell.At the rear wing of the palace, beyond the rosewood courtyard and down the corridor lined with flickering oil lamps, a chamber had been prepared. It was the room of transition, where the departed were honored before being returned to the soil. Within its walls, the scent of myrrh floated with dignity, rising like soft incense toward the rafters. A solemn stillness blanketed the air.Aakash, a humble ship-guard and devoted servant of the crown, lay upon the ceremonial table. His body had been bathed with care — water warmed and scented with lavender and sandalwood. His wounds, harsh and unrelenting in life, had been gently tended as though love could unmake d
The Rule LVIII Tonight, We Mourn
Night draped the kingdom in a hush of solemnity. Only the watchful glint of spears, the shifting shadows of torches, and the disciplined tread of soldiers stood guard against the encroaching silence. In the secluded wing of the citadel, hidden deep beneath the eastern ramparts, the flickering lamplight cast trembling shadows over the carved stone walls of the healing chamber.Here, lay Aakash.The young soldier’s chest rose and fell faintly, his breathing slow, shallow, steady. His wounds — once deep gashes of crimson — were dressed in layers of salve and linen. His face was still pale, touched by sleep too deep to stir. Around him, guards stood in a firm semicircle. Their spears faced outward. Their gazes flicked from door to shadow to each other. At the center of them, seated but never still, was Commander Veer.It was he who had stationed the guards. He who had demanded Aakash’s wounds be treated in this hidden place. It was he who had stood watch since the moment the king had left
The Rule LVII Rejection After Rejection
The sun cast a warm, golden hue upon the sandstone floors of the Ivory Chamber — a secluded hall within the palace reserved for counsel of the most private and delicate nature. Today, the chamber held a different kind of weight: it was filled with polished officials, dignified nobles, and the high priest himself, gathered around long tables draped in crimson silk, upon which lay carefully rolled parchments and framed portraits.Portraits of princesses.From across the distant provinces and allied kingdoms, images had arrived in ornate frames and scrolls: delicate faces of noble birth, each captured in their best light, adorned in the jewels of their homeland. It was the beginning of what would be known as the Selection.Samarth, king of kings, sat upon the cushioned divan at the head of the room. A silken robe of forest green and obsidian draped his broad shoulders, a golden clasp bearing the crest of his house fastening it in place. His dark hair was loosely tied back, a sign of inf
The Rule LVI Undone By Love
He gently pulled her closer, not to imprison her but to bring her back to the space she had abandoned. She came slowly, reluctantly, and then, with hesitation, sat beside him.He gazed at her for a while. Her eyes were lowered to her lap, her fingers tightly entwined.“Aap ro kyun rahi hain?” he asked, voice low with concern.(Why do you weep, dear lady?)She shook her head. "Nahi jaante ki kyun itna ro rahe hain hum," she murmured. “Nahi jaante ki kyun aapke qareeb aane se yeh dil itna ghabra jaata hai.”(I know not why these tears flow so freely from my eyes. Nor do I understand why my heart trembles so, each time I draw near to you.)His brows furrowed.“Kya humne kuch kiya hai?” (Have I, perchance, committed some folly?)She lifted her eyes to meet his. In them, he saw longing. Pain. Something unsaid but sharp as a blade.And then she spoke, breaking something inside him, “Aap humse door rahein toh zyada achha hai.”(It is better, perhaps, that you keep your distance from me.)He
The Rule LV Do Not Walk Away
The scent of saffron and roasted cumin filled the royal dining hall, mingling with the rich aroma of freshly baked bread and slow-cooked meats. Torches lined the marble walls, casting golden flickers upon polished silverware and porcelain dishes. Aabroo sat to the right of the king, her small hands clumsily peeling a pomegranate, utterly lost in her own world, humming a tune under her breath with no care for the muted tension surrounding her.Samarth sat at the head of the long table, dressed in a regal robe of deep cream embroidered with threads of muted gold. He held his goblet without tasting it, his thoughts clearly elsewhere, his gaze often wandering to the empty seat reserved to his left.Once again, Inayat had refused his invitation.He had sent a word — softly worded and spoken with an earnestness that few had heard in the king’s voice. But the response was the same as the previous night: She will not be joining, my Lord. She is resting.No excuse. No explanation. Just dista
The Rule LIV The Art Of Torment
Samarth’s return from the inspection had been awaited, but no one waited more eagerly than the monarch himself — for the face that resided in his thoughts more vividly than any report, any city, or any fortress he had passed through. Inayat. Her name was a flame upon the parchment of his heart.The journey back to the palace was long, yet Samarth rode with the urgency of a man whose soul was being pulled by a tether invisible to all but him. Dust rose behind his steed as the city gates opened wide, horns heralded his return, and citizens bowed low to their sovereign. Yet, his eyes searched not for applause, but for a shadow in the upper balconies, a glimpse of a familiar silhouette.Once within the palace, he did not tarry. His boots echoed down the marble halls as he went straight to his chamber to cleanse himself. Robes of dark silk, belted with gold, were placed upon him by his attendants. His hair was tied back in a loose clasp, the seal of his reign engraved upon the ring that a
The Rule LIII Look For A Queen
The terrace stretched wide above the courtyard, its carved stone railings warm under the touch of the late sun.Below, the courtyard bathed in soft gold; a tender scene unfolded — Inayat sat cross-legged upon the grass, her white robe pooling around her, a harp cradled in her lap. Beside her, Aabroo leaned in eagerly, small fingers fumbling across the strings as Inayat corrected her with patience and laughter.The music rose in broken, sweet notes, catching the breeze and carrying upwards.Samarth sat among his lords and officials, but his gaze wandered too often. His hands were resting on the armrest like the king he was, his figure cast in gold and shadow, unmoving save for his eyes — always drawn toward Inayat.None among his council dared follow the king’s gaze.None but Lord William.The elder noble leaned lightly on the rail as he stood near it, his voice casual as he said, “The courtyard wears a fairer sight today, sire.”Samarth’s brow lifted, but he said nothing.William smil
