Desire or Hate

As night fell, the camp was shrouded in a heavy silence, broken only by the occasional crackle of a fire and the rustle of fabric as soldiers settled into their tents.

The air was thick with anticipation and anxiety, each man aware that dawn would bring the clash of steel and the cries of battle. Arjun wandered among the tents, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and determination.

He could sense the weight of the moment, the significance of the fight that lay ahead. Every soldier was restless, some whispering prayers, while others sharpened their weapons, preparing for the chaos to come.

With each step, Arjun felt the gravity of his role as leader, ready to embrace the challenge that awaited him at first light.

As Arjun approached Siya's tent, he noticed her in a simpler, more delicate outfit, a stark contrast to the fierce war attire she usually donned.

Her figure was soft and graceful, emphasizing her femininity. The gentle fabric hugged her curves, giving her an air of elegance that was both captivating and inviting.

Arjun couldn't help but admire the way her long hair fell around her shoulders, framing her face and enhancing her natural beauty. In that moment, she seemed less like a warrior and more like a woman, igniting a spark of curiosity within him.

As Arjun approached Siya's tent, he was struck by the sight of her in a simple yet alluring outfit that accentuated her feminine curves. The soft fabric clung to her body in all the right places, revealing the gentle contours of her waist and hips.

Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, brushing against her skin and framing her delicate features, making her look enchanting under the dim light.

There was an alluring warmth in her gaze as she caught his eye, a mix of strength and vulnerability that made his heart race. In that moment, she transcended the role of a warrior, embodying the essence of womanhood that stirred something deep within him, igniting a longing he couldn't quite suppress.

Memories of their past encounters flooded Arjun's mind, and he recalled the numerous times she had belittled him and his royal status.

Her sharp tongue and fiery spirit had often left him feeling humiliated in front of everyone.

Her lack of respect for his lineage was a constant thorn in his side, a stark reminder that she saw him not as a prince but as an equal—perhaps even as someone inferior.

He clenched his fists, the tension within him building as he approached her tent, his mind racing with thoughts of past humiliations.

"You look... pretty," Arjun forced the words out, his voice sounding awkward and unnatural.

It was the first genuine compliment he had ever given her, and he wasn't quite sure how to process the sudden shift in his feelings. The words hung in the air between them, charged with a tension that neither of them could ignore.

Siya looked up, her eyes meeting his with a hint of surprise. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she offered a small smile, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint.

"Thank you, Your Highness," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

But there was something else there, too—a warmth that suggested she might have actually appreciated the sentiment behind the words.

She turned away, pretending to busy herself with her bow and quiver, but Arjun could see the way her hands trembled ever so slightly.

He took a step closer, watching as she tried to ignore his presence. The urge to touch her, to feel the warmth of her skin under his fingertips, was overwhelming.

But he knew that if he did, it wouldn't be a gentle caress. No, it would be to squeeze the life from her body, to silence her forever.

Her eyes darted up to meet his again, and he could see the challenge in them, the defiance that had always driven him mad. Yet, this time, it stirred something primal in his soul.

He reached out, his hand hovering over her neck, feeling the rapid beat of her pulse beneath his fingertips. He could easily wrap his hand around her delicate throat and end her life, ending the torment she had brought him.

But before he could make a move, Siya spoke again, her voice a soft whisper that seemed to resonate through the very fabric of the camp.

"Prince Arjun, not now. Everyone is here, and we have a mission to prepare for."

Arjun's hand hovered, his thumb brushing the soft skin of her neck. The temptation to lean in and kiss her was overwhelming, to feel the heat of her body against his own.

But he knew that wasn't the intention of his touch. His mind was a tumult of emotions—his desire for her, his anger at her rebellion, and the cold, calculated need to eliminate the threat she posed to his world.

He wanted to bend her to his will, to make her see that she was wrong to stand against him.

Siya's eyes searched his, her expression a complex dance of confusion, fear, and something else—something that looked suspiciously like hope.

Did she think he had come to her tent with romantic intentions? The thought made him scoff inwardly. But her beauty had a way of clouding his judgment, and for a moment, he allowed himself to entertain the possibility.

Her full lips parted slightly, her breath shallow and quick. Was she waiting for his advance, expecting it even? He felt his grip tighten, and she swallowed hard.

Arjun's gaze fell to her neck, the soft, exposed skin calling to him like a siren's song. Without warning, he leaned in and pressed his lips to her neck, feeling the warmth of her pulse against his mouth.