x.

" You jumped into the water to save her? You're so courageous- " the attendee was drying her hair, praising Geetanjali for her bravery, just then the door to her chamber was pushed open with a loud thud.

" Privacy! " all the attendees scrambled out witnessing the raging prince.

" Congratulations! Everyone's praising your bravery. I heard you jumped into the lake to save Vishakha, despite knowing how deep it is. " she lowered her eyes, knowing well that her husband is angry for her repulsive action, " And during this, if something had happened to you, what would you've done? What would I've done if something had happened to you? There's a limit to foolishness too, Geetanjali. Thank God, the boatman arrived on time, otherwise what would have- "

" But by the time the boatman arrived, Princess's life had- " she tried to defend herself.

" And what about your life? Doesn't it have any value? " Mrityunjay hold her shoulders, and shake her a little.

He still can't get over the fact, that his wife had risked her life, to save someone else's. His chest had tightened, when he heard about this, and hence he came running to his wife.

Geetanjali frowned at his rudeness, she'd done it in a good will. Not able to retain her irritation, she let out sarcastically, " You should be relieved instead. I managed to save your beloved Vishakha's life. "

Mrityunjay hold her neck and pulled her closer, crashing her fragile body with his hard one, " Enough of your stubbornness, and enough of what I've tolerated. Now- " he touch her lips with hers, " -you'll do what I say from now on, understood? "

She tried to pry him off, but he picked her up in his arms, and walked towards the bed, putting her off unceremoniously. Her eyes widened, noticing her husband's rough gestures. A shivering sensation pass through her spine, when he pulled his upper off and inched closer towards her. She started moving back, but a harsh pull at her ankles, and she lay flat on the mattress with Mrityunjay hovering over her, with dilated pupils staring straight through her soul.

" What are- " he shut her up, by kissing her, which made her toes curl with sensation and eyes hoody with desire, and which left her entire being breathless.

" I'm punishing you for worrying me so much. " when she said nothing, he whispered near her ears, " Do I have your consent? "

" Do you need my permission to punish me? " she giggled, but it ceased down when she noticed his serious face.

Gulping she spoke out, " You don't need my permission, Prince. I know you'll never do anything wrong to hurt me. Ever. "

As Mrityunjay's lips brushed against Geetanjali's forehead, a shiver ran down her spine. His warm breath danced across her skin, sending tingles through her entire body. He nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck, his teeth gently grazing her soft flesh.

Geetanjali's moan was barely audible, but it was enough to ignite a fire within Mrityunjay. His hands, which had been fisting the bedsheet, began to move fervently over her body. He removed every piece of clothing, his fingers tracing the curves of her skin.

With each touch, Geetanjali's breathing grew more ragged. She was a moaning mess, her body arching into Mrityunjay's caresses. He smooched her once, his lips devouring hers, before getting off her.

Mrityunjay's eyes burned with desire as he bared himself of the last cloth. Geetanjali's gaze followed his, her cheeks flushing with excitement. He dove straight into her, taking her remaining breath away.

In the midst of their passion, Mrityunjay whispered, " I love you so much, Geetanjali. "

Geetanjali smiled, through gasps, " I lo- love you too, Prince. "

After loving each other to their heart's content, they both fell into a deep slumber, wrapped in each other's arms.

•

" Only two days are left. After that, our son will sit on the throne. I'm so very happy. " Lekha said, writing down all the preparations yet to be done for the grand coronation ceremony.

Adhiraj smiled at his wife, but a question come to his mind, " What about the queen's crown? Have you decided yet? "

" Not yet. But I know what decision would be right. That's why I invited Rajkumari Vishakha. " Adhiraj shook his head and went off to the court-room, since a big case had been filed today.

Lekha, after giving all the orders to the respective people, walked towards the court-room too. She was the queen, hence had a valuable say in the decision making of the empire.

The court-room got filled by the courtiers and even Vishakha took a seat today. A few minutes later, Mrityunjay walked in too after greeting everyone, with Geetanjali by his side. Fom the past few days, she'd started attending court-room sessions, all thanks to Mrityunjay. As all the royal members, took their seat, the victim and the offender were asked to bring in the room.

A woman walked in, her head lowered and a man following her behind, his eyes roaming over the crowd inside. And after that, another thin man entered, hands joined. Geetanjali leaned forward in interest. The king gestured the woman to initiate.

" Your Majesty, my name is Kamala, and this is my husband. We are in great distress. Your Majesty, my husband and I have been oppressed. This person has- " she pointed her dainty finger towards the man who's shaking his head, hands still joined in silent prayer, " -demanded money from my husband because we had borrowed from him. And when my husband said that we didn't have the means to return the money right now, he- "

She broke out into sobs, and palmed her face, " -this monster beat my husband severely. Look at the extent of his injuries. Thank God I arrived there in time and saved him. But what this beast did afterwards, I won't be able to say out loud, Your Majesty- the humiliation of a woman- such a blow to her purity, no. " she hide her face in her said husband's chest.

The husband patted ber back and angrily glared at the thin fellow, who now had a guilty look adorning his features, " This person tried to violate my wife's purity, Your Majesty. When I tried to stop him, he offered to waive our entire debt if I would give my wife- it's disgusting even to say it. "

Adhiraj turned his attention towards the said offender, " Is this true? "

He shook his head, " I didn't commit such heinous crime, Your Majesty. Trust me- "

" Every criminal claims to be innocent- " the woman cut off the man, " -now it's up to you to decide, My Lord. The question is about a woman's dignity. And we have complete faith in our king's justice. " the thin man lowered his head in surrender.

" What's your opinion in this case? " Adhiraj asked the others sitting in the court-room.

The courtiers gave their decision in the woman's side, Mrityunjay and Lekha were still staring at the them calculatively, while Vishakha was not at all interested in these things, instead she's ogling at Mrityunjay.

Getting no response, Adhiraj was going to announce his decision when Geetanjali raised her hand, " May I ask them some questions? "

" Sure " she stood up from her seat and walked a little towards the three person, who're standing in the middle of the room.

All the eyes were trained in her direction. The woman lowered her face joining her hands, while the man kept looking at her, and the other man just kept standing, eyes downcast as if he'd sentenced capital punishment.

" Before I begin the investigation, let's call that woman inside, who's been waiting outside the door. " the thin man, snapped his head towards Geetanjali, while the husband and wife shared a look, which didn't go unnoticed by anyone.

A feeble woman was presented in court-room. She looked at the offender with fearful eyes.

The thin man immediately cried out, " I accept my guilt, Your Majesty. I'm the one who oppressed them. I accept any punishment given by you. " tears flowed from his lifeless eyes, but Geetanjali could see a ray of fierce determination in them.

Geetanjali walked towards the woman and hold her shoulders, while Mrityunjay stood up from his seat when he identified the woman, " You! "

" Yes. She's the same woman, we had met at the Bhairava temple. " Geetanjali nodded at him.