The man on whom Maya had held the knife stared at her without an ounce of fear, which made her slightly intimidated.

She was not used to encountering someone who was unafraid of her.

Maya pressed the knife closer, seeking answers, but the man just continued to stare at her, amused by her persistence

Maya, frustrated by his silence, pressed the knife enough to draw a thin line of blood.

However, the man continued to remain composed.

Finally, he spoke, his voice calm and steady. "I am the king of Aryavarta."

Maya didn’t believe him.

She pressed the knife harder and said, "Tell me the truth, otherwise, you won’t be alive to see the sunrise."

With a swift and unexpected movement, the man gripped her hand holding the knife and switched their positions.

He slammed her against the wall, the knife now pressed to her neck.

His gaze bore into hers as he demanded, "Who are you?"

Maya’s breath hitched.

The man’s intense black eyes scanning her face, and for the first time in years, he felt challenged.

He liked this feeling.

He slowly brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear, taking a clear look at her face.

Maya’s voice cracked as she tried to respond, "Ma...Maya."

Rudra leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "Say that again."

Maya shuddered.

It was the first time someone had dared to come so close to her, let alone whisper into her ear.

Regaining her composure, she pushed him away with all her strength, but he barely budged. Still, he took a few steps back, allowing her some space.

"Behave yourself," Maya demanded. "Where have you brought me?"

Rudra took a deep breath before answering. "I am Rudra Pratap Singh. I brought you to my palace after I saw you drowning in the river. You are currently in my chamber."

Maya felt overwhelmed by her current situation.

She had a panic attack, she ran away from the crowd, she reached near the river shore where she had a breakdown, then she felt herself slipping into the river and unconsciousness taking over her, after that she was completely blank.

Her thoughts immediately turned to Arjun. "Arjun, where is he?" she voiced her concern.

Rudra frowned slightly at the mention of another man’s name. "Who is Arjun?" he asked, his tone clipped.

“He was with me,” Maya explained, panic rising in her voice. “I have to find him.”

As she tried to move toward the door, Rudra grabbed her forearm, pulling her back. “The royal doctor has ordered you to rest. You are not allowed to leave this chamber until he says so.”

Maya glared at him, her defiance rising. "What if I do? Who are you to stop me?"

"The king of this realm," Rudra replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.

At that moment, a servant entered the chamber, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, the army general has come to meet you. It requires your immediate attention."

Rudra's expression hardened slightly as he turned to the servant. "Very well. Inform the general that I will be there shortly."

Turning back to Maya, Rudra's eyes held a warning. "You will stay here and rest. If you attempt to leave, my guards will stop you."

Maya clenched her fists but said nothing. Rudra turned and left the chamber, the door closing behind him with a heavy thud.

She took a moment to gather her thoughts, feeling a mixture of anger and helplessness.

The sensation of Rudra's close proximity and his authoritative demeanor still lingered, unsettling her in a way she hadn’t experienced before.

Rudra strode through the corridors of his palace, his mind still on the fierce woman he had left in his chamber.

He was not used to being challenged, and the experience had both intrigued and unsettled him.

The army general, a grizzled veteran named Bhairav Singh, awaited him in the throne room. Bhairav bowed deeply as Rudra entered. “Maharaj, there is news from the border.”

“What news?” Rudra asked, his voice steady.

“A former ally, Raja Virendra of the neighboring kingdom, has been trying to capture small kingdoms and it has been revealed from our sources that he is soon going to wage a war against our kingdom.” Bhairav reported grimly.

Rudra’s eyes darkened with anger. “Let him try, we are prepared for any danger coming our way.”

“Yes, Maharaj,” Bhairav agreed. “What are your orders?”

“Prepare the troops,” Rudra commanded. “I will deal with this betrayal personally. And ensure the safety of our people. No one else must suffer because of his deceit.”

Bhairav bowed again. “It will be done, Maharaj.”

As Rudra watched Bhairav leave to carry out his orders, he couldn’t help but think of Maya.

There was something about her that stirred a feeling he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

He shook his head, trying to focus on the task at hand. He had a kingdom to protect, and Virendra’s betrayal could not go unpunished.

Back in the chamber, Maya paced restlessly.

The magnificence of the room did little to ease her anxiety.

She needed to find Arjun and figure out a way to complete their mission. She couldn’t afford to be sidetracked by the king or his palace.

The unfamiliar environment and Rudra’s authoritative presence only added to her determination to find a way out.

She approached the window, looking out at the sprawling palace grounds. "I have to find Arjun," she murmured to herself. "I can’t let anything happen to him."

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a young servant girl entered, carrying a tray of food. Maya’s initial instinct was to grab the knife again, but she restrained herself.

"Who are you?" Maya asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I am Leela," the girl replied shyly. "I’ve brought you some food. The King said you should eat and regain your strength” she added “Maharaj has ordered you to eat and rest,” she said timidly, placing the tray on a table.

Maya barely glanced at the food. “I need to find my friend. Do you know where he might be?”

The maid looked nervous. “I’m sorry, Devi, but Maharaj has given strict orders. You must stay here until he returns.”

Frustrated, Maya realized she wouldn’t get any help from the palace staff. She had to find a way to leave the chamber without attracting too much attention.

She walked toward the balcony, looking out at the vast palace grounds. It was a long drop, something long and sturdy might provide a way down.

Taking a deep breath, Maya decided to take the risk. She tied the bedsheets together to create a makeshift rope and secured it to the bedpost.

With a final glance at the door, ensuring that no one is entering. She climbed out of the balcony and began her descent.

Maya’s descent was slow and risky, but she managed to reach the ground safely.

She slipped through the palace gardens, staying hidden in the shadows.

Her heart pounded as she neared the main gate, hoping to find a way to blend in with the crowd of servants and guards.

Just a few more steps and she will be free, she will be able to find Arjun as well as the plant.

Just as she thought she was in the clear, a group of guards spotted her. “Stop! Who is there?”

Maya froze, her mind racing for a plan. But before she could react, a familiar voice called out.

“Wait!”