At court.
Aarush sat on his throne. Everyone remained silent, waiting for his judgement.
He noticed the three of them. The man and the daughter showed a strange reaction towards each other. Aarush remembered Rudra's words.
He closed his eyes for a few minutes, then ordered both the man and the daughter to be arrested and investigated. The entire court was shocked, but Rudra was amused.
The ministers began to share their opinions. The man and the daughter knelt and begged.
"King, you are great and judge righteously, but she is his own daughter. Let her take his will and live well," said the man.
"No… no, King. He took care of my father in my absence. Let him have his will," cried the woman.
Rudra hid her laughter.
"Look… both of you are in love. This merchant's wife died a few weeks ago. She grew up in an orphanage after fifteen years. Her mother left her there because of this merchant's cruelty. He was nineteen, and they both loved each other. He took care of the merchant because he was his father-in-law. And finally, I have found that the true culprit is this merchant," said the king patiently.
The merchant began to beg, claiming it was not true.
"Please don't punish him, Majesty. I have lived as an orphan. I want him. Please. We fought over the will because I wished him to live with me."
"This is my judgement. This man and woman shall marry, and the will shall be shared by both of them," the king said. "But in my opinion, you both can work hard for money and leave this man's worthless wealth."
The court ended. Everyone praised the king for his wisdom.
As everyone began to leave, Aarush stopped Rudra. He walked towards her.
"Majesty, how may I serve you?" Rudra asked.
"Don't act smart. What did you say to Mother this morning?"
She looked down and said innocently, "Don't you know what I said, Majesty?"
Her act was innocent, but not her words.
"You are playing with fire."
"You were there to save me from the fire last time. I trust you, my lord."
I will never trust you, Aarush.
"If you allow me, I will go to our room."
"Our room? It seems you plan to stay there permanently."
"Which wife wants to stay away from her husband, Majesty?"
Aarush noticed her eyes, which carefully tried to hide something.
"Leave… as if I wish to see you all the time."
Rudra walked halfway, then turned back.
"The king is truly wise," she said.
Rudra was painting a woman's feet in a pond filled with lotuses.
A maid came and handed a dress to Meera.
"What is that?" Rudra enquired.
"A dress sent by Queen Tara. There is a celebration tonight. Many singers and dancers will perform. But, Princess, this queen is not someone generous."
"I know," she replied and opened the dress.
It was elegant—stunning, in fact. Royal blue. But the blouse was different. The back would be revealed.
"Princess, I told you about that minister… Tara might have noticed."
"Yes. Do one thing. Tonight, make me look as beautiful as you can. Stay hidden. Wear a blue dhoti saree."
"Yes, Princess."
Evening came soon. Tara was busy preparing for the celebration. The corridors were decorated with lights and screens.
At Rudra's room—
"Seems like Tara is preparing a banquet for my loss. But let us show that victory follows me."
"Princess, shall I leave your hair loose to hide your back?"
"Braid it loosely and use roses. Bring my hair to the front. I shall destroy her plan by turning it against her. Be prepared, Meera."
"I understand, Princess."
Rudra got ready. She looked beautiful… dangerously so.
The saree shimmered like glass.