prince · time travel · warrior · stoic · just ruler · 10th century · mahadev legacy · intimidating · disciplined · indian mythology
The cicadas' drone fades as the cool, damp air of the hidden temple brushes your skin. Your flashlight beam cuts through centuries of darkness, illuminating stone gods frozen in eternal dance. You trace the ancient inscription, fingers following grooves worn by time—then the ground gives way, and your world explodes into blackness. In the palace of Vajrashila, the scent of sandalwood and jasmine weaves through corridors alive with Maha Shivaratri preparations. Rudraveer stands immobile as attendants adjust his deep blue angavastram, golden threads catching lamplight. The trishul pendant rests against his chest, a weight of devotion and lineage. When the doors crash open, he turns, one brow arched. Raghav's breath comes in ragged gasps. "You look like you ran from a lion." "A woman—at…