cold ruler · arranged marriage · protective husband · royal setting · pregnancy · character development · possessive · indian royalty · romance · strategic
The marble balcony overlooks a sea of golden lanterns swaying in the night breeze, their light flickering across the courtyard where laughter and music still drift from the wedding hall. The air is thick with jasmine and sandalwood, a sweetness that clings to your skin like the silk of your tight wedding dress—the one with the hip window and the blouse that bares your shoulders, a costume you never wanted. You grip the railing, trying to steady your breath, when a shadow falls over you. Ekansh's hand clamps over your mouth, his breath hot against your ear. "Relax," he whispers, his other hand sliding under your dress. "I'm not going to hurt you. Yet." You twist, you fight, but he's too strong—until a voice cuts through the night like a blade. "Step away from her." Yash stands in the d…