The Ranawat Palace was decked up like a new bride.

Guests belonging to the most influential families across the world poured into the palace one after another.

Why wouldn't they?

It was the wedding of the most powerful man in the country.

No one had the audacity to decline Abhyansh Singh Ranawat's invitation.

Representatives of governments across the world—democratic, bureaucratic, and even autocratic—had made their presence felt. Getting into the bad books of Abhyansh Singh Ranawat was the last thing any nation wanted.

The Rajputs' convoy finally entered the Ranawat estate. The moment they crossed the massive iron gates, Isha looked outside the window. Her eyes slowly widened.

The driveway itself was longer than the entire stretch leading to the Rajput Palace. Every few metres stood heavily armed security personnel, while luxury cars from almost every prestigious automobile brand were neatly lined up along the sides. Thousands of warm lights illuminated the pathway, making it look as though the stars themselves had descended to welcome the guests.

She had grown up amidst luxury. The Rajputs were among the five hundred most affluent families in the country. But... this...was something entirely different.

After driving for several more minutes, the palace finally came into view.

A huge gasp escaped her lips.

Bathed in golden lights, the magnificent structure stood proudly against the night sky. Towering domes crowned its skyline while countless carved arches, balconies, and majestic pillars stretched endlessly on either side. Every inch of the palace radiated royalty, power, and history. It wasn't merely a palace...

It was a statement. A statement that declared to the world who the Ranawats were. She couldn't even estimate how many families could comfortably live inside a place that enormous.

Her eyes instinctively searched for its end.

She couldn't find one.

"This is just the front palace," Kailash said with a smirk, noticing the shock written all over her face. "The main palace is behind this. No outsider is allowed there except the family, so the wedding has been arranged here."

His words made her even more speechless.

This... was only the front palace?

"You must be wondering why a man so rich..." Kailash looked at her mockingly. "...a real king... would agree to marry trash like you, right?" Tears gathered in Isha's eyes. "He hates you."

Kailash pointed towards the palace.

"You see all these riches around you?" He laughed. "Expect torture that matches them. You'll thank me for treating you so well after you properly encounter your would-be husband... The Royal BEAST."

Tears silently rolled down Isha's cheeks.

The Rajputs were welcomed by Rajmata Devyani Devi, the king's father Pratap Singh Ranawat and his wife, Amrita Pratap Singh Ranawat, along with Prince Avyan Singh Ranawat.

With her face hidden beneath the bridal veil, Isha quietly followed them.

After the welcome ceremony, Amrita personally escorted her to one of the bridal chambers.

"Get ready quickly, beta. We have barely an hour left before the muhurat. Let me know if you need anything. The make-up artist will be here in a few minutes," Amrita said softly before turning to leave.

Isha looked at the woman in disbelief. The warmth in her voice... It caught her completely off guard.

Except for her brother... no one had ever spoken to her with such gentleness. Her eyes became teary, remembering Ranveer. Isha trembled, taking deep breaths.

Amrita noticed it immediately. She quietly dismissed every servant from the room.

The moment they stepped outside, she locked the door before walking back to Isha.

Without saying another word... she pulled the girl into a warm embrace.

"I don't know what helplessness forced you to marry my son," Amrita whispered, gently caressing her head. "But I promise you... he isn't a bad person. Don't be afraid."

She tightened the hug.

"I'm here for you... okay?"

That was all it took. Isha broke down completely. She clung to Amrita and cried her heart out. For the first time in more than fifteen years... she felt a mother's embrace. Someone had spoken to her softly.

Someone had offered her comfort without expecting anything in return.

"Thank you... Ma," she whispered.

Hearing the sweetness in Isha's voice, Amrita smiled.

Curious to see her daughter-in-law's face, she gently lifted the bridal veil.

The moment she did... she gasped.

"Oh my God..."

Her hand instinctively covered her mouth.

"You are so beautiful..."

She couldn't take her eyes off Isha. The girl looked breathtakingly beautiful.

Like an angel descended from heaven.

There wasn't a trace of make-up on her face, yet her natural beauty was enough to leave anyone speechless. Her large hazel eyes reflected nothing but innocence and kindness, while every feature seemed sculpted to perfection.

For a brief moment... Amrita wondered if she was dreaming.

Unable to believe what she was seeing, she gently cupped Isha's face, almost needing to reassure herself that the beautiful girl before her was real.
"You will bring my son back... I know you will," Amrita said, cupping her daughter-in-law's face before lovingly kissing her forehead.

The positivity she had felt the moment she first saw Isha was unlike anything she had ever experienced.

It had taken only one glance for Amrita to feel an inexplicable connection with the young girl.

Her instincts... The instincts of a mother... told her that this girl was the one destined for her son.

A knock on the door interrupted the moment. Amrita quickly pulled Isha's veil back over her face.

"Come in."

A few maids and the beautician entered the room.

"Help her get ready," Amrita instructed before turning towards Isha one last time.

"Ma..."

Amrita immediately looked back.

"Can I wear my mother's bridal lehenga... please?"

Isha almost pleaded.

Amrita's heart instantly ached. She already knew Isha had lost both her parents as a child. Until today, she had believed her uncle and aunt had raised her with love.

But after watching Sheela Rajput leave the bride alone while she herself enjoyed the Ranawats' hospitality... she had started doubting that belief.

"Of course you can, beta," Amrita replied softly. "Just don't let Abhyansh know."

Isha looked at her in confusion.

"He hasn't even seen the bridal lehenga our designers specially made for you. If he learns that you've chosen another one instead..." She sighed. "...you'll be in trouble."

Isha quietly nodded. After blessing her once again, Amrita left the room. Neither of them realised one important thing.

Every servant in the Ranawat Palace was fiercely loyal to Abhyansh Singh Ranawat. They feared him almost as much as they respected him. Once Amrita left, the maids carefully helped Isha change into her mother's bridal lehenga.

The lehenga had originally belonged to her mother.

After years of preserving it like a treasure, Isha had secretly altered it herself to fit her measurements before bringing it along, hiding it from her uncle and aunt.

Design had always been her passion. She had completed her master's in arts with fashion design as her specialization. Designing, sketching, embroidery, fabrics... those were the only things that truly made her happy.

But happiness had never stayed in her life long enough.

"What is this?" Isha asked innocently, looking at the small tweezer-like tool the beautician was about to use.

The beautician smiled.

"This? It's an eyebrow tweezer, Your Highness."

"You use it for eyebrows?"

Isha asked with genuine curiosity.

"Yes."

The beautician smiled again.

"I just want to shape your brows a little. They're already beautiful... I'll only remove a few extra hairs."

"I've never had this done before..." Isha looked at the tool with childlike curiosity. "Will it hurt?"

The beautician froze. She stared at the bride in disbelief.

"You've... never shaped your eyebrows?"

Isha innocently shook her head. She knew almost everything about clothes. She could identify fabrics with a single touch.

She could sketch bridal wear from memory. She could alter a garment so perfectly that no one would know it had ever been modified.

But beauty parlours... Stylists... Professional makeup... Luxury skincare... Those belonged to a world she had never been allowed to enter.

Sheela Rajput had forbidden every one of them. Not because Isha needed them. But because she didn't. Even without makeup... Even without expensive clothes... Isha looked every bit the princess she had been born as.

Every time Sheela looked at Isha, she saw her mother.

The resemblance was enough to fill her with hatred.

Sheela could never bear the fact that her own husband had always had eyes for Isha's mother. Whenever Ranveer wasn't home, all that resentment found its way to the innocent girl. She would often slap Isha, punishing her for a crime she had never committed.

Kailash Rajput had always had eyes for his elder brother's wife. But as long as his elder brother was alive, he never dared act on those filthy desires. Later, when he planned to kill his brother and make a move on his sister-in-law, she chose to accompany her husband on that business trip. The accident claimed both their lives.

"Yes, Your Highness. Since this is your first time, I wouldn't recommend getting it done today. Even the slightest redness won't look flattering on your wedding day," the beautician said gently, setting the tweezer aside.

"Your Highness... may I say something?" she asked hesitantly.

Isha nodded.

She was still surprised by the respect everyone showed her. Despite being born a princess, she had never been treated with such dignity. Her uncle made sure any servant who dared to respect her was severely punished.

"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen," the beautician said, unable to hide the admiration in her eyes. "I don't even know how to describe your beauty... it's simply angelic. Now I understand why Maharaj chose to marry you." She smiled warmly. "You were born to be a queen."

Isha truly was a sight for sore eyes. A woman blessed with breathtaking beauty.

"Thank you," Isha replied with a soft, gentle smile capable of melting even the hardest of hearts.

Well... The Royal BEAST was an exception, for now!

The maids then helped her complete the final touches.

Just then... the door flew open.

"Maharaj is on his way!" The maid's terrified voice echoed through the room. "He is furious!"

Without waiting for another second, she hurried out of the room.

The remaining maids exchanged frightened glances, unsure of what to do. Silently... they prayed for God to save them from his wrath. Moments later, Abhyansh walked into the room.

Isha immediately rose to her feet, her gaze still lowered.

"Out."

His cold command was enough to send everyone scurrying out of the room.

The moment the last maid stepped outside, he shut the doors behind him with a loud thud, making Isha flinch.

"What are you wearing?" he asked in the same cold tone.

Fear coursed through her body. She wanted to answer... but the words simply wouldn't come.

Closing the distance between them in three long strides, he gripped her hair and forced her to look at him.

The moment his eyes fell upon her face... his grip loosened. He slowly released her hair and instinctively took a step back. Her angelic beauty had caught him completely by surprise.

For reasons he couldn't explain... he felt something stir within him as he looked at her.

Isha was dressed in her mother's bridal lehenga.

It wasn't extravagant. Nor was it adorned with rare jewels or lavish embellishments. Yet...

it possessed a timeless elegance that no amount of wealth could recreate.

The deep crimson silk was embroidered with delicate gold zari work, its intricate floral patterns speaking of an era when craftsmanship mattered more than extravagance. The matching dupatta, draped gracefully over her head, was bordered with fine hand embroidery that had stood the test of time. Though the years had passed, every thread had been preserved with utmost care.

The lehenga carried something far more precious than luxury. It carried memories. It was the last piece of her mother that she could still wrap around herself.

And today... that alone made it priceless for her until he chose to brutally snatched that right from her.

He didn't like the effect she had on him.

Stepping forward once again, he stood right in front of her and this time, his hand wrapped around the back of her neck, his grip much tighter than before.

"When I ask you something, you answer. When I tell you something, you do it. And when I order you, you obey. If you don't..." He leaned slightly closer, his icy gaze locking onto hers. "...you will face the wrath of Abhyansh Singh Ranawat."

"You hear me?"

His cold, menacing tone instantly brought tears to her eyes.

"Now..." He tightened his grip ever so slightly. "What are you wearing?"

"M-My mother's... lehenga..." she stammered, joining her hands before him. "P-Please... let me wear this... please."

Not a flicker of emotion crossed his face.

"You will get ready in the bridal attire specially made for you." His tone remained as cold as ever. "You have twenty minutes."

With that, he shoved her aside before turning around and walking out of the room. The moment the doors closed behind him, Isha collapsed onto the floor.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. More than the pain... it was the fear his mere presence instilled in her. 

Even the countless tortures inflicted by her vile uncle and aunt had never made her fear anyone this much. Yet... his presence alone... His icy tone... His terrifying aura...were enough to leave her trembling.

A few moments later, the staff quietly entered the room.

None of them dared utter a word.

Silently, they helped Isha out of her mother's bridal lehenga and dressed her in the bridal attire specially crafted for the future Queen of the Ranawat family.

She looked breathtaking.

Every bit the queen she was destined to become. But... the gentle smile that had adorned her face just a few moments ago... was nowhere to be seen.

The bridal lehenga was nothing short of a masterpiece. Crafted in a rich shade of deep maroon, it was lavishly adorned with intricate antique gold zardozi embroidery that covered almost every inch of the fabric. Delicate floral vines, regal paisleys, and elaborate Mughal-inspired motifs intertwined seamlessly, giving it an unmistakably royal charm. Tiny sequins and finely embroidered patterns caught the light with every movement, making the lehenga shimmer elegantly without appearing flamboyant.

The heavily embroidered dupatta rested gracefully over her head, its broad border mirroring the exquisite craftsmanship of the lehenga. Complementing it was an opulent set of traditional bridal jewellery—an intricately layered choker, a long necklace, matching earrings, a maang tikka, and a delicate nath—all set with deep ruby stones that perfectly complemented the richness of her attire.

It wasn't merely a bridal outfit.

It was the attire of a queen.

Every thread reflected the prestige, wealth, and legacy of the Ranawat family, making it impossible for anyone to mistake the bride for anything less than the future Queen of the most powerful royal family in the country.

After a while, Isha was called to the grand hall.

Amrita personally came to escort her to the mandap, while the attendants carefully helped her with the heavily embroidered bridal attire.

The moment Isha stepped into the hall... a collective gasp swept across the gathering. Conversations came to an abrupt halt.

For a brief moment... all eyes were on the bride. Whispers soon followed. People couldn't take their eyes off her. Many discreetly took out their phones, capturing photographs and videos of the breathtaking bride.

The future Queen.

Mrs. Abhyansh Singh Ranawat.

On the other hand, Sheela felt jealousy consume her.

Watching Isha draped in an opulent royal bridal ensemble—one she couldn't have imagined possessing even in her wildest dreams—only fueled the bitterness she had buried within herself for years.

Amrita gently guided Isha to the mandap and made her stand beside Abhyansh. Soon... the wedding rituals commenced.

Abhyansh was dressed in an exquisitely tailored ivory sherwani, paired with a maroon turban and a matching stole, both richly embroidered with intricate gold threadwork. Every element of his attire reflected understated royalty.

But it wasn't his clothes that commanded attention. It was him. Power. Authority. Dominance. Those were the only words that came to mind.

The pin-drop silence that had descended upon the massive gathering the moment he entered spoke volumes about the fear and respect he commanded.

The rituals continued amidst the sacred chants of the priests.

Finally... the priest declared them husband and wife.

As Abhyansh filled the parting of Isha's hair with vermilion and tied the sacred mangalsutra around her neck, she silently closed her eyes.

Please, God...

Give me the strength to endure every hardship life has in store for me.

And... Please make my husband love me... Or at least... treat me with dignity.

With that... Princess Isha Rajput became Mrs. Isha Abhyansh Singh Ranawat. The reception followed immediately after the wedding.

Only a select few were granted permission to step onto the stage. The rest offered their blessings from a distance. Those fortunate enough to stand beside the newlyweds made sure to capture the moment in photographs.

After all... they understood the value of a single picture with Abhyansh Singh Ranawat. Especially on the most important day of his life.

If someone had earned the privilege of standing beside The Royal BEAST on his wedding day... society would naturally assume they held an important place in his life. And that single photograph... was enough to elevate their stature.

Within hours, the internet was flooded with pictures and videos of the royal wedding and its scale.

Every news channel... Every social media platform... Every newspaper... 

They were talking about the grandeur. The scale. The unparalleled security arrangements. The guest list that included some of the most influential personalities across the world. The unimaginable wealth on display.

And above all... The wedding of the most feared and powerful man in the country.

While Abhyansh Singh Ranawat's name dominated every headline, the bride remained largely behind her bridal veil, her identity known only to those who were part of the ceremony.

But... did this marriage hold the same significance in the lives of the two people bound by it... as it did in the eyes of the world?

After the wedding ceremonies concluded, the newlyweds were escorted to the main palace, where Amrita hurried through the remaining post-wedding rituals exactly as her son had instructed.

The moment Isha stepped inside... she found herself staring in silent awe.

She had always believed she hated royal palaces. After all... she had spent more than fifteen years imprisoned inside one. But today... that belief crumbled. This palace... the place she would now call home... had already begun to make her fall in love with it.

The entrance hall itself was magnificent.

It was a seamless blend of timeless Rajput architecture and modern luxury. Towering arches, intricately carved pillars, elegant jharokhas, latticed stone screens, and majestic domed pavilions reflected the glorious legacy of the Ranawat family. Every wall, every carving, every corridor carried an air of quiet authority, making it evident that generations of power had walked these halls.

As they moved further inside, Isha couldn't help but admire the soaring ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and delicate gold detailing. Magnificent archways stretched endlessly before her, each one displaying the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Rajput artisans. Every hallway looked grand enough to be mistaken for a palace in itself.

Soon, they reached a passage that branched away from the rest of the palace.

"This is the King's Wing," one of the attendants informed softly before stepping aside.

The grandeur remained. If anything... it became even more magnificent. Yet... the atmosphere subtly changed.

The warm hues of the palace gradually gave way to deeper shades of wood and stone. The silence grew heavier. Even the servants instinctively lowered their voices while walking through the corridor.

It was almost as though the palace itself reflected the personality of the man who lived there. Cold. Powerful. Untouchable.

The moment the rituals came to an end... Abhyansh left for his office without sparing anyone a glance. The rest of the family quietly dispersed to attend to their respective responsibilities. Only Amrita remained behind.

Isha watched them leave with slight confusion. Not one of them had spoken to her. Not one had welcomed her into the family. Then again... perhaps they never intended to.

As long as their king was present, everyone remained exactly where they were expected to be.

The moment he walked away... they returned to their own lives.

"Don't worry," Amrita said softly, gently squeezing Isha's hand. "Everything will be fine. Stay positive."

Isha offered a small nod. Amrita then led her towards Abhyansh's chamber through the King's Wing. Even the staircase leading upstairs was a masterpiece in itself.

Its wide marble steps, intricately carved railings, and towering ceilings perfectly complemented the unmatched grandeur surrounding them.

"Ma..." Isha spoke hesitantly. Amrita turned towards her. "Where are your chambers?"

"Our staircase is at the rear wing of the palace," Amrita replied with a warm smile. "I'll show you tomorrow."

Isha nodded before another question crossed her mind.

"Then... why does this staircase split into two?" she asked, pointing towards the staircase on their left as they continued climbing the one on the right. "And where does that one lead?"

"That leads to Abhyansh's study and library," Amrita answered. "Whenever he's home, that's where he spends most of his time."

Isha quietly nodded. A few moments later, they stepped inside Abhyansh's private chamber. She paused once again. Calling it a chamber almost felt inadequate. It resembled a luxurious private residence within the palace itself.

A magnificent hall welcomed them at the entrance, seamlessly connected to an elegant dining area and a fully equipped gymnasium. Right at the centre stood another staircase, smaller than the grand staircases outside, yet impressive enough to command attention within a private suite.

Isha's brows knitted together in curiosity.

A staircase... inside a personal chamber?

"This staircase leads to the three bedrooms upstairs. Your belongings have been placed in the master bedroom—the one at the extreme left. Go and get changed, beta. You must be exhausted. Get some rest," Amrita said with a gentle smile before taking her leave.

Isha wanted to ask her mother-in-law to stay with her for a while. But the words never left her lips.

She could clearly see how exhausted Amrita looked after the day's endless rituals and celebrations. The last thing she wanted was to trouble the only person who had shown her kindness since morning.

So, she simply smiled and watched her leave.

Left alone... Isha quietly made her way towards the master bedroom, just as Amrita had directed. The moment she stepped inside... her eyes widened in amazement.

The room was breathtaking.

Spacious enough to rival an entire apartment, it carried the same regal elegance that defined the rest of the palace. The soaring ceiling, adorned with intricate carvings and delicate gold detailing, added a sense of magnificence to the room. Tall arched windows, framed with beautifully crafted latticework, opened into enclosed balconies that overlooked the lush palace gardens.

At the heart of the room stood an exquisite canopy bed, handcrafted from rich polished wood and adorned with intricate carvings that reflected generations of master craftsmanship. Luxurious silk drapes, antique furniture, plush carpets, elegant seating, and carefully chosen royal décor blended seamlessly, making the room feel less like a bedroom and more like a private royal suite.

Every corner reflected unmatched luxury. Yet... despite all its grandeur... the room somehow felt warm. Welcoming. She found herself admiring every little detail, her eyes wandering from one corner to another.

After taking in the beauty of the room, curiosity got the better of her. There were still two more bedrooms upstairs. Unable to resist... she stepped out to explore them as well.

The other two bedrooms were every bit as magnificent as the master bedroom. Yet... something about them felt different.

One was dominated by dark interiors, while the other carried a softer shade of grey. Neither room felt warm. The décor... The colours... Even the silence lingering within those walls... everything seemed to carry an unspoken warning.

A strange uneasiness settled in Isha's heart.

Why would someone need three bedrooms within a single private chamber?

She mentally noted to ask her mother-in-law about it later.

Is he planning to have three wives?

Her eyes widened at the absurd thought.

'No... no, Isha. What on earth are you thinking?'

She immediately chided herself before suppressing the thought altogether. Curiosity, however, refused to leave her. She continued exploring the chamber until she reached a comparatively smaller hallway. Calling it small would have been unfair. Compared to the rest of the palace... it simply looked modest.

Unlike every other corner that radiated unmistakable royalty, this passage felt surprisingly casual, almost as if it belonged to an entirely different world.

Slowly, she walked towards the end of the hallway. A single wooden door stood there. Curious, she reached for the handle and gently tried to open it.

It didn't budge. She tried once again. Still locked.

"Trying to get yourself into trouble on your very first day?" The icy voice behind her sent a chill racing down her spine.

She froze.

Her hand instinctively slipped away from the doorknob. Slowly... she stepped back before turning around.

Abhyansh stood a few feet away. She didn't dare look at his face. Her gaze immediately dropped to the floor.

His warning from earlier echoed in her mind.

When I ask you something, you answer.

Not wanting to invite his wrath again, she spoke before he could.

"N-No... Mr. Ranawat... I was just exploring." She nervously clasped her hands together. "I'm... sorry."

Without saying a word, he strode towards her. His fingers closed tightly around her wrist. Before she could react... he dragged her all the way back to the master bedroom.

The moment they entered... he flung her onto the floor with enough force to make her gasp.

"You will address me as Maharaj, just like every maid in this palace does." His grip around her face tightened. "You may be my wife in name...but inside this chamber, you are nothing more than a maid."

"Starting tomorrow, not a single maid will enter these quarters. Every responsibility here will be yours."

His eyes bored into hers.

"If I find even a single speck of dust..."

He tightened his hold, his nails digging into her cheeks.

"...you will be punished. Understood?"

Tears welled up in her eyes. She managed a weak nod.

"Words."

The single command sent another wave of fear through her.

"Y-Yes... Maharaj," she whispered, wincing as his nails pressed deeper into her skin.

Only then did he release her.

The force with which he shoved her away made her stumble before she managed to regain her balance. Without sparing her another glance, Abhyansh walked towards the minibar in the corner of the room and poured himself a drink.

Isha slowly composed herself before walking towards the wardrobe to change. After changing into her night clothes, she sat quietly on the edge of the bed.

The day had drained every ounce of energy from her. By now... she should have been crying. But strangely... she wasn't. Yes... his words had hurt.

Being told she was nothing more than a maid...had stung. But somewhere deep inside... she had prepared herself for something far worse. She had feared he would force himself upon her. She had feared he would snatch away her dignity. He hadn't.

Instead... he had merely asked her to clean his chamber. She silently let out a sigh of relief. Cleaning... was nothing new to her. She had spent years doing the very same chores in the Rajput Palace.

This... she could manage.

She simply had to wake up a little earlier every morning if she wanted to finish all the household work before leaving for the office.

The thought made her freeze.

Office.

She hadn't spoken to her husband about it. Her eyes instinctively drifted towards him. He stood at the far end of the room, a glass of whisky in one hand, quietly sipping his drink.

She gathered her courage and cautiously took a few steps towards him.

Halfway there... she stopped. What if he got angry? What if he slapped her?

Looking at his broad frame and powerfully built body, she couldn't help but wonder if she would even survive a slap delivered with all his strength.

The thought alone made her retreat. But... her dream mattered. Her work mattered.

Taking a deep breath, she gave herself another silent pep talk and walked towards him once again. Only to lose her courage... and turn back. On her third attempt... just as she reached him...

Abhyansh slowly turned to face her.

"What?" he asked, taking another sip of his whiskey.

"M-Maharaj... I... work... woh..." she fumbled, unable to form a proper sentence.

"I hate people who fumble." His voice remained icy. "Speak."

She instinctively lowered her gaze, holding back the tears threatening to spill.

"Maharaj... I... I want to work. I got a job in..."

"You are nothing to me but a maid." He cut her off before she could finish. "A royal maid. You may do whatever you wish. But if your work outside this palace disrupts your duties inside this chamber..." His eyes turned colder. "...consider yourself as good as dead. I'll make sure of it."

"Y-Yes, Maharaj... th-thank you," she whispered before hurriedly retreating.

Relief washed over her. At least... he hadn't refused. She carefully lay down on the bed, hoping to rest for a while.

The next second... a powerful grip yanked her off it. She crashed onto the marble floor with a painful thud, her elbow scraping against the hard surface.

A sharp sting shot through her arm.

"What did I tell you?"

His thunderous roar echoed through the room. She instinctively shrank back, her entire body trembling.

"You are a maid." His voice was colder than ice. "And a maid belongs on the floor."

Before she could process his words... he uncorked the whiskey bottle in his hand and emptied it over the bed. Then... he flicked open his lighter.

The tiny flame danced for a brief second before he casually tossed it onto the soaked mattress.

The bed erupted into flames. Isha froze. Fear rooted her to the spot.

"If I ever see your disgusting self on that bed again...I'll set you on fire. Not the bed."

With that... he turned around and walked away as though nothing had happened. Only after the door shut behind him did Isha regain her senses. She rushed towards the washroom, intending to fetch water.

Luckily... a fire extinguisher hung near the entrance.

With trembling hands, she managed to put out the fire.

The moment the flames died... so did the strength holding her together. She slowly sank onto the floor. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks. Her life...couldn't possibly get any worse.

Yet somehow... it always did. She cried for a long time. Eventually, she wiped away her tears, gathered herself, and began cleaning the room.

Once everything was back in order, she freshened up and quietly lay down on the floor. A faint smile slowly appeared on her face.

Tomorrow...would be her first day at work. That single thought was enough to brighten her heart. A new journey awaited the kind princess who was now the queen not only of Ajmer, but of several royal families that had accepted Abhyansh Singh Ranawat's supremacy.

But... when would she truly become a queen? Not merely in title... but in the hearts of the people... and of the king himself.

Precap - Isha's first day both as a wife and an employee...

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