Chapter 7: Camp Lessons

After days of travel, I finally stayed the night at the border camp. The air was thick with the scent of earth and sweat, and somewhere, a radio crackled old Lata Mangeshkar songs above the clang of tin plates and the smell of burnt dal. I sank onto the hard cot, exhaustion seeping in, dreams of home and Arjun’s laughter haunting my sleep.

Before sunrise, I woke, packed quickly, eager to leave this infuriating place behind. But as I opened the door, Arjun was waiting—leaning against the wall, arms folded, as if he’d been there all night. The morning chill did nothing to soften his expression. I sighed—he was the last person I wanted to see.

Unlucky. I braced myself for trouble.

I knew he wasn’t here to apologise or see me off. After yesterday’s punishment, Arjun looked fresh as ever—clear skin, easy stride. Clearly, the punishment had been more theatre than reality. I mentally added a few more creative punishments for next time.

“Your Highness is up early. The soldiers have already finished their morning parade.” His words dripped with sarcasm, the smile never reaching his eyes.

I frowned, barely. This man not only defied his superiors, he lacked even the most basic courtesy to women. Utterly unruly. Ma would have tutted, threatened to call his parents. I kept my dignity, walking past without a glance.

Arjun blocked my path, ignoring my impatience. “Nobles from the capital are delicate, can’t stand even a day. Looks like our place really is a backwater—easily dispensable.”

His words were a challenge. I squared my shoulders. “Both the capital and the border are part of our country; how can you say I can’t handle it?”

Arjun stepped aside, arms crossed, leaning against a pillar. “You talk big, but you’re just about to leave.”

My chest tightened with frustration, but I held my tongue.

His words could be taken many ways—at best, just not used to the place; at worst, a jab at the government, risking morale. At this time, best not to make a scene.

I glared at Arjun. “I’m not leaving.” With that, I turned to go inside, but he blocked me with his arm, smiling. “We don’t keep idle people here. There’s no such thing as eating and living for free.”

I bit back a retort. The rule was fair, but from him, it was another jab. Still, I wouldn’t back down.