Chapter 5: A Dangerous Bargain

He lay in the shadows, dressed in black, half his face covered, sprawled in the hay. Under Lakshmi’s anxious gaze, I strode forward and tore the cloth from his face.

He was as striking as I remembered—Vikram, the third prince of the rival kingdom. But now, his eyes were squeezed shut, sweat slick on his brow, his body wracked with pain.

Hatred bubbled up in me, remembering all he would do for Priya—protecting her, plotting against me, ruining my wedding gifts. I steeled myself.

Suddenly, his hand shot out, gripping my wrist with crushing strength. His eyes snapped open, dark and sharp. He stared at me—my disgust and hate plain on my face—and smirked.

"Everyone says the second miss of the Sharma family is a saint, always helping the poor. But you? No compassion at all. Is this your real face, now that no one’s watching?"

He mocked me, confident I wouldn’t recognize him. But I knew exactly who he was.

My wrist ached, but I glared back. "Let go of me."

"Why should I? You were rude to me, so I’ll be rude to you. Fair, isn’t it? I haven’t offended you, have I?"

My eyes filled with tears, voice shaking. "You haven’t offended me? You knocked me out, tied me up, blindfolded me, tore my clothes... You violated me."

Tears fell, splashing onto his hand. He recoiled, momentarily stunned.

Before he could react, I lunged with the knife I’d hidden. But Vikram was too quick—he blocked it, then yanked me into his arms, pinning my hands. My saree pallu slipped off my shoulder; I hurriedly pulled it back, cheeks burning with shame and anger.

To any outsider, it would look as if I’d fallen right into his arms.

Lakshmi cried out, ready to fight for me. "Let go of my madam!"

"Lakshmi! Go! This is between me and him!" I snapped, refusing to show weakness.

Vikram’s breath brushed my ear, his words forced out between clenched teeth. "Believe me, Miss Sharma, I never meant to hurt you. I was poisoned, needed an antidote, and used you. I promise this will stay a secret, and I won’t harm you—after all, you saved my life."

I pretended to crumble, crying silently, refusing to meet his gaze. Then I got up, ignoring the grass stains on my blue saree, and staggered out of the temple, counting my steps as I went.

Behind me, his voice stopped me: "If you’re ever in trouble, blow this whistle. I’ll grant you three requests."

I didn’t turn back, but his words settled deep inside me. If Priya could have a hero, so could I. I would never let my fate be in anyone else’s hands again.