“Please follow us, Maharani,” they said.
Yamini forced a smile and followed them.
They took her up the stairs and then down a quiet corridor until they stopped before tall carved doors. When the doors opened, she stepped into a bedroom. Or rather a bedroom suite.
Her breath caught.
Tall windows stretched from floor to ceiling, framing snow-covered mountain peaks bathed in the setting sunlight. The room was elegant and warm, decorated in soft tones, with ivory drapes, carved furniture, delicate lamps, and fresh flowers thoughtfully placed on a side table.
It was beautiful. And unmistakably feminine.
A strange thought settled in her chest.
She turned to the staff. “Where does the maharaja sleep?”
The question seemed to surprise them.
“The Maharaja’s suite is next door, Maharani,” one of the maids replied. “There is a connecting door.”
Yamini was shocked.
They wouldn’t be sharing a bedroom.
Then how the hell am I going to have children?
The maids exchanged glances, unsure how to read her expression. “Would you like dinner served now, Maharani?”
Yamini shook her head slowly. “No. I’m not hungry. I ate a heavy meal at Rewa Palace.”
The maids looked unsure, but they nodded. “Please call if you need anything.”
“Thank you,” Yamini murmured, forcing another smile.
The maids left quietly, closing the doors behind them.
Yamini waited until their footsteps faded.
Then she slowly walked towards the connecting door. It was a large, heavily carved single wooden door with a shiny gold-plated handle. She paused for a long moment to ensure she didn’t hear anything from the other side. Not that sound could pass through such a thick door.
Knowing he was going to be in a meeting until midnight, she tried the handle.
It didn’t move.
There was no lock on her side. Which meant it was locked from the other side.
She stood there for a second, her hand still on the handle.
Then she let go and stepped back.
Her face was hot.
She pressed her fingers against her cheeks, furious at herself for the heat there.
She wasn't embarrassed. She refused to be embarrassed.
Except the heat in her face felt a lot like embarrassment.
Bharat Jogra had locked his bedroom door. As if he expected her to barge in and demand conjugal rights.
