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“Thank you.” Sanjana’s voice was weak as she slowly stood up, unsure of what she was getting into, but something deep inside her was enjoying the whole process of being treated like a queen.
Don’t get too excited. It’s all part of a contract, the pragmatic side of her voiced loudly. She pressed her fingertips into the clutch while one person held her hand as she slipped into what looked like three-inch heels.
She took a moment to steady herself, and as she walked to the door, she had never felt so elegant. She had not seen herself in the mirror, but the admiring looks she got from the team who was present told her they were proud of their work.
She usually did not prefer heels as she was taller than all her friends and had not considered wearing them after a bad experience with a pair of shoes, but the ones she had on felt like a cushion was wrapped around her foot. The beautiful sound of the silk ruffling made her feel like she was walking down a fashion ramp, and she felt the automatic sway in her hips.
As if they knew she was arriving, the double doors to the suite opened, and her new husband stood in the hallway, turned away from her, speaking on the phone. Even in her heels, she had to raise her eyes to look at the back of his head. Even with the tiara and the heels, the guy was taller than her.
He turned like he sensed her presence, and their eyes met, making her weak in the knees. There was a spark in his eyes as he approached her, and as if the anxiety of the situation hit her suddenly, she could not move. She stood, staring at him as he got closer to her. A lot closer.
Sanjana was in a daze as he wrapped his arm around her before brushing his lips over her temple.Did he just kiss her?
“Relax,” he whispered as he took her hand in his with his other one placed gently on the small of her back. “Remember to breathe and keep smiling.”
Sanjana was confused. “Where are we going?” She remembered to plaster a smile on her face.
He walked them down the long-carpeted hallway to the elevator before leading her to a different side of the resort. She had not been to this side since all the wedding events were held at another area of the resort—a private section where no other resort guests were allowed.
The few others who joined them when they got off the elevator were all strangers, and she was in no state to even ask questions. Overwhelmed by the unknown, she found relief at seeing the royal couple and his sister. This time she noticed that the family was accompanied by another man.
The man had a polished appearance paired with an air of arrogance, and a moment later, she recognized him to be the royal couple’s oldest son.
Bharath Devaraya!
He was the face of the royal family and the stark opposite of her new husband. His older brother was nowhere as tall and bulky while the guy next to her was lean and fit. They shared their mother’s eyes, but everything else was different.
As they approached the royal couple, his sister approached her, smiling. “You two look so stunning. The media will have a field day. You two may break the internet.”
What? Media? Break the internet?
In her mind, she was yelling at the top of her voice, but no sound came from her as they moved with the group into a large room. Immediately, she was blinded by the flashes from what seemed like a million cameras.
She felt like a deer in front of the brightest headlights as she was swept toward the podium. Everyone else stopped. It was only her and the man holding her from collapsing to the floor with the sudden shock of facing so many people with cameras, and they were the only ones to ascend the stage.
She was again blinded by the flashes, deafened by everyone talking at the same time. What kept her steady, looking ahead with a smile were the last few words he had whispered in her ear.
Breathe and smile.
And that’s all she did even as she heard their names called out together.
Sanjana and Jaidhev Devaraya!
It felt like a long time standing next to each other and posing for the cameras. She was surprisingly thankful when she only had to do was look in the direction whispered in her ear.
Why were they in front of so many media people when the Devarayas were not big on being in the public eye?
After a billion flashes, the group seemed to have settled a bit, and then the questions started. All she could do was maintain a smile and look at everyone while the reporters talked to her new husband. Most of the questions were about the wedding and details of the events, but one reporter’s question piqued her interest a bit more than the others.
“Prince Jaidhev, congrats on your marriage. Can you please tell us why you chose a bride outside the royal family when there were so many other eligible royals?” It was a female reporter, but Sanjana could not see her face in the lights.
Jai tightened his hold on Sanjana just a tad bit. “Thank you for asking that question, and the response is love knows no bloodlines or status. We are two individuals who fell in love and decided to spend our life together.”
The man was a good actor and could pursue the field, especially with his good looks.
Another question followed. “Prince of Devaraya, how come you got married before your older brother and sister? Is this a play to produce an heir before your other siblings so your child gets the right to the throne?”
The second part of the question caused a shiver to pass through her.She called it!
