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She heard his chuckle before he spoke, “This is not about who gets the throne. This is about us as two individuals wanting to start our life together. I’m happy to be part of a progressive family that does not discriminate based on gender or family background. Regarding the throne, whoever is named king or…” he paused to look at his sister and added, “… queen by our parents, our entire family is committed and responsible to the people of the province and their well-being and growth.”
Sanjana swore she heard the room gasp in unison before they broke into a clamor. It hit her in that moment that her husband was not really after anything, or at least what she thought he was interested in—an heir.
Feeling ashamed of how her thoughts had swirled down the wrong path, she processed his words. What he had just said meant even his sister, who was adopted, could be the Queen of Devaraya, and that just blew her mind.
She turned to look at him just as he turned to face her, and all she could do was look at him and smile. Not the pasted one she had previously, but the one that made her eyes sparkle and her skin glow with the relief that she wasn’t going to be used as a babymaker and that she entered into a contract with a guy who believed women could lead too and not need to be protected by men.
Not bad, Prince of Devaraya. Not bad at all.
Chapter 6
Hours later, after spending time with both their families and the crazy media meeting, they were on their way to someplace she didn’t know. She was yet again assisted by Radha and her team to change out of the fancy outfit and into somethingrelaxed yet chic, according to the stylist.
The coordinated silk shirt and pleated skirt combo were still a bit too fancy for her to wear for travel, but she told herself she had to go with the flow. And with the huge relief she got from hearing Jai address the media’s questions earlier that morning, she was a bit more relaxed.
She slowly turned to look at him as he sat a foot away from her in the back of the car. She attempted to speak but could not find her voice at first and finally had to clear her throat before speaking. “Why did we need to make an appearance before the media?”
He turned his attention to her. “Why wouldn’t we? The world needs to know we are married.” His response was matter-of-fact, like it was a normal thing for the royals to do when they had not made an appearance like this, ever.
It was still puzzling to her that there was so much of a public show about their marriage, especially a fake one. “But the family is usually not in the public eye.”
A long moment of silence passed as he scanned her face and nodded. “Good observation, but times have changed. Our presence in the media is required, and the people in the region need to know we are there for them. Don’t you think so?”
She only nodded in response. “And… what you said about Devaraya having a queen and not just a king, that was very classy of you.” She smiled.
Another long look her way, and he smirked before averting his eyes. It felt like he was making a point to the entire world that his sister may have been adopted, but she still had a right to the throne. Did he put her in front of the media to show that marrying out of the royal community was his way of saying his family was progressive?
“Where are we going?” she asked after another long silence. She did not fail to notice the couple of suitcases loaded into the vehicle before they left the resort. What was in the luggage, she had no idea.
“On our honeymoon.” His tone was matter of fact like it was the most obvious thing to do even for the contract marriage they had. “We will be back in a few days.”
Sanjana nodded. “Where are we going?” She didn’t feel nervous anymore, but the question of why the man chose for her to be part of the contract marriage was still a burning one.
“You’ll see.” He smiled, revealing a deep dimple she had not noticed before, and it was because he had never given her that kind of a smile. Why did the guy have to be so perfect? How was she not supposed to be attracted to him even when she knew it was all a show for whatever was on his mind?
Moments later, she saw signs for an airport, and she didn’t think there was one anywhere in the vicinity. “There is an airstrip here?” She was suddenly excited. There was only one major airport for the entire region, and she was pleasantly surprised there was another one.
“A small and private one.” His tone was the exact opposite of how ecstatic she was feeling.
A million thoughts were going through her mind. Could she use the airstrip for practice? If there is a private airport, was there a private plane she could convince her new husband to let her use? Suddenly, the arrangement was starting to make sense.Did he know she was training to be an airline pilot?Was he looking for a personal pilot? Then why marry someone?
Don’t be silly, Sanjana!
The excitement of the potential possibilities was clearly driving her nuts. She could not handle it anymore when her eyes fell on the Rolls-Royce of all private planes.
A Bombardier Global 8000! The longest-range and most luxurious international travel plane. Every pilot’s dream to fly one.
It was a distant dream even to get to see one, let alone get a job to be a pilot on such a plane. For her to see the family logo on the plane indicated it was owned by them and not a rental. She wanted to keep screaming,holy crap,every second, but she bit back her lip.
“I’ll take it you like our ride.” His tone was yet again the composed statement while all she could think about was to roll down the window, stick her head out, and scream at the top of her lungs.
She had no words to express her thrill and excitement at seeing the plane that stood majestically on the airstrip. “This is… crazy!”
“Crazy good, I hope.” The car stopped a short distance from the plane. She didn’t wait for the person by the car to open the door for her. She stepped out of the vehicle and started walking toward the plane, her eyes gathering moisture. She never knew what it would feel like just to be looking at the plane she had obsessively used during her simulation hours. It was overwhelming to see the plane in person, waiting for her to board.
She was still awestruck when she felt him next to her, his hand gently taking hers in his as he led her toward the plane. She had to be dreaming. No way all this happened in the last few days. When did her life suddenly get so crazy?
Crazy good!
