The Royal Mask Affair

Chapter 33: The Lavendar Dream

The Shekhawat Palace was alive with its usual morning buzz, yet Ruansh felt like the only person truly awake. He had barely slept, pacing his room well into the night. Now, as sunlight streamed through the grand windows, gilding the marbled floors, he sat across from his parents in the dining hall.

Ruansh's mother, Queen Aarti, eyed him curiously as he absentmindedly stirred his tea. "You seem distracted, Ruansh," she observed.

Devraj, seated beside him, smirked and muttered, "He's got a 'princess' problem, Mother."

Ruansh shot his brother a glare. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, you don't?" Devraj leaned back with a grin. "I'm just saying you've been unusually focused on a certain Princess Yutika lately."

The mention of her name made Ruansh's heart skip a beat, but he quickly masked his reaction.

"Devraj," the King said sternly, though his tone carried the faintest hint of amusement. "Leave your brother alone."

Ruansh cleared his throat, realizing this was the perfect moment to lay the groundwork for what he was about to do. "Actually, I need to leave for the Kapoor Palace today."

Queen Aarti raised an eyebrow. "The Kapoor Palace? Any particular reason?"

Ruansh hesitated for a moment before replying, "It's about strengthening the bond between our kingdoms."

Devraj nearly choked on his drink, coughing as he struggled to contain his laughter. "Strengthening bonds? Is that what we're calling it now?"

Ruansh ignored him, turning his attention to his parents. "It's important. I'll explain everything when I return."

Aarti exchanged a glance with the King Anirudh, her maternal instincts clearly piqued, but she chose not to press further. "Very well. But do keep us informed."

With that, Ruansh excused himself, determined to set his plan in motion.

The Kapoor Palace was no less majestic than its counterpart in Ashvakara, with sprawling courtyards and towering spires that gleamed in the midday sun. As Ruansh arrived, the guards escorted him to the grand hall, where King Kapoor, along with Queen Devika and Princess Samaira, were seated.

"Prince Ruansh," King Virendra Kapoor greeted warmly. "This is a pleasant surprise."

Ruansh bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, I apologize for the unannounced visit. I've come with an important request."

Queen Devika tilted her head, curiosity evident. "And what might that be?"

Ruansh took a steadying breath. "I would like to spend the afternoon with Princess Yutika. There are matters I wish to discuss with her—privately."

Samaira, always quick-witted, raised an eyebrow and teased, "Privately, hmm? Should we be worried, Prince Ruansh?"

Ruansh chuckled lightly. "Not at all. I assure you, my intentions are honorable."

King Kapoor regarded him thoughtfully before nodding. "If Yutika agrees, then you have our permission. She should be in the east garden."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Ruansh said, bowing again.

Ruansh found Yutika in the east garden, her favorite sanctuary. She was seated beneath a blooming jacaranda tree, a book resting in her lap. Her lavender gown shimmered in the dappled sunlight, and for a moment, Ruansh simply stood there, taking in the sight of her.

When she finally noticed him, her eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Prince Ruansh? What brings you here?"

He stepped closer, a small smile playing on his lips. "I needed to see you."

Yutika's cheeks flushed faintly, but she quickly recovered, closing her book. "Well, here I am. What's so urgent that you've come all the way to my palace?"

"Walk with me," he said, offering his hand.

Though she hesitated for a fraction of a second, Yutika took his hand, and together they strolled through the garden.

Ruansh led Yutika to the palace stables, where two magnificent white horses awaited them. "We're going somewhere," he said, his tone enigmatic.

Yutika arched an eyebrow. "And where exactly are we going?"

"You'll see," he replied, helping her onto one of the horses.

Their ride took them through winding trails and lush forests until they reached a secluded glade. In the center of the clearing stood a grand pavilion, draped in pastel silks with delicate lavender accents. Strings of fairy lights glimmered in the canopy above, casting a magical glow over the scene. The air was fragrant with the scent of lavender and jasmine, and a small fountain bubbled softly nearby.

Yutika gasped, her eyes wide with wonder. "Ruansh, this is... beautiful. Did you do all this?"

He dismounted and helped her down, his hand lingering on hers for a moment. "I wanted it to be special."

As they stepped into the pavilion, Ruansh turned to face her, his usually composed features betraying a flicker of nervousness.

"Yutika," he began, his voice steady despite the rapid beating of his heart. "I've always thought of myself as a man who could handle anything—wars, politics, the weight of a kingdom. But then I met you, and you completely unraveled me."

Yutika's breath caught, her heart pounding as she listened.

"You challenge me, you infuriate me, and yet... you've become the most important person in my life," he continued. "You see me for who I am, not just the prince, but the man beneath it all."

He reached into his coat and pulled out the small velvet box. Dropping to one knee, he opened it to reveal the ring.

"Yutika Kapoor, you've stolen my heart in ways I never thought possible. You are my equal, my partner, and my match in every way. I don't want to spend another moment pretending that you're anything less than my everything."

He smiled, a touch of humor softening the intensity of his words. "And since you seem to have a fondness for lavender, it seems only fitting that I give you a name that matches your beauty and grace."

Yutika blinked, surprised. "A name?"

"Lavender," he said, his voice filled with affection. "Because you're as vibrant, timeless, and unforgettable as the color itself."

Yutika laughed softly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "That's the most ridiculous yet sweetest thing I've ever heard."

Ruansh grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment. Now, Lavender, will you do me the honor of being my partner, my queen, and my forever?"

For a moment, Yutika was silent, overwhelmed by the weight of his words and the sincerity in his gaze. She knelt in front of him, taking his hands in hers.

"Ruansh," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "You've been my rival, my ally, and now... you're the man I can't imagine my life without. You see me for who I am, and you make me want to be better, not for you, but for us."

Her lips curved into a radiant smile. "Yes, I'll be your Lavender. I'll be your everything, just as you've become mine."

Ruansh let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, slipping the ring onto her finger before pulling her into his arms. The world seemed to fade away as their foreheads touched, their hearts beating as one.

As they stood there, surrounded by the soft glow of the pavilion, Ruansh whispered, "You've just made me the happiest man alive."

"And you've made me the happiest woman," Yutika replied, her voice filled with love.

In that moment, under the canopy of lights and the scent of lavender, they knew they had found something extraordinary—a love that would stand the test of time.