Ch:-5

Kanika's lips parted slightly.

He continued, calmly, "I came to save you. I've done that." his gaze softened, just barely. "Now, I must go."

Kanika stood shakily. "Wait—who are you?"

The man gave her a brief glance, a hint of a smirk beneath his scarf.

" Just a shadow... who doesn't like injustice."

He turned, stepping back into the trees.

Before he vanished completely, he said without looking back—

"Take care of that chain. Your mother would be proud of how you fought."

And just like that—he was gone, swallowed by the jungle, as if he was never there.

The rustling of Armor & hooves echoed through the woods. The royal troops returned, their faces pale with urgency.

"Princess!" one of the guards gasped, eyes widening as he spotted her standing among the unconscious thieves.

"By the gods—she's alive!"

Kanika stood tall despite her wounds, her voice commanding.

"Take these men. Alive. I want them punished for what they did."

The commander bowed. "As you say, your Highness."

She glanced once toward the path the stranger had disappeared through.

He's gone...

Scene: Palace Courtyard– Later That Night

As soon as Kanika stepped down from the chariot, Aarav rushed forward, eyes wide, arms out.

"Kanika!"

She barely had time to blink before he pulled her into a tight hug.

Aarav whispered, "I thought... I thought we lost you."

Kanika gently patted his back, stiff & confused by the gesture.

He pulled back & stared at her face, his eyes darting.

"How are you alive?" he blurted suddenly.

"I mean–there were so many of them. They could've... killed you. Why didn't they?"

Kanika paused.

"Because someone saved me," she replied softly, trying to move past it.

Aarav frowned. "Who? Do you even know who he was?"

She nodded faintly, eyes far away. "No... I don't. He didn't give me a name."

Aarav's jaw clenched, but Kanika was already walking past him.

"Tell the healer to meet me in my chambers. I want no one else around tonight."

Scene: Royal Bathing Chambers– Night

The room glowed softly with scented candles. The water shimmered in the lavish marble tub, tinted with rose petals & herbs. Steam curled lazily in the air.

Kanika sat alone, submerged in the warmth. Her arms rested on the rim of the tub, but her mind was far from the palace walls.

She closed her eyes, replaying the moment.

The dagger.

The voice.

"Lay your filthy hand on her, & you're dead."

The voice... like thunder echoing through the night...

She touched her mother's chain around her neck.

He knew. How did he know it was hers?

The memory of their eye contact—his fierce protection, then vanishing like smoke—it hunted her in the best way.

"Who are you...?" she whispered aloud.

"Why did it feel like you were meant to save me?"

She leaned back in the tub, closing her eyes.

But the warmth of the water couldn't quite the storm inside her.

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