The map was crude, drawn in charcoal on old temple parchment, hidden beneath a layer of prayer scrolls in Vaidehi’s chamber.
By now, she had learned the basics of the palace: the changing of the guards, the blind spots in the western corridors, the gate that creaked at midnight. But the vault—the one rumored to hold the Serpent’s Heart—was different.
It lay beneath the temple floor, guarded by rituals, bloodlines, and silence.
And it answered only to him.
> I need his key. Or his trust. Or both.
Vaidehi circled her finger around the vault’s location on the map. She had memorized the priest’s chants. Studied the jewel patterns. The only thing missing was how to get close enough without suspicion.
She closed her eyes.
> Get closer. Make him choose you. Break his walls. Then strike.
But her heart thudded, too fast.
Because the more she watched him, the more she wasn’t sure who was breaking who.
That evening, she followed the path behind the lotus courtyard—a hidden stone corridor that opened into the outer bath chamber. A place reserved only for the prince.
She had overheard a maid say he bathed there before every full moon ceremony.
And tonight… the moon was full.
She told herself it was just to study his schedule.
But she was lying.
She crouched near the carved lattice window—just wide enough to see inside.
The steam curled like breath on her skin as she peeked through.
And there he was.
Aaryan.
Naked from the waist up, waist-deep in dark water, shadows rippling across his chest. His wet hair slicked back, neck arched as he poured cool water down his shoulders.
He looked like a painting come to life. Brutal. Beautiful. Untouchable.
Vaidehi’s throat tightened.
Aaryan.
Naked from the waist up, waist-deep in dark water, shadows rippling across his chest. His wet hair slicked back, neck arched as he poured cool water down his shoulders.
He looked like a painting come to life. Brutal. Beautiful. Untouchable.
Vaidehi’s throat tightened.
She had prepared for poison. Daggers. Seduction.
She hadn’t prepared for this ache.
She leaned closer.
And the wooden screen creaked.
Loud enough to make him freeze.
His hand stilled in the water. His head turned—slowly. Not startled. Just… alert.
> “Who’s there?” he said calmly.
Panic gripped her.
She stepped back quickly, ready to flee—
But his voice followed her again, deeper this time:
> “Is it the palace rats… or my wife?”
She stopped.
Silence.
> “If you wanted to see me, Vaidehi,” he said, “you only had to ask.”
She didn’t answer. Couldn’t.
> “But spying suits you,” he continued, standing up fully in the water—unbothered, unashamed.
Her breath hitched. She turned and ran before she could see more—before she could want more.
Back in her chambers, she slammed the door shut, chest heaving.
She wasn’t blushing. She couldn’t afford to.
> He knew I was there. He let me look. He wanted me to.
And worst of all…
She wanted him to.
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