December 15, 2021. Goa, Maharashtra, India.
SAMRAT'S POV
"My son, eat something," urged Mrs. Simran.I shook my head, still clad in my Sherwani, the button-down knee-length jacket, awaiting my bride."Mother-in-law, where could she have gone?" I inquired.She sat next to me, cradling my cheek as though I were a child. "My son, I understand your concern. But Pragya, my brave daughter, will return to us. Don't worry," she reassured me, her voice betraying her own concern for her daughter."Mom, you're worried about Pragya, aren't you?" I observed. She nodded, tears spilling from her eyes."She's my only daughter, Samrat. What if something has happened to her?" she expressed her fears. Grasping her hand, I comforted her, "You know, Mom, your daughter is the strongest woman I've ever met. I promise to ensure her safe return home," I vowed, pondering possible places she might have gone."Mother-in-law, where did you last see Pragya?" I questioned.Perhaps there she might have left some clue for us."She was so excited to meet you. Overcome with a bit of anxiety, I sent her to her room," she recounted. But then, a voice interrupted, "No, Mrs. Simran," interjected Malini, my mother-in-law's house helper."No, I mean after that, I saw her heading towards your library," Malini clarified."To my library?" exclaimed my mother-in-law. She has a point. For Pragya, reading is the last resort. She either watches sci-fi movies or goes for a walk when bored. Choosing to read a book is uncharacteristic of her in such situations. Yet, she's brilliant, knowledgeable about a vast array of subjects beyond her studies, perhaps because she's an author's daughter.Pragya studied management. Our first meeting was when she applied for a job at my office. I was taken with her at first sight, and during the interview, I felt as if she was meant for me. She was hired as my secretary, and thus began our acquaintance with this beautiful princess.Mrs. Simran and I went to her library, searching for any clue that might lead us to Pragya, but to no avail. Then, I noticed an ancient book on the table."Mother-in-law, what is this book?" I inquired of Mrs. Simran.Mother-in-law Simran was shocked. "WHAT!"
PRAGYA'S POV
He had just blackmailed me. I pondered that even if the empirical doctor discovered something to return me to my world, he couldn't act without the king's consent. The likelihood of returning to my present seemed almost nonexistent.The door to my room opened, and a maid entered, bowing deeply."My lady, His Majesty has sent you this," she said, presenting me with a heavy cotton cloth.Is this meant for my wedding?"His Majesty wishes for you to wear this, my lady," the maid stated, still bowing."You may rise," I said. She stood up, holding the cloth. I took the cloth from her and inquired, "What is your name?""Li Mei," she replied."Don't be afraid; I am just a human being like you," I reassured her. "There's no need to feel fear or shyness in communicating with me. Feel free to speak your mind," I said with a smile, and she returned a beautiful smile."I need you to be honest with me," I stated. She nodded. Assured I had her attention, I proceeded."How many wives does the king have?" I began my questioning."Three," she responded."Li Mei, I'm not familiar with this palace or your king. Could you tell me more about him?""His Majesty is a kind man," she claimed. I laughed, sensing her fear influenced her words."Okay, when did the king begin his reign over this state?" I queried."It has been three years since His Majesty began ruling this state. He also governs the other six neighboring states," she informed."One last question, Li Mei, whom should I approach to appoint you as my assistant?""Sorry, my lady, I'm not familiar with 'assistant'," she admitted.Ah, my mistake, I forgot that I come from a completely different world. I never anticipated needing to know the synonym for an assistant, nor did I ever imagine facing a day like this."I mean helper," I clarified."His Majesty holds full authority over us. You are His Majesty's favorite. I am certain he will consent," she said."Li Mei, could you clarify? Who is 'my lady'? Is she another concubine?" I was bewildered by this place."I was referring to you, My Lady," she explained, causing me to raise my eyebrows in surprise."Please, Li Mei, no more confusion. Don't address me with those titles. Just call me Pragya. I understand you're being respectful, but if you wish to show respect, then please don't betray my trust," I implored, placing my hand on her shoulder. She nodded in agreement."So, I should ask your king to make you my friend," I said with a chuckle, noticing her puzzled expression. "I mean, my helper," I corrected myself.I suddenly realized I needed assistance with the garment."Li Mei, would you mind helping me put on this garment? I'm clueless about how to wear such heavy attire," I said."Of course, My Lady, I mean, Pragya. Please, may I continue to address you as I always have? Calling you by your name feels like a slight," she replied with courtesy. Despite my preference to the contrary, I couldn't deny her request and nodded in agreement.We approached the somber table in my chamber. "Li Mei, what is this dress called?" I inquired."It's not a wedding gown, my lady. It's a casual dress for a concubine in the palace, known as Diyi. However, this particular one was sent by His Majesty specifically for you," she clarified.Why would the king do something special for me?Once dressed, I examined my reflection. The garment felt less cumbersome than expected.Oh, God! How do I appear? My hairstyle, makeup, and jewelry... This isn't me. The woman in the mirror can't be Pragya Singh Rathore.The dress was red with golden floral patterns. A large red flower adorned my hair. My makeup was unlike anything I'd worn before. Yet amidst the transformation, one thing remained unchanged: my necklace. The one Samrat had given me for our fifth anniversary.***"You are my princess.You are my life, Pragya.You are the breath I cannot live without,You are my heart; I would perish if you left.You are my world; your presence brings me joy.I will forever be your charming prince.I will share in your happiness and your sorrows.I LOVE YOU, MY PRINCESS!!!"He spoke those beautiful words as he presented me with the necklace. My parents, his parents, Abhi, everyone was present."I miss you, Samrat. Where are you?" I burst into tears. Then I heard the announcer, "The king has arrived," and I rolled my eyes in boredom."Oh, Lady Pragya, you look fetching in the Diyi," said the cruel king."Why? Why me? You have everything and everyone. Why do this to me?" I wept."You're the one who entered my palace, didn't you?" he smirked. "Everyone, out," he commanded loudly. As soon as he gave the order, every person in my room scurried away. Leaving just him and me."Pragya, I am the king of Qin.""Where is that even located?" I scoffed.He grasped my waist and pulled me close. I pushed against his chest, but I couldn't free myself. He was too strong."Listen, Lady Pragya, don't try to defy me. You will surely regret it," he warned before letting me go."What do you want from me? I'm just an ordinary girl from another time. And as I see it, you're a king who is feared and respected by your people, with three concubines already. Why do you want me, Your Honor?" I inquired."Because I get what I want. And I want you to be my concubine; you'll be mine in no time," he declared. I gave an ironic smile."Look, Your Honor, you might force me into this marriage. But I assure you, you will never win my heart. That's a promise," I stated firmly."Don't worry, Lady Pragya, I'll be content as long as you're with me. And..." he paused and leaned closer, whispering in my ear, "I like the way you address me, My Lady," his warm breath causing me to shiver.What is he doing? How can a medieval king be so romantic?