Page 51 of Trapped By the Maharaja

Sanjana stepped out of the helicopter with the faint hum still buzzing in her ears. The dusky sky over Devara Palace was painted with streaks of red and orange. The familiar sight of the palace made her feel like she had returned home after a battle.

Ram descended beside her, his stride long and purposeful, his presence commanding even in the fading light. The bodyguards snapped to attention as they approached the marble steps, but Sanjana barely noticed. Her mind was still on the confrontation with Suchitra Devi.

The palace staff bowed deeply. “Welcome back, Maharaja. Maharani.”

Sanjana smiled at them, happy to see the familiar faces of people who wanted her in the palace. Ram’s hand rested on her back.

He guided her towards the grand staircase. By the time they reached the master suite, she felt the weight of both the day and her own silence pressing down on her.

As soon as they stepped in, Ram shut the door and looked at her. He didn’t say anything at first, just watched her, his gaze intense, burning through the quiet.

“You look like you’ve fought a war… and won,” he said finally, his voice low.

Her throat tightened. You have no idea.

Before she could find a response, he bent and lifted her easily into his arms.

Her startled gasp echoed in the quiet. “Ram, what are you doing!”

“Beginning another war,” he murmured. And without giving her a chance to argue, he carried her to the bed, laying her down before covering her body with his. “Let’s see if you will win this one as well.”

Even before the battle began, she knew she would willingly surrender to her ruthless maharaja.