Page 74 of Trapped By the Maharaja

The staff moved in briefly, placing silver dishes before them. The moment the plates were set, the staff retreated, leaving the three of them alone in the vast dining room.

Suchitra Devi began without preamble, her attention firmly on her son. “The guest list for tomorrow’s event has been finalized. Twenty-two royal families will be attending.”

Ram’s expression didn’t change. “Noted.”

Suchitra Devi continued. “These families are one of us and relationships must be maintained.”

“I’ll make the necessary arrangements,” Ram replied.

Then the Queen’s gaze shifted. “The head astrologer has also given specific instructions. Certain temple rituals must be completed without delay. I know you don’t believe in astrology or such traditions, but as the head of the Devara family, you will do them. It is your duty.”

“I’m aware,” Ram said, setting down his silver spoon. “They will be done the morning after the announcement.”

The Queen’s eyes lingered on him, an unreadable glint passing through them. But she didn’t press further.

The silence that followed was heavy, stretching between the three of them as they continued eating. The only sounds were the quiet clink of cutlery.

Sanjana kept her gaze on her plate, feeling anxious and frustrated about being interrupted while she was about to speak to Suchitra Devi. She hoped there would be a chance, just a few minutes alone that night before the announcement the next night. She knew Suchitra Devi could convince Ram to break both the contract and the marriage.

By the time dessert arrived, no one spoke at all. Although the quietness felt heavy to Sanjana, she could see the royal mother and son being used to it.

When the meal ended, Suchitra Devi dabbed her lips with her napkin and set it aside. “Ram, I’d like to discuss the upcoming event in more detail.”

Ram nodded, then rose from his seat. Without hesitation, he extended a hand toward Sanjana.

She froze for a fraction of a second, but had no choice other than to place her hand in his.

He turned back to his mother. “I’ll be back shortly.”

Without another word, he walked Sanjana out of the dining hall, guiding her up the grand staircase and toward the master bedroom.

With each step, her heart thudded. As soon as they entered the master bedroom suite, the door shut behind them with a soft but finalclick.

They were back in the same room where only hours earlier, he’d made her scream in passion. That memory lingered in the air, heavy and palpable, as Ram released her hand and stepped closer.

Her heart raced in panic.

“Ram, your mother is waiting. We can’t just—”

He gripped her chin and studied her for a long, unreadable moment, his eyes flicking over her face as though he could see every thought she was trying to hide.

“It won’t work,” he said.

She frowned. “W-what?”

His mouth twisted into a dark smile. “You think I don’t know? Waiting for the right moment to speak to my mother. Hoping she’ll free you from this marriage.”

She stared at him, heat rising in her chest, equal parts shock and fury. “You—”

“I have always been able to read you,” he cut in calmly.

Her hands clenched at her sides. “You don’t know—”

“Oh, I do.” His gaze didn’t waver. “You can scheme. Plot. Plan every desperate escape you want. But you will never succeed.”

Her breath shuddered, his certainty shaking her more than she wanted to admit.

“You will be announced as my wife tomorrow night,” he stated.