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XLVI Aching Burden
Last Updated:
2025-04-28 14:59:32
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The Rule XLVII That Ancient Tyrant
The morning sun stretched its long golden fingers across the palace grounds, brushing over stone and silk, glinting off armor and glass. Yet within the shaded corridors, the air remained cool, heavy with a quiet that spoke of unspoken tensions.Inayat moved swiftly, her white robes swaying as she carried a scroll against her chest, heading toward the council wing for matters that could not wait. Her steps echoed softly along the marble floor.But before she could turn the corner, a familiar presence filled the space ahead — a shadow tall and commanding. Samarth stood there, his arms crossed, his dark eyes heavy with something far colder than mere disapproval.Their eyes locked.A pause, stretched thin as a drawn bowstring, hummed between them.“Inayat,” Samarth said, his voice low, almost too calm. “A word.”There was no request in his tone — only command.Inayat halted, lifting her chin, her heart already tightening at the storm she sensed rising.Samarth stepped forward, closing the
Last Updated : 2025-04-28The Rule XLVIII On The Seashore
The grey fingers of dawn slowly stretched over the vast waters of Tziyonia’s ocean, stirring its restless tides into shimmering ripples of silver and blue. The air was cool and fragrant with the scent of salt, damp wood, and the faint sweetness of wild coastal blossoms that grew along the craggy shores. Mist clung low over the waves, breathing mystery into the morning, while the cries of seagulls swept across the water like wandering spirits.Upon the rocky coasts, life had long awakened.The fishermen, rugged and diligent men, were dragging their heavy nets back to shore, their simple boats creaking under the burden of the night’s catch. For them, this was the hour of labor and gain, to return with fishes fresh and for the morning trade.Among them, a man named Vihan worked silently, hauling a woven net filled with the glinting bodies of fish. His tunic was soaked to the knees, and his hands, calloused from years of toil, gripped the ropes with a sure strength. As he heaved his boat
Last Updated : 2025-04-28The Rule I
"I came to ask for your hand in marriage but you didn't want me." His warm breath whispered against her lips, sending shivers down her spine. A faint bruise at the corner of her mouth added a tender vulnerability to her features, heightened by the soft sheen of sweat on her skin.As night fell, a hush settled between them. The moon, now perfect and pretty in the sky, cast a soft, ethereal glow. Its gentle light illuminated Inayat's tear-stained face, and in that moment, she seemed even more breathtakingly beautiful to him. His heart swelled with longing, drawn to her with an intensity that left him breathless.He felt an irresistible pull, his heart yearning to draw her even closer, to hold her with an intimacy that transcended their present closeness. Nothing seemed to stand in his way now, no barrier to hinder the desire that threatened to consume him.The mere thought sent a sly grin spreading across his face. He edged closer to her, his proximity making her breath catch in her th
Last Updated : 2025-01-30The Rule II The Beginning
"Hail Samarth, the Lionheart! May your name forever be etched in the annals of our kingdom's history!"A deafening roar erupted from the ranks of Samarth's warriors. The air reverberated with thunderous applause, echoing off the battle - scarred landscape as Samarth stood triumphant, his armor battered but unbroken. A warm smile spread across his face, his eyes gleaming with pride and relief, as he gazed out upon the sea of faces that had stood by him through the trials of war, and blurred was the sight for him, of the ocean of dead bodies lying across the land, bathing in blood and cut limbs of the rivals. His comrades, a diverse band of seasoned veterans and young recruits, cheered and wept and laughed together, their faces etched with exhaustion and exhilaration. They had fought for three long months, sacrificing comfort and security, leaving behind loved ones and the familiar rhythms of home. Yet, in this moment, all their hardships seemed worth it, as they basked in the glow of
Last Updated : 2025-01-31The Rule III The Knock of Fear
King Agnil and Commander Kenaz strolled through the bustling market, their footsteps blending with the vibrant thrum of the crowd.This was a routine excursion for the king, who preferred to move undetected among his subjects, gauging the pulse of his kingdom. Shedding their royal regalia, they donned humble attire, worn and weathered from use, their faces partially obscured.As they navigated the winding stalls, the scent of fresh bread and roasting meats wafted through the air, enticing passersby. Merchants hawked their wares, their voices rising and falling in a lively cadence. Amidst the vibrant tapestry of sounds and smells, the king and his commander moved with quiet purpose, their eyes scanning the crowd with a mixture of curiosity and vigilance.The market pulsed with its usual vitality, the king and his commander weaving through the crowds with ease. Vendors and customers alike were engrossed in their daily transactions, the atmosphere humming with the familiar rhythms of co
Last Updated : 2025-02-02The Rule IV "I Warn You..."
Princess Inayat strode to the center of the arena, her hand grasping the hilt of her sword with confident precision. As Samarth approached her, their eyes locked in a piercing gaze. Inayat's eyes burned with fierce determination, while Samarth's gleamed with amusement, testing her patience and provoking her competitive spirit. As they faced each other, Samarth's grip on his sword tightened, mirroring Inayat's poised stance. With a courteous bow, he began to initiate the match, but Inayat swiftly countered by positioning the tip of her sword beneath his chin, forestalling his gesture. "Shall we dispense with formalities, sir?" Inayat asked, her voice steady and refined, with a hint of challenge. Samarth's eyes sparkled with delight as he smiled. "As you wish, Your Highness. Let us begin." "I desire to witness the prowess you've honed on the battlefield, sir," Inayat said, her eyes ablaze with intensity beneath the radiant sunlight. The golden hue of her irises seemed to ignite,
Last Updated : 2025-02-03The Rule V The Prophecy
"The prophecy made years ago," the king began, his tone measured, "what are your thoughts on the matter, Seer?""My lord, if it is indeed the Word of God, then it cannot be revoked," the seer replied, his voice low and filled with conviction. "The Almighty's will shall be done.""We must seek forgiveness from the Lord," the seer continued. "If we humbly ask for pardon, the curse may be rendered powerless. God is merciful and just."The king leaned forward, his eyes locked intently on the seer. "What course of action do you recommend I take, wise Seer?"The seer's gaze was unwavering. "We must extend a sincere apology to the people of Ezra. It is essential that we—"The king's trusted eunuch, Rashid, intervened, his tone polished but firm. "Forgive me, Seer, but are you suggesting that His Majesty should humble himself before the people of Ezra, simply because their ancestors uttered a curse against our ruler?"The king's expression turned rigid, his mind recoiling at the notion. Beg f
Last Updated : 2025-02-04The Rule VI Juvenile Desires
As night descended, Samarth sat in contemplative solitude, his gaze fixed on the moon's luminous glow. The soft, ethereal light stirred a memory, transporting him to a moment shared with Princess Inayat beneath the warm sunlight. He recalled the thrill of competition, the exhilarating rush of adrenaline as he drew near to her, their faces inches apart. The recollection awakened a deep longing within him, a yearning for intimacy that only he fully comprehended. Samarth's mind was a canvas of vivid memories, each one a fleeting glimpse of Princess Inayat's captivating presence. He recalled the triumphant curve of her lips, the determined set of her jaw, and the piercing sparkle of her golden eyes, fringed with lashes that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly light. The softness of her lips lingered in his memory, a gentle whisper of a touch that left him breathless.As he settled into the plush couch, the soothing aroma of honeyed tea wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet
Last Updated : 2025-02-06
Latest chapter
The Rule XLVIII On The Seashore
The grey fingers of dawn slowly stretched over the vast waters of Tziyonia’s ocean, stirring its restless tides into shimmering ripples of silver and blue. The air was cool and fragrant with the scent of salt, damp wood, and the faint sweetness of wild coastal blossoms that grew along the craggy shores. Mist clung low over the waves, breathing mystery into the morning, while the cries of seagulls swept across the water like wandering spirits.Upon the rocky coasts, life had long awakened.The fishermen, rugged and diligent men, were dragging their heavy nets back to shore, their simple boats creaking under the burden of the night’s catch. For them, this was the hour of labor and gain, to return with fishes fresh and for the morning trade.Among them, a man named Vihan worked silently, hauling a woven net filled with the glinting bodies of fish. His tunic was soaked to the knees, and his hands, calloused from years of toil, gripped the ropes with a sure strength. As he heaved his boat
The Rule XLVII That Ancient Tyrant
The morning sun stretched its long golden fingers across the palace grounds, brushing over stone and silk, glinting off armor and glass. Yet within the shaded corridors, the air remained cool, heavy with a quiet that spoke of unspoken tensions.Inayat moved swiftly, her white robes swaying as she carried a scroll against her chest, heading toward the council wing for matters that could not wait. Her steps echoed softly along the marble floor.But before she could turn the corner, a familiar presence filled the space ahead — a shadow tall and commanding. Samarth stood there, his arms crossed, his dark eyes heavy with something far colder than mere disapproval.Their eyes locked.A pause, stretched thin as a drawn bowstring, hummed between them.“Inayat,” Samarth said, his voice low, almost too calm. “A word.”There was no request in his tone — only command.Inayat halted, lifting her chin, her heart already tightening at the storm she sensed rising.Samarth stepped forward, closing the
The Rule XLVI Aching Burden
The afternoon sunlight was gentle, spreading across the stone terrace. A warm breeze stirred the sheer curtains that hung from the arches. On a low marble platform, shaded by the curving vines of a flowering tree, Inayat and Aabroo sat together, their iktaras resting lightly against their knees.The melody rose, simple and sweet, as Aabroo plucked the strings carefully, her small fingers finding their place with growing confidence. A smile flickered across Inayat’s face as she guided her, letting her own fingers dance more freely across her instrument, filling the air with a melody that wove itself between the columns and drifted into the blue sky.For a time, they said nothing, letting the music speak what words could not.Then, almost shyly, Aabroo’s voice broke into the stillness, low and uncertain, as if she feared her own thoughts.“He seems... very occupied these days,” she said, keeping her eyes on the iktara, her fingers still moving over the strings. “My brother.”Inayat’s fi
The Rule XLV The Lost Anklet
The night had laid its heavy cloak upon the palace, and the moon floated like a solemn sentinel in the velvet sky, its pale light spilling across the marble corridors. Samarth walked alone, his robe whispering against the polished floor, his hand trailing lightly over the cool stone of the columns as he passed beneath them. Above, the stars shimmered like ancient witnesses to the turmoil brooding in his heart.He gazed heavenward, his steps slow and measured, the weight of kingship pressing heavily upon his shoulders.“What is this plague that stirs in the heart of my kingdom, O God?” he spoke into the silence, his voice low, yet thrumming with restrained anguish. “One night was enough to throw order into chaos. I sense the serpent has entered with a lifted brow, sure of its strike. I am not blind, nor am I unaware of its design — to bleed this kingdom, to strike me down. And yet... who is it?”He paused beneath a great arch, the moonlight pouring around him like a silver river.“Cou
The Rule XLIV The Planted Seed
The night was a tapestry of stars, scattered across the velvety sky like shimmering pearls on black silk. The wind whispered through the palace courtyard, carrying with it the cool breath of the desert that melted against the warmth of the stone walls.Inayat sat beneath the open sky, her shawl wrapped snugly around her shoulders, her gaze fixed on the stars. She had become familiar with their constancy, their quiet brilliance in the vast, uncertain night. There was a peace in the heavens that escaped her own world, one filled with turmoil, choices, and a future uncertain. The stars, though, they always remained — timeless, patient, and steady.It was during this moment of serene contemplation that she heard the soft creak of the door, followed by the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps. She didn’t need to turn her head to know it was him.Samarth’s presence was as familiar to her as her own breath, and yet, tonight, there was a stillness about him that unsettled her. He approached h
The Rule XLIII The Serpent Hides Well
The morning sun rose pale and weary over the kingdom, as if even the heavens sensed the unrest brewing within the palace walls. The great court of King Samarth was summoned early, its gilded doors thrown open to a gathering of trusted men — advisors, royal architects, the taskmaster, scribes, war strategists, shipwrights, and lords of the high council.A heavy, expectant silence weighed over them all.Samarth entered, clad in a dark, rich robe, a gold sash crossing his broad chest. His presence silenced every whisper instantly, for it was not merely the title of King that commanded such awe — it was the storm burning in his eyes, the gravity of his being.He seated himself on the high throne, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword.“Speak,” he commanded, his voice deep, steady, filling the hall.One of the elder advisors, his hands trembling slightly with age, stepped forward.“My lord… troubling news. The fleet dispatched for Velendor… has been lost to the ocean.”A murmu
The Rule XLII Lead Me Home
The night was heavy with silence, save for the distant howl of desert winds against the stone of the palace. Moonlight pooled like silver on the marble floors, casting soft, rippling reflections against the walls.Inayat sat by the low burning lamp, her slender fingers threading idly through the fabric of her shawl. Two nights had passed since that storm of fury between her and Samarth, yet the sting of his anger still burned somewhere inside her, tender and raw.And then — footsteps. Slow, deliberate, certain.Her heart seized without permission. She didn’t have to look up to know it was him. The scent of sandalwood and earth that clung to him drifted toward her, a herald of his arrival.Samarth entered, dressed not in the royal armor or heavy robes she was accustomed to seeing him in, but in a simple white kurta and a dhoti, the fabric clinging lightly to the hard lines of his body.He looked utterly, ruinously beautiful — masculine strength carved into mortal form, yet dangerous, l
The Rule XLI Pride
The evening breeze fluttered the silken drapes of Inayat’s chamber. A faint scent of rosewater lingered in the air, mingling with the mellow gold of the setting sun. She sat by the low marble table, her fingers tracing idle circles on the rim of a silver goblet, waiting.She had arranged the evening carefully—tea steeped with cardamom and cloves, figs and almonds laid out, a lamp lit with jasmine oil, and herself clad in soft ivory silk. A quiet moment. A little peace with him.But the sky had darkened, the tea cooled, and Samarth had not come.When the door finally opened, it wasn’t the quiet creak of a man entering with apology. It was the confident thud of boots and the rustle of a heavy cloak — the sound of a king who did not know he was late.“Inayat,” he said casually, his voice low and assured. “I had to meet with the merchants from Althar — they are proposing to lend two ships toward—”“The tea is cold,” she said, not looking at him.Samarth paused. He studied her — the way sh
The Rule XL Let It Learn The Name Of Samarth
The courtyard was embraced by the warmth of late morning. The scent of roses floated through the open corridors, stirred by a passing breeze. Aabroo’s laughter echoed faintly from the other side of the palace gardens, while somewhere in the inner quarters, the distant sound of a tanpura hummed low and steady like a prayer.Ridhima walked slowly, the end of her dupatta dragging gently across the marble tiles as she passed the arched entry to Inayat’s chambers. She had meant to bring a fresh bundle of rose petals for the footed brass bowl placed near the bed. But as she neared the door, she paused.There was a quiet voice—no, two. And one of them did not belong to Inayat.“…you mustn’t forget what you came for. Your softness will undo you.”Ridhima’s brows drew together faintly. The voice was barely more than a breath, cloaked in tension. A woman’s voice—but not Inayat’s. The tone held a sharpness, the kind that glides like a blade.Ridhima moved no closer. Her ears sharpened like the
