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“Have someone tow the Rolls back to the palace,” I instructed as I got into the car.
My poor Dhanno had taken quite a beating today, but she was a sturdy car. She’d be back to normal with a bit of TLC. I couldn’t say the same about Diya, though. She stared unseeingly outside the window as we drove back to the palace. She had been attacked for the second time in twenty-four hours. And still, she had fought back. I couldn’t imagine from where she dredged up this strength.
I reached out and gently squeezed her hand, and her fingers curled around mine for a few seconds before she pulled her hand away. I got the message loud and clear. Diya still hadn’t forgiven me for betraying her nine years ago. She would take my help because she needed it, but nothing more.
Well, it wasn’t as if I wanted any more either, I reminded myself. For some reason, that sounded a bit hollow. I shook the thought off and smiled as I realised that one good thing did come out of this whole mess. Diya would never marry Ayush, and if that wasn’t a win, I didn’t know what was.
“Did you speak to your parents?”
“I spoke to them last night,” she replied dully.
“Veer is on his way.”
She turned around in surprise at that.
“Did he call you?”
I nodded ruefully at the memory of that angry phone call.
“For the first time in nine years,” I replied sadly. “He still hasn’t forgiven me. And neither have you.”
She straightened in her seat and finally met my eyes.
“And we never will,” she informed me coldly. “So keep your hands to yourself, you cheating bastard.”
“Or what?” I asked drily.
“Fuck around and find out,” she invited with a feral smile.
The smile drew my gaze to her plump lips and I wondered how she’d react if I traced her smile with my tongue.
“Don’t even think about it,” she hissed, reading my intention in my gaze.
I smiled slowly and her glare intensified. Before either of us could move, the car drew to a halt, and I realised that we had reached the palace.
The valet rushed to open the door and Diya got out of the car without a backward glance. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that she was a guest in my house and that I had no business messing with her. When I followed her out, I was surprised to see her mother standing by the front door. And the Maharani of Jadhwal wasn’t alone. The Rani of Mirpur, Nandini Devi, stood next to her, looking very worried as they both hugged Diya in turn.
“Are you okay? Why did you run off without telling anyone?” demanded Diya’s mother angrily. “We’ve been so worried about you.”
“I was trying to get home,” replied Diya defensively. “I could hardly stay here. Ma.”
“Why not? Isha is your friend, after all,” said her mother, pretending she couldn’t understand what her daughter was saying.
“Yes, but Dheer isn’t,” hissed Diya, shooting me an angry glance.
“None of that matters in an emergency,” grumbled her mother.
“Her Highness is right,” I said smoothly. “What matters is that Diya is safe.”
“For now,” said Nandini Devi. “I’m so sorry, my dear. I had no idea the Goels were such thugs. I would never have introduced you to that monster if I had known.”
“That’s alright, Your Highness. It’s not your fault,” said Diya stiffly.
“Oh, but I feel so guilty about it. If only I could fix this mess for you somehow,” replied the Rani Ma mistily.
She glanced at me and the misty look in her eyes was replaced by a crafty one that I didn’t trust one bit.
“Why don’t we head inside?” I asked hastily. “I’m sure we’re all ready for a hearty breakfast.”
