Previous day.

"I am happy that I found you, can you help me?"

Seher hugged the person in front of her. She was scared to death walking all alone.

" Princess, you did not reply what are you doing all alone"

" I was on the beach with Shazain and Ariana but did not like their company so walked back, but lost my way"

Seher did not bad mouth about Shazain. He was a Sultan and unfortunately her husband. She can't disrespect him in front of people.

"Sultan might be worried about you then?"

" I don't think so, I told him I can manage alone.

" you can't lie, I know about Sultan and Ariana"

"What do you mean Albina?"

" you remember by name? Princess"

" I have a good memory"

" I know all about you princess Seher daughter of King Fakhruddin"

Seher's eyes were wide open

" But how?"

"Your father, My king Fakhruddin sent me to guard you and prince Abasi helped me to settle in here"

" Baba sent you here?"

" yes princess, you think your father will just leave you without any protection. I am watching you for a long time. I chose the job as Scullery maid because no one gives importance to the lowest of a maid.

I also made a promise to Prince Abasi to guard you"

Seher was in tears. Baba you always thought about me.

" Does my baba know about Ariana?"

" No, prince Abasi requested me not to disclose, he said that he will do that personally later"

" what do you want me to do princess?"

"Please can you take me back, My brother is on the eastern border"

"princess, it is not easy as you think, The guards might be searching for you?"

"Noone will be searching, I am not that important here"

"Can you not wait till prince Abasi comes back? wait for a second, did Sultan or that Ariana do something?"

What can she say she just shook her head in No.

"I just want to go back"

Albina was trying to calm Seher she knew that Seher was angry and upset. Prince Abasi took a promise that she will guard Seher till he is back.

Seher remembered that She told Shazain that when she leaves she will announce her departure not escape like a coward.

"Ok, Albina can you please take me to the palace through some other way without the entrance guards noticing."

"That I can certainly do. There is a small path just for Servants you can go from there just cover yourself with my stole"

As they walked along Albina was asking Seher.

" What do intend to do further?"

"Nothing I am tired just need rest, My stomach is hurting maybe because of walking".

Albina escorted Seher inside the palace but instead of heading to her chambers, Seher Went straight to Najma begum's room. she decided that later she will rest in the guest room next to Najma begum's Chamber.

"Thank you, Albina, I will meet grandmother and retire "

"Take care princess, if you need anything I am around and don't mention to anyone about me, not even to Najma begum"

Seher wanted to tellNajma begum that she will be leaving soon but when she entered she saw her looking tired and gloomy.

"What happened grandmother"

"Nothing sweetheart, I am not feeling well. I was worried about you, "

"I am fine, did you eat your dinner and medicines"

Najma Begum nodded her head.

Seher postponed to tell her about her departure.

"You also go and take rest, I will sleep and will be fine in the morning"

Seher Did not go to her room even though she was tempted to change her dress. She did not want to see Shazain's face. She decided that she will avoid any kind of interaction with him. She sat down and started writing a message to her Brother. She did not want him to worry but get the message that she is feeling home sick.

Seher kept that on the table hoping to send it through the messenger pigeon early in the morning.

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"Did anyone of you find her? Shazain was angry at his men.

"Sultan we have searched every corner of the beach but no sign of Princess" Shazain was pulling his hair in frustration.

"Shazain, be honest, did you do something to upset her?" Utbah asked.

"Nothing, She was not happy to come, maybe Ariana's presence did not go down well with her"

"I think she left on her own will"

"She doesn't know anything about this area and she has never been alone" Shazain screamed in frustration.

"Sultan may be the princess walked back to the palace," One of the soldiers suggested hesitating

"Yes Shazain, Did you look for her in queen mother's chamber"

Shazain did not reply anything and rushed back to the palace.He was running towards His grandmother's chamber when was stopped by Ariana

"Xain where have you been I am waiting for you for a long time. "

"I am busy Ariana, I will join you later" He was irritated by her questions but talked with her as politely as he can.

"Xain, I am sorry if I upset that girl, that jellyfish situation was not in my hands" Araian knew very well how to manipulate Shazain.

"Ariana, please don't feel guilty, nothing is important than your wellbeing. I will meet you later I promise"

Shazain rushed to his grandmother's chamber but was stopped by her personal maid.

"Sultan, Queen-mother is not well, she is asleep"

"Have you seen my wife?" He asked her with hopeful eyes.

"not really I did not see her"

Seher where the hell are you shazain's mind was screaming. He turned back to leave when the maid's voice halted his steps.

"Sultan, the Young queen did not eat her dinner nor was present there for breakfast. Is she alright? She seemed lost when she met queen mother yesterday night"

" She met grandmother Yesterday?" he confirmed.

"Yes," the maid replied.

Shazain walked past the guest-chamber where Seher was. He saw a familiar piece of cloth on the bed. He rushed in. It was the same stole that Seher was wearing.

heroared.

He wanted to hug her tightly feel her presence and inhale her scent.

He looked around and saw the piece of paper.

He read the paper and tore it in anger.

"Seher where are you, Just come out"

"Stop screaming" Seher came out of the washroom.

"What is this ?" he asked in anger.

Seher did not reply she turned her face.

"I am asking you something" He harshly turned her.

" I am going back to my family"

"you dare do that"

"I will go back, you are no one to stop me and leave me alone I have nothing to do with a characterless man like you" She snatched the stole from his hands and walked out without looking at him.

Shazain just lifted her and walked towards his room. he threw her on the carpet. Seher was hurt. she tried to stand up

"What do you want?" she was irritated by him.

"What do I want. I was searching for you like a maniac, I did not sleep the whole night, and what I see you are planning to go away from me"

"you forced me to do that, It was you who left me alone for your mistress. I just want to go back to my home now" Seher screamed in anger.

So she did not consider this her as her home. This cognition made him upset.

"You are my wife and still you don't consider this your home."

"Shazain, you are a hypocrite, you don't love me that doesn't mean you can treat me any way you like. I am not an orphan, I have a family who loves me dearly and I am going back"

he came near her and crashed his lips on hers. Seher pulled back and hit him hard on his chest.

"Your touch disgusts me to my core." She pulled out his dagger and this time put it on her neck.

"Move a step closer to me, I will kill myself" She threatened him this time.

She cut her palm as a warning.

"Listen calm down. you are angry"

"I apologize, Ariana was stung by a jellyfish that why I had to rush"

"Why are you explaining, I give a dam about you and your lover, no need for any clarification because what you do, with whom you do doesn't matter to me".

"Seher look blood is coming out" he distracted her and threw away the dragger.

"I will kill you myself if you play these tricks on me " He held her hand tightly to stop the blood.

"Maids" he screamed. and a few maids came running.

"Go and call aunty Rabia. tell her to come without wasting a second."

The maids were scared listening to their sultan's angry voice.

"Why is taking so long " He screamed.

Within a few minutes, Rabia arrived.

"What happened Sultan?" Rabia was breathless because of the running.

Seher thought that he was worried about her hand but she was stunned at the words that came out of his mouth.

"Aunty Rabia it is nearly six months that we have been married and she is not pregnant yet, Can you examine her"

"Sultan, having kids is not in our hands"

"I know that just check her"

Rabia asked her about her monthly cycle. before she can reply Shazain replied " They are regular and she does have cramps first two days"

Rabia was embarrassed."Sultan, can you please leave so that I can check her"

Just then a maid arrived"Sultan, princess Ariana is calling for you".

Shazain looked at Seher whose face clearly showed disgust. he left quietly. He was feeling guilty. The thought of Seher leaving him made him go mad, he was aware that Ariana's presence has complicated his life. He thought wives get upset in the beginning then later compromise and live in harmony. He was feeling helpless, he cannot ignore Ariana and can not give up on Seher.

Seher why can't you be compliant and obedient like Ariana, you are turning very difficult every passing day. why are becoming so stubborn? I tried being polite with you but I think you are a woman who will bend by force. I admit leaving you alone was a mistake but that doesn't mean you behave in this way. I don't understand why we are not blessed with a baby yet.

With all the thoughts Shazain walked towards The guest Chamber where Ariana was staying. Ariana was happy seeing Shazain.

"Xain, I am sorry that I disturbed you but you know I was restless since yesterday when I saw you stressed."

See Seher why can't you behave like this, like a perfect lady.

"Political issues Ariana"

"I know that's why I wanted you to have lunch with me in private. Just you and me" She smiled at him.

"I will have dinner with you in the night. I am busy now "

Utbah who had some work with shazain announced his presence

"Sultan, Can I come in in"

"Utbah, why do you always have to interrupt us" Ariana complained.

"Sorry princess, it is important otherwise I wouldn't dare to interrupt"

"I will see you later Ariana " Shazain bid her goodbye.

"Oh! Xain you need to relax, how much do you work, Why don't you give some work to Utbah"

Utbah felt like laughing. Work my foot Since you arrived Ariana, Shazain is just swinging between two women.

"Princess Ariana how is your foot, I heard that Jellyfish stung you and you were nearly dying. You know Jellyfish stung you but our Sultan was feeling the pain" He made fun of both of them in a polite way.

"My baby Xain, loves me a lot" Ariana replied.

Shazain who knew Utbah's Sarcasm glared at him.

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Shazain and Utbah were alone in the study.

"Shazain, Uncle Ahmed has sent a message, It is about your uncle Jafar"

"He is trying to impeach me. He is instigating a few ministers against me. I am aware of it Utbah"

"How? I thought you are busy tossing between two women"

"Stop it, My people and my kingdom come first. Utbah I will be leaving for Shahmahal tomorrow, It is time to few of the ministers in private. Are your men keeping an eye on Jafar? tell them to keep eye on his all activities"

"Shazain, why did you send Abasi away? You should have sent him to Shamahal."

"Abasi can handle the governers of south anyways his friend Arsalan is well respected over there. I send him away on purpose.

The thing is Utbah, someone is planning big but it is not Jafar, Abasi told me that he has doubt but will need to dig in more"

"Dont worry Shazain, we will find out soon"

"How is Princess Seher doing?"

"She is fine just upset with me, she will be fine with time. It was my fault"

Shazain was not aware that Seher has completely given up on him.

********************************************************************************

Rabia was examining Seher. Seher who was normally polite with her did not even look at her.

"Are you upset with me?"She asked Seher.

"Why will I be upset? we don't share that close relation. You are a royal doctor and I am a royal prisoner. " Rabia was taken back. Seher always respected her more than Shazain.

"Seher, I am just like your aunty" She was stroking her hair politely. "did you have a fight with Shazai?".

"You and aunty Gulab are white Liars, Why did you lie to me about Shazain. You assisted him in kidnapping you were very well aware of his fiancee Ariana still you did not think it was necessary to warn me.

What did I do to you? me Please"

" daughter Seher, Shazain is very hot-headed, he wanted to marry you and there was nothing that would have stopped him. I never expected that you will agree to marry him "

"You should have warned me after the wedding, why did you not inform my mother she would have helped me."

"Seher, you are his wife and he does care about you, Forget about Ariana, once you have kids your position in his life, in his heart, will be irreplaceable. I have seen men loving their wives more after having their kids"

"I would die than bear children of that monster" Shazain who just came back heard her words.

"Enough Seher, you forgot all your mannerisms, "

"Sultan, she is upset talk to her politely" Rabia requested.

"I think she is not eating properly and she is anemic too "

Rabia pulled Shazain out and explained to him"Sultan she is very young and weak, Her monthly blood loss is more than usual. she has Anemia. I will give her medications, take care of her. She will refuse to eat trick her and make her eat. Hopefully, echoes of your children's laughter fill these palace walls soon"

*************************************************************************

Shazain entered his room, Seher turned her face as she did not want to look at him.

"Seher, Listen carefully, I said I am sorry and admitted my fault. now be a good girl and forget what happened. let us make a fresh start"

"Go to your female monkey. you Ape and start fresh with her"

" I am going away tomorrow and I expect you to behave in my absence" Shazain warned Seher.

"I will go away by the time you return"

"Seher You are my wife but Ariana will also be my wife, She is elder to you give her some respect"

"Why should I stay married to you, Be happy with your love and spare me the horror"

Just Ariana arrived at their doorstep.

"Xain, can I come in?"

"Don't you dare Shazain?"Seher warned.

Shazain Ignored her."You cannot command me"

"Come In Ariana"

"Did I disturb you?" Ariana asked.

"Xain I was feeling guilty and wanted to apologize to Seher after all she was stranded because of me" She turned to Seher.

"I am sorry Seher, It was because of me. You know It was hurting a lot and Shazain had to rush. Don't be upset with him, it is not his fault"

Seher Knew that it was all Ariana's act in front of Shazain.

Seher just kept quiet.

"You stay here I will be back" Shazain went away.

"So, Seher you might have known by now that I own Shazains heart. my small pain he ran forgetting the whole world. You are just fit to keep him happy in bed and bear his kids just like a concubine or mistress whatever they call"

"Really Ariana, from where I can see you are his mistress and I am his wife. I heard that men have a temporary attraction to their mistress which will fade with time"

suddenly Ariana started crying" I am sorry Seher please don't insult me and my love for Xain by calling me a mistress" Seher turned and saw Shazain.

"How dare you Seher, Listen carefully Ariana will be my queen and the kids which you have will call her mother not you"

"Both of you rot in hell. why don't you tell your queen that you are forcefully keeping me here."

Ariana was crying profusely."Xain I just came to apologize" Shazain hugged her tightly.

"You go I will come after correcting things"

"Listen carefully Seher, I want you to behave in my absence and Forget that you will go anywhere. You are not even allowed to step out of this floor."

Shazain instructed Gulab to take care of Seher's meals and medication.

"Gulab I am giving you the responsibility of my wife. Look after her".

Shazain was unaware of the storm brewing inside Seher which will blow him away.

************************************************************