Taimur was well aware that Shahzain was preparing his army but he was not sure what it was for Jafar. Christos?. He was sure that it was not him, but he couldn't take the risk. He knew that now Shahzain was associated with Fakhruddin and his clan. They were far more clever. He started preparing for his end as well.

Tariq and his family never believed in the concept of having a wife. They thought women were just for pleasure and breeding. They had a harem of concubines who produced heirs. The females born were usually killed.

Tariq was the first one who wanted to marry young Nur Jahan but Shahzeb took her away. It was like an insult to him. Years later, his son, Taimur, was forced to take a wife because of a trade alliance. That woman demanded rights that the palace was not used to. In anger, Taimur hits her, resulting in her going into early labor and later dying.

Shahzeb's kingdom was always an eyesore in the eyes of Tariq. He was very happy when he died. He wanted to conquer the wealthy land. He initially thought by getting Kulsum married to Taimur he could get the step-siblings to fight and get the throne. She was already wed to an Indian king.

He then thought of a deeper plan. He allied with Zafar and abducted Shahzain, but that little bastard was rescued by an unknown guardian. Later he came to know it was King Fakhruddin. He couldn't do much, so he chose a different route. Nur Ain caught his eyes, the young daughter of Shahzeb. Taimur initially fell for the young girl but later got bored. The problem was she was his wife, not a concubine. Things got complicated when she got to know about their plan.

Tariq and Taimur decide to attend the dinner hosted by Shahzain.

" Father, are we taking Nur Ain along with us?"

" What if she blurts something out? Excuse Shazain saying Hafsa is sick and does not want Ain to leave."

" I don't know for how long I have to bear those two witches."

" Have patience Taimur, Shahzain is not aware of our army in the West. We will attack him from all corners, he won't be able to survive. Once he is finished, you can kill Ain and maybe take a few concubines from his palace."

" You are right, father. Shahzain doesn't know we have our men planted inside his palace. What a fool he is to be a king."

What he did not know was that Shahazain had already identified the spies inside his palace and was slowly eliminating them without causing any suspicion. He killed many and bribed a few to be on his side in exchange for their lives.

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Ariana was very excited about accompanying Andrew to Shazain's palace.

"Mother, it would be so much fun to see Shazain welcoming me into his palace as a guest. He would be so helpless". She was talking to Helena.

" Ariana, wear this dress. This will show your assets. Let that fool see what he missed."

"Mother Althea has wrapped Andrew around her finger. I won't get anything from him. I am thinking of talking to Shahzain and pleading with him to take me as his second wife."

"He will never agree."

"I have a few tricks up my sleeve. You just watch"

On the other hand, Andrew was happy that Althea understood everything and cooperated with him. He loved Althea but couldn't deny the attraction he had for Ariana. He always dreamt of Ariana as his bride until she threw him away.

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Shahzain ordered a special teal and blue dress and matching jewelry for Seher. Amira Abasi's mother was also there to help Seher.

"Shahzain, I am indebted to you and your family after what you did for me and my children. Don't worry about Seher, I will look after her."

Seher was already in her eight months of pregnancy. It was getting increasingly difficult for Shahzain to restrain himself from getting intimate with her. Seher was testing all his patience.

"You have lost interest in me" She complained last night.

"Never Seher, I want to make love more than you, but I cannot risk you or our children's health."

"Nothing will happen. We can do a quick session"

Shahzain just ignored her and closed his eyes. Seher got closer to him and buried her face in his chest. He engulfed her in his arms. Seher slowly started kissing him. Shahzain kissed her and turned to the other side.

"I always knew you were too old."

" Say whatever you want. I won't give in when it's about your health."

" You never used to care about my health when you used to force yourself on me in the beginning."

" I always cared about you. I forced you just once and I am really sorry about that. "

" Liar, it was not once. It was every day. You used to bite me, leaving marks."

Shahzain turned toward her. " That is called passion, Seher. You were an equal participant. You always dig my back with your sharp claws."

"you forced. I have been eating spicy since the day of our marriage"

" That was for your safety."

"How?"

"This palace is full of conspiracies and if my enemies knew that different food was made for you, you would have been an easy target. Sorry I was harsh. "

" You never loved me. From the beginning, you wanted me to get pregnant for an heir and now you have done it and lost interest in me" Shahzain knew where this discussion was heading. He turned towards Seher.

" I always loved you, even at the time when I was rude towards you. I wanted kids with you so that our bond would get stronger and you would think of leaving me. I was scared, Seher. I used to live in fear that you would leave me. At that time, I thought having children would bound you to me"

" prove me, you love me "

" I will do anything you say."

" make love to me"

" Seher, I promise, let our children come then. I will love you so much that you will be tired"Seher was upset about Shazain's constant denial.

" Is it because of Ariana?"

"Where did that come from? Why would I even think of Ariana?"

" I heard that she is coming tomorrow. You must be eagerly waiting for her."

" I will kill that woman. "

"Is it because she married someone else?"

Shahzain was frustrated to his core. " I don't even care what she does, I am angry because you bring her up every time. Seher, I cared for her because of that conspiracy. Even back then, I never crossed my limits. I threw her off when she paraded herself naked."

Seher's face turned all red with anger.Shazain then realized what he had blurted out. Seher jerked his hands and got up.

"Get lost, you were with a naked woman alone, God knows what else you both did."

"I averted my gaze and left because only one woman always occupies my mind"

"Yes, who you are avoiding like the plague. "

"Seher, Listen, My love. I just want to tell you that she didn't mean anything. I never touched her inappropriately."

" You are regretting it now. I saw you many times hugging her. Wait! She kissed you many times. I guess you are missing that intimacy."

" Oh, God! Seher, I was a fool back then. Could you not forgive me and forget this? I really never crossed my limits. "

He kissed her cheeks. She turned her face. Shahzain lifted her and placed her on the bed.

He kissed her neck."You know you are a temptress, the only woman I desire and want to be intimate with."

"I feel disgusted by your touch, you touched Ariana many times with those hands." She recalled the past events and was upset.

It took Shazain a lot of time to console her and, finally, they made up. He was very gentle and fulfilled her wish. After their love-making session, Shahzain was very worried about her health.

In the morning, Seher had cramps in her tummy but she avoided telling Shahzain. She knew he would be angry at her once informed. Today was very important for them as Seher's brothers Shams and Nur Jahan were on their way to get Nur Ain back. Fakhruddin decided to show up a day before the function to avoid any suspicion. Nur Jahan's arrival was hidden. No one knew that she was there.

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Fakhruddin, his parents, Ayath, and Murad came to the event. Fakhruddin had a soft corner for Shahzain because of his father. Now he loved him like a son. Murad came to check on Seher. He knew from the beginning that Seher's pregnancy was risky.

"I am surprised that you came, Murad", Shahzain was speaking to him without any enmity.

"am I not invited?"

"You can come anytime. I heard that you were away. I am just surprised to see you here."

"I brought a little medication for Seher. I need to speak to your midwife."

"Murad, is everything alright? The midwife who my grandmother suggested, didn't tell me anything." Shahzain's heart was beating fast.

"Don't worry, everything is fine. Since she is carrying twins it is risky, but you don't worry, she will be fine."

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Nur Jahan and Shamsuddin were already on their way to Taimur's palace.

"I wish I could have gone instead", Shahzain was disheartened.

"I created all this mess"

"My mother and brother are very good fighters, Shahzain. Trust them". Seher was consoling him.

"I am NurAin's brother. It was my duty."

"Shahzain, we are family now. We are in this together," Murad replied.

Fakhruddin suggested that Seher should go and rest and he carried on with his conversation with Shahazain and his trusted ministers.

"Taimur's army is planning an attack from all sides," Fakhruddin informed.

"I know Baba. We are well prepared. I think he will panic when he gets the news that Ain's missing from the palace."

"Why can't we arrest them here at the palace?" Ahmed questioned.

"We can not risk that. It is like backstabbing and, moreover, many kings will be present. They might side with Taimur. It will imbalance our political ties " Shahazain replied.

"If my informers are right, Taimur is planning the attack on the third day of this function, when almost everyone will leave." Fakhruddin was well ahead.

"Baba, I will leave Utbah in charge of the palace."

"Yes, as soon as everyone leaves, you all make a move towards the battlefield, and, Ahmed, make sure that all Jafar's people are arrested, including women. Keep them confined to the eastern wing of the palace under heavy security"

"What about Seher?" Shahzain asked.

"Queen Nur Jahan and Shamsuddin will be here," Abasi replied.

"Don't worry. Ayatah will be there", Murad replied.

Shahazain just looked at him. To him, Ayath was just a hot-headed female.

"Ayath is skilled like her mother. It is just she never gets a chance to show it". Murad was defending her. He was very close to Ayath. She was his baby sister.

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All the guests arrived a day before the grand feast. Many people were stunned, looking at King Fakhruddin who was greeting them on behalf of Shahzain. Fakhruddin was still an old school. Separate arrangements were made for men and women for gatherings, but each couple was given a private room with a personal maid. Shahmahal was decorated like a bride. Najma Begum's happiness knew no bounds as happiness came to this palace after many years.

The French king, Louis, was very pleased to meet Fakhruddin." I always wanted to meet you, mountain king."

"Pleasure is all mine" Fakhruddin replied, politely.

"We met your eldest son a few months back and I can say he is your replica" Queen Theresa replied. Fakhruddin just smiled. He knew that many people wanted to form an alliance with him and Salahuddin was an eligible bachelor. Fakhruddin never wanted to conquer lands or expand his rule, but Salahuddin was different. He wanted to expand his territories and establish a fair system. He was not hungry for power, but he wanted to rule people's hearts. He was loved by everyone in their kingdom. His judgment was impeccable.

Fakhruddin never once announced him as his successor or treated him like a prince. All his children started their military careers as commoners and slowly raised their ranks. Salahuddin was different. He gained popularity quickly and people chose him as their leader,

"King Fakhruddin, I want to ask you a question?" Queen Theresa was eager to know why he married Seher to Shahzain.

"Yes," Fakhruddin turned towards them.

"Your daughter Seher is quite young and, as far I heard, she is your most beloved child. Why did you choose Sutan Shahzain for her?"

"My wife took a liking to your daughter and she did not like Shahzain because of his association with King Christos's daughter." King Louise explained.

Fakhruddin laughed. "I am honored that you love my daughter, your highness. All my children are very dear to me. Shahzain loves Seher very much. Trust me, when you see them you will know what I mean. Seher is like the light Shahzain needed in his life to guide him to happiness.

Every husband and wife goes through a testing time at some point in their marriage. That was a testing time for my daughter and both of them now formed an eternal bond."

Queen Theresa and King Louise were impressed by Fakhruddin and his family.

"I would love to meet your wife," Queen Theresa said.

"My wife is not here and she is busy with official work back home. Please enjoy your time here. You must be very tired."

Andrew and Ariana were expecting Shahzain to welcome them but Fakhruddin apologized on his behalf to everyone.

" Shahzain is busy with the preparations and will meet you all first thing tomorrow"

Fakhruddin did not know who Ariana was. Ariana was dying to meet Shahzain. She wanted to talk to him but was disappointed not to see him.

As Ariana and Andrew were walking to their room, Ariana's eyes landed on two people. a heavily pregnant woman walking alongside a man. They were far away. Ariana was unable to see their faces. And

" Ariana, you must be hurt seeing all this," Andrew spoke as they came into the room.

" Why will I be hurt? "

" After all, Shahzain left you for a younger girl and threw such a big celebration in her honor" He locked the door and turned towards her.

"Really! Are you taunting me, Andrew?"

"No, I understand your condition. I felt the same when you broke up the engagement with me and went after Shahazain. He found someone better and kicked you out. It is called Karma."

Andrew lifted her skirt and, without any foreplay, he pounded her.

"Are you making love or punishing me". Ariana was not prepared.

"Both, Punishment in love" Ariana compared Andrew to Shahzain. Shahzain never wanted her but Andrew desired her. she was not sure whether she should she happy. Andrew lusted for her but she would never get the position of a wife as Altheabut if She married Shahazain she had rights as his second wife. She thought to stick to the plan.

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Shahzain skipped the welcoming part because Murad wanted to have a word with the midwife and asked Shahzain to acconmpanySeher for a check-up.

The female doctor visited Seher and she clearly instructed Shahzain to avoid any hanky panky. She gave a lot of instructions and left.

Who will make them understand that it is Seher, not me? Shahzain thought.

"Seher, did you hear what that lady said?"

"Shahzain, commonly they just say to scare us, see nothing happens if you are gentle."

"God forbid, people will blame me, not you"

"You are full of negativity, old man." She teased him.

There was a time when Shahazain would know how to pull the chords and Seher always gave in to his tender ministrations. But now tables were turned She was always testing Shahzains patience and knew tricks to seduce him. he was helpless and had no control over the way her body reacted to her touch.

Seher was trying to seduce him for a while now" Seher, If you don't stop will sleep elsewhere"

"What! I am doing nothing" She replied innocently.

She was kissing Shahzains neck, his most sensitive spot. Shahazaintook holds of her hands and turned her and spooned her.

"Now sleep"

Seher took hold of his palm which was on her waist and placed it on her bosom and was pressing it down.

This was too much for Shahzain. His beat was fully awakened.

"Seher, control" He wishpered.

she pushed her buttocks back grinding him. Shahazain lost all his self-control and gave in to his carnal desires. Seher woke up in the middle of the night. Her belly was hurting she was afraid to wake Shahzain up. when it became unbearable she shook him

"Shahazain,"

Shahzain woke up with a jolt" What happened, Seher?" He brightened the room and saw Seher all red lying holding her tummy.

"What happened?"

"It's hurting " That was all she could say. Shahazain was screaming in anger and pain.

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