Rabia came in with two of her assistants.

" Sultan, can you please go out. Let me examine her"

" I will just stand in the corner, please Aunty Rabia I won't disturb you in your work." Shazain was reluctant to go out...

Rabia saw her assistants were uncomfortable with the male presence she politely requested Shazain.

" please Sultan wait for a few minutes till we clean and asses her".

Shazain recalled the moment when his heart almost stopped when he saw Seher in the pool of blood. I don't have any doubt that I love Seher and I cannot live without her. I am responsible for her condition today, she was perfect for me in every way I did not cherish her enough. Please God, let her be okay I promise that I will rectify all my mistakes.

He heard Ariana screaming outside. Shazain pulled his hair in frustration, He forgot the thorn in his and Seher's beautiful garden. Seher made it clear that she is not going to stay if he marries Ariana, only if he was gentle with Seher she would have understood but he cannot lose her even if it meant breaking his promise to Christos.

I will offer him enough money and my lifetime support. I will help him marry off Ariana anywhere she wants and bear all her marriage expenses.

Here outside Seher's room, Abasi was pacing around, and as soon as he saw Ariana he was very angry.

" If I come to know you have something to do with all this then I will forget who you are"

" you forgot your place Abasi, wait till I throw you out"

" Do you think I am a fool like my brother Shazain, I am waiting for the day when I get proof against you and your father then I will show you "

" you are acting like a lover to that Seher, did she plan to run away with you. you know I can help you guys to go far away from here."

" What?" Abasi was confused and angry.

" she is not you eyeing every other rich king. "

" yes, she is a bitch who is after a bastard like you."

Abasi looked at Ariana in anger.

" Xain promised that I will be the queen and once I become I will throw you and your beggar lover out".

"My brother announced Seher as his queen in front of the whole assembly in Shahmahal. Dream on Ariana and first do a background check on my sister in law you will know who is a pauper. "

Shazain who came out had heard everything that Ariana said. His priority was Seher so he ignored them. Ariana quickly changed her tone.

" Xain, look this Abasi misbehaved with me" She was crying profusely.

" This is not the time Ariana, I will listen to you later,"

Shazain looked at her with disgust.

Just then Rabia called for him. He ran inside.

" what happened aunty Rabia"

" nothing to worry about, the wound on her hand is not that deep"

" what! but all that blood and why did she faint?"

" That is because of the Chinese herbs she consumed, she was bleeding heavily since morning, I advised her to rest. She has become very weak due to blood loss, I gave her medication to clean her system."

" Aunty, will that medication affect her overall health?" He sat beside her and held her hands.

" No, Sultan she will be fine soon and make sure she does not eat any unnecessary medication."

"Why is she not awake yet"

" She will be up soon. She is very fragile now, Her body needs a lot of time to compensate for the blood loss. I will instruct a special diet for her in the kitchen. Take care of her. she is very naive and young "

" I will, I will" he repeated. He looked towards Seher and kissed her forehead. I will restore the love you had for me. I promise Seher

Shazain came out and was surprised to see many palace maids waiting to hear about her.

" Sultan is our princess alright?" There was clear worry on their faces. The only time he saw so many concerned maids was when his mother Afshan was sick.

" your queen is fine. "

" just order us, we will be at her service "

Ariana heard those words and came near Shazain.

" Xain, my heart is hurting"

" I will ask Rabia to check you"

" I don't need anyone I only need you,"

"Ariana, let Rabia check you I have some work"

Xain ignoring did not go well with Ariana. He called for Gulab and asked her to accompany Ariana to her room.

He asked Abasi to come along with him to the study.

" Abasi, we were attacked on the beach. Do you think it is Jafar?"

" Why did you drag Seher?"

" look I wanted to talk to her alone"

"by dragging her" Abasi was angry

"Abasi, I would appreciate it if you don't interfere with it. I know your friendship with Uzbeiks I never objected but Seher is my wife, love of my life"

Abasi's eyes popped out at Shazains confession.

"Since when? What about pain..standing outside"

He imitated Ariana.

" Just tell me is she that rude"

" Brother don't tell me you noticed this first time. She is polite just in front of you and treats others like thrash behind your back."

" When I said I will marry her I made it clear that she will be respectful of my subjects, culture"

"Yes but you never stopped when that bitch Ariana insulted me "

"Abasi, Listen I won't tolerate anything against Ariana. I know she behaved erratically but you should understand her. It is not easy for her to see me care for Seher. I will slowly make her understand that she should not expect anything from me. She will apologise to you. "

"well done! so it is true you can really leave everything for her, I was always loyal to you but not anymore. you lost your brother today" Abasi stormed out of the room.

He met with Ariana who mocked him with a vicious smile.

Shazain was thanking his stars that he did not marry Ariana but still he cannot forget what king Christos did for him. He has to tell Ariana to move. it was better that he clear his stand in front of her

†********************************

Seher woke up and was surprised to see Shazain sleeping awkwardly near her bed holding her hands. All she remembered was them being attacked and everything went blank after that. She pulled her hands out of his.

" Seher when did you wake up?"

She did not reply nor look at him once

"Are you angry with me?"

Seher had enough of this complicated relationship. his presence suffocated her that was the reason she decided to ignore him.

"Please Seher can you give me one last chance, Let us make a fresh start"

"I told you my decision before, I am not the one for you. you should start fresh but with someone else"

"Seher, look at me for once, please my love" Shazain was pleading with her.

She looked straight into his eyes.

"I know you won't believe me but I really love you, I will win your heart again. Seher you are the only one for me I want to grow old with you, have a family with you"

"Shazain, please you make all false promises. what about Ariana then? have you not promised that you will marry her ?"

"I know Seher things are complicated now but please give me some time I will correct everything. You are and will be my only wife. please be patient till I sort out all the mess"

"Shazain, I was mesmerized by you when we met the first time in my room, you were the first man who touched me and was so close to me. That innocent stupid part of me wants to believe you but I know very well that you love me today but I don't think this will last forever. Just a few months back you were professing your love for Ariana with the same passion as you are doing it for me now"

"Seher please believe me just give me one last chance I won't let you down" He saw a glint of agreement in Sehers eyes.

he bent down and kissed her passionately. she tried to free herself but his cold lips were glued to hers. He sealed her mouth and she was unable to say anything.

"Seher my heart only belongs to you, It took me time to understand.

you will find things getting complicated but you will understand everything later in future"

Seher saw the truth in his eyes.

"Just a last chance Shazain and ..." before she could say anything further he again pulled her closer. Seher placed a hand on his lips.

"Stop behaving like a cave dweller, I am ready to give us a chance but we will live separately till you sort out things"

"What nonsense I can't live without you"

He saw Seher angry face." Do you want me to go back to my parents till you sort out your personal problems?"

" NO NO! ok if that what it takes for you to believe my love is true, we can stay in separate rooms but if you come to me this sleeping arrangement will be broken."

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Ariana came to meet Shazain.

"Xain, do you have a moment to spare?"

Shazain was feeling ver awkward seeing her, he always gave her undivided attention but now his priority changed. He was feeling guilty for betraying his saviour.

"You don't need permission Ariana"

"Xain, did I do anything wrong? you are avoiding me for a month"

"No, Ariana you see how busy I am. I have plenty of things on my hand"

"I know Shazain and as a princess, I understand your duty as a king. I wanted to request you something?"

"go on Ariana, don't hesitate"

"I always celebrate your birthday but this time can we spend some time alone instead of celebration just you and me"

"Ariana, I have a lot to handle sorry I do not have time for anything"

"Xain, do you think I am the reason for you and that Seher's distance?"

"What distance?"

"I know that you don't share a chamber together she has her separate wing, "

Shazain wanted to clear everything with Ariana and request her to move on from him.

"That is .." Their conversation was interrupted by Utbah, who returned after a long time.

"Ariana please excuse me I will talk to you later, I have something important to tell you later on"

Ariana was happy that shazain distanced himself from Seher but the thing she was unaware that Shazain and Seher had warmed up to each other even though as per Seher's condition to have separate rooms, Shazain every night secretly sneaked into her room and always slept taking her in his embrace and leaves early before she was awake.

Things were not easy for Shazain , taking care of Seher along with his political duties was hard work. Najma Begum was very happy seeing the progress of her grandson and his little wife. She had to go back to ShahMahal. The attack on Seher and Shazain was an internal conspiracy she had to keep an eye on the residents of the main palace.

"Shazain I am entrusting Seher in your hands. look after her. Send Ariana away as soon as possible.

focus on your relationship with your wife and hopefully I will get good news once I return. "

She blessed seher and Shazain and departed.

Shazain no matter how busy he was he made sure he eat his dinner with her, It became a routine even if it was past midnight Seher would wait for him. he was taking care of her as if she was a small child

The other night when she was reluctant to drink the liver soup.

"I can't have it Shazain, It smells horrible"

"Seher you are still weak you can even walk without feeling dizzy. Aunty Rabia said that this will help you"

"No, I will not have it"

"if you don't drink then .. I will have to use force" he came dangerously close to her. he sucked her ear lobe and pulled it between her teeth.

"you promised.." A soft moan escaped her lips.

Seher would have easily given in to his ministrations but Shazain pulled back. No matter how much self restraint was needed that moment he was willing to do it.He wanted to show Seher that he can wait for her.

"Have the soup" she obeyed him without any fuss. She was blushing profusely.

"I love the shade of your cheeks when you are shy "

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Seher was doing a lot better and was up and about. Ariana observed the silent interactions between her and Shazain many times. The way he looked at her and her blushing did not go unnoticed by her. She needed to do something.

Ariana was waiting outside Shazain's study for a long time she wanted to talk to him. as soon as she saw Shazain she ran to him and accidentally twisted her ankle and fell flat on the ground. Shazain quickly rushed to her and helped her to stand but she screamed in pain.

"Xain I can't walk" Shazain lifted her in his arms.

"I will take you to Rabia"

she put her arms around his neck and he was helpless like always. He was alerted by the noise of glass breaking from the stairs above. He turned and saw Seher who was looking at him with anger and hatred.

Oh, God! How will I explain to her why Ariana is in my arms. he was cursing himself.

Seher looked at the man with hatred, he was the same man who was begging for a chance and here he was holding Ariana intimately. she felt like throwing up.

Shazain stood in silence, he wanted to throw Ariana and go after Seher. Ariana saw discomfort on Xain's face and turned her head and saw Seher.

She smiled, this was the perfect time to show that Seher her place. She rested her head on his shoulder and nuzzled in to his neck.

"Xain it is hurting a lot. please take me to Rabia" she whispered.

Seher ignored Shazain and went back to her room. She was crying.

I am a fool who believed that liar. I already knew that he never kept his promises when it came to Ariana. how can he stop loving Ariana? his first and only love. You are an Idiot Seher you fall for his words easily. She was self-loathing herself. The more pathetic thing was even after seeing the intimacy downstairs she still loved that liar, her heart was telling it was not true. you need to wake up from your Dream Seher. that man can never love you.

Her inner thoughts were halted by a knock on the door.

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