Ariana was very quiet nowadays, Seher had her doubts about her silence. She was keeping a close eye on her. (After all she was daughter of Queen Nur Jahan) Martha and Penelope were more of Seher's allies than Ariana's and they were spyng for Seher.

"Queen Seher, what are thinking?"

"Martha, are you and Penelope keeping an eye on Ariana?"

"Yes my queen"

"Did you see or hear anything suspicious?"

"NO, she got a letter from her father recently and she s very calm since then"

"It looks like calm before the storm" Seher replied.

"Do you know what her father wrote that made her so calm"

"Queen, she burned the letter as soon as she read it, Penelope was there she said that she smiled for a good few minutes before burning the letter"

Seher was deep in her thoughts.

"Queen Seher If you don't mind shall I say something?" Penelope asked this time.

"go ahead Penelope, you know I don't consider anyone of you as maids rather my friends."

"We know princess Ariana for a long time. I don't think She can give up on our king easily. She use to brag about KIng Shazain being her Fiancee among all her friends. She is very vicious just be careful."

"Queen Seher why can't you and King Shazain send her back?" matha asked

"Shazain, said that we will take her along to king Louis palace and from there she will return to her kingdom with her family"

"Queen Seher, I hope King Shazain is not planning to take her along with you? I heard Ariana saying that King Shazain personally invited her to accompany him "

"Why what's wrong with that?"

"It just that in these kinds of parties people go in pairs with their partners and if a king comes with one or more woman it is an indication that they are his women"

Seher was not aware of this western culture because in their region men's and women's sections were Separate. This was new to Seher.

"Shazain, must have planned something I am sure he will not tag Ariana along," Seher said in confidence.

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

Seher observed that Shazain looked very tense for the past few days since one of the messengers came from the Shahmahal the main palace. He kept Seher out of political matters. He was coming very late and night and leaving very early, Seher wanted him to confide with her, share all his worries just like baba did with her Ummi. She knew that she was not a fighter like her mother nor aware of warfare but still she can suggest something. She learned a lot from her parents.

Shazain was busy with Utbah. He knew that Seher's life was under threat since he revealed her identity as his wife. His step-uncle was trying everything in his hands to abdicate him. He knew that the person very close to him was helping him. His grandmother was in the main palace to keep an eye on everything. He recently came to know that a few ministers along with his uncle were planning to house arrest him. Shazain was trying very hard to gain allies and Salahuddin also promised to help him in time of need but the problem was that Salahuddin himself was facing problems at Chinese borders. There was a cold war going on for ages and the threat of things escalating was looming on his side.

Shazain came to know that his enemies were planning to assassinate the one close to him. That implied Seher. He at one point thought of sending Seher to her parents for her safety but that would weaken his position.

He did not object to Ariana's presence in his palace for a few reasons. One that He could never ask her to get out because of King Christos and second he thought that Ariana was a jealous woman who envies Seher but was harmless. If she stayed then she can see that she has no future with him and move on. lastly, Ariana's presence would confuse his enemies.

everyone in the main palace thought that Seher did not hold any importance to Shazain. Utbah wanted Shazain to disclose everything to Seher so that She won't misunderstand Ariana's presence but Shazain was being stubborn he thought that Seher will be stressed and can not keep up with her emotions. He thought that even if Seher misunderstands him he had time later on to clear everything.

Seher was looking for Shazain. She got the news that he arrived but it was more than an hour he did not visit the room. She was walking through the library when she heard Utbah and Shazain discussing something. She was not a person who would eavesdrop and turn to walk away when she heard her name which halted her steps.

"Keep Seher out of this "

" Why are you hiding the truth from her?" Seher could hear Utbah's voice from inside.

"There is nothing to hide she will understand everything with time."

Seher knew that Shazain was not comfortable discussing things with her so she walked away.

Shazain came late again, Seher did question him this time"Shazain, you seem very busy nowadays?"

"State matters Seher"

"I am all ears"

"My little wife I don't have a big family like yours to support each other and sometimes things get very complicated but you don't worry there is nothing which I can not solve"

" Shazain, I am not that useless as you Imagine. Try me maybe I can help"

" who said you are useless you are very important" He cleverly avoided further interrogation by Seher.

In the morning as usual Seher woke up alone in the bed. She half-heartedly went to the breakfast room but was surprised to see Ariana and Shazain smiling at the table. Her mood turned sour.

"Seher, you were in deep sleep so I did not wake you up" Shazain replied.

"Hmm" That was all that came out of her mouth.

Just then a soldier called for Shazain.

"I will be right back" Shazain left in hurry.

"How are you doing Seher?"

"very well Ariana" Seher was polite.

"Looks like my Xain is starting to get bored of you "

"He is a self-sufficient king and does not rely on others' charity. Things keep him busy"

Ariana felt like Seher taunted her father by this statement but this was time to play with her.

"Well, he always has time for me. This morning he personally asked me to accompany him for breakfast like old times. he said that he missed those private moments"

"Yes Ariana that is why he comes back to me every night and you are still in the guest room as a temporary guest"

"don't think highly of yourself, He is with you just because... leave it. you will see that soon he will throw you out of this palace"

"I know your true face Ariana which is very ugly from inside"

Just then Shazain entered the room.

" Seher I requested the chef to make your favorite breakfast," Shazain noticed Seher was quiet than usual.

Ariana suddenly interrupted their conversation

"Xain can I accompany you to the french ball?"

Shazain who is busy thinking about Seher did not hear Ariana's questions nodded.

"So is it a yes?"

"Ok" Shazain replied. Seher was taken back at his words. She was very hurt.

"Seher, are you alright with me accompanying you both?"

"Not a problem Ariana because I am going with my brothers my brother Shuja will come and pick me up. Well if you excuse me I have some work "

Shazain was confused at what really happened. Hell, he never wanted to take Ariana along with him.

Shazain went after Seher "Seher we will go together. I did not listen to what Ariana said"

Seher was very calm" I understand Shazain, I am not upset. she is a guest I don't mind you taking her. My brother asked me first so I am accompanying him"

"Oh, God! I was stressed thinking that you misunderstood. You are my wife we will go together"

Seher did not reply. when things got too complicated she just kept quiet. She knew Ariana was trying to create a rift between her and Shazain.

All of them along with her brothers boarded the ship for the French border. King Louis made arrangements for them to stay in one of his many palaces and they were supposed to go to the grand palace on the day of the ball. They all arrived just a day before the party.

Shazain personally selected a Turquoise dress for Seher but she ignored it.

"Did I upset you in any way?"

"No,"

"Then why are you not wearing the dress I picked?"

"You can ask Ariana to match you, I prefer things which are not flashy, gaining attention type"

Shazain smiled, so this was all about Ariana he thought.

"Shazain you get ready and I will see you at the ball. Suja will come and pick me up"

Seher wore a white gown with delicate red and gold embroidery. She looked stunning with a matching ruby and diamond necklace and tiara. When Shazain came out of the dressing room he was stunned to see Seher, she looked very elegant. Before he could say anythingShuja knocked on the door.

"You look good brother in law," He greeted Shazain.

"Oh my God Seher! you look just like Ummi. it is just she is more beautiful with her black hair. Come carriage is waiting for us"

Shuja gave his hand to Seher before she could grab it Shazain pulled her closer.

"Shuja, She is my wife we are supposed to go together" he dragged Seher along without listening to Shuja.

Always a caveman Seher mumbled.

"Look Shazain I am not going with you and Ariana and you just can't drag me "

"First thing Ariana is not coming with us, Utbah is picking her up, and the second thing you are my legally wedded wife, queen of my kingdom. so we should go together" he picked her up and walked to the carriage.

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

King Louis along with his wife Theresa greeted them at the entrance. "Welcome King Shazain and is this beautiful girl your niece?" Queen Theresa asked looking at Seher.

Shuja who was behind them laughed loudly which irritated Shazain.

Seher just smiled."She is my wife Seher, daughter of King Fakhruddin"

"My sincere Apologies, She is very beautiful and young keep her safe" Queen Theresa was flabbergasted.

"Political marriage?" She asked Seher.

"No love marriage, Love at first sight for both of us" Shazain replied. Seher was smiling seeing Shazain getting annoyed.

King Louis came to Shazain's rescue.

"My wife speaks her heart apologies. You both look good together,"

He then turned to his wife" Theresa in a few years' time you will not be able to differentiate who is older. let them have kids then you will see"

Shazain smiled listening to King Louis, Thought of his and Seher's children always made him happy.

"Please enjoy the ball " King Louis guided them inside.

Shazain was holding Seher tightly around her waist.

"Just stay by my side and don't leave me " Shazain instructed her.

King Christos and queen Helena were surprised seeing Seher and Shazain together they looked around for their daughter.

"Where is Ariana, Shazain?"

"Hello King Christos and Queen Helena, Ariana is coming with my Commander Utbah"

"I gave her responsibility to you Shazain" Christos replied.

"I assure you Utbah is a very skillful warrior, he will escort your daughter safely"

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

Ariana was expecting Shazain but was very angry seeing Utbah. More than Ariana Utbah was in a lot of grievances.

"Why are you here, you low-class idiot. where is my Xain?"

"I don't know anyone called Xain but Seher's Shazain is with her at the ball. he ordered me to fetch you"

Ariana had no other option but to accompany Utbah. Once at the ball she saw how Shazain was holding Seher as if she will get lost. Ariana had bragged about Shazain in front of all the other royals many times. She felt insulted. Cathrine the Spanish princess and her best friend greeted her.

"What is it Ariana, who is that girl with your fiancee?"

"She is Seher. Shazain was forced to marry her " She was sobbing to gain sympathy.

"Don't you worry we will let the girl know her place?"

Ariana went to Shazain "Xain can I snatch Seher for a second, all the princesses want to meet her"

Shazain was uncomfortable but the way men were ogling Seher he thought it was better she mixed with a few women.

"do you want to go Love?" He asked Seher.

"Seher just a quick hello" Araiana challenged Seher.

"Ok, I will just be back Shazain"

Girls were looking down on Seher

"Hello everyone, meet Seher, King Shazain's young bride"Ariana introduced Seher

They all started speaking in Spanish thinking Seher won't understand anything.

"how innocent she looks" one of the girls replied.

"Don't go on her face value she seduced and trapped Shazain. Poor Man, he had to marry her"

To their surprise, Seher replied back in Spanish.

"I did not trap Shazain nor he was forced to marry me. he claimed to love me and fought with my family to make me his bride"

"You know Spanish?" Cathrine asked

"Yes, being a princess I learned many languages "

Their mouths were wide open. Few of them envied her, free admired her.

" Look Sultan Salahuddin" one of the girls screamed in excitement.

" Oh my God he is so handsome. Look he is smiling at me" others replied

Seher turned and saw her brother Salahuddin. she quickly ran to him and hugged him. Cathrine who was interested in Salahuddin was angry looking at Seher.

"You were right Ariana she is Characterless, She knows how to seduce young men"

Salahuddin listened to all the conversation. He walked up to princess Cathrine.

"Excuse me, princess Cathrine, My sister is my pride and I want a wife whose Character is similar to her"

This was like a blow on Cathrine's face.

"Sultan Salauddin I am really sorry about my behavior. I was misguided about Princess Seher's character"

"so, you are a woman who can be easily influenced" Salahuddin left from there.

Cathrine turned to Ariana"Why did you have to lie Ariana? I should have known why will King Shazain choose you over Sultan Salahuddin's sister"

Ariana walked to her father and mother in tears"Father, please kill that Seher I can not bear any more"

"Patience my daughter"

"Dad Shazain ignored me completely after you left"

"Ariana listen calmly everything is set Just wait till that maid pours this red wine or any Juice on Seher" Queen Helena whispered.

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

Salahuddin Introcded Seher as his is to many of the people. Suddenly someone tapped her head. She grabbed her brothers arm tightly

"Still Scared little one". It was Abasi along with Murad.

"Abasi, Abi Murad it is a pleasant surprise seeing you both. How are you?"

"We are fine. I dragged Murad so that he can choose a girl for him" Abasi laughed.

"Not a bad Idea" Seher relied looking at Murad who was just staring at her.

"You have changed a lot Seher" He replied.

Shazain who was looking for Seher around saw her smiling at Murad. Jealousy took over him. He trusted Seher but not that Murad. He quickly walked towards her.

"Yes, she is changed because she is my wife now" He possessively put his arm around Seher's waist.

Shazain wanted to say something but was interrupted by the irritating noise of Arianacoming from a distance"Darling Xain"

Murad gave a mocking smile to Shazain.

"Looks like you have Sultan Shazain have other interests. Seher is like before pure and innocent, believes in all lies easily"

Shazain gave a deathly glare to Utbah. He requested him to keep Ariana away. "Darling Xain" Ariana was walking past the crowd. to reach Shazain. the way she was calling him implied that she has a close relationship with Shazain.

many eyes turned towards them.

"Xain please come and meet a few of my childhood friends"

"I am busy with my wife Ariana, we will meet them later"

Ariana just grabbed Shazain's hand and pulled him towards a group of girls who were standing next to her.

"meet Sultan Shazain a very close friend of mine" Shazains one hand was held by Ariana while he gripped his other hand Seher's waist

Seher saw Shazain and Ariana's intertwined hands and she pushed his hand away from her. Feeling Seher's rejection Shazain tightened his grip.

Shazain you cant have both women at least I will never be that woman. Seher pinched his hand hard and he loosened his grip. She walked towards where her brothers were standing.

"Ariana I met your friends please excuse me now" He knew Seher was upset with him. Seher just ignored him completely and was talking to Abasi and Shuja.

"You know Seher Abi Murad has gained a lot of popularity and wealth" Shuja was giving an update to Seher

"I am happy for him Shuja, I really miss home. I miss all of you. Ummi, baba, aunty Shireen ..."

"Seher I am staying here on the borders just for you anytime you need me I will be there. tell me are you really happy?"

She did not know what she should reply to. She loved Shazain but things were too complicated.

"I am happy Shuja"

Just then a maid who came to offer them drinks collided with Seher resulting in her dress soaked with Orange juice.

The orange liquid spilled just above her chest. It was too embarrassing for Seher.. Murad who just had his eyes set on her quickly came and covered her with his cloak.

"I am really sorry " The maid was apologizing with tears.

Seher was suddenly pulled back by the strong arms of Shazain. he threw Murad's cloak and covered Seher with his. He looked angrily at the maid.

"Don't you know how to do your work"

Seher was trembling because of what happened. Shazain hugged her tightly calming her.

"It's Ok love I am here, lets go back"

Just then King Louis and Queen Theresa came. he apologized to Shazain.

"Oh, dear! don't worry come with me I will help you clean" Queen Theresa requested Seher.

Shazain accompanied her but was Interrupted by king Christos

"Shazain, come for a second it is important"

"You go Shazain I am with her"Queen Theresa replied.

She walked Seher to a room.

"Stay here I will send the maids to help you" Queen Theresa left. Seher was waiting for maids when someone entered the room and covered her mouth with a cloth. Seher fell to the ground.

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

Maid signaled Ariana that their work is done. She walked towards where King Christos was standing. "Have you seen Adrian, father, he was calling you?" She asked.

That was a clue that the deed was done. Suddenly there was a commotion near one of the rooms. Crowds were gathered.

Ariana happily walked along with her father and Shazain. They were all shocked at the scene in front.

There was Adrian along with a woman naked in bed.

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

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