Queen Theresa offered to Help Seher. She was fascinated by the beautiful little girl. Shy, standing behind her Husband. She met a confident Queen NurJahan a long time back and this girl was like her mother in looks but completely opposite in demeanor.

"Dear, there is nothing to worry about. Relax, I will drop you one of the Guest chambers and maids will assist you with cleaning up"

Seher Just nodded.

"Where are your ladies in waiting?"

"I did not bring them, Shazain said that we will be back soon"

"Next time where ever you go, take at least two ladies with you"

She nodded.

"Now just sit here and relax I will send someone"

After waiting for a few minutes Seher heard a knock on the door. She saw a tall silhouette of a fat man with red eyes. He had a dirty cloth in his hand. Seher fainted.

The man tried opening the bottle when Shuja, Shahab, and Abasi entered. The man dropped everything and quickly ran away. Abasi picked up the bottle and ran after the man. The man was quick, He knew the way around.

Abasi saw Helena walking towards a room in the corner. His evil mind worked quickly. he poured some Liquid on the cloth and quickly put it around her nose and pushed her inside the room.

Inside the room, Adrian was waiting for Seher. The room was dark with a single lamp in the corner. The Idea was that the maids would brighten the room when they alerted everyone. The plan was simple Seher would be disgraced and He would claim to love her and plead with everyone to unite them.

He pounced on the woman who entered.

"My dear Seher I waited so long for this moment. I wanted you the moment I laid my eyes on you"

The medicine was taking its effect Queen Helena was unable to open her mouth but she slapped Adrian.

"I like it when you are fierce."He devoided the woman of her clothes. The potion's effect clouded Helena's mind"

"Why do you have saggy boobs?" Adrian questioned. The woman was uncontrollable with lust.

After Few Minutes two maids walk past the room.

"Did you hear noises? "

"No, the other maid said"

"No, wait I hear something" she took the lamp and peeked inside. They lit the whole room with the torch.

As soon as they saw a man and woman in bed they started screaming alerting everyone outside and in a few minutes crowd was gathered.

When Adrian saw Helena was the woman next to him. He turned pale.

"I have been set up. I have nothing to do with this old hag"

"Stop it, How long have you been hiding this affair, Just a few moments back you confessed that you both love each other" King Louis questioned.

"I never had anything to do with this old woman. I can't believe my plan failed. It was supposed to be that young beauty Seher"

He blurted out in a hurry. That words were enough for Salahuddin to go mad with rage. He trashed Adrian left and right. Just like how a washerman washed his clothes on the river bank.

Murad came near Salah and stopped him.

"I will see him later" he whispered.

"King Louis, we are your guest and like my brother-in-law said before. You are the only one who can do justice and deliver the punishment"

"I still don't understand how Queen Helena ended up with him." King Louis questioned.

"Look at my mother King Louis, She is fully intoxicated. Maybe it was mistaken identity"

King Louis ordered to bring the maid who poured juice on Seher. The guards came running after a few minutes.

"My lord, The maid was found dead in the store"

"I have nothing to do with you Adrian" King Christos walked near his nephew who was lying on the floor battered and limp

"I will save you, just go with it" he whispered. Adrian was already lifeless.

"What punishment do you suggest Sultan Salahuddin?" King Louis asked.

"I will leave that to Queen Theresa, as a woman whatever she suggests" Queen Theresa was honored by the respect given by Uzbeik.

"He not only intended to harm a Princess but also tarnished his aunt's image. It could have been anyone instead of Helena. I think he should be stoned to death" Queen Thersa ordered.

"guards, Take him away to the dungeons, he will be stoned, day after tomorrow in the square"

"I am sorry everyone that your night was spoiled" King Louis announced.

Salahuddin was busy observing King Christos. He gave him an open warning in front of the whole crowd before leaving.

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

Shazain asked Salahuddin Exactly what happened after he left.

"Salahuddin I wanted to rip off that bastard's throat"

"Calm down Brother-in-law, I know what situation you are in. your anger would have caused more destruction. You know it was hard for me to control my anger but if I killed Adrian it would have been disrespect to King Louis. He being host it was his call for judgment" Salahuddin tried to calm Shazain.

"Don't worry it was decided that Adrian will be stoned to deathday after tomorrow in the square"

"I still wish I killed him, "Shazain said.

"I feel that this is better punishment, he raped many women and young girls. Many will get an opportunity to avenge him."

He saw a quiet Seher standing in the corner.

"Why are you awake princess"

She hugged her brother."Shazain, Seher is young to understand all this. we never spoke to her in loud voice"

Shazain felt guilty for lashing out at her.

Shuja and Abasi joined. Shuja had forced Abasi to speak the truth about Helena to their brothers before they could reveal anything King Christos marched along with Ariana. They all were shocked.

"Shazain and Sultan Salahuddin, I apologize to disturb you at this hour but it was important"

Salahuddin raised his brows he had suspicions about this man and he warned him in front of the whole crowd.

"King Christos if I ever come to know that you were involved in all of this. I will be the first one to kill you. I will make sure that you and your family regret the day they were born"

Salahuddin turned to leave giving them privacy.

"Sultan Salahuddin please stay" King Christos pleaded.

He was on his knees

"You don't know, how much ashamed I am today. Give me every punishment you want. I deserve it"

"what happened," Shazain asked.

"My wife Helena was also involved in plotting, She was angry that you ditched Ariana for Seher. Mistakenly she herself fell in the pit which she dug for Seher"

Abasi and Shuja'smouth hung open.

"What about Ariana? was she not involved?" Abasi questioned.

"I know abasi you hate my daughter but trust me she and I have nothing to do with this. In fact, Ariana was the only one who forced me to come here"

"Liar" Abasi screamed.

Ariana started her part. She folded her hands in front of Seher.

"I apologize, Seher, My family wanted to ruin you but look our reputation is in taters. I hope you have the heart to forgive us" She was begging Seher.

"She should be rewarded for her acting "Abasi roared.

"Stop it Abasi" Utbah requested him.

Salah and Shazain stood in Silence.

"What are you planning to do with your wife then?" Shazain asked in anger

"Please Shazain if this matter leaks I won't have any option but to kill myself. I have exiled Helena to a ruined palace in the east of my kingdom. I will do anything in return" King Christos was pleading.

"Release Martha and Penelope" Seher who was quiet all the while said.

"consider it is done," Ariana said.

"King Christos, Please go away from here" Shazain ordered.

Both Father and daughter left with fake tears.

Salahuddin ordered his brothers to retire for the night.

"Brother Shazain, we will talk in the morning you have rest"

Later in their room, Abasi was going mad in rage.

Abasi was Furious. Shuja calmed him down."Leave it Abasi, They are gone"

"You don't know them like I do they must have planned something. Now you see how cleverly the fool people"

*"*"*************************

" Father I warned you that this was a stupid plan "

Queen Helena was fully awake now.

" I am sorry Cristos, someone pushed me in the room"

Christos was pacing around, taking deep breaths. He needed to think with a cool mind.

" Father, what are we going to do now?" Ariana was restless.

"Stop you both, let me think with a cool mind. I will make use of this situation. It is not all bad."

"What are we going to do Father?"

" Listen carefully forget what happened. Helena, you go to our summer palace. We have to be underground for a few months.

I have to find a way to free Adrian.

I think someone knew our involvement in the plan. At this point, we can't face angry Salahuddin and Shazain."

" Father, let that Adrian die, it good that we can get rid of him. I don't think Shazain would want to see us now"

" Come with me and do as I say. Shazain needs to be reminded that I saved him but later not in front of Salahuddin. Just put up an act. Make them believe that you are very Shameful about your mom's Deed.

This time Shazain will marry you for sure and for that Seher I have planned something big. She will be out of Shazain's life forever. Just have to wait. we have to wait for the right time."

"What about Adrian then?" Helena asked.

"He might spill our secrets, we need to make plan his escape in a way that no one will point us"

The late-night visit to Shazain was all part of the perfect plan.

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

Murad knew Seher was forbidden for him but this never stopped his heart from loving her. His heart always ached to see her with that Shazain. In the end, it was her happiness that mattered to him. Not as a life partner but he vowed always to be there for her as a friend, protector... He planned something for Adrian, something that no one could imagine.

He knew how king Christos trapped Shazain, he was aware that it was his uncle who helped him but he did not meddle. His uncle Fakhr told him everything about Shazain. To him, Shazain was a brainless king who could not see the truth. His uncle and aunt were on their way to give a surprise to Seher.

Many of his relatives thought that if King Fakhruddin married his daughter to him he was incapable to protect her. Adrian was like a challenge to him now. He asked permission from King Louis to visit Adrian, which was granted in a second.

In the dungeon, Adrian was yelling for water. Murad came down with a glass of water.

"Have this Adrian"

"Who are you?"

Murad laughed "A wellwisher who just wanted to ask you something. Take have this water"

Adrian gulped down quickly.

"Why did you want to trap Seher?"

"I loved her at first sight, Offered her to be my friend but she humiliated me because she is blinded by that Shazain"

"Shazain is her husband"

"Ariana my cousin will never leave Shazain. He only belongs to her"

"why?"

Adrian laughed "You take me as a fool that I will disclose you everything"

"As a dying man, I thought you will tell the truth" Murad was calm

"I will be out of here, in no time"

"well I knew that you and your uncle planned something but listen, even if you escape you will die a painful death"

Adrian just mocked Murad.

Murad never thought he would use his knowledge to harm someone. He just handed Adrian a glass of poison, a very deadly one that will kill him slowly. The pain will increase day by day to the point it will be unbearable.

Murad wanted to warn his cousins about king Christos but was not sure that they would believe him. He was waiting for his uncle to come.

†*****************************************************************

Ariana and Christos were out of their life. Salahuddin and Shahab went away . Shuja and abasi were back on Business. Life was very blissful For Seher and Shazain. Shazain still had conflicts with his uncle and internal conspiracies but he was feeling very confident now.

Shazain was with Seher. He laid his head on her lap.

"Shazain, I still can't believe that Ariana is gone"

"I promised you"

"Did that Adrian die?"

"Yes, I heard that he escaped but he was caught with a strange illness. I heard that he killed himself because the pain was unbearable"

"What if Ariana comes back?"

"She will never unless I allow. Relax love, it is you that I care about."

"I know Shazain" She kissed his forehead.

" Seher when did you fall in love with me?" He asked her kissing her hands.

"The day you married me forcefully" She smiled.

"Seher with you by my side I feel that I can win any battle, The best thing I did in my life was abducting you"

"Shazain why did you send my proposal to my parents, did you see me before"

"I always wanted to marry you. My fate was attached to you even before you were born"

"What do you mean?"

" May Grandpa Hamad gets a place in heaven, He put the idea in my head," Shazain told about events that took place when he was young. Seher started lauging.

"get up Shazain, My legs are hurting"

"Let me help you, he started massaging her feet"

"What are you doing?" She stood up.

"You know Seher when you will carry my child I will not even let you put your feet down. I will be your personal slave."

Seher was blushing. I will have to practice massaging you. soon the room was filled with Seher's laughter.

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

Seher was not feeling very well these past few days. she was in the garden when she felt like her periods Started. She rushed inside her chambers. Martha and Penelope followed her.

"What is My queen," Penelope asked.

They were very grateful that Seher set them free.

Seher came out of the washroom after a few minutes.

"It is strange .." Seher was taking to herself.

"anything we can help with" Martha asked.

"I had spotting yesterday night and today I had cramps. I thought my periods will start but it was false alarm"

"When did you last have your periods.?" Penelope asked

"It is way overdue. Maybe because of stress I had in back then" Seher replied

"I think it is not stress." Penelope replied.

"I think you are pregnant" Penelope whispered.

Martha almost creamed in happiness.

"Shall I call Aunty Rabia?" Martha asked

"No, wait Martha" Both the maids were confused.

"Penne you are working with Rabia for the past few weeks can you check"

"I am still a new learner, but I will try for you, your highness," Penelope asked Seher to lie down.

"You are confirmed pregnant" She replied

Seher was smiling.

"Both of you promise me one thing that this will be just between three of us"

"We promise" Both Martha and Penelope replied.

"If we tell Aunty Rabia she will straight away spread the news, My birthday is next week. I want to surprise Shazain"

"Our king will be mad with happiness" Martha replied.

"You have to be careful Your highness" Penelope instructed her. She was training as a midwife under Rabia for a couple of months.

"You can ask me any gift you want" Seher promised them.

"We will ask you when the time comes but don forget to keep our promise"

"I give you my word"

"How did you celebrate birthdays back in your parent's house?" Martha sked

"We normally don't celebrate any birthdays it is just confided to our family. since I was born after a lot of prayers and 5 sons my baba normally do a lot of charity on that day.2

"How are you planning to celebrate it here"

"With my husband in private" Seher smiled.

Seher was very happy she could not wait to give the news to Shazain but she Thought she would surprise him by wearing what he requested and revealing the big news.

On the day of her birthday, Seher asked Shazain to come early.

"What is it, love?"

"I have a surprise for you"

"I won't go anywhere, what say?"

"I will cook for you tonight" It looks like you are planning something big.

Seher took her time to get ready. Shazain was surprised to see her.

"Looks like you have prepared for my murder on your birthday"

"You knew?" Seher was surprised.

"My sweet wife is a little grown up now. " He gave her a box.

She saw a beautiful pair of anklets. "They are very beautiful"

"I want to tell you something important" She was blushing. It was as easy as she thought. she was feeling all shy.

"Let me help you first" Shazain was on his knees about to make her wear the anklets just then a knock on the door interrupted them.

"It better be important" Shazain groaned .

"I will be back" Shazain left. Seher waited for him. It was morning but still, there was no sign of Shazain. Seher was worried, She asked Utbah.

"Have you seen Shazain?"

"No, why?"

"He left last night but has not returned yet"

"Don't worry, something urgent might have come up" Ubah replied.

It was 3 days there was no news of Shazain, Seherwas on her toes restless and sleepless. Then she heard that Shazain was back. She quickly ran downstairs but what she saw halted her steps. There was Shazain with Ariana in his arms. He was holding her as if she was a delicate flower.

"Move aside everyone, Call Rabia" he screamed. He did not even give a single glance at Seher. Seher quietly walked back to her room. she waited the whole night thinking he will come to explain.

In the morning Martha came to Seher with breakfast.

"Have something my queen, You have not eaten properly for the past 4 days. It is not good for your health"

"His highness is having his breakfast with that witch"

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