Seher was in tears whole night, Crying over her broken heart, her broken trust. she was cursing herself for falling in love with Shazain a man with a lot of baggage.

Why in the whole world, I had to fall in love with him? you promised Shazain that you will never bring her back. I don't want to do anything with you. she rubbed her tummy.

You don't need to know about this baby's existence. This is my baby, maybe I will send him or her to you when they are old enough. who knows you might not even need them when you already have Ariana. I will raise my baby like my baba and my brothers.

I will not shed any more tears for you when they don't hold any value in your eyes. I quit being your wife who you can trample anytime you like.

It was almost morning when she got up for prayer. She stayed there on the prayer mat for a long time. She already decided and nothing can change her decision now.

Martha's voice brought her back"Please My queen eat something"

"Martha, call Pene" Martha rushed and called her friend. Seher had become really close to these two maids. They were very loyal to Seher.

"You both promise me that you will never reveal my pregnancy to anyone"

"We already promised but once again we assure that under no circumstances we will reveal the truth to anyone until you say"

"Martha, can you do me a favor?"

"Ask my life"

"Please go to My brother Shuja's palace. It is not far away. Tell him to come and fetch me as soon as possible"

"Are you planning to leave your highness" Penelope

"Please be discreet about everything, tell him that Abasi knows the secret exit of this palace. I will leave in silence"

"Why can't you ask the woman who your father has kept in this palace"

"I don't want anyone to know that I will be leaving "

"you can go announced" Martha knew that Seher was not weak if she said her brothers will burn down Shazain's palace and take her.

"Shazain will never let me go, I know he claims to love me but his heart is attached to that Ariana, nor she will leave him nor he will let her go because of that life-saving grace

not long before he told me that Ariana cannot enter here unless he wants to. I warned that if she comes back again I will leave, he made his choice and now I am making mine"

"Don't you think you both can sit down and resolve this"

"Shazain is blinded by King Christos and his lies, everyone can see the truth except him. I am sure whatever might be the reason he brought her here, it will be that Ariana and her father's planning"

"I would suggest you speak to him, make him understand" Penelope wanted her queen to be with her king.

"I will try but still I need to leave this place for my peace of mind, Martha Penne is here to look after me, you please go to my brother"

"I will my queen but promise that you will look after yourself and the little one "

"I will... please leave now. " Martha left.

Seher was feeling uneasy. She held Penelope's hand tightly.

"My tummy is hurting"

"Relax my queen, Lie down" She helped Seher. "Take deep breaths, you know taking so much stress is not good for you"

She arranged pillows and made Seher sit comfortably on the bed. She then helped her with her breakfast.

"I don't feel like eating"

"Eat for your baby. Is there anything else you want?"

She forced Seher to finish all her breakfast. and helped her lie down.

"I will close the curtains you just sleep and I will make sure no one disturbs you. If you worry you might lose the baby"

Seherwas exhausted now. she blessed Penelope and closed her eyes and soon drifted off to sleep.

A Very tired Shazain entered the room and was surprised to see it dark.

"My lord, Queen Seher had not had a proper sleep since you were away. She is sleeping now and instructed that no one disturbs her" Penelope whispered hoping not to wake up Seher.

"I am tired myself, you may leave and make sure to inform the guards outside that no one disturbs us until I say"

He slowly changed his clothes and lay next to Seher. He wanted to tell her everything but he was too exhausted and went into a deep slumber.

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

Shazain handed the box of Anklets to Seher. The same anklets which his father had left for Shazain's wife. His father was not lucky because he lost the woman who he made it for and now after years, the same woman's daughter was to wear it. Seher was the only woman Shazain wanted to spend his life with. He loved her more than anything. He wanted to give her at the right time and he felt today was the best time. He has seen her getting dressed up many times before, but today she was looking very different, cute.., there was a different kind of glow on her face.

He was about to put the anklets on Seher when they were disturbed by a knock on the door.

When Shazain went out He saw a greek soldier bruised.

"What brings you here?"

"My lord King Christos needs your urgent help. He is injured and princess Ariana is kidnapped"

"Kidnapped by whom?"

"Sea Pirates, King Christos, and Princess Ariana were on their way back to Greece when Pirates attacked their ship and abducted princess Ariana. King Christos is heavily injured. He requested me to get fetch you. He said that you are his only hope"

Kidnap, Abduction these words triggered Shazain's memories of his brutal past. He was hung upside down for hours. His ankles were oozing out blood. He did not think of anything else and called for his best men and went along. Forgetting that someone was left behind.

He boarded the ship and sailed to rescue his savior, In the middle of the Mediterranean sea there was a stranded ship of King christos.Shazain jumped inside.

"KingChristos how are you?"

"Shazain, they took your Ariana"

"Who?"

"Pirates, Please save her. Please save my little girl. I will ask you this last favor. They might not have gone far away. Hurry up. They headed to the south"

"I came from there, There was no ship. wait there was a vessel near my waters"

"Shazain, rushed back he asked the captain to sail quickly"

"My lord, That vessel does not look anything like a pirate ship"Hiscaptainhad his doubts.

They soon attacked the vessel to their surprise there was not much resistance from their side.Shazain and his men went into the ship. They saw that Ariana was tied to a chair and her sleeves were torn and had black and blue marks

A bunch of men attacked them but they were no match to Shazain's battalion. They Jumped onto two lifeboats and ran away. Shazain rushed to Ariana and untied her.

"Ariana, wake up are you alright?" he was patting her cheeks.

"Xain, baby I knew you would come for me" She buried her face in his chest and started sobbing.

"Xain they were touching me " Ariana started crying.

Shazain had flashbacks of his torments. He removed his cloak and wrapped it around Ariana. "Don't worry Ariana, you are safe"

In the meanwhile, King Christos Ship arrived. He was all crying."Ariana my child how are you, did the bastards do anything"

"Father, My Xain came on time" Ariana was blushing, and then Shazain realized he was still holding her. He left her and stood up. Seeing Shazain getting up Ariana fainted.

"Shazain, look what happened to her?"

"Ariana, Ariana..." Shazain sprinkled water.

Ariana opened her eyes. " please don't leave me alone xain"

"Shazain, son I don't want to trouble you please tell your captain to sail us to Greece"

Shazain was confused. King Christos was worried that Shazain might agree to it. He pinched Ariana's hand. She screamed in pain,

"What happened Shazain asked"

"it is hurting everywhere," she tried Getting up but trembled and fell down.

"I can not allow you to go back when you are this injured, come with me and you can go back when everything is fine" Shazain requested them.

"We cant come to your palace Shazain, Your Queen might not like our presence" Christos was in tears.

"I don't have strength nor power like before. I felt so helpless today. Remember when I saved you I was young could take down 10 men easily"

Christos knew that by staging this kidnap he took Shazain down memory lane. He knew Shazain was vulnerable and he took advantage of it. He carried on ...

"My image is shattered now, Helena and Adrian have let us down. I never thought Helena can stoop so low. You might be having doubts about our involvement, trust me son I would have killed Helena if I knew what she was up to. Ariana is so pure and innocent. she still feels ashamed of her mother's act. She has vowed to never see the face of her mother.

I feel so ashamed to come in front of your wife, Just leave us Shazain. I always wanted your happiness. I and Ariana will survive"

"What Queen Helena and Adrian did has nothing to do with you and when you say you were not involved I trust your words"

"You are still the same little boy to me whose heart was so pure"

"Seher will understand, come with me"

The whole ordeal took 3 days and Shazain did not even get a blink of sleep. He wanted to go back to Seher. He was sure that Seher will understand. Ariana never meant any harm to her. She was just a harmless jealous woman who lost her Fiancee. when they reached their palace he came to know Rabia was away and her trainees assisted Ariana, They informed that Ariana was not fine but weak and they were unable to tell if she had any internal injuries. He had to stay with them for the night because King Christos was unable to see his daughter in pain.

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

Seher woke up late in the afternoon and was surprised to see Shazain next to her asleep. She silently got up from the bed but Shazain being the light sleeper was woken up by her moments.

"How are you feeling now, your maids said that you were unwell?"

"I am fine" Seher tried to normalise her voice.

"Seher, Listen Ariana was kidnapped"

"Stop Shazain... I don't want to hear anything, what you do with her and who you bring to your palace is not my concern"

"Seher, I know you are angry but trust me I would not have brought her if she was not injured. She will leave when she is healthy"

Seher was just quiet. "do whatever you want, I am done" She did not listen to anything further and left. She thought it is better if she had less interaction with Shazain and soon she will be out of this palace.

Martha did return the next day with a message from her brother.

"My queen your brother and prince Abasi were not there at the palace but there was a handsome man, I don't remember his name but he got very concerned when I told him that I was your maid.

He was pleading with me to tell him about your wellbeing. He looked genuinely concerned. I assured him that you were fine. I was not sure about giving him your message but he looked genuine to me. He assured me that he will pass on your message to prince Shuja. He said that prince Shuja will come back in two weeks. "

"That must be Murad"

"Murad as in your ex-Fiancee. " Martha was all surprised

" My queen he genuinely cares about you. He calmed down when I assured him you were fine and nothing to worry about"

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

Seher was very tired nowadays she slept most of the time. She avoided Shazain like a plague. She slept by the time he arrived and slept till late. Shazain thought Seher was angry with him and will adjust with time. He was giving her space.

"Seher you sleep a lot nowadays, you look like you have put on weight"

"I will make sure I work"

" why do you want to fight"

"can we not have a civilized conversation"

"do you think I don't have any self-respect shazain?"

"Seher, come here" he tried pulling her on his lap.

"Just don't, Stay away. "

seher just walked away.

She busied herself with work. She gave instructions to maids, cooks,... She did not want chaos when she left. She wanted a smooth exit.

"My queen are you going somewhere," one of the maids asked.

"No, I just want everything to be organized"

They had nothing but praises for their queen who had a golden heart. Every Friday she made a special afternoon meal for the kids in the palace. Irrespective of their parent's ranks and status children gathered and spent some time with their queen. Seher watched the children playing and deep in her thoughts walked near the guest chambers. She heard the voices of Ariana and Christos from inside.

"Father, look the bruises are taking so much time to disappear. you should have warned me that was fake kidnap and the men were set up by you. You don't know how scared I was"

"If I informed you before you would not have convinced Shazain. They were my men that's why they just hit you on your arms avoiding your face."

"How did you convince Shazain that you were not involved with Adrian"

"I have my ways. Shazain is very gullible he trusted my each and every word."

"What if he comes to know the truth?"

"Shazain is someone who believes in evidence and no one can have any evidence against us. I will make sure that Shazain marries you as soon as possible"

Seher knew that this father and daughter were liars but this vicious. She thought of talking to Shazain one last time but she thought she will confront Ariana first.

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

Ariana was in her room when Seher entered "How are you Ariana?"

"Where were you hiding Seher, were you scared to see Shazain caring for me"

"I know about your acting"

"I told that I will take back everything that was mine, Seher. Just wait and watch how you will be thrown out"

"I will never let you succeed in your evil plans"

"You think Shazain loves you? you are a fool. He is with you just because of your background. He wants you just bear his children."

"he loves me "

"Loves you, haha if he loved you he would not have brought me back knowing that you will not like it"

"At least Adrian loved you, he wanted to make you his "

"I knew it was your plan"Seher was very angry she slapped Ariana on her face.

"Seher, I will leave soon. Shazain is all yours please do not hit me " Suddenly Ariana was acting weird. Seher heard Shazain's voice from behind.

"Seher what did you do, Ariana is still very weak"

"You are blind Shazain, you cannot see their lies. "

"I apologise on behalf of Seher" Shazain was feeling guilty. He never thought that Seher will hit someone.

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

He wanted to have a word with Seher.

"Seher, I never expected this kind of behavior from you. Why are you being so Jealous"

"You don't know that father and daughter are deceiving you. There was no kidnap. all their plot"

"you tell me why will King Christos harm his own daughter? I saw her bruises "

"why can't you see that She is fooling you. "

"I will believe you show me the evidence"

"What evidence are you talking about, do you not trust my words"

"I know Ariana more than anyone else. She won't lie"

"You mean to say that I am lying"

"Seher darling I love you, You are jealous that is why you see everything in a negative way"

"Don't be a headless chicken Shazain, do an investigation you will see the truth"

"I will look into the matter but promise that you will keep away from Ariana"

"So this was all to keep me away from Ariana, You think I will hurt your lover"

"Seher, you are my lover. you are taking this in a wrong way"

"I think it better if I avoid you both" She knew Shazain loved her but when it came to Ariana she came Always second. He hugged her from behind.

"Can we start fresh? I promise I will investigate Ariana "

"How many times doo we start fresh Shazain, I think I had enough"

"But I can never have enough of you" he kissed her lips. Seher pushed with all her strength.

"Stop it, do you think having sex is the solution to our problems"

"No, but it proves my love for you"

" right, you showed me my worth, I am nothing but your personal prostitute"

Shazain was furious Listening to her words.

"Is that what you think about me, Seher,?"

"Stop your act Shazain you and your Ariana are the same. you brought me just to have kids in the first place. I was just a tool for you. Later you kept me to strengthen your position, what did you plan, First trap me by proclaiming your false love and once this fool becomes madly in love with you bring back your mistress oh sorry your true lover"

"Seher you are crossing your limit. I was sorry for my past behavior. I loved only one woman, will love her till my last breath and that is you"

"What is that Ariana doing here?"

"She will leave soon."

"She won't leave till she marries you,"

"I don't know how to make you understand"

"Tell me why you love me?"

Shazain did not have any words, She was the first female he ever desired. he don't know why but he was sure that he will die if there was no Seher in his life. She was like the Dawn in his dark life. She gave him hope, Hope to love hope to live.

Seher misunderstood his silence. She was very disappointed. "Leave it I got my answer" and she walked away.

Seher did not return to her room. Shazain asked the maids.

"Our queen is busy in the kitchen"

Just then he heard a commotion downstairs.

"What happened?"

"someone gave Ariana cold soup and she has tummy ache"

"Who gave her the soup" Shazain shouted at the maids.

"Do you all not know she gets sick after having cold food"

"All will be fine. Ariana just rest"

He dispersed everyone and helped Ariana to bed.

"Shazam can I request you something," King Christos asked.

"yes"

King Christos was on his keens "Shazain please marry Ariana, Just give her your name she won't demand any wifely rights. She will be back with me to Greece"

Shazain stood there in shock.

"After what Helana did no one is willing to marry her. I know you love princess Seher, she will be your wife what Ariana needs is your name for protection. You know her so well. No one can look after you like her"

Sher who came down listening to all noises were shocked hearing what King Christos Just said. She thought Shazain would oppose but he just stood. Seher couldn't bear this anymore, she walked away.