Abasi presented the ring that Seema gave him.

Shazain, Fakhr, Shuja, Abasi, and Nur were all present in the study when Seher slowly came and stood beside shazain listening to their conversation, avoiding attention. She pulled the stole covering her head a little longer trying to hide Sazain's marking on her cheek.

Fakhr I told you Seema can never plan anything against Shazain"

"What do you mean Ummi?" Shuja asked his mother.

"Red symbolizes danger, I think Ummi Seema wants help" Shazain replied. Fakhr was impressed by Shazain's observation.

"I think she was being watched, She spoke to me in a hushed tone and was very cautious" Abasi replied.

Fakhruddin was quiet and asked Shazain "Shazain, What would do next?"

"Baba I will announce that I am moving back with Seher and also I would dismiss all the maids and guards because of safety"

"You can't just dismiss all the staff, they are staying there for ages, this will tarnish your image further" Seher intervened.

Shazain looked at her with questioning eyes." What do you mean?"

"You do not hold a good reputation Shazain because of your rude behavior in the past. Many of the guards and maids have grown up in the palace and they have been serving your family for generations, your parents were quite popular among them but unfortunately, you do not hold that position and now if you uproot them you will land in more trouble"

"What do you want me to do then?put you and my unborn child at risk?"

"Shazain, I have seen the staff at our seaside palace are very loyal to you. Instead of changing everyone at Shah Mahal, we can interchange personal staff of this palace to the sea palace-like promoting them and your loyal staff can move with us"

Shazain smiled. " wow, you are thinking just like a Queen"

Fakhr was satisfied looking at his daughter and son-in-law after a long time.

" I feel like a complete idiot, I was blinded that I did not see the conspiracies going around in my own palace, my focus was on uncle Jafar and did not think beyond him. My mother is threatened in her own palace. I think I don't deserve to be a king"

" no one is perfect Shazain, we should learn from our mistakes, you still have a chance. Remember a kingdom flourishes when its subjects are happy. It is a king's duty to look for that and a queen should be like strong support standing behind the king. " Nur Jahan advised both of them.

It was decided that Shazain and Seher will return to their kingdom and the rest of the family will be on the outskirts. Shazain planned to visit NurAin and personally invite her. Fakhr and Nur left the room.

Seher was thanking that no one noticed her cheek because of the serious discussion. She wanted to escape but was stopped by Shuja.

"Seher, What happened to your cheek?"

Shuja asked his sister who was cursing Shazain.

"I think it is an insect bite"

" We don't have insects in the palace" Shuja replied.

"it was a fat, foreign insect" she replied looking at Shazain.

" why don't you have it checked by the physician. What if it was poisonous?"

" No need to worry, I know it was not poisonous. I told you The insect was old and hardly crawled"

Shazain was glaring at Seher and then turned to Absasi "Enough of this useless discussion, Abasi why are you still here?"

"Abi..."

" Gio back and inform everyone that I ann coming with my wife, do as per plan. Tell Utbah to be ready."

He held Seher's arm "Seher, go and ask your maids to get things ready, I think we will visit the physician your grandparents suggested on the way".

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

Fakhruddin was finally calm after days. He lay peacefully on his bed with his Hayath on his side.

"I am happy to finally see you smile like this again"

" I saw happiness on Seher's face the first time after she got married. I think you were right about giving Shazain a chance. But..."

Fakhr stopped.

" what happened?"

" I feel like I did not keep my promise to Shazeb, I failed to look after his children "

" I know for you keeping your promise is more important than your life. you did what you could but sometimes things are not in our hands"

" did you not hear about Nur Ain. Seher had our support but that poor girl has no one. "

" Don't worry Fakhr, Shazain will pull his sister out of that Hell. Najma begin is changed woman now and in addition, they have us now. Shams is on his way as a back up"

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

Shazain was all quiet during the journey back home. Seher noticed.

" what happened? You are quiet after visiting the physician"

"nothing Seher, lie down you must be very tired. Keep your head in my lap"

"Look at your face Shazain, you are behaving as if the lady said that I am going to die?" Seher tried teasing him but that was a wrong move.

"idiot, don't you have a reservation on what you speak." Shazain barked at her. Seher never thought her playful words would hurt him.

"I was just kidding, I am sorry"

"never ever talk about death Seher. You don't know what you mean to me"

Shazain was worried because the physician said that Seher's pregnancy had complications and she would tell more as the pregnancy progressed. She gave instruction that Seher should not exert herself and take plenty of rest. The moment he came to know that Seher's pregnancy was not straightforward, the joy of becoming a father soon flew away. He realized that moment Seher was more important to him than anyone else. He was blaming himself for everything. He felt like he failed every relation as a man, let it be of a husband, a brother a son..

"Shazain, don't stress yourself things will change, we have been through a lot and my body is still recovering from the past wounds. we still have time and I am sure with your love and attention I will be better soon"

He just nodded.

"Look, seeing you sad won't help me. whatever the situation we are in together" she held his hand.

"The best thing I did in my life was abducting you. You are my better half"

" Seher I still can't digest that my brother-in-law can be evil, you know my sister Nur Ain is not a coward, she speaks her heart. Never once did she give me a hint that she is in trouble or maybe I never noticed her "

" Why did you get her married to a widower?"

"King Taimur was young when he married the first time. He is around my age may be a year older and you know what my sister Nur Ain is very beautiful. He said that he was smitten by her and begged us to get her married to him."

" you were flattered by his wealth and forced your sister"

" I know you take me as a devil but no, I did not force her, she fell in love with his daughter and agreed to marry him. She is selfless like my late Mother and second marriage is not a sin"

" yes, not a sin that is the reason you wanted to Marry Ariana. Go ahead marry her"

Stupid mood swings

Shazain murdered.

" will you ever let go of that woman, I don't even like taking her name"

" What happened to your first love Ariana, was there not a time when you declared your unconditional love towards her" Seher was very emotional.

Nur did mention to him about sudden mood swings in pregnancy. He had no choice but to deal with it. Ariana's name irked him a lot. He did a mistake apologized but Seher did not let that go. He wanted to show him anger but he had to control it.

" you are my first love, why do you doubt that. I planned for months to take you and make you my wife. I risked my life to make you mine"

He kissed her palms. " you are my only wife in this lifetime. "

Seher smiled.

" Are you excited about going to our official place?"

" yes"

" you know we will be staying in the east wing Nur Mahal. My father always wanted us to live there. Everything is already set there but if you want to change anything you can."

******†************************

Najma begum and Seema welcomed them in a grand manner. Najma offered sacrificed many sheep to ward off any evil.

Seema was very happy for Shazain. By changing the personal maids, the spies of Taimur were gone for a while but she knew the vile man will found a way. She was scared to tell everything to Shazain, she was aware of his impulsive, angry nature and did not want to risk Nur Ain's life. She thought of taking to Seher at a later time to Seek her clever parent's help.

Everyone was happy with Seher's arrival. She was the daughter of their beloved queen Nur Jahan. Najma begum made Shazain and Seher distribute gifts to every worker in the palace. There were whispers in the palace.

"Our new queen has already lightened up the palace by her presence, I am sure she will bring the happiness back to these walls"

"did you See Sultan, he was looking very happy I saw him smile "

"I heard that he smiles and laughs with everyone now"

"He is lucky to get such a beautiful young bride and look how soon she is giving him an heir"

"May God bless them both"

"What do you think it will be a boy or a girl"

"Boy of course. did you not look at the shape of her belly"

They all went quiet when they heard Najma Begum.

*****************************†****

Seher was awestruck looking at the beauty of Nur Mahal. Everything was magnificent, it looked like no expense was spared when designing and decorating this place. This place was like stepping up into another world. Its interior was completely different from the rest of the palace.

"This is magnificent Shazain," Seher said in excitement.

"turn to the left and look in that room" Shazain guided Seher. This room had a wooden cradle crafted with exquisite goldwork. and the room was stuffed with baby toys.

"did you plan this?"

"No, it was all designed by my father years back for our children"

"Is this the cradle you used as a baby?"

"No, this is brand new"

"Then remove it and replace it with the one you have used in the past if you still have it and is in good condition"

"Whatever you wish. By the way, you do me a favor. since it is our first night in this palace ..." He was hesitant.

" What is it shazain"

"can you wear that french night...."

Seher was all red and nodded her head.

"is it a yes or No?"

"You wait outside and don't come inside the room till I call you"

"you can wear it in front of me, what if you need help with trying those laces" Shazain walked behind her.

Seher closed the door on his face. Her heart was beating fast looking at the dress, She had to honor his request. She took out a navy blue negligee. with the finest lace fabric they golrified her assets . She covered herself with a sheet to hide her nakedness.

OutsideShazain was waiting impatiently for Seher, He chewed a lot of Mint leaves and clove candy to freshen his breath. He then remembered the Anklets, Last time he tried giving them to Seher but was interrupted. Seher opened the door Shazain walked in and saw Seherwrapped in a sheet and her face was turned to the other side.

"We have already crossed the boundaries, why are you still shy?" He walked towards her and hugged her from the back. Seher gripped the knot holding her Sheet.

"I will die of Shame" She whispered.

"shhh! " turned her and turned her around.

"You are mine and I am yours, there is nothing to be ashamed of." He slowly pulled the Sheets out of her grip, as the sheets fell, he was gone case. Her Milky white skin was glowing against the dark fabric. He could see he erect ni***** poking through the transparent fabric.

"I should reward the dressmaker" he cupped her Bre***.

Seher let out a soft moan. "they feel very tender".

he slowly bent down licking her slender legs. he made her sit on the corner of the bed and pulled out the anklets from the box. he tied one anklet and sucked her toes. A shiver ran down Seher's spine. She tried pulling her feet.

"Just Relax" he tried calming her.

when he proceeded towards the other foot. He heard the bell ringing outside indicating someone needed his presence.

"Shazain" Seher called him.

"Go and see it might be an emergency, I will be waiting"

I think these anklets are jinxed he cursed loudly and tighten his pants and wore his trousers

"Don't you dare change Seher" and went outside.

He was surprised to see Utbah.

"What happened Utbah? any emergency"

It better be otherwise he could kill him.

"You came to the palace and did not even meet me, I wanted to see you. Why are you all red"

"I am just tired Utbah, we could have met in the morning," Shazain replied in a bored tone. all he wanted to do was run to his room back to his wife. given her mood swings, there was no guarantee that she will not change her mind.

"I thought you would be happy to see me"

"I am happy Utbah, very happy. I will do my breakfast with you first thing tomorrow"

"what is it Shazain? you did not Hug me. I just came running down to see you and to congratulate you "

Shazain felt guilty."Utbah I am very happy to see you in fact I wanted to meet you first thing when I entered."

"how is Sister-in-law doing.?"

"you know women have mood swings in pregnancy they get tearful for little things. I will explain you in the morning. Seher told me to be back quickly. I can't bear her tantrum" He blamed Seher's mood swings.

" I am not married doesn't mean I am ignorant, go, my friend, I was teasing you. you are wearing trousers the other way round next time be careful."

Utbah laughed loudly and escaped Shazain's swearing.

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

Taimur was furious to know about Shazain's arrival with his wife back in the palace. NurAin smirked seeing him angry.

"You bitch what are you smiling at" he lunged at her and dragged her by her hair.

"My hands are tied because of my daughter but I can see your end is near" That was the problem with Ain she always spoke her heart.

Taimur whipped her.

"Do you think your brother can win by gaining the support of that Fakhruddin, I will erase your family to ashes"

Tariq stopped his son and gave him a slap.

"Father you slapped me for this bitch?"

He turned towards Nur Ain "I divorce you " he screamed in anger.

Tariq stooped him. "do u realize what you were about to do, our years of planning would have been wasted"

"Father, Tha Shazain switched the maids and guards. I think he knows about us"

"Idiot, he doesn't know anything. otherwise, he would have been here. He changed guards for his wife's safety. She is expecting"