Page 151 of Claimed By the Maharaja
Mira returned a warm smile. Rani Suchitra returned a nod. Yamini had learned by now that a nod from Rani Suchitra was not the same as a cold shoulder. It was simply how she operated. She was working on not reading disaster into it every time.
Sanjana and Ram Devara came in last. Sanjana’s beautiful face was flushed as she hurried into the room.
“Sorry, we're late,” she said, slightly breathless. “We were watching the snow on the mountains and completely lost track of time.”
Ram Devara sat down without a word of apology, a small, distinctly pleased gleam in his eye.
Yamini didn’t have to guess the cause of their delay.
Rani Suchitra received them with a nod and didn't comment on the time.
Soon, the dining hall was filled with conversation.
Samar spoke of the media coverage. “Media access remains restricted to only the approved royal publications. But there have been leaks from some guests who have spoken to the media about the event. Security will handle the unauthorized press outside.”
“Many VIPs are going to be displeased about surrendering their phones at entry,” Viraj said. “But when it’s for someone more powerful than them, they will comply.” Viraj’s tone was matter-of-fact.
Yamini only half-listened to the conversations. She felt hyperaware of Bharat, who was having his breakfast in a precise manner. Sipping his noon chai. Cutting the meat into perfectly sized portions and eating it smoothly.
He looked unbothered and completely in control.
She knew he must already have all the details of the upcoming event organized and reported to him by his security and administrative teams.
Yamini felt a sudden impulse to shake up his calm.
Keeping her eyes on her breakfast, she raised her feet and ran along his leg under the table. She raised it further until she reached a muscled thigh.
Bharat’s expression didn’t alter, but she noticed how his fingers tensed slightly over the teacup.
Yamini suppressed a smile of satisfaction. She was about to celebrate her small victory when his golden-brown eyes met hers.
The look in his eyes quivered her stomach as they promised retribution.
She had poked the controlled maharaja at his own breakfast table in front of his entire family.
She told herself she wasn't looking forward to his punishment.
But a voice inside her called her a terrible liar.
Yamini quickly looked away, but her cheeks remained heated for the rest of breakfast.
When the meal concluded, Rani Suchitra rose.
“Yamini,” she said, voice even. “Walk with me.”
Yamini’s stomach tightened.
Did Rani Ma see me running my feet against her son’s thigh under the dining table?
She replayed the moment. She had been subtle. Mostly subtle. Bharat had tensed his fingers on the teacup, but his face hadn't changed.
Had Rani Suchitra noticed his fingers?
Oh God.
She followed Rani Suchitra through the long corridor, bracing herself for a lecture on decorum.
But instead of leading her to a sitting chamber, Rani Suchitra walked toward the grand entrance of Jogra Palace.
