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Author's P.O.V...

"Your Highness, you have a meeting with a Nobel Prize winner," Nishkarsha said, holding a stack of files in his hands.

The documents contained the details and achievements of the respected scholar. As the Crown Princess's most trusted assistant, it was his duty to keep track of every important meeting and appointment.

"Very well," Arshvika Rajvansh replied. "Is this the last meeting for today?"

She glanced around as she spoke. Instead of spending her days inside the palace, Arshvika preferred visiting the city herself.

As the future Queen of Rajgadh, she believed understanding her people was far more important than enjoying the comfort of royal chambers.

"For today, yes," he answered as he followed a step behind her. "But tomorrow's schedule is completely packed."

Arshvika nodded and continued walking through the busy market streets.

As she passed, people respectfully bowed their heads and greeted her. Many admired her and were proud to see her standing as the future ruler of Rajgadh.

It had been a shocking announcement when the royal family declared that a woman would inherit the throne. Never before had Rajgadh been ruled by a queen.

Some welcomed the change with open hearts because they genuinely loved their princess. Others were less enthusiastic and disliked the idea of breaking tradition. Still, whether they approved or not, the decision had already been made.

Arshvika stopped in front of a small shop lined with colorful goods. The shopkeeper immediately straightened his posture and smiled warmly.

"Pranam, Yuvrani," he greeted respectfully.

Arshvika returned the smile. "Pranam. How has business been lately?"

The man's face brightened. Few royals took the time to ask such simple questions, and that was exactly why many people admired their future queen.

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" Aapki daya se sab kuch acha chal raha hai, Yuvrani," the shopkeeper said with a grateful smile.

"The tax relief you arranged for small merchants last month helped us greatly. Many families were struggling, but because of your decision, we were able to keep our businesses running."

Arshvika smiled softly and nodded. She had only done what she believed was right. The well-being of her people would always come before anything else.

"If you ever face any other problems or have any complaints, please do not hesitate to tell us," she said.

"Of course, Yuvrani," the shopkeeper replied. "From now on, we will come directly to you. Aakhir kaar aap humari raaj rani jo hai."

His words earned a few approving nods from the people standing nearby. Arshvika simply offered a polite smile before continuing her walk through the market.

For the next several minutes, she stopped to speak with different people. Some came forward to thank her for the changes she had brought to the kingdom, while others shared their concerns and difficulties. Arshvika listened carefully to each of them, giving every person her full attention.

Nishkarsha quietly noted down the important matters that were brought to her notice. Watching the princess patiently listen to her people, many couldn't help but feel hopeful for the future of Rajgadh.

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"Your Highness, while you care for the people, you also need to take care of yourself," Nishkarsha said as he placed a few files on her desk. They had just returned from their meeting with the Nobel Prize winner and several other officials.

"You have barely rested this past week. If you continue like this, your health will suffer."

Arshvika leaned back in her chair and rubbed her temples. The exhaustion was there, but she ignored it. There were far more important things demanding her attention.

"We do not have much time, Nishkarsha," she said quietly. "Just because I'm the Crown Princess does not mean the throne is truly mine yet. Until the coronation is completed and I officially ascend the throne, nothing is certain."

Nishkarsha remained silent, knowing exactly what she meant. The kingdom had accepted her as the future ruler, but not everyone was pleased with that decision.

Some noble families still believed a man should rule Rajgadh, and a few powerful lords were already trying to gather support for other claimants within the royal bloodline.

"If we make even a single mistake, they will use it against us," Arshvika continued. "They are waiting for a reason to question our right to rule. That is why we cannot afford to slow down."

A look of concern crossed his face. He understood her worries, but seeing her push herself so hard troubled him.

"The throne will be safer with a healthy queen than an exhausted one, Your Highness," he said gently. "The kingdom needs you at your best."

For a moment, Arshvika said nothing. Then a small smile appeared on her lips.

" Kya tum kabhi badal nahi sakte ho? " She asked.

" Jis din aap aapna khyal rakhna sikh jaayegi...shayad uss din. " he replied, earning a quiet smile from her. The tension in the room eased slightly, though both of them knew the challenges ahead were far from over.

A brief silence settled in the room before Arshvika spoke again.

"What about him?" she asked, sounding unusually hesitant. "A-Any news about his return?"

Nishkarsha looked at her and immediately knew who she was talking about. A smirk appeared on his face as he crossed his arms.

"Is Your Highness missing Mr. Oberoi?" he asked teasingly.

They were talking about Vansh Oberoi-the COO of the Oberoi Empire and Arshvika's fiancé.

Arshvika gave him a flat look. "I am not missing him. I simply want to know whether he is alive or not, so I can avoid searching for a replacement. I cannot risk my throne because of one person."

Her voice remained calm and composed, revealing nothing.

To the rest of the world, Vansh and Arshvika were the perfect royal couple. Their engagement announcement had strengthened her position as the future queen.

A powerful alliance and a future husband beside her made it much harder for anyone to challenge her claim to the throne. In royal families a marriage plays very important role for ascending the throne.

But the truth was different.

Their relationship was only an arrangement, a shield created to protect the crown. Vansh had offered his support when she needed it most. Only Nishkarsha knew the truth behind their engagement.

The smirk slowly disappeared from Nishkarsha's face. He shook his head. "I haven't heard anything from him," he admitted. "But I believe he'll return soon."

Three months.

It had been three months since Vansh left for what he had called urgent business. Since then, there have been no calls, no messages, and no updates. It was as if he had disappeared without a trace.

Arshvika lowered her gaze for a moment before nodding.

"Very well."

She leaned back in her chair, suddenly feeling the weight of the day on her shoulders. " Tum jaa sakte ho ab...hum aaram karna chahte hai. "

Nishkarsha nodded respectfully. "As you wish, Your Highness."

Without another word, he left the chamber, quietly closing the door behind him. The room fell silent. For the first time that day, she was finally alone.

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