Chapter 32
The city lights blurred as the car sped through the empty highway.
Anvi’s hands trembled in her lap, her heart pounding, her breath ragged.
She was free.
She had escaped.
For the first time in months—she was no longer under Agastya’s control.
And yet—
Why did it feel like she was still trapped in his cage?
---
?? A King’s Shadow That Never Leaves
"We’ll be safe soon, Anvi." Jai’s voice broke through her thoughts.
She turned to him, eyes flickering to the blood soaking his sleeve.
"You’re hurt."
"I’ve been through worse." His jaw clenched. "We just need to get to the safehouse. After that, we’ll plan our next move."
Next move.
The words felt hollow.
Because deep inside—she knew.
This wasn’t over.
This wasn’t freedom.
This was just postponing the inevitable.
Because Agastya Singh Rathore?
He was always two steps ahead.
And soon—he would come for her.
---
?? A Dangerous Game of Cat and Mouse
The safehouse was hidden deep within an abandoned estate at the outskirts of Jaipur.
It was quiet. Secluded.
Far away from Agastya’s world.
Or so she thought.
Because the moment she stepped inside—something felt wrong.
Too still.
Too silent.
Jai noticed it too.
His hand went to his gun.
"Stay behind me."
Her pulse quickened.
"Jai—"
Then—the lights flickered on.
And he was there.
Sitting in the armchair.
Waiting.
Watching.
Smirking.
Agastya Singh Rathore.
He never lost.
And now?
He had just won again.
---
?? A King Who Always Takes Back What’s His
Her breath hitched.
Jai’s gun lifted.
Agastya didn’t flinch.
Didn’t even acknowledge Jai.
Because his eyes?
Were only on her.
"That was a cute attempt, Pari." His voice was calm. Amused. "Running away. Thinking you could outsmart me."
Her stomach twisted.
"How did you—"
"Know?" His smirk deepened. "Because you’re mine, jaan. And I always know where my things are."
Jai stepped forward, his voice sharp.
"Stay away from her, Agastya. This is over."
A dark chuckle.
Then—a gunshot.
Anvi screamed.
Jai staggered back, his gun clattering to the floor.
Not dead.
But wounded.
Because Agastya wasn’t done with him.
No.
That would have been too easy.
---
?? A Queen Who Had Nowhere Left to Run
"Why?" Her voice broke, hands shaking as she dropped to her knees beside Jai. "Why are you doing this?"
Agastya sighed, as if disappointed.
"You still don’t understand, do you, Pari?"
Her eyes burned.
"Understand what?! That you’re insane?!"
His hand gripped her chin, tilting her face up to his.
His touch was gentle.
His eyes?
Unforgiving.
"That I will never let you go."
Her heart stuttered.
Her body froze.
Because she finally understood.
There was no escaping him.
Not now.
Not ever.
And the worst part?
A part of her didn’t even want to.
---
A King’s Wrath, A Queen’s Surrender, and the Price of Betrayal
The air was thick with silence.
Jai groaned, his hand pressing against his bleeding shoulder, but Anvi?
She couldn't move.
Couldn't breathe.
Because Agastya's fingers were still on her chin. Holding her still. Holding her captive.
His dark eyes bore into hers, consuming her whole, whispering a truth she already knew.
She belonged to him.
And now?
She was about to learn what it meant to betray him.
---
?? A King Who Does Not Forgive
"Get up, Pari." His voice was soft—too soft.
She swallowed, her throat dry.
"No."
A flicker of amusement.
Then—his grip tightened.
"I wasn’t asking."
Her stomach twisted.
Jai tried to move, tried to reach for her.
But Agastya’s men were already there.
Dragging him away.
Anvi panicked.
"No! Let him go!"
Agastya sighed, his lips curving in mock disappointment.
"Still worried about another man while your husband is right here?"
Her breath hitched.
"You are not my husband!" she spat.
Something in his gaze darkened.
And before she could blink—he yanked her against him.
His breath was hot against her skin, his grip unrelenting.
"You should have run faster, Pari."
Then—the world went dark.
Because the last thing she felt was his arms tightening—before everything faded.
---
?? A Queen Trapped in Her King’s Cage
When she woke up, she wasn’t in the safe house anymore.
She was back in Udaipur.
Back in his palace.
Back in his world.
The silk sheets beneath her were soft, the scent of sandalwood thick in the air.
And standing at the foot of the bed—was him.
Agastya.
Watching. Waiting.
Like a predator savoring his prey.
She sat up abruptly, her head spinning.
"You drugged me."
His lips curved.
"I did what was necessary."
Her hands clenched the sheets.
"You can’t keep me here."
He tilted his head, stepping closer, his presence suffocating.
"Can’t I?"
Her heartbeat pounded.
Because he could.
He already had.
And now, there was no way out.
---
?? A Queen Who Finally Breaks
"I hate you." Her voice trembled. "I will never forgive you for this."
His smirk faded.
And then—he sat on the bed beside her.
His fingers brushed against her wrist, slow, deliberate.
"Do you think that matters to me, Pari?" His voice was low, dangerous. "Do you think I need your forgiveness?"
Her breath stuttered.
Because the truth?
He didn’t.
He didn’t need her love.
He didn’t need her forgiveness.
He only needed her.
And no matter how much she fought—she was his.
Tears burned her eyes.
"What do you want from me?"
His thumb brushed her cheek.
His eyes—ravenous.
"Everything."
And in that moment, she knew.
This was war.
And Agastya?
Would not stop until she surrendered.