Chapitre 11: Chapter No.11 Playful Banter And Yandere Alert!
[Aditya's POV]
I turned to face Draupadi, her eyes searching mine, holding a certain intensity that contrasted with her usual composure. Her beauty was undeniable, but what struck me most was the depth of her gaze—there was something beneath her calm demeanour, something she had yet to reveal.
"Of course, Princess," I replied, gesturing for her to continue. My heart still raced from the earlier battle, but Draupadi's presence seemed to quiet the storm within me, at least for a moment.
She hesitated briefly, glancing around to ensure no one was within earshot before speaking softly, "C-can we talk in the royal garden?"
I raised an eyebrow, sensing a deeper urgency in Draupadi's voice, but nodded in agreement. "Lead the way."
As we walked in silence toward the royal garden, I couldn't help but notice the weight of her steps. There was something on her mind—something she needed to confide in me, away from the prying eyes of the court and the chaos of the arena. The garden, a serene and tranquil place, felt like a fitting contrast to the tension that had just unfolded.
When we finally arrived, Draupadi turned to face me, her expression shyness and worry. The golden glow of the sunset bathed her in a warm light, but even the beauty of the moment couldn't mask the concern in her eyes.
"Are you hurt?" Draupadi asked with a glaring blush on her cheeks, her voice laced with genuine concern. The question took me by surprise, a stark contrast to the fierce composure she usually displayed in public. It was as if the mask she wore for the world had slipped, revealing a side of her that few were privy to.
I offered her a reassuring smile, shaking my head lightly. "No, Princess. I'm fine, just a bit exhausted from the battle. But your concern means a lot to me."
Draupadi's blush deepened, and she lowered her gaze momentarily, fidgeting with the edge of her dupatta. "That's... good to hear," she said softly, then seemed to steel herself before looking back up at me, determination flickering in her eyes.
"You don't want to marry me?" I uttered those words accidentally as I saw that determined expression on her face.
"W-What?! N-No...I AM WILLING!"
Draupadi's sudden exclamation seemed to echo in the quiet garden, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of crimson as she realized the intensity of her words. For a moment, she looked utterly flustered, her normally composed demeanour completely shattered. Her wide eyes darted away from mine, searching for something—anything—to anchor herself in the moment.
"I-I mean..." she stammered, taking a step back and pressing a hand to her chest as if trying to steady her racing heart. "What I meant to say was... that I don't mind the idea of... of marrying you. It's just—" She paused, swallowing hard, her gaze finally meeting mine with a mix of vulnerability and resolve. "I didn't expect you to bring it up so suddenly."
I blinked, surprised by her honesty and the raw emotion in her voice. Draupadi, the Princess who had always carried herself with such grace and poise, was revealing a side of her that was fragile, uncertain, and undeniably human. It was as if the weight of her royal status had vanished, and standing before me was not just a princess, but a woman grappling with her own emotions.
"Hahahahahahah~" Before I could control myself, a laugh escaped my lips. It wasn't a mocking laugh but rather one of relief and surprise at seeing this unguarded side of Draupadi. Her reaction was so genuine, so completely different from the composed and regal demeanour she usually displayed, that I couldn't help but find it endearing.
Draupadi's eyes widened in shock, her face turning an even deeper shade of crimson. "W-What's so funny?!" she sputtered, her voice a mixture of embarrassment and indignation. She crossed her arms over her chest, pouting slightly like a child caught in an awkward moment.
"I'm sorry, Princess," I said, quickly stifling my laughter, but a smile still lingered on my face. "It's just... I never imagined that you'd be so flustered. You always seem so calm, like nothing could shake you, but seeing you like this—it's kind of refreshing."
"Ref-Refreshing?" Draupadi repeated, clearly bewildered. She looked like she was torn between being annoyed and relieved. "I-I was trying to have a serious conversation here, and you're... you're laughing!"
I raised my hands in surrender, still smiling. "You're right. I'm sorry. I just didn't expect you to be so... honest about your feelings. It surprised me in a good way."
Draupadi's expression softened, the frustration in her eyes slowly melting into something warmer. She let out a small sigh, the tension in her shoulders easing. "Well, this isn't exactly how I planned to talk to you about this," she admitted, her voice quieting to a more vulnerable tone. "But I suppose that's what makes it real, doesn't it?"
"My princess is beautiful for every emotion she wears," I said softly, my gaze steady on her as I tried to convey the sincerity behind my words. "You're strong and brave, but you're also allowed to be vulnerable. It makes you more… relatable."
Her cheeks flushed again, but this time, a shy smile crept onto her lips. "You really know how to flatter a girl, Aditya," she replied, her tone lightening, though I could see the sincerity behind her smile.
"Only you, My princess deserve such flattery." I paused for a moment, gauging her reaction before continuing. "But really, it's not just flattery; I mean it. You carry so much weight on your shoulders as a princess, and seeing you like this—it makes me want to protect you even more."
"Lier~ Why do I feel like you say those words to every woman?" Draupadi teased, her playful tone lightening the air between us. She looked at me, her expression shifting from shyness to playful challenge.
"Not at all! You're one of a kind, Princess," I replied, leaning a bit closer, hoping to maintain that spark of honesty between us. "Every word I say is because of who you are, not just your title. You have a strength that draws me in, and it's not something I find in everyone."
Draupadi's smile widened, and a hint of mischief glimmered in her eyes. "Well, I suppose I can accept that for now," she said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I also want to see your archery, can I?"
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her sudden shift in topic. "Archery? You want to see me shoot?"
Draupadi nodded, her enthusiasm bubbling beneath the surface. "Yes! I've heard you're quite skilled, and I've always wanted to see your technique up close. Besides," she added with a teasing glint in her eye, "I could use some entertainment after the tension of the day."
I chuckled, appreciating her light-heartedness. "Alright then, Princess. But you should know, I might not be as impressive as you think."
As we made our way toward the archery range, the golden light of the sunset cast a beautiful hue over the garden, illuminating the path ahead. Draupadi walked beside me, her presence making the air feel lighter, as if the weight of the world was lifted just a little.
When we arrived at the range, I felt a rush of excitement. The scent of freshly cut wood from the target and the soft rustle of leaves surrounding us added to the tranquil atmosphere. I picked up my new Gandiva Dhanush, feeling the familiar weight settle comfortably in my hands.
Draupadi watched intently, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as I began to prepare. "What's your secret? How do you aim so well?" she asked, her tone earnest.
"Focus and patience," I replied, stringing the bow with practised ease. "It's about finding your center and understanding the distance. But the most important part is to believe in your shot."
Draupadi tilted her head, absorbing my words. "Finding your center, huh? That sounds almost poetic. But you make it sound easy."
I chuckled lightly, positioning myself in front of the target, my gaze fixed on the bullseye. "It's not always easy, especially when distractions come into play. But the more you practice, the better you become at tuning them out."
"Am I distracting you~" Draupadi nudged me just as I was going to release the arrow, causing it to fly wide of the target. It thudded harmlessly into the ground a few paces away, and I felt my cheeks warm in embarrassment.
"Princess!" I exclaimed, shooting her a mock glare. "You distracted me on purpose!"
She giggled, her laughter ringing through the air like a melodious chime. "I couldn't help it! You looked so serious; I thought a little teasing might lighten the mood."
"And please what's with princess this? Princess that? Call me Draupadi with a little more familiarity, will you?" she teased, her eyes dancing with mischief.
"Alright, Draupadi," I replied, a grin creeping onto my face. "I'll call you Draupadi from now on. Just don't expect me to go easy on my aim next time."
She placed her hands on her hips, feigning indignation. "I'll hold you to that, Aditya! Now show me how it's done properly!"
With a newfound determination, I steadied my grip on the bow and refocused my thoughts. This time, I tuned out any distractions, including Draupadi's playful energy. Drawing the string back, I took a deep breath, visualizing the arrow's path to the target.
"Let's see that aim of yours," Draupadi said, her voice soft but filled with encouragement.
I released the arrow, and it soared through the air, piercing through several targets each with a bullseye in quick succession. The satisfying thuds echoed as each arrow struck true, one after another, hitting the center of the target.
Draupadi's eyes widened in amazement, and she clapped her hands in delight. "That was incredible! You really do have a talent for this!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at her genuine admiration.
I puffed my chest in pride as I said, "Well, what do you expect? I defeated Arjuna the supposed greatest in the whole Aryavarta."
Draupadi's laughter rang out, bright and clear, as she shook her head in amusement at my antics, "Yes, you really did defeat Arjuna and even punched out Bhima too. That was quite the display of bravado! Was that for me?" Her eyes sparkled with delight as she leaned against a nearby tree, clearly enjoying the moment.
"Maybe," I teased, allowing a playful smirk to dance on my lips. "I did want to impress the most beautiful princess in the realm."
Draupadi rolled her eyes, though the corners of her mouth betrayed her amusement. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Aditya," she replied, though her tone was more playful than scolding. "But I suppose it's working, at least a little."
I stepped back from the range, leaning against the wooden frame, enjoying the warmth of her presence as we shared this moment of levity. The earlier tension faded into the background, replaced by a comfortable camaraderie that felt both new and familiar.
"We should go and take some rest, tomorrow we have a marriage to prepare for," I said, breaking the light-hearted atmosphere with the reminder of our reality.
Draupadi's smile twisted almost like fanatic devotion, and for a fleeting moment, a shadow flickered across her features. Her eyes, which had sparkled with joy just seconds before, now gleamed with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. It was a subtle transformation, but one I couldn't ignore—the gentle warmth of her previous demeanour giving way to something darker, something that hinted at a more obsessive nature lurking beneath her surface.
"A marriage, yes..." she murmured, her voice low and contemplative. "I suppose we do have preparations to make, don't we?"
The way she said it made my heart race. Was she excited about the marriage, or was there something more intense simmering just beneath her calm facade? I couldn't shake the feeling that her enthusiasm was tinged with an unsettling fervour, a need for me that extended far beyond the normal boundaries of affection.
"Don't worry, Draupadi. We'll make it a beautiful day," I said, trying to maintain a light-hearted tone as I steered the conversation back toward safer territory. "With your elegance and my charm, we'll be the talk of the kingdom."
Her eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite place, a gleam that both thrilled and frightened me. "Oh, it'll be more than just talk, Aditya. You'll see." There was a promise in her voice, a declaration of intent that made me both eager and wary.
I forced a chuckle, trying to brush off the unease creeping in. "Right, let's hope it's in a good way! I wouldn't want to be the gossip of the kingdom for all the wrong reasons."
Draupadi stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "Don't worry. I won't let anything ruin our day. I promise you that, Aditya." There was a seriousness to her tone that made my stomach twist. The sincerity was there, but the undercurrent of intensity was impossible to ignore. I could feel the weight of her words, heavy with unspoken implications.
"Alright, let's head back," I said, trying to keep my tone light, though my heart raced. I took a step back, hoping to create a little distance, to regain some control over the situation. "We wouldn't want to keep the court waiting."
As we walked back, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was much more to Draupadi than met the eye. Beneath her charming exterior lay a fierce determination—a relentless drive that could easily tip over into obsession. The more I learned about her, the more I realized I was stepping into a world where the line between love and madness blurred.
Draupadi walked beside me, her presence both comforting and disquieting. Her playful banter continued, but every laugh seemed laced with an edge of seriousness, every smile tinged with an intensity that unsettled me.
When we arrived back at the palace, the grandeur of the building loomed over us, casting long shadows as the sun began to dip below the horizon. The court was buzzing with preparations for the upcoming marriage, but the weight of our earlier conversation lingered in the air.
"Aditya," Draupadi said softly, pulling me aside as the crowd bustled around us. Her expression shifted, the playful façade slipping away as her eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that left me breathless. "I want you to understand something."
My heart raced, caught off guard by the sudden change in her demeanour. "What is it?"
"I'll do anything to ensure our happiness," she declared, her voice firm and unwavering. "This marriage—it's not just a duty for me. It's my desire to be with you, always. No one will come between us. You'll see."
A chill ran down my spine as her words settled over me like a shroud. There was a fierce protectiveness in her tone, a commitment that sent a thrill of fear coursing through me. "Draupadi, I—"
"Promise me," she interrupted, taking a step closer, her gaze burning into mine. "Promise me that you'll trust me, that you'll allow me to protect you."
Her voice dropped to a whisper, and the fervour in her eyes ignited a storm of emotions within me. I wanted to reassure her, to comfort her fears, but the intensity of her plea made my heart race for different reasons.
"I—"
"Promise!" she insisted, her voice barely above a whisper, yet it carried an undeniable weight.
"I promise, Draupadi," I finally replied, the words slipping from my lips almost against my will. I didn't fully understand what I was promising, but the look in her eyes demanded an answer.
"Good." The smile that broke across her face was radiant, almost blinding. But underneath it, I sensed an edge of something darker, something relentless. "You won't regret it, Aditya. I'll make sure of that."
As she stepped back, her playful demeanour returned, and the vibrant life of the court enveloped us once more. But in the depths of her gaze, I could still see the flicker of obsession, the determination that hinted at the lengths she was willing to go to ensure that our paths were intertwined, come what may.
'Is this legendary Yadere? I also could feel my skin crawling with anticipation and unease. I felt like I was standing on the edge of a precipice, where one wrong move could plunge me into a depth I might not be able to escape.'
After parting ways, a maid led me to my room, but my mind remained fixated on the whirlwind of emotions that had just unfolded. The weight of Draupadi's words lingered, each promise echoing in my thoughts, filling me with a mix of excitement and dread. I couldn't shake the feeling that my life had irrevocably changed with that conversation, steering me toward a path filled with uncertainties.
Once inside my chamber, I closed the door behind me, leaning against it for a moment as I collected my thoughts.
"Oh! You are finally back~" A serene voice drifted through the air, pulling me from my contemplations.
I turned to see Lord Krishna standing at the window with a gentle smile playing on his lips. The twilight sky painted the horizon in hues of pink and purple, casting a calming light across the room. He turned to face me fully, his expression filled with the wisdom of ages.
.
..
...
[To Be Continue]
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