With a sudden burst of rage, Shekhar lunged at Ram, his hand reaching for a concealed weapon at his side. The room erupted in chaos as guards rushed forward, but before they could intervene, Siya stepped in between them, her eyes wide with fear but her body firm. "Shekhar, no!" she screamed, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

The gun went off, the sound echoing through the grand hall like a thunderclap. Time seemed to slow as everyone watched in horror. The bullet meant for Ram found its way to Siya's arm instead, embedding itself into her flesh with a sickening thud. She let out a cry of pain, stumbling backward, her hand clutching her injured hand. The room fell silent, save for the sound of Siya's pained breaths and the hiss of the candles.

Ram's world narrowed to a pinpoint, his focus solely on the crimson blooming on Siya's sari. His rage was like a wild beast unleashed, his eyes burning into Shekhar's with a fury that could melt steel. He vaulted from his throne, knocking the chair aside, and in a flash, he was upon Shekhar, his hands wrapping around the man's throat. The guards, stunned for a moment, quickly regained their composure and dragged the struggling Shekhar away. Madhu rushed to Siya's side, her own anger forgotten in the face of her friend's pain.

" Leave .." barked Ram in anger. Madhu was scared his red eyes and his anger taking place ."

"Get him out of my sight before I do something I regret!" Ram's voice boomed through the hall, the guards dragging Shekhar away, his eyes never leaving Ram's. The room was in a state of shock, the only sound being Siya's agonized whimpers.

Ram's rage had not subsided, but his priority was now Siya. He cradled her injured arm, the sight of her blood fueling his anger even more. He called for the palace doctor, his voice laced with urgency. "Take care of her. Now!"

The doctor arrived swiftly, his medical bag in hand. He assessed the wound and began to work, his hands deft and precise. Madhu hovered nearby, her eyes never leaving Siya's face, her own pain and guilt reflected in her eyes. The room was a flurry of activity, the once joyous atmosphere now a stark contrast to the tension and fear that hung heavy.

Ram's mind raced as he watched the doctor tend to Siya's arm. He called for his most trusted advisor, whispering urgent instructions into his ear. The advisor nodded and disappeared into the shadows of the hall, leaving Ram to hold his wife's hand, his thumb gently stroking her knuckles in a silent promise of protection. The doctor finished his work, bandaging the wound with care. He looked up at Ram, his expression grave.

"It's a clean shot, but she's lost some blood. She'll need rest and care. And as for the emotional trauma, that will take longer to heal."

The doctor's words hung in the air as Ram nodded, his eyes never leaving Siya's pale face. The pain was etched in every line of her features, but she was trying to put on a brave front. Madhu had been escorted out, the anger in her eyes replaced by a haunted look. The room was now a sanctuary for just the two of them, the guards stationed outside ensuring no one would disturb them.

Siya's voice, though weak, was filled with a determination that surprised Ram, "Can we just leave the country? I want peace for some time. I can't handle this anymore." Her eyes searched Ram's, seeking reassurance, a hint of escape from the chaos that had become their lives.

Ram took a deep breath, his grip on her hand tightening. He had never seen Siya so broken, so defeated. His mind raced with the implications of her words. Could they truly leave everything behind? The palace, his duties, his title? For peace and the safety of the woman he loved? It was a decision that would have repercussions, but at that moment, all that mattered was her well-being.

"We will do whatever it takes to ensure your safety and happiness," Ram murmured to Siya, his voice laced with both love and a fierce protectiveness. "I will not let anyone harm you again."

Within hours, under the cover of darkness, the Maharaj and his new bride slipped away from the palace. The only sounds accompanying them were the hushed whispers of the loyal staff who had been informed of their escape and the distant howl of the wind through the ancient corridors. The palace, once a bastion of joy and celebration, now felt like a prison, its grandeur a stark contrast to the turmoil within.

Their destination was Paris, a city of love and freedom, where they could begin their life anew, far from the clutches of deceit and greed. As the royal jet took off, Ram held Siya close, her head resting on his chest. He could feel her heart pounding, the fear and excitement mingling within her. The warmth of her body against his was a comforting reminder that she was safe, at least for now.

Siya's POV

I woke up in Ram's arm, he wrapped his hands around. I got out of his grip slowly avoid waking him, walked around and saw we were not at our home for sure, I walked out to see the beautiful jungle at the view. I went in made a cup of coffee enjoying the view that's when I felt hands around me, pulling me in. They left for their so awaited honeymoon, they were so busy with their schedules. Didn't even have time for lunch or dinner together. On top of that Coronation made them extremely tired... and their fatigue finally took over.

"Ram... Aree app... ye..."

"Humm mein kya..." said Ram in his husky deep voice.

"Hum yaha kya... kar rahe hai?"

"Honeymoon darling." Ram replied in a fun way and tickled her, making her jump and she ran inside to save herself, soon Ram was running behind her and she was running around, at last Ram picked her up on her shoulder, and threw her on the bed starting kissing her like it rains in months of monsoon.

Next few days flew like wind, and we were shopping and spending time with each other getting to knew bout themselves and their behaviors'. This made us not only comfortable, we also learn something even more important during this phase , how will we partner react to few things. What my partner wants. They went to another island after few days. There was a casino as well. Siya wanted making Ram jealous.

"Ram, can I go play at casino?" she asked with twinkling eyes.

Ram looked at her with a smirk, "You want to play games with me, Rani Sa?"

Siya giggled, "No, I want to play games in the casino."

Ram raised an eyebrow, his eyes twinkling with mischief, "Alright, but only if you agree to let me watch you."

Siya playfully pouted, "Fine, but you will play thr role of my personal bodyguard."

Ram chuckled, "Alright, but remember, you are betting with my money."

Siya rolled her eyes playfully and took his hand, leading him into the bustling casino. The air was thick with excitement and the clinking of chips. She knew that Ram was more than capable of taking care of himself, but the idea of him as her personal bodyguard added an extra thrill to the evening. She sat down at a blackjack table, the green felt cool under her fingertips.

Ram hovered behind her, his arms crossed over his chest, watching her every move with an amused smile. She placed a bet and the dealer dealt her cards. She took a deep breath, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach, and played her hand. To her surprise, she won the first round. The thrill of victory made her laugh out loud, and she felt Ram's hand squeeze her shoulder in approval.

As the night went on, Siya's luck held strong, and her winnings grew. She could feel the tension in the air, the other players eyeing her with a mix of envy and suspicion. Ram remained unfazed, his eyes never leaving her, his presence a comforting constant in the whirlwind of the casino. His touch was gentle but firm, reminding her that he was there for her, no matter what.

"Ram, where should I bet?" she asked playfully, her smile teasing. The men at the table couldn't help but stare at her beauty, which only grew with each victory. She knew it was working; Ram's eyes were glinting with a hint of possessiveness.

The man across from Siya leaned in, his breath reeking of alcohol and desperation, "Why don't you bet on me, beautiful?" His leer was palpable, and Ram's grip on her shoulder tightened.

Siya's eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept her smile in place. "I'm quite happy with my current bet, thank you," she replied, laying down another chip with a flourish.

The man chuckled, his eyes sliding over her like a serpent, "Come on, sweetheart. I've got the winning hand. You'd be a fool to pass this up."

Ram's grip tightened further, his teeth gritted. The air grew tense as the dealer called for the next bets. Siya's heart raced, the thrill of the game now tinged with a hint of unease. She glanced over her shoulder at Ram, his gaze hard and unyielding. She knew he wouldn't let anyone harm her, not even in a place as seemingly safe as a casino. With a nod, she placed her chips on the table, her hand shaking slightly.