The dealer dealt the cards, and Siya took a deep breath, trying to focus. But she couldn't ignore the way the other man's gaze lingered on her, his eyes hungry. Ram stepped closer, his hand moving to her waist, a silent declaration of ownership. The man's smirk grew wider, and Siya felt a flash of anger. She had enough.

"I think it's time for us to leave," she murmured to Ram, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hands.

Ram's eyes never left the man across the table, "As you wish, my queen." He said with a cold smile. He knew when to pick his battles and this was not the place or time. He helped her stand, his hand never leaving her waist, and led her away from the table. The other players watched in shock as the newcomer who had been winning big decided to leave so soon.

The man called after them, his voice thick with annoyance, "You're making a mistake, lady. You're leaving too soon."

Ram turned around, his smile turning into a cold smirk, "I think not. You see, I own this casino." His words were as smooth as silk, but the underlying threat was clear as day.

The man's face paled, his eyes darting from Ram to the chips in front of Siya and back again. "But...but..." He stuttered, his bravado evaporating in the face of Ram's power.

Ram's laugh was like a lion's roar, echoing through the casino, "I assure you, I'm not joking." His hand reached into his pocket, pulling out a card that gleamed with gold. He tossed it on the table, the name 'Maharaj Ram' engraved on it. The casino staff, who had been watching the scene unfold, snapped to attention. The man's eyes bulged, realizing he had been playing with fire.

Siya watched the exchange with a mix of amusement and admiration. Ram's confidence was intoxicating, and she couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at being by his side. He had always been so protective of her, but seeing him handle the situation with such authority was exhilarating.

"Let's go, my love," Ram said, taking her hand and leading her through the casino. The once-eager players and dealers now stepped aside, giving them a wide berth. As they exited the casino, Siya looked back over her shoulder, the thrill of the evening still coursing through her veins.

The man at the blackjack table watched them leave, his face a picture of astonishment. The whispers grew louder as the truth of Ram's identity spread through the casino like wildfire. The air was suddenly charged with a newfound respect as the employees realized the weight of the situation. One by one, the workers dropped to their knees, their heads bowing in respect to their unknowing sovereign. The sight was surreal, the opulence of the casino juxtaposed with the sudden display of fealty.

The other guests at the casino looked on in shock and awe, not quite understanding the significance of what they were witnessing. The clatter of chips and the whir of slot machines fell silent as the employees' movements grew more synchronized, their heads all bent in the same direction. It was as if the very air in the room had changed, thick with a mix of reverence and fear.

The manager, a portly man with a sweaty brow, rushed over to them, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Your Highness, thank you because you graced us with your  presence!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement. He turned to the crowd, raising his hands for silence. "Make sure that everyone knows how our Queen looks like now!"

The crowd grew quieter as Ram and Siya made their way to the exit, the whispers of their true identities following them like a shadow. Outside, the cool night air washed over them, a stark contrast to the stifling heat of the casino. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was a soothing balm to Siya's frazzled nerves.

"Ram," she whispered, her voice shaking slightly, "I had no idea."

He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear, "Neither did I. But it seems fate had other plans for us tonight." His arm tightened around her, pulling her closer. They stepped out of the casino and into the warm embrace of the tropical night. The moon was a silver disc in the sky, casting a soft glow over the palm trees that swayed gently in the breeze. The sound of the waves crashing on the beach was a gentle reminder of their escape from the chaos of the palace.

Ram's eyes searched hers, the question in his gaze. Siya nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. He led her by the hand, their footsteps whispering through the sand. The beach was deserted, a private paradise that seemed to have been crafted just for them. The moonlit waves danced before them, the salty scent of the ocean filling their senses. The warmth of the sand beneath their feet was a stark contrast to the coolness of the evening air.

They found a secluded spot, the sound of the waves a gentle lullaby to their heightened emotions. Ram laid out a blanket with care, the sand beneath it soft and inviting. He helped Siya sit, his hands gentle as they touched her. She could see the excitement in his eyes, a reflection of the passion that burned within her.

"Are you sure about this?" she asked, her voice a whisper carried by the breeze.

"More than ever," Ram assured her, his voice steady and filled with a passion that had been building since they had first laid eyes on each other.

Siya nodded, the anticipation in her eyes mirroring his own. They lay down on the blanket, the soft sand beneath them a reminder of the vastness of the world that lay beyond the confines of their own private sanctuary. The gentle caress of the ocean breeze played with their hair as they kissed, the salt on their lips a tangible connection to the power of the sea that surrounded them.