The villagers froze for a moment, shocked that they might have been discovered—then they heard her voice.
“Love, wait for me,” Dhara called out loudly.
“Why are you shouting?” the Prince asked.
She leaned close to him and whispered, “Prince, don’t do this. Help me.”
“I’m too tired,” he replied lazily.
“No. Prince, hold me.”
“What?” Ashok sat up instantly.
“Just for the sake of acting,” she whispered.
Hearing that, he fell back and pulled the blanket over himself. “No. I’m an honest man.”
“Oh, really?” the Princess said, amused.
“Did you say something, Princess?” the Prince asked.
“No—no,” Dhara denied quickly, knowing she’d stepped onto dangerous ground.
“Besides, you don’t like my touch,” the Prince said, watching her expression.
“Prince, don’t sleep. I need your help.”
“Tir
