The horses were lined up at the palace entrance, bathed in the first rays of the sun.
It was time to leave for the journey. The princess, a few of her maids, and the guards waited for the prince.
After a while, Prince Ashok appeared. He cast a brief glance at Dhara and smiled. She looked striking, perfectly to his taste. He confirmed to himself that he preferred her in tight travel clothing rather than in elaborate royal gowns.
The thought lifted his mood. He smirked, knowing he would have more time to spend with her on this journey—and she had nowhere to escape but into his company.
The prince approached his horse. A guard hurried forward to adjust the saddle, but Ashok stopped him.
“Let the princess do it,” he said.
Dhara’s brows knotted. Now he wants me to be a servant? she though
