Hi, sweethearts! I'm back with another story...

It's a Historical Romance! I've wanted to write a historical romance book for such a long time, but I was determined to finish Deewana Ishq first. However, you know your author... she simply cannot control herself. So here we are!

Don't worry, I'll continue posting Deewana Ishq just like before, but in between, you'll also get updates from this new book.

I can't promise that I'll be completely regular with the updates because, as you all know, I have my studies along with Deewana Ishq. But I swear, I will finish this book! That's a promise.

I'll try my best to post at least 1-2 chapters a week, along with the updates of Deewana Ishq.

So yes... I'm officially back with another story:

Ashwini - His Conquered Bride

The story will contain some mature chapters as well, but they will be written with a proper plot and purpose. And honestly, I don't know what more to say right now because I want you all to discover the story yourselves.

I just want you all to shower this story with the same love and support you've given me before.

And one very important note:

Please don't compare my characters, plot, storyline, or anything else with other books or stories.

I have written the entire plot and every little detail myself in my diary, and this story is very close to me. So please, it's just a humble request-let this story be its own story.

Also, this is my first time writing a historical romance, so please bear with me. I'll try my absolute best to keep the language as close to pure Hindi as possible, along with English translations for readers who don't understand Hindi.

And yes... there might be some grammatical mistakes but I'll try my best to avoid them, but please bear with your author because she's learning too.

I hope you'll give Ashwini - His Conquered Bride a chance.

Tropes

Historical Romance

Age gap Romance

Marriage of Convenience

Enemies to Lovers

" Now, without wasting any more time, let's dive into the world of Ashwini - His Conquered Bride. "

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Ashwini's Pov

The dusty air of the 1534 Suryagarh market smelled of hot spices, flowers, and dry earth. Wooden carts were filled with bright orange marigolds, and the noise of blacksmiths hitting iron echoed through the streets. Beautiful sunlight cut through the market haze, showing the growing fear among the local people.

"Ab humara kya hoga... Humne toh suna hai ki Vijaygarh ki nazar ab Suryagarh par hi hai."

(What will become of us now... We have heard that Vijaygarh's eyes are now set on Suryagarh.)

"Dheere bolo... Humne toh suna hai ki Vijaygarh ke Yuvraj aas-paas ke sabhi rajyon ko jeet chuke hain. Aur agar aisa hi chalta raha, toh woh din dur nahi jab woh Suryagarh par bhi hamla kar denge."

(Speak softly... We have heard that the Crown Prince of Vijaygarh has conquered all nearby kingdoms. And if this continues, the day isn't far when he attacks Suryagarh too.)

"Humne toh apne Arya se keh diya hai ki hum jitni jaldi ho sake, Suryagarh chhod kar yahan se nikal jayein."

(I have already told my husband that we should leave Suryagarh and get away from here as soon as possible.)

My steps stopped instantly when I heard the ladies talking. I could not believe my ears.

They have been living in Suryagarh for years, and now they are talking about running away?

Do they really think Suryagarh is this weak?

I closed my eyes to control my rising anger and squeezed my hands into tight fists. I forced a fake, tight smile on my face and turned around.

I walked straight toward the three women standing near a spice shop, who were talking ill about the kingdom while our brave soldiers were fighting on the border to protect them.

As I walked closer, their eyes landed on me. Their expressions changed from gossip to fear, and they took a few steps back.

Just as I opened my mouth to ask them - why they wanted to leave, a hand firmly caught mine from behind.

I turned my head and saw Kanika.

She opened her eyes wide in warning and silently signaled me to look down at myself.

I looked at my clothes and froze. I was wearing the exact same men's clothes, a low belt, and a tight turban hiding my long hair. To these women, I wasn't the Princess of Suryagarh- I was just a strange young man angrily walking toward a group of ladies in the middle of a busy market.

Hey narayan kya karne jaa rahe thee hum.

I looked up and saw her with a small nervous smile on my face.

She is my personal attendant, but she is more like a friend to me.

She was also dressed in a simple man's tunic, loose pants, a brown turban on her head, and a thin fake moustache above her lip- like me.

I quickly cleared my throat and adjusted the turban on my head, trying to act natural.

"Bhaiya, jaldi chalo! Malik humara intezaar kar rahe hain," She said in a fake, deep voice, pulling my arm with extra force so the women wouldn't get suspicious.

(Brother, hurry up! The shop owner is waiting for us.)

I took a step back, giving the three women a polite nod before turning around and walking away with Kanika. The heavy smell of crushed cinnamon and frying street food filled the market air again as we pushed our way through the busy crowd, passing wooden carts and busy shopkeepers.

Once we reached a quiet, narrow alley hidden behind an old stone temple backside , Kanika finally let go of my hand. She looked around to make sure no one was watching us, pulled down her fake moustache slightly, and let out a huge breath.

" Rajkumari aap kya kar rahi thii !? Unhe bhanak lag jaati toh ? she whispered furiously, her eyes wide. "Aap hume marwayengi... Agar kisi ko pata chala ki Rajkumari pursho ke poshak bazaar mein ghoom rahi hain toh aap janti hai kya ho jaate "

( "Princess, what were you doing?! What if they had found out?" You would have gotten us killed! If anyone finds out that the Princess has been wandering through the marketplace dressed as a man, do you have any idea what would happen to us?")

"Tumne suna nahi woh kya keh rahi thi ?" I snapped back in a low voice, my hands still trembling with anger. " Yaha humari praja ka vishwas toot Raha hai...Kitni aasani se vo keh rahi thii ki suryagarh haar jaayega...aur unhe yaha se chale jaana chahiye"

( "Didn't you hear what she was saying? Our people's faith is shattering right here... How easily she was saying that Suryagarh will lose... that they should just leave from here!")

She sighed, her angry look softening into worry. "Log darray hue hain, Rajkumari. Vijaygarh ke Yuvraj ke baare mein baatein har jagah phail rahi hain. Suna hai unhone aaj tak koi yuddh nahi haara. Par aap pure bazaar se nahi lad sakti. Hum yahan khabar lene aaye the yudh karne nahi."

(People are scared, Princess. Rumors about the Crown Prince of Vijaygarh are spreading everywhere. It is said he has never lost a war. But you cannot fight the whole market. We came here to gather information, not to fight.)

I leaned against the cool stone wall of the temple, looking down at my hands. She was right, but hearing my own people doubt our kingdom hurt more than any weapon.

"Hume pata lagana hoga ki Vijaygarh aakhir chahta kya hai," I said softly, looking back toward the noisy bazaar. "Agar praja hi darr gayi, toh dushman bina ladai ke hi jeet jayega."

(We have to find out what Vijaygarh actually wants. If the citizens get scared, the enemy will win without even fighting.)

"Hum jaante hain, Rajkumari," Kanika said softly, taking a quick step closer to me. "Parantu aap khud bataiye, hum poore bazaar se toh nahi behas kar sakte? Aur rahi baat Vijaygarh ke Yuvraj ki, toh yeh chinta ka vishay toh hai..."

(I know, Princess... But tell me yourself, we can't argue with the entire market, can we? And as for the Crown Prince of Vijaygarh, it is indeed a matter of concern...)

She paused for a second, her sharp eyes scanning my tense, angry expression before her tone softened to calm me down.

"Parantu aapko iski chinta karne ki aavashyakta nahi hai," she added, trying to wipe the heavy worry off my face. "Maharaj-adhiraj hain na... aur phir Yuvraj Shashikant, Shahiraj, aur Purv Maharaj - yeh sab bhi toh hain!"

(But you don't need to worry about this. His Majesty the King is there... and then Crown Prince Shashikant, Shahiraj, and the former King- they are all there to protect us!)

She smiled gently, trying her best to relieve my stress. But didn't she know the truth?

All these men of my royal family are completely useless.

I cannot trust a single one of them. The King she speaks of so proudly- my eldest stepbrother, born to my father's first wife is nothing more than a womanizer who has married four different women in just five years. He holds the supreme throne of Suryagarh simply because he was born first, not because he is worthy of it.

Then come the brothers she puts her faith in- Shashikant and Shahiraj, sons of my father's second wife. They spend their days plotting against each other for the crown and their nights drowned in cheap wine and the company of court dancers.

How can I trust the fate of this kingdom with such weak, reckless men?

I know the people of Suryagarh don't respect me the way they respect the rest of the royal family. I am just the daughter of my father's third wife -a woman he married solely for her breathtaking beauty.

My mother was once a personal attendant to his first wife, and from what I have gathered over the years, my father forced her into the marriage.

She was a true beauty, but fate was cruel- she breathed her last the day I was born.

The court elders often say my father loved my mother deeply.

I never believe a word of it. A man in power only truly desires three things in life: a beautiful woman to warm his bed, someone who obeys every command without asking questions, and a mouth that never dares to speak back.

"Aap Rajkumari Neelam ki tarah kyun nahi hain? Unhe dekhiye, woh apna saara samay sirf gehne aur naye vastra khareedne mein hi laga deti hain. Sajti hain, sanwarti hain... Isiliye toh sab unhe itna pasand karte hain," she said, looking at me with genuine concern written across her face.

(Why aren't you like Princess Neelam? Look at her, she spends all her time just buying jewelry and new dresses. She decks herself up... That is why everyone likes her so much.)

I rolled my eyes and sat down on the cool stone temple stairs.

We were standing at the secluded back side of the temple, away from the bustling crowd.

"Tum humare saath ho ya apni Rajkumari Neelam ke saath, Kanika?" I asked, looking up at her with raised eyebrows.

(Are you on my side or on your Princess Neelam's side, Kanika?)

Even though she has been my personal attendant for years and is my closest friend, I still cannot trust a single soul in this city.

I know everyone in the palace hates me, and even the common people of Suryagarh do not like me.

Why? Because according to their bad rumors, my mother was just a clever maid who trapped my father and betrayed the first queen- only to give birth to a girl and die.

I want to laugh so badly at the irony of it all.

I am the one who has saved Suryagarh many times with my sharp mind and smart strategies. I am the one who secretly helps the army officers plan the war. I even fought on the battlefield once, wearing a man's armor instead of Yuvraj Shashikant.

And ironically, my father himself is the one who sent me to that war.

He is the same man who beat me badly years ago when I tried to learn fighting skills with my brothers . I used to watch their training secretly from behind the pillars and practice sword fighting alone at night in the dark.

But when my father caught me, he yelled at me, saying that a woman's only job is to sit, dress up, and look pretty for men - that heavy jewelry belongs in a woman's hands, never a cold sword.

Devrath's Pov

The thick dust on the battlefield slowly settled, and I stopped my horse on the high hill. Below me, the massive Malhar army stood in a tight line. Their iron shields shined in the fading sunlight, blocking the path to a castle that no one had ever captured before.

"Yeh aatmasamarpan nahi karenge, Rana sa," my commander whispered beside me, his voice shaking.

(They will not surrender Rana sa )

A cold, dark smile touched my lips. I was a seasoned monster forged in the fires of endless battles. My silver armor was dirty with mud and dried blood, but my hands remained completely steady on my sword.

"Unhe aatmasamarpan karne ki avashyakta nahi hai," I said, my voice quiet, flat, and absolute. "Bas unka parajay hona avashyak hai."

(They do not need to surrender. They just need to be defeated.)

I drew my blade with calm precision and rode my horse down the steep hill. Behind me, the roar of my army tore through the valley like a thunderstorm.

The fight was brutal. Steel hit iron, and war cries echoed off the stone mountains. I moved through the chaos with deadly accuracy. I ducked under a heavy axe and swung my blade, breaking an enemy shield. Two spearmen charged at my chest, I leaned low against my horse's neck, dodged the sharp tips, and struck both men down in one smooth, bloody move.

" Yuvraj " a loud voice boomed.

Through the red haze of battle came General Kael, the legendary leader of the Malhar army. He was a giant man with scars on his face, and he charged at me, swinging a massive sword straight for my head.

I jumped off my horse just in time as his blade hit the dirt. Kael turned quickly, bringing his sword down with a crushing force. I raised my blade to block it, the heavy hit forcing me down onto one knee.

"Aap sabse chhote Yuvraj ho sakte hain, kintu yeh rajya aapko kabhi nahi milega!" Kael snarled, pressing his weight down to break my spirit.

(You may be the youngest Prince, but this kingdom will never be yours!)

My eyes locked onto his, burning with a dark, steady fire. " Hum is rajya ki bhiksha nahi maang rahein hai ," I panted, my muscles fighting back against his strength." Hum issay Hasil kar rahe hain"

(I am not begging for this kingdom. I am conquering it!)

In one quick move, I shifted my grip and stepped to the side. Kael lost his balance and stumbled forward. Before he could recover, I hit his face hard with the handle of my sword and kicked his chest, sending him crashing into the dirt.

In the next second, the sharp tip of my blade rested firmly against his neck.

Around us, the fighting stopped completely. Everyone stood frozen, watching in shock as the mighty general lay defeated before the Vijaygarh prince.

"Apne sainikon ko yuddh rokne ka aadesh dein " I commanded, my voice cold and without any mercy. "Anyatha yeh yuddh tumhare rakt ke saath samapt hoga."

(Order your soldiers to stop the war. Otherwise, this battle ends with your blood.)

Kael looked into my cold eyes, feeling the sharp steel on his skin. Slowly, he dropped his weapon.

"Hum aatmasamarpan karte hain," he choked out, bowing his head. "Durg ab aapka hai."

(We surrender. The fortress is yours now.)

I pulled my blade back and wiped the blood off the steel. The heavy wooden gates of the fortress slowly opened.

Victory was ours.

"Yuvraj Devarth ki jai!" my men cheered, their voices echoing against the walls.

At thirty-one, I had finally accomplished what my family dreamed of for years.

The legendary fortress of Malhar had fallen, securing my place in history and protecting Vijaygarh.

Yet, as the cheers grew around me, a hollow stillness settled deep in my chest.

But why is my heart still so empty.

I took a deep breath, waiting to feel proud or happy like a warrior should after a big victory. Instead, I felt only a cold, heavy silence.

"Aapne itihaas rach diya, Yuvraj," my commander said, riding up with a big smile.

(You have created history, Prince.)

"Aaj raat sabko daavat ka anand lene do," I replied without any emotion. "Jao, humara hukum hai sabke bhojan aur utsav ki taiyaari ki jaye."

(Let everyone enjoy the feast tonight. Go, it is my order..prepare food and celebrations for all.)

He bowed and rode away to join the fun.

I stood alone in the quiet valley, watching the red sun set behind the mountains.

I was glad my soldiers could go home alive to their families. But as I looked at the broken weapons on the ground, a dark truth stayed with me. I had given up my youth, my peace, and my soft heart just to be a warrior.

They thought this war was my final dream. They thought this fortress was the ultimate prize.

They were completely wrong. Malhar was never my goal, it was merely one piece I had to remove from the chessboard.

A burning rage still burns inside my chest.

Malhar fell today, but my real enemies are still living peacefully inside the golden palace of Suryagarh.

Until Suryagarh's existence is erased, my revenge remains incomplete.

This victory meant nothing to my soul. It was merely fuel for the storm I was bringing to Suryagarh.

I gripped the hilt of my sword tightly.

" Iss baar, mere pratishodh ki agni itni prachand hogi ki Suryagarh ka astitva tak raakh mein badal jayega."

Night, Ashwini's Pov

The moon shines beautifully tonight, lighting up the vast darkness of the sky. Sometimes, as I look up at its glow, I wonder if there will ever be someone who will light up the darkness of my life.

I still remember when I was just nine or ten years old. Kaki-sa used to tell me stories about how one day, a charming prince would come and take me far away from this palace. Back then, those words filled me with so much joy, because all I ever wanted was to escape this place.

She was an elderly attendant who raised me with love, while my stepbrothers and sister grew up in the warm care of their parents. Kaki-sa was the only person who truly cared for me. But a year ago, she left me alone in this world, too.

A cool night breeze kissed my skin. I was sitting on the wide stone window ledge, admiring the moon and the scattered stars above.

Somewhere among those glowing stars, my mother is watching over me. I know it might sound foolish, but I truly believe it. I never knew what she looked like, but tonight, I miss her terribly. I miss her especially on nights like this, when my heart and mind are heavy with thoughts I cannot share with anyone.

Tears pooled in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I blinked rapidly and looked up at the sky to force them back.

I am not weak. I will not sit here and weep over my destiny.

I will write it with my own hands. It is just that tonight, I miss her a little too much.

"Yuvrani..." A soft knock echoed at my chamber doors.

It is Kanika's voice. I immediately wiped my eyes dry, straightening my posture.

Even though she is my closest companion, I still keep a part of myself guarded from her.

"Aajaiye," I called out, holding my composure.

(Come in.)

The wooden doors swung open. Kanika hurried toward me, lifting the hem of her long skirt to keep from tripping. She stopped a few steps away, breathing heavily as if she had run across the entire palace.

"Rajkumari... ek khabar hai humare paas... bahut aavashyak hai," she gasped out, her eyes wide with urgency.

(Princess... I have news... it is extremely important.)

"Araam se... saans toh le lo... aisi bhi kya khabar hai?" I asked, standing up from the window ledge.

(Calm down, What happened?)

I watched her take a deep breath, trying to steady her voice before dropping the bomb.

"Maharaj ne aapka vivah tay kar diya hai... Chandragarh ke Raja Chandrabhan se!"

(His Majesty has fixed your marriage... with King Chandrabhan of Chandragarh!)

My eyes widened in complete shock, and the ground beneath my feet felt like it was slipping away.

Raja Chandrabhan?!

He is a man nearly forty years old, already married to three queens, and has children who are older than me! How could my father sell me off to a man like him?

" Hum kuch samjhe nahi...?!" I demanded, my voice trembling with a mixture of disbelief and sheer rage. "Bhai sa humara vivah uss adhed umar ke vyakti se kaise tay kar sakte hain?! Unki pehle se teen raniyan hain! "

(I don't understand...? How can Bhai Sa arrange my marriage with a man of such an age?! He already has three queens!)

She stepped closer, her face pale as she lowered her voice to a desperate whisper.

"Hum jaante hain, Rajkumari... Parantu humne Maharaj aur mantri-parishad ko chupke se baat karte suna hai. Yeh vivah Suryagarh ko bachane ke liye kiya ja raha hai. Agar aapka vivah Raja Chandrabhan se ho gaya, toh humein Vijaygarh ke khilaf Chandragarh ki sena ki sahayta milegi!"

(I know, Princess... But I secretly overheard His Majesty and the royal council talking. This marriage is being done to save Suryagarh. If you marry King Chandrabhan, we will get the support of Chandragarh's army against Vijaygarh!)

A bitter, cold laugh escaped my lips. So this is what my life is worth to them-a trade bargain. Once again, the men of Suryagarh are hiding behind a woman to save their own skin, sacrificing my entire future just to secure an alliance for a war they are too weak to fight themselves.

"Aur sabse badi baat Rajkumari," Kanika added, her voice barely a breath, "Chandragarh ki sena chhoti nahi hai. Unke paas behad shaktishali sena hai... Kam se kam woh Vijaygarh ke saamne tik sakte hain. Humari sena bhi badi hai, parantu Vijaygarh ke samne hum jyada din tak nahi tik payenge."

(And the biggest thing, Princess... Chandragarh's army isn't small. They have a very powerful military force... At least they can stand against Vijaygarh. Our army is big too, but compared to Vijaygarh, we won't last long against them.)

Hearing her words, a painful realization settles over me.

She is right. As much as I hate this decision, Chandragarh is strong. Their military might be legendary in these lands. Even though Suryagarh possesses a vast army, when measured against the relentless force of Vijaygarh, our borders won't hold for too long on their own.

"Toh yeh vash mein na hone wala faisla hai..." I whispered, turning back toward the open window, the night breeze suddenly felt freezing cold against my skin. "Suryagarh ki raksha ke liye humari bali dena unhe sabse aasan rasta laga."

(So this is an unavoidable decision... Sacrificing me to protect Suryagarh seemed like the easiest path to them.)

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This is just the beginning, so the chapter was a little short. But how was it? Did you guys enjoy it?

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Luvvv you all...