23) Chapter

Pramila stood gracefully in the middle of the river, the cool, clear water swirling around her as if cleansing her of every burden.

The tranquility of the scene shattered the moment Pramila pointed toward the water, her voice trembling.

"What is that?" she whispered, her hand frozen mid-air, pointing at the rippling surface.

The maids turned to look, and their gasps turned into shrieks as the dark silhouette of a crocodile emerged, its menacing eyes gleaming above the water. It moved with terrifying purpose, gliding silently toward pramila.

"Oh Devi!" one maid screamed, clutching at another in fear. "A crocodile! It's coming this way!"

Panic erupted like wildfire. The maids scattered, scrambling to the riverbank, their cries of terror filling the air. Guards who had been patrolling the perimeter rushed toward the scene, their initial calm turning to disarray at the sight of the massive predator.

"Commander!" one of Dananjaya's men shouted, drawing his sword but hesitating at the edge of the water. "It's too close!"

Another guard fumbled with his weapon, his voice shaking. "We can't shoot—it might harm the Queen!"

Dananjaya's voice cut through the chaos like a blade. "Hold your fire!" he ordered, his tone sharp and commanding. "You'll do more harm than good!"

Pramila stood frozen, her normally composed demeanor replaced by sheer terror as the crocodile closed in. Its powerful tail sliced through the water, sending ripples toward her as it readied to strike.

Without a second thought, Dananjaya moved. In one fluid motion, he discarded his sword belt and dagger sheath, his sharp dagger the only weapon he took as he leaped into the water.

The maids' screams grew louder. "Sir, no!" one of them cried, clutching at her chest. "It's suicide!"

Pramila's gaze snapped to him, her fear mingled with a flicker of hope. Dananjaya was already moving, his presence as sure and steady as a tide. He stripped off his heavier armor and weapons with efficiency, leaving only his dagger before diving into the water with powerful strokes.

Time seemed to slow as Pramila watched him go. "No..." she whispered, her voice breaking. He had no shield, no protection against this beast. He was heading straight into its jaws with only a dagger in hand.

Tears stung her eyes, though she refused to let them fall. Her breath came in short gasps, the horror of the scene unfolding before her shattering her composure.

"Gods above, let him be safe," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

The battle in the water was nothing short of feral. The crocodile thrashed and lunged, its tail creating violent waves, but Dananjaya was relentless.

Every time the beast lunged, Dananjaya twisted out of its reach, his dagger striking with precision. Blood colored the water as man and beast fought for survival.

Finally, the crocodile gave a last, desperate thrash before sinking beneath the surface. The water stilled, and for a moment, there was silence.

Pramila leaned forward, her lips parted, her eyes scanning the river frantically. "Dananjaya!" she called, her voice was raw with fear.

When he finally emerged from the water, his hair plastered to his face, his chest heaving, Pramila's breath caught. His arm was bloodied, but his expression was steady, determined. Without hesitation, he waded to where she was, his dagger still in hand.

"Devi," he said, his voice low and calm, though his own exhaustion was evident. "It's over. The danger is gone."

Pramila tried to speak, but her voice faltered. Tears she had fought so hard to suppress welled in her eyes.

She felt her body trembling, and before she could steady herself, Dananjaya reached down, lifting her effortlessly into his arms.

The world around her seemed to blur as her heart raced, not just from the lingering fear but from the proximity to him.

His arms were strong and sure, holding her as though she weighed nothing. She instinctively clutched at his shoulder, her fingers tightening against the damp fabric of his tunic.

"You're trembling," he said softly, his voice carrying both concern and a subtle tenderness.

"I'm fine," she managed to whisper, though the quiver in her voice betrayed her. "Put me down, I can walk—"

"No," he interrupted, his tone firm but kind. "You're shaken. Allow me this, Your Majesty."

She didn't argue, too overwhelmed to protest. The maids, who had been huddled in fear, watched with wide eyes as Dananjaya carried their queen back to the safety of the bank.

"He carried her like she was the most precious thing in the world," one maid whispered to another, her voice filled with awe.

"And the way he looked at her..." another murmured, glancing at the Commander, whose eyes never left Pramila as he set her down gently on the soft grass.

When she was seated, Dananjaya knelt beside her, his sharp gaze scanning her for any injuries. "Are you hurt, Devi?"

Pramila shook her head, her voice barely audible. "No. I..." She paused, her composure slipping as her fingers trembled against the hem of her saree. "I thought I would die."

Dananjaya's jaw tightened, a flicker of emotion crossing his face. "You will never face danger alone while I'm here," he said, his tone resolute. "Your life is more valuable than mine, Your Majesty. I would give it willingly to protect you."

His words struck her deeply, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade around them. Her maids and guards stood at a respectful distance, their whispers barely audible.

Finally, Pramila exhaled shakily, forcing herself to meet his eyes. "Thank you, Sir Dananjaya. For saving my life."

The Commander inclined his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It is my duty—and my honor."