"Only two things can break a king — betrayal or devotion.
One kills. The other makes him dangerous."
— Eris
🎭 Scene — Sara's Room, Lights Shift
The projector screen flickered… then turned off.
A new light source appeared — a door slowly opening, just enough to reveal a silhouette standing behind it.
A woman.
No mask. No hood this time.
Eris… stepped into the light.
She was young. Too young for the amount of chaos she orchestrated.
Sharp eyes. Calm smile. A presence that wasn't loud — it was unsettlingly collected.
Sara stood straight. No fear. Only clarity.
Eris (soft, amused): Most people tremble when I appear. I expected more fear.
Sara (steady): Fear is useful only when you're running. I don't run.
A small, genuine, unsettling smile touched Eris's lips.
Eris: So the actress knows how to be real.
She walked slowly, heels echoing like a clock.
Eris:
Tell me, Sara Mehta.
"How far will you go to love him?"
Sara didn't blink.
Sara:
As far as he goes to protect me.
And further… if I have to.
Eris paused. Interest sparked in her eyes.
Eris: And if protecting him means becoming the villain in his story?
Sara held her gaze.
Sara (soft but fierce):
Then I'll be the most beautiful villain he's ever seen.
🎥 Cut — Aarav's Room
Aarav stood in front of a screen.
A new video began.
Not of his past.
But of Sara.
💬 Her voice — recorded secretly somewhere.
Sara (in footage, voice soft, unaware she was being recorded):
"If I ever become his weakness… I hope I have the strength to become his shield instead."
Something in Aarav… shifted.
His eyes darkened — and softened at the same time.
Aarav (to himself, low): She was preparing to protect me… even when I never asked.
Eris's voice came through speakers in his room too.
Eris: Aarav Vir Rathore.
You believed no one was worthy of standing by your throne.
But this woman… she didn't ask to sit beside you.
"She built her own throne… just to stand level with you."
For the first time in his life, Aarav wasn't just fighting for her.
She was fighting with him.
🔔 Eris steps closer to Sara.
Eris (curious, almost gentle): You're not afraid I'll expose you?
Sara: You can expose a rumor.
But you cannot destroy a bond I chose with open eyes.
Sara (one step closer, fearless):
"You don't scare me, Eris. Your story doesn't control mine."
Silence.
Eris looked at her for a long moment.
Then — she smiled slowly… like a queen recognizing another.
Eris (soft): Good.
The show will be more interesting this way.
She turned her back to leave.
But before disappearing, she spoke one last line —
Eris:
"Next time… he won't be on the same side of the door as you."
Door slams shut.