ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND (SS)||Complete - Page 56

Previous update on page 71

Queen of Hearts

Before going to the ball, Prince Mrityunjay and Princess Tara went to the balcony to thank the citizens for joining them. He pecked on her lips to give the customary kiss in front of the citizens. He wanted to pick up the kiss from where it was interrupted at the altar by the priest but knew that if he continued, it would be impossible for them to stop. The citizens cheered and offered their good wishes to the newlyweds.

Seeing Prince Mrityunjay getting so much love and respect from the citizens, the King’s heart swelled with pride. He had seen his progress in the past three months. He had caught things quickly and after his expedition, he seemed more knowledgeable than anyone in his court. He thought now was the time.

As soon as the customary kiss at the balcony was done, both Prince Mriyunjay and Tara were escorted to the rooms where they had gotten ready to change for the ball. Soon they were ready. Princess Vasu whispered in Tara’s ear, “Today Prince Mrityunjay will have a hard time keeping his hands off you.”

Prince Mrityunjay was knocking at Tara’s door to escort her to the ball. When the door to her room opened, Prince Mrityunjay was in awe to see her glowing in the golden off-shoulder gown like a sun. He offered his hand to her and she gladly accepted it. He brought her hand to his lips and planted a chaste kiss on her knuckles and then rested his head there for a brief second.

Prince Aditya cleared his throat behind him to get their attention. Prince Mrityunjay quickly rose to his full length and rested her hand in the crook of his arm. Once Prince Mrityunjay and Tara were on their way to the ball, Prince Aditya escorted Princess Meethi and Princess Vasu to the same.

******

The royal family was seated in the ballroom watching the bubbling citizens.

King Jayraj stood up from his throne and addressed, “I would like to congratulate Prince Mrityunjay and Princess Tara on their wedding.”

All cheered. He continued, “As you can see, I am growing old. I think now the time has come to announce your new King,” he said looking at Nirmala.

She nodded. She had also seen Prince Mrityunjay’s progress herself and was sure that now he was ready for it.

“I announce Prince Mrityunjay as the next King,” he said. Everyone cheered.

Mrityunjay stood at his place, bowed to the King and said, “It is an honour for me as the King thought me able enough to be the next King. But I propose Prince Aditya as he is more capable than me and he will be a great King.”

Prince Aditya stood and bowed to the King. “I appreciate Prince Mrityunjay’s proposal but I would like to be his advisor instead of being the King,” he said giving a pointed look to Mrityunjay.

Mrityunjay thought to argue with him but looking at Aditya, he understood he would not be able to change his mind and sat down again.

The King smiled at his sons and said, “Prince Mrityunjay’s coronation will happen after a year.” Prince Mrityunjay agreed at this but in his mind he was determined not to sit on the throne for the next three years at least. He thought he would figure out how to postpone this later. For now he wanted to enjoy his present with Tara.

The King stood up from his throne and called Tara and Prince Mrityunjay to come forward. Tara was confused when Mrityunjay held her hand and stepped forward with her. She looked at her husband quizzically but he just smiled and gently squeezed her hand with affection.

She found two men walking towards them, each with a cushion. One had an intricately designed tiara on it and another had a stone-studded crown on it. Then it dawned on her what was following next. She had heard the announcement that Mrityunjay would be the king in future but she did not know about the formal coronation. On top of that in the last couple of days along with preparing for the event, the one most special thing that was making her heart beat faster was that Mrityunjay was hers, only hers. Just this very thought was making her ecstatic enough to forget the existing world.

Now as she had seen the tiara, she became aware of her coronation as well. She had high regards for Mrityunjay’s dad but this gesture of his dad had made her feel so special and the world’s most loved daughter. She was admiring her life and thinking how she got this lovable family and her Mrityunjay.

Her chain of thoughts was broken by the mantra chanting and she realized where she was. She then looked at Mrityunjay who was smiling his best smile. She just smiled at him. Then the priest anointed Mrityunjay and her and then one by one placed the golden circlets on their heads. Now she was a royal as well. Crown Princess Tara with her royal Crown Prince Mrityunjay. This was just like a fairy tale.

After the coronation, the royal family joined the ball. The newlywed couple started the dance shortly followed by the King and the Queen. Slowly others joined them. Tara was bubbling with happiness at being in his arms again after a night’s separation.

Mrityunjay lowered his lips to her ear and in a very low voice said, “I just want to rip off your dress and love you but damn these traditions.”

She giggled and pulled him down to her level to murmur, “You should have known.... Gentleman.”

He groaned and pinned her to him, making her face flare, “Don’t tease me because I will show you how much of a gentleman I am in our chamber tonight.” A shiver ran through her. She was waiting for him to fulfill his promise.

The King and the Queen who were near Prince Mrityunjay heard bits of their conversation and smirked. “I think we should expect grandchildren soon,” he said chuckling lightly.

The Queen laughed and said, “I won’t mind a small kid running around in this place.” Her eyes were moist thinking even though she was not present in Mrityunjay’s childhood, she would be present in his child’s.

Aradhana, who was standing away from the dancing crowd, was sniffing lightly. Govind came to her and offered her his handkerchief. He then bowed slightly and offered his hand to her, “May I have the honour of dancing with you, beautiful madam?” She blushed deeply and reprimanded him for this. But he insisted that he wanted to dance with her and she finally gave in and accepted his offer.

When Princess Meethi and Prince Aditya were dancing, Princess Meethi lightly cleared her throat drawing Prince Aditya’s attention from her lips to her eyes. He smiled and pulled her a little closer to him. “I think now is the time to tell you something,” she said looking at him skeptically.

He frowned and said, “Are you hiding something from me?”

“Yes... No... I mean...” She was getting nervous seeing his eyes so she closed her eyes and rested her head on his chest.

“Say it. Please,” he pleaded softly bringing his lips near her ear.

“I... I am expecting,” she whispered and screwed her eyes shut tightly.

His frown deepened and he asked, “What you are expecting?”

Princess Meethi immediately lifted her head and looked him in the eye to see that he was not jesting and he was really clueless to what she had just said. She sighed and pulled his head down and whispered, “I can’t imagine myself handling two children.”

He immediately rose to his full height and hope sparkled in her that finally her husband had got the news but to her great disappointment he was still clueless. She sighed heavily and dragged him outside the ballroom.

When they were far away from the crowd, she smiled at her confused husband and said, “You need to grow up Prince Aditya as our child needs a father.”

At first he was confused. Then after a moment, the news dawned on him and he looked at his wife to see if it was a jest. When he saw her genuinely smiling, his eyes immediately went to her flat stomach. He looked up and asked, “You are pregnant?” She nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. He immediately hugged her. “I seriously need to grow up,” he chuckled kissing her forehead.

Princess Vasu accidentally eavesdropped on the news. She sighed. She seriously needed to watch where she was going because at every turn either of her two brothers was proffering their love for their wives. She hoped to have a bit of love like theirs in her life.

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Thanks for reading!

Thanks, Shaina_b for making it readable😊

Leave your comments!

One more update and then an epilogue.

Epilogue will be not so smooth. It will have grammatical error and error in sentence formation. We all know the reason why it will be💔

Previous update on page 72

A/N: Some contents at the end of the chapter are for 16+. You were warned!

A Taste of the Heights

After a few rounds of dancing, it was time for the father-daughter dance. Govind expertly glided the floor with his daughter. He was happy seeing her bubbling with excitement to start her new life. Later they were joined by Prince Mrityunjay gliding with Queen Nirmala and Princess Vasu with King Jayraj. Prince Aditya asked Aradhana to dance with him and they joined the others on the dance floor. Princess Meethi danced with her dad who had come for this occasion along with his family.

After all the ceremonies were done, Tara was taken to Prince Mrityunjay’s new chamber which he had shifted to after his return, which would now be theirs. The room was beautifully decorated with flowers and scented candles.

Tara was standing near the window from where the bloodline trees were visible. She smiled and imagined herself planting a sapling. She giggled thinking about where her thoughts were going.

Mrityunjay hugged her from behind and whispered, “What’s the matter? Why are you laughing?”

“You see there,” she pointed at the three trees. “They are bloodline trees. Each one represents the King’s children.” She stopped after that thinking it was more than enough for Mrityunjay to know what she was thinking.

“I see, but still I am unable to understand why you were laughing?” he asked turning her around and placing his thumb under her chin so that he can see her face. She blushed. “Were you thinking about our children?” he asked raising an eyebrow and with a smirk on his face.

Her face grew a shade darker and she lowered her face. He lifted her face. She closed her eyes unable to face him.

“If that’s your wish then we should get on to that.” Saying this, he kissed on her lips. Tara brought her hands around his neck and pulled him towards her. He scooped her up in his arms without breaking the kiss and placed her on the king-size bed.

He pulled away to catch his breath and said, “I have waited for you so much Tara.” She giggled and pushed him away. He brought his hands around her waist and pulled her towards him. She crashed against his strong chest. He rested his forehead against hers. She caressed his cheek. He took her hand in his and kissed the inside of her palm and said, “Tara you are the light of my life. You brought love in my life. You brought me to my family. Thank you, Tara, for choosing me.”

Her eyes were welled up with tears of happiness. She smiled and a tear escaped. Mrityunjay brought his lips to the escaped tear on her cheek and sipped it sending a sudden spark in Tara’s body. He kissed on her other cheek and started removing her jewellery replacing the empty space with his wet kisses.

One by one he removed all her jewellery. By the time he removed them, Tara’s body was on fire because of his kisses. Tara had closed her eyes enjoying the sensation that his kisses were causing. Her heart was beating wildly. Mrityunjay once again captured her lips with his and his hands tried to rip off the gown she was wearing. After two attempts in finding the end of the string on the back of her dress, he growled in frustration. She giggled. Breaking their kiss, he turned her around to search the end of the string and asked, “Who made this dress?”

“Why, any problem?” She giggled again seeing him fumbling with the gems on her dress.

“Yes, there is a problem. I can’t get you out of this blasted dress,” he fumed still continuing his search. Tara threw her head back and barked a laugh. Mrityunjay stilled in his search. When Tara felt his fingers stop, she looked at him and found him disappointed. He took a step away from her. She immediately grabbed his hand and kept it on her cheek. She leaned into his touch and he sighed pulling her into a warm embrace. After a few moments when they parted, Tara snapped her finger and Mrityunjay saw the end of the string to untie her dress. He immediately turned her around and started his work.

While untying, he nuzzled her neck making her close her eyes and lean onto him. When all the strings where undone, he ran a finger on her back making her shiver. She turned to face him with her clouded eyes. When he tried to slip her dress off her shoulder, she stopped him and pulled the string of his tunic. He let her open his tunic. From the opening she saw a part of his chest and planted a few wet kisses there, making him suck in his breath. He pulled her head from his chest and covered her lips with his.

When his lips were exploring her mouth, his one hand was behind her head to keep her in this position and the other hand was running down the length of her body. Her fingers were messing with his hair. He hitched up her gown to her thighs. His fingers playfully ran the length of her leg and then cupped her behind. Her legs now felt like jelly. So she held on his shoulders to keep from falling. He wrapped her leg around his waist and trailed his kisses from her lips to her neck and then to her torso. She moaned softly when he sucked on her neck. She moved her hand on his back and realized he was still dressed. She snapped her fingers and he was left stark naked.

He pulled away from her and looked at himself, “No magic tonight, Tara.” Saying this, he slid her dress from her shoulders and soon her other clothes followed suit. Now she too was stark naked in front of him. He pinned her naked body against his and said, “You are more beautiful now.” She giggled and wrapped her legs around his waist.

He placed them on the bed and planted kisses from her forehead to her belly, giving extra care to her bosom. Her body arched towards him to give him more access. Her stomach was clenching and unclenching in anticipation of him being inside her. He slid his finger inside her making her moan loudly. She was ready for him.

He immediately parted her legs and replaced his finger with his hardness to take them both on the journey of unparalleled intimacy and ecstasy. He intertwined her one hand with his and placed her other hand on his shoulder. He plunged into her, making her squeeze his hand tightly as this was what she was waiting for. He plunged into her again making her thrash under him. With his each thrust they claimed new heights of ecstasy. Tara was moaning loudly as they moved rhythmically. It was like a rainbow of emotions that were surging through her. She almost cried blissfully when they reached the height of passion. He kissed her passionately to let her know he was feeling the same. She was afraid of someone listening to them or their voice being loud enough to attract attention tonight so she had warded the room with soundproof charms.

Later that night, after they were exhausted after many rounds of lovemaking, Mrityunjay was asleep flat on his stomach. Tara traced the nail impression on his back made by her and blushed. This was their first night here and there were many more to come. Her life was changing. Her life had changed quite suddenly from a simple girl to a future queen. She didn’t know anything about how to be a queen but as long as Mrityunjay was with her, there was nothing to be worried about. Today she was with Mrityunjay, her husband, and that was the only thing that mattered. Their love mattered.

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THE END

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Thanks for reading!

Thanks, Shaina_b for making it readable

Leave your comments!

Soon I will post the epilogue.

The epilogue will be not so smooth as stated earlier. It will have many grammatical errors and errors in sentence formation. We all know the reason why it will be

Thanks for being a part of the journey.

Sorry for dragging this story for more than 5 years!

Previous Update on Page 72

And They Lived...

Mrityunjay was standing in front of the mirror examining the customary robe he was wearing. It was his coronation day and he was looking like a King. But he was not pleased with it.

Tara saw his gloomy face and came to him. She stood next to him and glanced at their reflection in the mirror. Their eyes locked. Mrityunjay gave her a strained smile while hers was full of love. He turned and wrapped his arms around her waist, tugging her closer to him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and lifted her eyes to look into his. He leaned his forehead on hers. They closed their eyes and sighed.

Tara moved her one hand to his cheek and another squeezed his waist in reassurance.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, stroking his jaw with her thumb.

“I am afraid I might fail this Kingdom,” he answered softly.

She studied his handsome face. Smiling at him, she raised his face so that he was looking at her.

“You will not,” she stated and rose on her toe-tip and gave a loving kiss on his lips.

He smiled and gazing in her wide-open eyes said, “You seem too sure.”

“I know you more than you know yourself,” she said, laying her hand over his heart.

He took her hand in his and turned it up, kissed inside the palm.

“I believe you,” he stated, drawing her in his embrace.

She rested her head over this thumping heart and tried to soothe him by drawing idle circles on his hand.

She withdrew after a few moments and ironing her hand over his chest said, “Now, smile Prince Mrityunjay, Kingdom don’t want a gloomy King." Then after taking a moment, she added, "Also if you promise to believe me then, I have a gift for you.”

He raised his brow in confusion and questioned, “What is my gift?”

“Not now, tonight,” she winked.

He laughed, musing what she was gifting him that could be greater than her love which kindled his heart and body every moment.

A servant came and informed them about the awaiting ceremony. They were about to leave the room when Pari came skipping and hugged Mrityunjay's leg. Mrityunjay scooped her in his arms and tickled her. The room was filled with her giggles.

"Pari, come here! Prince Mrityunjay's is getting late for the coronation." Princess Meethi reprimanded her.

"It's alright Meethi. We still have some time," Mrityunjay said and returned his focus on Pari.

"Why were you running? You might have fallen?" He questioned softly.

Tara sighed softly if someone had told her that time flies she would not have believed it. But in the past three years, she had seen time flying.

The next day after their wedding, news of Princess Meethi’s pregnancy had delighted the royal family. In the first six months of Mrityunjay and Tara’s marriage, they had visited neighbouring Kingdom.

As the day of Meethi’s delivery had neared, she was confined to her chamber. Tara being the lovely friend had cancelled any future visits till Meethi’s delivery and morally supported the expecting mother. Princess Vasu was also taking good care of Princess Meethi.

Prince Aditya had been at Princess Meethi’s side during her term. He had taken good care of her assuring her time and again that she was still beautiful with her pregnant belly.

The Queen had often worried for Meethi’s child, remembering how their first child had been stolen away from her. The King had assured her that nothing like the past was going to happen again. To support him, Tara had warded off the Princess Meethi chamber of negative energy. Soon, the royal family had welcomed Princess Pari.

After spending a few months with the newborn baby, Prince Mrityunjay and Princess Tara were sent off for a two months visit to their kingdom. It was customary to visit the kingdom by to-be-king and to-be-queen before the coronation. King Jayraj had insisted that as soon as they return from their visit they will be crowned as King and Queen. Prince Mrityujnay had tried to negotiate with his father to delay the coronation to which he had declared, “You visit the kingdom with Tara and I will see what can be done.”

Once they had returned from their visit, Prince Mrityunjay had again approached his father to delay the coronation, to which he had agreed, reluctantly. King had discussed this with the Queen and Prophet. After discussion, he had decided that some more time would be granted to the Prince before the responsibilities of the Kingdom were given to him.

Prophet Govind had resumed his training with Prince Mrityunjay, now for King. The Prince himself observed the King, his father, how he worked. Prince Aditya was always with him advising him when he had asked something.

Tara was also tutored at the same time about being Queen. She was now not just a simple girl but she was Princess, Princess Tara. Queen Nirmala took it upon herself to tutor her.

The Palace was filled with the cries and giggles of little Princess Pari. The King and Queen were overjoyed seeing their happy family.

Tara was brought out of her reminiscence hearing the giggles of Pari. She sighed again, Mrityunjay was always good with Pari, and he would be good with their own...

"I heard you will be King and no longer a Prince and Aunty Tara will be Queen no longer a Princess. So I came here to say I want my Uncle and Aunt even when you are no longer Prince and Princess." She said pouting. Princess Meethi gasped hearing her daughter while Tara and Mrityunjay laughed.

"I promise you, Princess Pari, this King will always be your Uncle," he said and kissed on her forehead.

“And this Queen will be your Aunt”, he continued winking to Tara.

"Yes!" Pari squealed and immediately squirming down, out of his arms, fled to her father who had just entered the room. He quickly picked her in his arms and kissed her forehead.

"He will always be my Uncle," she whisper-shouted to her father while pointing at Mrityunjay.

"Sure, he will be," he tickled her and the chamber was again filled with her giggles.

After her giggles subsided Prince Aditya said, "I think we should get going for the coronation."

He hugs Prince Mrityunjay and patting on his shoulder said, "You are spoiling her, wait till you have one demanding everything." Tara gasped and he just winked at her. She blushed at his suggestion, while Mrityunjay coughed.

Prince Aditya catching a gaping Meethi's in one hand and holding Pari in his other ran from the room. Mrityunjay loved his brother, but times like this he wished to beat him up. After the coughing and blushing were receded, Mrityunjay and Tara too left the room.

*****

Both Prince Mrityunjay and Princess Tara walked together in court. The court was filled with guests from the neighbouring Kingdom and common people of Storybrooke.

Prince Mrityunjay and Princess Tara stood before the King’s and Queen’s throne. The priest anointed them, and Prophet Govind brought the crowns and placing it upon their head completed the ceremony.

Jayraj and Nirmala were standing near the throne. Nirmala’s eyes were filled with tears seeing her son as the new King. How in such a short time life had graced beautiful moments in her life.

Aradhana was standing a bit away from Tara. She wiped her traitorous tears that continuously flowed in this happy moment. Her daughter was now the Queen!

The guests from the neighbouring Kingdom presented gifts to the newly crowned King and Queen.

King Mrityunjay leaned a little towards his Queen and whispered in her ears, “It’s really hard to wait for your gift.” She blushed at his comment but refused to say anything. By the time the ceremony came to an end, it was night. Everyone retreated to their room.

*****

As soon as Mrityunjay and Tara were alone in their room, he yanked her to him and gave her a heart-stopping kiss. Tara snickered seeing him so desperate and pulled herself away from him.

“It’s not what you are thinking about, my King.”

He again tugged her to him. He dipped his head in the crook of her neck and murmured, “then what is, my love?” His breath caressed her neck sending shivers down her spine.

She moaned, “Mrityunjay”.

He smiled, seeing her reacting still the same way as it was their first time. He kissed on her shoulder and asked again, “Say, my love, what’s my gift?”

She was trying to form words, but Mrityunjay’s roaming hands and lips were making her mind mushy. So she freed herself from him and stepped away from him.

Mrityunjay looked at her flushed face and chuckled. He strolled towards her but she stopped him by saying, “Wait there, please, first let me speak.” He paused and folded his arms over his chest.

“Mrityunjay... Mrityunjay…,” she hesitated.

“I am listening, my love,” he acknowledged, smirking at her. He was amused by seeing her flustered. He had never imagined she would ever hesitate in saying something.

“I... We... We are expecting,” she quickly finished her sentence and covered her face with her hands. There, there it was out!

First, Mrityunjay didn’t understand what she said and stood there replaying her words in his mind. After a few moments when realization dawned on him, he quickly walked to her and engulfed her in his arms. Tara buried her face in his chest.

“You... You are pregnant!” he exclaimed.

She nodded without lifting her face from his chest. He lifted her face and kissed on her eyes. She opened her eyes and found love in his eyes, for her and their unborn child.

“This is the best gift, Tara! Thank you!” he embraced her again.

“Tara, we will be parents,” he gushed, picturing himself holding a baby and she nodded.

Mrityunjay sat on his knees and kissed her stomach.

“Your parents love you,” he whispered to her belly.

She smiled seeing him overwhelmed with the news.

He stood again and narrowing his eyes, demanded, “How long have you known this?”

She giggled and replied, “Last night.”

He hugged her again and said, “Tara, I am so happy! I will protect you and our child. No witch or anything will separate us from our child.”

His voice has lost the sparkle. He knew the feeling of living away from family.

“I know,” she said, burying herself more in his protective embrace.

He scooped her in his arms and placed her gently on their bed. He laid beside her and combed her hair with his fingers. He was looking at her in wonder. How he became so lucky in finding family and love.

Tara brought her hand behind his neck and drew him for a kiss. The kiss started as slow but soon turned passionate. Mrityunjay’s lips moved from her lips to her neck, planting wet kisses. His hands were caressing her body with desire, but suddenly froze when they reached on her belly. Tara frowned and sat looking in his fear-filled eyes.

“I am afraid I might hurt our child,” he admitted.

She smiled and said, “You will not.”

She leaned and kissed him. Mrityunjay gathered her in his arms and kissed her back sweetly. He made sweet love to her, his hands mostly caressing her belly where their future was growing.

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I would have left or given the worst version of this story if Shaina_b would not have encouraged me and helped me write it.

I wish she was here to see me posting the last chapter of this book.