I smoothed down the front of my tux, and also my hair. Guests had already started to arrive downstairs, and Kelsey had come to see if I was coming anytime soon. I had rolled my eyes, and shooed her away to get ready.

I wore an all black tux with a golden tie. I smiled at my reflection and started out of my room and into where the party was being held. Women in dressed talked in groups or were at their husband's side. All the men wore tuxes, and there wasn't much diversity. I spotted Ren first, as he was talking to a large group of people. I then saw Kesley standing near the back with Anik.

I started towards them, and Kelsey smiled. She wore the sharara, and she looked beautiful in it. I walked up, and bowed. "Miss Kelsey."

"Kishan," she said, lightly picking up her skirt and curtsied. I chuckled, straightening. She straightened, looking around. "I've never been to a party like this."

"It's very boring," I said, frowning. "Nothing happens. I only come down here for the free drinks and food."

Anik sighed at my statement and I smiled at him. "You know, Kishan, you don't have to come to these."

"I'm aware," I replied, and shrugged. Anik sighed again and Kelsey giggled at his dismay. I clapped him on his shoulder. "Don't fret, my friend."

"Oh, Kishan," Kelsey said, stepping forward. She touched my tie, and looked up at my eyes. "It matches your eyes."

I smiled triumphantly. "Yes, it does, doesn't it? It's almost like I did that on purpose!"

Kelsey smirked and seemed to restrain herself from hitting my shoulder. "I was just saying."

"I know," I said, taking her hand, and kissed it. "Do you like it?"

"Yes," she said, nodding, after a moment of thought.

Distantly, I heard the door open. I looked up, and my heart stopped and I froze. It was an older man with a younger woman. But it was the woman... Her hair was thick and fell down to her waist, as dark as the ebony wing of a black bird. She had a beautiful oval face, plush lips, and the darkest lashes and brows. My Princess: Yesubai.

I ignored the two that were trying to get my attention from my sudden lack of movement, and made towards the woman. As I walked closer, the breath in my lungs seemed to lessen. Now, if her eyes...

I stopped in front of the two, and the two looked at me uncertainly. I blinked, and it felt as if my heart bursted in my chest. I dipped my head to try and regain my composure, and then looked up at them with a smile. "Welcome," I greeted.

"Hello," said the man. He was tall, with broad shoulder and a thin waist. He was in his late forties, maybe early fifties. And he looked nothing like the woman at his side. "Is Mr. Dhiren Kadam here?"

I paused before remembering that Anik was our 'uncle.' I nodded. "Yes, he is right this way, Mr...?"

"Rana," he said.

"Mr. Rana," I said, smiling. I then looked to the girl. "And you?"

"Yajna Rana," she said, with an accent similar to the man's. Her voice was light and sweet. "And you?"

"Kishan Kadam," I replied, dipping my head.

There was a bright smile on her face as she answered, "So you two are Indian Prince's."

I paused, staring at her in surprise. She laughed at my expressed. "Like the story. Dhiren and Kishan were brothers."

I sighed mentally and then laughed. "Yes. Our parents were fond of Indian stories."

"Mr. Rana!" I cringed at his voice, and smothered the growl that rose in my throat as I turned to look at my brother. He shook the man's hand, and I didn't see him falter as he shook Yesu- Yajna's hand. Did he not see Yesubai in her? Was he that blind to her?

"I'm guessing this is the Yajna I heard about at dinner," Ren said, switching to hindu.

"The very same!" Mr. Rana laughed. His daughter rolled her eyes and I saw a hint of a blush on her cheeks. "Is Mr. Pillai here?"

"I haven't seen him," Ren said, clasping his hands behind him. He then stepped back and offered the man to walk before him. "Shall I show you where the food is prepared?"

"I would like that," Mr. Rana said. He looked to his daughter. "What about you?"

"I'm not hungry," she replied. "Go on without me, father."

"If you would like, I could introduce you to some friends of mine," I offered. She nodded, and we began to walk to where Kelsey and Mr. Kadam were, and two other men had joined the small group.

But, as we passed, Ren caught my eye. I ignored the warned look, and continued until I was at Kelsey's side. Mr. Kadam looked at the woman at my side in silent surprise, his eyes dashing back to me every so often. I ignored the looks. I seemed to be doing that a lot this evening.

"Kelsey, Mr. Kadam," I said, and indicated the woman at my side. "This is Yajna Rana."

"Hello," Kelsey said, smiling. "That's a very pretty sharara." And indeed it was. It was blue, but a much darker blue than Kelsey's, and it almost had a purple tinge to it.

"Thank you," she said, and smiled. "You're American. May I ask what you're doing here in India?"

"I work for Mr. Kadam," she said, indicating the older man. "I'm his assistant."

"I'm sure that's fascinating," she said, and then looked at the other two men. We introduced ourselves, and we were all laughing and talking, when I suddenly felt a hand clamp down on my shoulder.

I turned and wasn't surprised to see Ren. His eyes were dark, but he had a light expression. "Excuse us," he said to the group. "I need to have a word with Kishan and my uncle."

"Of course, Dhiren," I said, frowning. He practically dragged me to our destination, and I looked back fleetingly at the two girls looking at me. I brought my hand across my throat, and Kelsey giggled. I winked before I was pulled into an empty room.

We were all quiet for a moment. I yanked my arm from Ren's grip, and straightened out my jacket. "That was unnecessary. I have two feet. I might've followed you."

"That girl looks exactly like Yesubai," Anik said quickly before Ren's temper flared.

"Mr. Rana showed me a picture of her yesterday," Ren said, pushing his hands into his pockets. "It was a bad photo. I thought she looked familiar..."

"Familiar?" I growled, rounding on him. "Did you ever look twice at Yesubai? She looks exactly like her! Or has your memory been worn with age, brother?"

"Do not test my patience," Ren growled threateningly. "I'm not in the mood for this conversation. I'm tired of your behavior. Don't you think I should be the one mad at you? Who stole my betrothed? We wouldn't be cursed if you had kept your hands and feelings to yourself!"

"Boys," Anik said, trying to break this argument up.

"Or how you never paid attention to her?" I growled, stepping forward. I felt the tiger lurking just beneath my skin, waiting for the chance to swipe its claws. "She didn't love you! She never did! And she hated to be called Bai! She thought it was lowly! Not something expected of a Prince!"

It happened so fast I didn't see it coming. His fist knocked me in the mouth, and I stumbled back, trying not to wince. What shocked more was that he didn't change into a tiger and attack me while I was off guard. I tried moving my jaw, and wasn't surprised to hear a crunch. He had broken it.

Ren walked towards me, grabbing two handfuls of my tux and pushed me against the wall. He brought his face close to mine, and growled, "Don't ever speak to me like that again. Do you understand me?" I looked at him defiantly as best as I could. Ren had a quick temper, and I had never seen him this mad. His eyes were dark, his jaw set, and murder in his eyes. He shook me. "Do you understand me?"

"Yes," I hissed, my jaw repairing itself enough so I could talk. I pushed him off, and the only reason I could was because he was done with me. He stormed to the door, shook his head, regaining his composer, and walked out.

Anik walked over to me, and placed a hand gently on my shoulder. "Kishan?"

I shrugged his hand off, and rubbed my jaw. It was healed now. "What?"

"Do you think when you and Ren were cursed, Yesubai might have been to?" He said, and looked up thoughtfully. I always liked how Anik could brush something off like it hadn't happened. "It would explain how Yajna looks exactly like the young princess."

"I've noticed," I said, rolling my eyes.

He paused, looking at me, before sighing. "I'm returning to the party. Care to join me?"

"I will in a few minutes," I replied, looking away from him. I stood there even after I heard the door close. I let out the breath I had been holding, my gaze looking to the window. I could always run now, into the safe haven of the woods. Why did I ever leave the jungle?

And then I heard the door open. I looked up, expecting Anik again, but I stopped short when I saw it was Yajna. She blushed slightly. "Um, music began. Kelsey suggested I had come to get you..."

"Thank you," I said, walking to the door, fixing my front and then smoothed back my hair. I smiled at her, and offered my hand. "Want to dance?"

She smiled, and nodded, taking my hand.

We danced, and danced, and danced... I was in heaven. We talked little, but when we did, I could easily see my Yesubai. I sometimes caught myself smiling fondly at the memories of me and my love.

Even though I hadn't wanted to see my brother, I saw Kelsey. She had a dance or two with Ren, and one with Anik. It was strange; Kelsey go from petting and talking to Ren the tiger, but with Ren the man she was rather strange. She wasn't like that with me.

And, all to soon, the party was coming to a close. Mr. Rana gave a thank you speech, and that Mr. Pillai never showed up, which he noted, and everyone chuckled. Even Yajna did, but it was more fondly. I didn't understand why it was funny; perhaps he did this often?

And so, the servants gathered coats and hats that were worn and given to their rightful owners as they headed out to their cars. Mr. Rana was among the last few to stay, and I was awfully glad.

Yajna and I had broken away from the small group that was still remaining, and stole two seats that were emptied.

"So, your brother goes by Ren?" She asked, raising a brow.

"Yes," I said, nodding. "He's rather fond of that nickname. Kelsey gave it to him, I believe."

"What's wrong with Dhiren?" She questioned.

I shrugged. "He just likes Ren."

"Hm," she said, frowning slightly. I wanted to smile happily at her response. My Yesubai didn't like that thought of nicknames, either. And this Yajna didn't seem to be fond of them, either. Oh, how I wanted to grab and kiss her in joy!

And then her father summoned her, saying they were leaving. We both stood, and I smiled. "It was very nice to meet you, Miss Rana."

"And you, Mr. Kadam," she said. I took her hand, and kissed it softly.

"Until next time, then," I said. A light blush rose on her cheeks, and she nodded happily, before hurrying to her father's side. The doors closed behind them, and that ended the party.

I walked to where Ren, Kelsey, and Anik were standing. I loosened my tie, and looked at Kelsey. "Hey, you wanna help me undress? This tux seems to be designed for sticking to me..."

Kelsey giggled, and Ren gave me another look which I ignored (For maybe the tenth time). "I don't know, Kishan," Kelsey said, nudging my shoulder. "You looked like you were getting cozy with Yajna."

"Oh, Miss, Kelsey, I forgot," Anik said, sighing. He took her shoulder, and began explaining what our small departure earlier was about. Her eyes grew wide in surprise, but she didn't look totally off guard. She looked between Ren and I.

"She looked like Yesubai?" she said.

"Yes," I said, smiling fondly. "Right down to the lovely violet eyes."