31 Capital punishment

Nayantara came back to her chamber and sent Dadi ma and Aditya away to look after Siddhant. She went to the bathroom and washed her mouth before she settled on the bed. She had a slight headache due to lack of sleep and all the stress and chaos. Vida helped her to remove her heavy necklace and then gave her a glass of juice.

Nayantara rested her back on the cushion and took a sip of juice. Relief washed over her. The mystery that had been buried for years was finally solved. She could now eat anything freely without worrying about being poisoned. She looked down and stroked her belly with a smile. ‘We did it. We are safe now. You are so strong, my little grain. You handled all the stress with me.’ This was the first time Nayantara talked to her baby, but then her smile dropped as she thought about her husband. No matter how strong he was from outside, he was soft when it came to his family. He loved his family and always wanted the best for them. The baby kicked, and Nayantara gave a weak smile. ‘Just wish your father could handle this betrayal. God gives him strength to do justice.’

Nayantara closed her eyes and tried to catch some sleep. She was on the verge of passing when Vida rushed in. ‘My lady… My lady…’

Nayantara grunted and blinked at her. ‘What, Vida? Can’t I get a moment of peace?’ she asked tiredly.

‘Sorry to disturb your sleep, my lady. But this news is important,’ Vida said in one breath.

Nayantara yawned and slowly sat up. ‘What is it?’

‘My lady, the hearing is over. The king has given his judgment.’

Nayantara straightened her back, sleep vanished from her eyes. She had thought Siddhant would take time, as it was not easy for him to give an order against his sister. She held her breath as she asked. ‘What is it?’

‘The king has ordered Princess Adhisha’s execution. It will happen tomorrow morning.’

‘What!’ Nayantara was stunned for a moment, but then she slowly nodded. ‘She deserves it.’

‘This sounds so scary,’ Vida said.

‘She should think before committing this kind of hideous crime.’

‘Yeah, she is so evil. Who could kill innocent children.’

Their conversation was interrupted by the knock on the door.

‘Enter,’ Nayantara said.

Aazad appeared on the door. ‘My lady, Queen Chitra’s parents want to meet you,’ he informed.

‘Why did you keep them outside? They don’t need permission,’ Nayantara said as she stood up from the bed. ‘Bring them in.’

Aazad walked out, and in a moment Chitra’s presents entered. Nayantara welcomed them with adjoined hands. Their faces were tear stained. Nayantara made them sit on the couch and pour two glasses of water before she took a chair in front of them.

‘Sorry, my lady, we just came here,’ Chitra’s mother said. ‘But we couldn’t stop ourselves. We want to thank you for whatever you did for our daughter.’

’Please, call me Nayantara. I’m like your daughter. And Chitra didi and Aayushi are my family, even if I never meet them. I did everything for myself and my family. That was my duty.’

‘Nobody thought about our daughter in all these years, but you fought for her justice,’ Chitra’s father said, his voice breaking and tears falling from his eyes.

Nayantara could feel their hidden bitterness towards Siddhant. And why not? He forgot about Chitra and married again and again.

‘Our Chitra was not ambitious. She had nothing to do with the throne. She just made one mistake, she fell in love with Prince Siddhant. We told her this relationship was too high for us. She would be burdened with trying to keep up with the royals. To marry the prince, she must know the politics and game of the throne. But she was too innocent for it. And we lost her,’ Chitra’s father cried out his heart.

Nayantara looked at them with pity in her eyes. She was about to say something when Vida again rushed by her side. ‘My lady…’

‘Vida, can’t you see I’m busy?’ Nayantara said in a soft, scolding tone.

‘No, no, my lady, it’s okay. We just came here to thank you. Now we will leave,’ they both stood up and joined their hands.

Nayantara also stood up and joined her hands. ‘Sorry for this interruption. But I will come to your home to meet you.’

‘We would be very pleased. You are always welcome, my lady,’ Chitra’s mother said with a smile, and they walked away.

Nayantara turned to Vida with angry glare. ‘Vida, they are Queen Chitra’s parents. They are important. This kind of interruption is an insult.’

‘I know they are important, my lady. But this is about your mother-in-law,’ Vida said.

Nayantara narrowed her eyes. ‘Now what happened?’

‘She lost her consciousness, my lady.’

‘What?’

‘Yes, Dadi ma is with her. Rajmata begged the king so much to change his decision. But the king didn’t listen to her, and he just walked away.’

‘Oh, God!’ Nayantara walked out and rushed down to Rajmata’s chamber.

Padmini was lying on the bed with her eyes closed. The physician was there, and Dadi ma was sitting beside her.

‘Dadi ma, how is maa shri?’

‘Siddhant’s order put her in great trauma. I don’t know how she will handle this.’ Dadi ma snuffled, wiping her eyes.

‘What do you think, dadi ma, Siddhant’s decision is right?’ Nayantara asked.

‘I don’t know, daughter. I was just wondering why I didn’t die before seeing all this. Today I lost both my children. Siddhant was in pain, and Adhisha…’ She burst into tears. ‘Where we made a mistake in raising her. My little girl, who just got happy with the dolls, is now killing everyone for the throne. It is all our fault. We didn’t oppose enough when she chose the wrong suitor for her.’

Nayantara wrapped her arms around her. ‘Calm down, dadi ma.’

Dadi ma rested her head against her and cried out her heart. ‘Adhisha ruined everything. She tore our family apart.’

Nayantara kept rubbing her back, and Dadi ma eventually calmed down. She pulled back to look at Nayantara. ‘Did you take your lunch?’

Nayantara slowly shook her head.

‘Go, eat something.’

‘How can I eat when my family has not eaten anything.’

‘You think we could eat anything today. But you have to eat for that little life inside you. Go, child, there is no one here to take care of you. You have to take care of yourself,’ Dadi ma sobbed, her voice wet with emotions.

‘Don’t worry about me, dadi ma. I will take care of myself. You go and rest for some time. I will eat and stay with maa shri.’

‘No, you go to your husband. He needs you. I will stay with Padmini.’

‘Okay, take care of yourself. I will be back in some time.’ Nayantara gave Dadi ma a quick consoling hug before she walked away.

She came out and looked at her guards. Abhay stepped forward and bowed his head. ‘Abhay, find out where the king is,’ she said.

Abhay walked away, and Nayantara waited until he came back with information. ‘My lady, nobody knows where the king is.’

Worry creased Nayantara’s brows as she said, ‘What kind of answer is this? The king of Maharav is missing, and nobody knows. This is the security of the king.’

Abhay lowered his gaze, and Nayantara dismissed him with a wave of her hand. Maybe Aditya knows.

Nayantara went to Aditya’s chamber and slightly knocked on the door.

‘Go away, if you don’t want me to kill you,’ Aditya barked.

Nayantara took a sharp breath before she walked in. His room was scattered. The showpieces were broken, and pillows were on the ground. Aditya was sitting on the floor in front of a big painting with some toys around him. It was him with a little, chubby girl perched on his shoulders. Both of them had a laughing smile on their faces. It was such a lively painting.

‘Seems like you don’t love your life,’ Aditya seethed without turning back.

‘It is me, Aditya,’ Nayantara said meekly.

Aditya quickly wiped his tears as he turned around. ‘Sorry, sorry, babhi shri, I thought… please come.’

Nayantara looked at the painting, and then Aditya. ‘Look like you were very close to Aayushi.’

Some fresh tears fell from Aditya’s eyes, and he lowered his head to hide it. ‘Aaushi always loved me more than anyone else. And I… I couldn’t protect her,’ he heaved. ‘She used to eat from my plate. She wouldn’t go to her chamber until I told her bedtime stories. She had made her doll house in my chamber, and she tried to do sword practice with me with her toy sword. Once I went out of town for a few days, and when she didn’t find me in the palace, she cried a lot. She didn’t even eat and sleep properly. Bhai and bhabhi shri tried everything to calm her, but nothing worked until I came back to her. She thought I left her because she ate my food, and she used to defeat me in sword practice. She kept crying into my arms until I reassured her that I’m not angry with her and I will never leave her.’ Aditya buried his face in his palms and burst into tears. ’I still couldn’t believe Adhishadidi did this. She took my doll away.’

Tears collected in Nayantara’s eyes. Her family was falling, and she was not able to do anything. She stepped forward and placed her hand on his shoulder. ‘If you cry like this, Aditya, then who will handle your brother?’

Aditya looked up at her with a tense look in his eyes. ‘Is bhai shri okay?’

‘I don’t know where he is,’ Nayantara said weakly.

Aditya stood up abruptly. ‘Bhai shri is not in the palace?’

‘Nobody knows where he is.’

‘You don’t worry, bhabhi shri, I will find him. You go to your chamber and rest.’

Nayantara nodded and walked out. She came back to her chamber and had lunch. Now she didn’t have to bother her daai ma as she could eat the royal food. But the royal food today felt savorless. Still, she tried to eat a little for her baby.

She was pacing up and down in her room when a guard came with information.

‘My lady, the king went out of the palace on his horse. Prince Aditya and some guards are following him. We will keep updating you with the king’s location.’

Nayantara gave a reluctant nod, and he left.

The day passed like this, but Siddhant didn’t come back. Nayantara got the news that Siddhant was safe and in a nearby forest, just aimlessly riding on his horse.

Exhausted from a frantic day, Nayantara changed into her nightclothes and ate dinner. She read a book to distract herself before she went to bed and lied down to give some rest to her aching back. She didn’t know when she fell asleep while waiting for her husband. Her slumber was interrupted by dull voices outside her chamber. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the window. It was dawn. She slowly sat up, and stress washed over her as Siddhant still hadn’t come home. She stood up and went to the bathroom. After emptying her bladder, she washed her mouth and face. By the time she came out, the voices outside had become louder. Wrapping a shawl around her night clothes, she walked out.

‘Let me go. I want to meet the queen.’ Rajmata was screaming, and two maids were holding her arms.

‘What’s going on?’ Nayantara shouted. ‘How dare you stop Rajmata.’

‘My lady, Rajmata is not well,’ the maid said. ‘She keeps losing her consciousness, so we are requesting her to…’

‘Nayantara, please help me,’ Padmini cried.

‘I will help you, maa. Please calm down,’ Nayantara said as she stepped forward and took the hold of Padmini’s arm. ‘Come inside. We will talk.’

‘We don’t have time to talk. They will kill my daughter in some time. They will not listen to me. But Siddhant has given you as much power as him. You can stop them. They will have to follow your orders.’

Nayantara flinched at her demand. ‘Sorry, maa shri. I will not go against the Lord’s decision. Your daughter tried to give me poison. She tried to kill your grandchild you are so desperate for.’

‘I know, Nayantara. I’m not siding with her. I just want you to spare her life. You keep her in prison for the rest of her life, but don’t kill her. Please, I’m begging you,’ she said with her hands folded together, tears streaming down her face.

Nayantara shook her head at Pamini’s fascination for her daughter. She didn’t care about Aayushi, Chitra, Mrignayani, and their unborn child. How much Chitra and Aayushi would have suffered because of that poison. How much pain Mrignayani would have felt when she fell from the stairs. But she didn’t want to think about all these. All she cared about was her evil daughter. She deserved nothing but death. But if Rajmata would beg in front of her like this, then she had to do something. She couldn’t just leave her alone with her misery. Her condition was delicate, and if her daughter died just now, it could cause her serious trauma. She could consider lightening Adhisha’s punishment and giving her life imprisonment.

‘Alright, maa. Give me a moment,’ she said and went to her study room. She took a quill and paper and quickly wrote a letter with her queen stamp on it. She came out and gave the paper to Aazad. ‘Go quickly and give this letter to the executioner.’

‘As you command, my lady,’ Aazad said and flew off.

Padmini was so anxious, and Nayantara tried to take her inside. But she insisted on staying outside until Aazad came back. Nayantara asked for a chair outside and made her sit on it. Some restless moments dragged by before Aazad came back with the news that they couldn’t stop the execution as it was the king’s order.

Nayantara felt agitated as they dared to challenge her powers.

Padmini cried out in misery. ‘Oh God, now who will save my daughter?’

‘You, please, calm down, maa shri. I will go there and stop this,’ Nayantara said, and Aazad and Abhay exchanged a look. The queen will visit the prison.

Nayantara knew after this insult she shouldn’t go there. They wouldn’t respect her order. But for the sake of her mother-in-law, she decided to go.

The execution chamber was in the south wig. Nayantara walked as fast as she could with her swollen belly. Rajmata followed her restlessly. Nayantara had told her to wait in her chamber, but she wanted to come along. Nayantara adjusted her shawl on her shoulder. She knew it was not appropriate for the queen to walk out in her night clothes. But if she had cared for her appearance, then Adhisha would have to lose her life. By the time they reached the south wing, Nayantara was panting. Nayantara and Rajmata didn’t know the exact location of the execution chamber, so Nayantara asked Aazad and Abhay to guide them. They led them into a dungeon. It was pitch black. The atmosphere was humid and cold. The floor was uneven and the rats were running here and there. Aazad and Abhay took a flambeau to illuminate their path. The dungeon was a labyrinth of cells, some empty, others occupied. There was a thick smell of rotten food and urine. It was too much for Nayantara’s highlighted senses and she covered her nose with her shawl.

‘Are you all right, my lady?’ Aazad asked.

Nayantara nodded and signaled them to keep walking. Dark and dusty places didn’t bother Nayantara. It was just her pregnancy sensitivity towards the smells. Rajmata’s distressed condition was unable to notice the revolt surroundings around them.

They walked and walked until they reached the depths of the dungeon. That awful smell was less in this area and Nayantara felt some relief. She removed the shawl edge from her nose. They stopped at the large entrance, which was blocked by the strong iron bars. Two soldiers were patrolling it. Nothing was visible inside. It looked like there were many more chambers inside.

‘This is the place, my lady. The execution chamber is behind these bars,’ Abhay said.

Nayantara didn’t waste a moment to collect her breath as time was running out. She approached the soldiers. ‘Open the door,’ she ordered.

‘Apologies, my lady, women are not allowed inside,’ the soldier said.

Nayantara narrowed her eyes. ‘The queen is above the restrictions.’

‘Indeed, you are, my lady,’ the soldier said politely. ‘But we have clear orders from the king that this exception should be done on time and no one, including the royal family, is allowed in.’

Nayantara gritted. Behind her, Rajmata was also getting impatient. But still, she stood quietly and let Nayantara lead it. She had already tried everything. But the female guards pushed her in her room, and the physician forced a sedative herb into her mouth. Nayantara was her only hope.

‘Abhay, Aazad, clear my path,’ Nayantara stated firmly. But they didn’t move from their places, making Nayantara look at them shockingly. ‘Abhay, Aazad, I said clear my path.’

They hung their heads before Abhay said, ‘We can go against anyone for you, my lady, but not the king.’

‘Fine then. I will open it myself,’ Nayantara said wrathfully and stepped up to the gate, but Aazad and Abhay immediately jumped in front of her.

‘How dare you,’ Nayantara seethed. ‘Don’t you think you guys have already committed a mistake by not following my orders?’

Aazad and Abhay kept their gaze low as Abhay said, ‘Apologies, my lady, but you are with child. And the gate is too heavy for the men even. You shouldn’t try something like this. You can kill us for our disobedience, but we cannot let you harm yourself in our presence.’

Nayantara sighed in frustration.

‘My lady, why don’t we call the law minister,’ Aazad suggested. ‘He could clear this issue. If he says that you have the right to overturn the king’s decision, then our problem will be sorted out.’

Nayantara glared at him. She knew what he was trying to do. He wanted to waste the time till the execution. But what she could do. She couldn’t go beyond the limit for a criminal. ‘Alright, call the law minister.’

After some time, the law minister was standing in front of her with a legal executive. The official was reading the legal document the king had given her. ‘As per clauses 27, 38, and 41, the Queen does not possess the authority to override the King’s decision. Any attempt to contravene the King’s decree shall be considered a violation and subject to appropriate penalties. The Queen may only exercise such authority in the event of the King’s absence or unavailability for a period exceeding one month. The quick decision is only acceptable in the war crisis that too…’

‘Okay, okay, I got it,’ Nayantara said, irritable by the statutory language. She looked at Rajmata from the corner of her eyes. Her hope was dying with every passing moment, and she looked even more agitated.

‘Apologies, my lady, but I’m unable to understand why you are doing this. You are an intelligent woman. You know this is capital punishment for high treason. You cannot just stop this,’ the law minister said.

Nayantara lowered her gaze. She knew this very well. But how could she explain all this to a mother who was blind in her daughter’s love.

A thick, tense silence hung between them until Padmini’s feeble voice broke it. ‘Nayantara, please…’ she pleaded.

Nayantara rubbed her brow as every option was run out. ‘Did you ask about her last wish?’ She tried the last weapon to delay the execution.

‘Yes,’ the law minister said. ‘Her last wish is to see her son. But the king denied it.’

Nayantara closed her eyes for a moment. Padmini started crying but stopped abruptly as they all heard the sound of clanking shackles, followed by some muffled screams. The sounds originated from deep within the dungeon, alerting them to Adhisha’s distress.

Everyone held their breath. There was a moment of pin drop silence before they heard a thin, swishing sound of the sword.

Nayantara gasped.

They beheaded Adhisha.

32 The king’s grief

Nayantara’s head was throbbing and her empty stomach was rumbling. In deep down she knew she didn’t try hard enough to save Adhisha. But what could she do when the other half of her brain didn’t want to save her. She was just doing it for her mother-in-law. Rajmata collapsed the moment they beheaded Adhisha. Nayantara didn’t know what to do now. Vikram and Adhisha were dead and no one close to them was here to do their funeral. Kathan was in the gurukul. Nobody knew when Siddhant would come back. She decided to send Vikram’s body back to Jasel, so his parents could do his funeral. But she kept Adhisha’s body here. To her relief, at least Aditya had come back at midnight after assuring that his brother was safe. So Nayantara asked Aditya to do the funeral of his sister.

In some time, Aditya and a few other men went for Adhisha’s funeral. Nayantara came back to her chamber. She was exhausted both physically and mentally. Plus, Siddhant’s absence was worrying her.

Her stomach growled again, and she decided to eat something. There was still time for lunch, so the maid brought a glass of milk and methi parathas.

She finished her milk with one paratha. As her stomach filled with food, her throbbing headache began to subside.

She washed her hands and sat on the swing, moving it slowly. Suddenly she heard a shuffle of approaching feet.

She stood up and looked at the door impatiently. The next moment, Siddhant walked in.

Nayantara cringed as she took in his disheveled appearance. He was still in the same clothes with dried blood of Vikram on them, mixed with dust and mud from traveling. His once strong and masculine posture looked feeble. His broad shoulders were slumped. His hair was scruffy. He looked more barbaric than ever.

His eyes lifted at Nayantara. They were red and tired. ‘Is it done?’ His voice was worn out, barely audible.

Nayantara nodded. ‘It is done.’

Siddhant fell on his knees with a loud wail. ‘Oh God, I killed my own sister.’

Nayantara’s heart stung seeing her husband’s pathetic condition. She ran to him. Sitting on her knees, she engulfed him in her thin arms. ‘Why did you do it, my lord, when you knew it was going to hurt you beyond repair. We could keep her in prison.’

‘I had to do the justice. And now my hands are covered with my sister’s blood,’ he cried pitifully.

‘Oh, my lord,’ Nayantara hugged him even tighter, and Siddhant buried his face in her chest.

‘I did sin. I killed a woman. My own sister. Maharav never gives death punishment to a woman. Will I ever get rid of this sin?’ he mourned.

‘Don’t hurt yourself, my lord. You didn’t kill your sister. Your sister was long gone. She had died the moment she thought about killing her brother’s wives and children just for the throne. The woman who died today is just a cold-hearted murderer.’

‘But how will I face Kathan? What will I tell him?’ Siddhant cried even harder, and Nayantara rubbed his back.

‘Calm down, my lord. Kathan is a wise boy. He will understand.’

‘She should kill me, not my wives and children. I’m not the undefeated king anymore. My sister defeated me. I lost everything. This all happened because of my sins. I fought the wars for power. I should have stopped myself after winning my states back, but no, my obsession to bend Anhilwara was so high that I threw everyone into the fire of war. I killed countless people. This is my sins that took away my wives, my children, my sister,’ he wept, and Nayantara’s heart broke into a million pieces. He cupped her face and looked into her eyes. ‘You are the queen of Maharav. You punish me. You order my execution. That is what I deserve.’

‘Please calm down, my lord.’ Nayantara pushed back his hair and wiped his eyes.

Siddhant buried his face in the crook of her neck. ‘My sister… my sister did everything…’ he kept blabbering. He had never felt this much pain in my entire life. He felt like he lost his wives and children all over again. He thought he hated Nayantara’s father the most, but no, at least Digvijay killed his father in war and attacked him on his chest like a true warrior. But his sister, his family, his blood — stabbed him in the back.

Nayantara didn’t say any sympathetic words. She just let him cry against her chest. She knew no words could reduce his pain. She rubbed his back and caressed his head. They sat like that until Nayantara’s knees started aching.

She slowly pushed him away and stood up. ‘Come with me,’ she tugged on his arm, but he didn’t budge.

‘Siddhant, I cannot carry you. Please stand up,’ she pleaded.

Siddhant obeyed and slowly rose on his feet. Nayantara held his arm and led him to the bathroom. She removed his clothes and made him sit on the stool. She poured water on him. She washed his hair and applied ointment before she rubbed his huge body, removing every dirt and grime.

Siddhant just sat absentmindedly. After cleaning him thoroughly, Nayantara wiped his body with a towel and wrapped a loin cloth around his waist.

She took him to the bedroom and made him sit on the bed. She poured a glass of juice and made him drink it. ‘You sleep for sometime, my lord.’ She knew he hadn’t eaten anything. But she doubted he could put anything in his mouth. So it would be better if he got some sleep.

‘I cannot. I have to… I have to…’ A few tears dripped from his eyes.

Nayantara wiped his eyes. ‘Aditya did her funeral,’ she said, and a few more tears slipped from his eyes.

Nayantara climbed on the bed. She slowly pulled him towards her and put his head on her lap. Siddhant hid his face in her lap and sobbed. He looked like a bulky baby in her lap.

‘Shhh… try to sleep,’ Nayantara cooed and slipped her fingers in his slightly wet hair. She kept pressing and massaging his head until he drifted to sleep.

---

A gloom was settled over the Maharav palace. Siddhant and Dadi ma talked to Kathan, but he was not ready to believe it. His parents were innocent for him. He came to do some funeral rituals and immediately went back to Gurukul. The innocent look in his eyes was gone. Siddhant talked to his Guruji. He requested him to take care of Kathan and talk to him when he was in his right mind, try to make him understand why his uncle had to do this.

Nayantara was feeling so lonely. Siddhant was not himself. He was physically with her but hardly talking to her. He only spoke when Nayantara asked something, that too was very short. He was now eating with Nayantara and made sure she finished her food.

Nayantara was in her six months of pregnancy, and she had gained some weight, but not much, she was still slender. Siddhant was consumed by guilt, blaming himself for her lack of weight gain, convinced that if she had gotten better food, she would have gained even more weight. He had even consulted the physician about her weight. Nayantara felt so embarrassed when Siddhant asked this. Even if Siddhant always cherished her beauty, she knew her female curves were not appealing like Chitra and Mrignayani. She didn’t care much about her outer beauty, but still, her weight was a touchy topic for her as it was related to her past. She had not been like this since her childhood. She was born with a healthy weight. She was a chubby, joyful girl who had loving and overprotective parents. But then that thing happened, and she lost everything. Her smile, her peace of mind, her value. She forgot how to stay happy, and her weight began to decline. And even after coming to Maharav, her bad luck never left her. Here her sister-in-law tried to kill her.

However, the physician reassured Siddhant that it was okay for her as she was naturally slim and she didn’t have any other complications.

Siddhant still wanted to be careful with her diet. He took the first bite of everything and then fed her with his hands. He knew now this precaution was absolutely unnecessary, but he couldn’t help it. He wanted to try everything first. However, his own appetite remained subdued.

He appeared fine during the day and forced himself to look after the Maharav, but at night, when Nayantara fell asleep, he slipped away and went to the painting room. He sat there for hours and hours.

Nayantara was aware of this. But she decided to give him some space and time to deal with his grief. She had asked Aazad and Abhay to keep an eye on him and report everything to her. One day, he even tried to whip himself. The guards and Aditya tried to stop him, but he shoved everyone aside. He only stopped when Nayantara held his whip in her fist. But by then he had caused serious damage to his back. Only Nayantara knew how she controlled her tears when she saw his bleeding back. She hissed all the while the physician bandaged his back, but he remained stoic on his stomach, like he didn’t feel the pain at all.

Nayantara was feeling so helpless. Seeing Siddhant mourn for his family was a newfound pain in her heart. She didn’t know what to do to reduce his pain. Rajmata’s condition was not any better. She was just taking liquid. Aditya and Dadi ma were also turned so quiet.

Today Nayantara decided to cook for everyone. Maybe this way the entire family would eat together and it would lift their mood. And if she was lucky enough, then her mother-in-law would scold her that how poor cook she was. Yes, this sounds like a perfect plan. With a big smile on her face, she marched to the kitchen. She spent hours and hours preparing a perfect meal. She had sent the message to everyone to present at the dining hall for lunch.

Everyone was there in time, except Padmini.

Nayantara looked at Dadi ma.

‘She will not come, child,’ Dadi ma said sadly.

Nayantara’s jaw dropped. She quietly served the food to everyone before she took her place beside Siddhant.

Her heart sank even more when everyone started eating and nobody recognized the change in taste.

In some time, Aditya looked up. ‘You made this, bhabhi shri?’

Siddhant and Dadi ma also looked up at her with a puzzled gaze.

Nayantara nodded with a smile. Finally, at least Aditya cared about her efforts. ‘Yes, do you like it?’

‘It is so delicious, bhabhi shri. Thank you so much, this change is refreshing.’

A big smile came to Nayantara’s lips, and she looked at Siddhant, seeking his appreciation.

But Siddhant’s face was still stoic. ‘You shouldn’t take all this hassle,’ he said dryly, making Nayantara’s smile drop.

‘So you don’t like it?’

‘You know I like everything you cook for me, even if it is filled with hot chilies,’ he said.

‘So today you will finish everything?’ Nayantara asked slowly.

Tears collected in Siddhant’s eyes, and he looked away to hide it.

Nayantara placed her hand on his thick wrist. ‘My lord, you need food to heal your back faster.’

‘Those wounds will heal, Nayantara, but the wound my sister gave me will never heal. I don’t know where I went wrong. Why I couldn’t see all this,’ his voice trailed off.

‘Siddhant, my child, don’t burn yourself like this. Whatever happened, it wasn’t your fault. You should move on. You have your family and kingdom to take care of,’ Dadi ma said.

Siddhant wiped his eyes with the back of his hand as he said, ‘It is easy to say, Dadi ma. Can you forget all these?’

Dadi ma hung her head, and the rest of the lunch was quiet, but at least Siddhant ate a little more than usual.

---

A few days stretched by. Nayantara was angry. Worried. Tired. Siddhant was still visiting the painting room every night. His distant behavior was killing her. He was not even talking to the baby. Thankfully, his back was healed. Even Dadi ma was not interested in teaching her knitting anymore. Aditya was talking to her properly, but he had made himself very busy.

Nayantara was never attention seeking. She never had asked her husband for his time. If he didn’t want to stay with her, she was fine by herself. He came into her life and ruined her plans, otherwise by now her uncle was dead and she would be the queen of Anhilwara.

Anhilwara! My Anhilwara! Her heart ached at remembering her kingdom. One after another problems were coming into her life. She didn’t even have time to think about Anilwara. For everyone, Anhilwara was a wealthy kingdom. But only she knew the inside condition. After her father’s death, Anhilwara was plagued by rampant corruption. The rich grew more wealthier, while the poor faced increasing hardship. Her uncle supported the gambling business, which ruined the future of children and young adults. And if this was not enough, Siddhant threw the protection tax on them. Without her taking control over Anhilwara, this was not going to change. Nobody listens to you until you are the supreme power. But Siddhant made himself clear that a woman cannot sit on the throne.

‘My lady,’ Vida’s voice broke the chain of her thoughts.

She looked up at her.

‘My lady, you had asked me to remind you that today you had to visit some sections of the palace,’ Vida said.

Nayantara nodded. The palace administration was totally under her responsibility. Even Aditya couldn’t help her in that. In the last month, she ignored all her work to solve the murder mystery.

Despite the weight of her troubles, Nayantara rose to her feet and embraced her duties.

---

Siddhant was sitting on the floor, staring at his baby girl. The more he looked at these pictures, the more he was sinking into sorrow. But still, he was not able to detach himself from these paintings. He just wanted to cry and asked for their forgiveness again and again.

It was the middle of the night. Everything was quiet around him. His grief was the only companion. He was lost in his thoughts when a maid’s scream shattered his solitude.

‘My lord, my lord…’

Siddhant grunted and turned to her. It was Vida. She looked panicked.

‘My lord, please come with me. Something happened to the queen,’ she said.

Siddhant stood up abruptly. ‘What happened? Did you call the physician?’ he asked as he rushed for his chamber.

‘Yes, my lord,’ Vida said and ran after the king.

Siddhant felt a deep ache in his chest as he ran all the way to his chamber. He would die if something happened to Nayantara or his baby. He was feeling a little alive just because Nayantara was in his life. What the hell was he doing? He cursed himself. He was so lost in his past and guilt that he forgot his Nayantara also needed his care and attention. Because of his sister, she suffered a lot, and now he was just selfishly thinking about his own grief. She always acted strong, that didn’t mean she didn’t need love and affection. How could he leave her alone every night. It was such an impassive act.

As Siddhant reached his room, the physician was about to leave.

‘What happened?’ he asked the physician as his gaze shifted to Nayantara, who was lying on the bed. She didn’t look in pain, but her face was pale.

‘It is false contractions,’ the physician said.

Siddhant’s face drew in concern. ‘False contractions? What is it?’

‘No, no, nothing to worry about, my lord,’ the physician said reassuringly. ‘It happens sometimes. I suggested her to change her position or walk a little. And drink some water. It will get weaker in a few moments. Call me if she doesn’t feel better in some time.’

Siddhant nodded, and the physician walked away.

Nayantara slowly sat up and hissed at a slight cramp. Siddhant immediately dashed by her side. She looked frail, her head covered with sweat. ‘Are you all right?’ He placed his hand around her, but Nayantara pushed it aside. She crawled to the edge of the bed and rose on her feet. She poured a glass of water and drank it slowly.

Siddhant waited until she finished it. She put the glass aside and walked away.

‘Nayantara, where are you going?’ Siddhant followed her. He placed his hand on her back and slowly pulled her by his side. ‘What happened to you? Are you in pain?’ His deep voice was soft. With a tender touch, he pushed back a sweaty strand behind her ear.

‘Why are you bothering yourself, my lord? When the baby is born, I will inform you,’ Nayantara said dryly. Her patience ran out today. Her sleep broke with pain. It was not horrible pain, but still strong enough to break her deep slumber. She got scared. Her nightmare was still fresh in her head that made her think something happened to her baby. She wanted Siddhant’s consolation, but as usual, he was not with her. However, she didn’t ask Vida to call the king. Vida did it on her own.

Siddhant could understand her anger. She was young, and this was her first child. Any little thing might scare her. Siddhant turned her towards him and kissed her forehead. ‘I’m so sorry, my love. I was so lost in my own grief that I forgot my princess also has gone through a lot.’ His tone was sweet, and his touch was warm and soothing around her.

Nayantara melted by his compassion. She buried her face in his chest and sobbed softly. ‘I can understand you are hurt, my lord. But I’m feeling so lonely. Nobody is talking to me. Everyone is behaving like it was all my fault that I revealed the truth.’

‘No, no, my princess. How could it be your fault?’ Siddhant rubbed her back. She was so vulnerable in his arms. ‘You gave justice to my family. You did what my investigation agency could not. I’m so proud of your intelligence, and I’m so obliged for your sacrifices.’

Nayantara pulled back to look into his eyes. ‘Your distance. Your silence was killing me. I want you with me like before. I don’t like when you leave me every night,’ she complained like a child.

‘I know, my love, I have been very insensitive to you for the past few days. Can you please forgive me this time?’ Siddhant’s voice was thick with guilt. What she didn’t do for him and his family. She even held him and took care of him when he cried. She applied ointment to his shredded back until it healed, and what he did in return.

‘Don’t say sorry, my lord. I know you need time to heal. But I can’t see you drowning in darkness. I need you. We need you,’ she said, placing her hand on her belly. ‘Don’t push me away.’

‘Never,’ Siddhant said as he picked her up in his huge arms and carried her to the bed. Gently placing her down, he climbed beside her.

He cupped her cheeks. ‘Are you still in pain?’ he asked, looking into her eyes.

Seeing her giant husband so close after a long time, Nayantara felt waves of sensation in her body. He looked even more handsome in his exhausted form. His thumb was slowly caressing her cheek. Her mind spun, her senses overwhelmed by the warmth of his body. Instinctively, her hands fisted his kurta.

Siddhant glanced at her tiny fists before he looked up at her. ‘Nayantara, I’m asking you, are you all right?’

Nayantara blinked at him. ‘Y-yeah, I’m o-okay,’ she slurred.

Siddhant smiled and kissed her cheek. ‘Let’s sleep then.’ But before he could move away, Nayantara held his face and clamped her lips on his, kissing him hungrily.

‘Nayantara, it’s time to sleep, love,’ he muttered against her lips, and her face fell.

Siddhant could see a storm in her eyes. It had been a long time since they made up, but right now he was not in the mood. ‘Can we just sleep today?’ he asked as if reading her intentions.

Nayantara nodded, slightly mortified by his rejection.

Siddhant took her hands in his and squeezed them softly. ‘Sorry, I spoiled your mood, princess.’

‘It’s okay,’ she said timidly, and lay down with an aching emptiness settled into her core.

Siddhant fell himself beside her and pulled her into his arm. Nayantara rested her head on his bicep. He could sense her sourness even if she didn’t let it show on her face. ‘Don’t worry, my princess. I will thoroughly take care of you afterward, okay?’ he said as he rubbed her back.

Nayantara kissed his shoulder before she tilted her head to look at him. ‘Your happiness and peace are all I want.’

Siddhant’s eyes watered with turbulent emotions as he lingered on her face.

Nayantara’s brows creased in worry. ‘What happened, my lord?’

Siddhant sucked a shaky breath as he muttered to himself. ‘I don’t know even after doing so many sins how God gave me such an angel.’

Nayantara rolled her eyes. ‘God didn’t give you this angel. You sneaked into heaven and stole her.’

Siddhant growled, and his heavy hand landed on her meaty bottom.

Nayantara winced. ‘Oww.’

‘Don’t ever use that word. The king of Maharav doesn’t need to steal anything. I’m capable of winning whatever I want. I won the princess of Anhiwara and married her in front of everyone.’ His voice was dripping anger and dominance.

Nayantara stifled a giggle. Her beasty husband was back. ‘Oh, did I hurt your male pride? Actually, it slipped from my mouth because when the first time I saw you on the battlefield, you looked like a dacoit to me,’ she teased.

Siddhant glared at her. ‘You have decided to provoke me? Do you want me to show you what dacoit is?’

Nayantara shook her head and quickly closed her eyes. She should better sleep now before his inner beast wakes up and eats her raw.

Siddhant chuckled. Holding his sassy princess close, he shut his eyes. He had decided he wouldn’t go into the painting room again and again. He had to come out of his grief for Nayantara. He couldn’t burden her with his grief. He should have put all his problems aside for her well-being.

Chapter Notes

Siddhant will soon discover Nayantara’s past.

33 Sisters bond

Siddhant walked out of the dressing room and found Nayantara was still asleep. He sat beside her and softly pecked her forehead. She looked radiant in her seventh month of pregnancy. Her beauty was matured, a serene and ethereal radiance of motherhood. ‘Wake up, princess,’ he said as he caressed her head tenderly.

Nayantara grunted and turned to the other side.

Siddhant smiled at her tentums. ‘Look, the sun is high in the sky. Wake up now.’

‘No.’

‘Who sleeps so long?’

‘You kept me up all night,’ Nayantara complained.

Siddhant shook his head. She was the one who was so horny last night and not satisfied even after one round. Only Siddhant knew what he didn’t do to please his queen. She slept after three long, exhausting sessions. And now she put all the blame on him. ‘Nayantara, I have something very important to talk to you. And I need your signs on some papers. Please wake up, princess.’

Nayantara’s mood immediately spoiled. She was determined to shield herself from the world. She had decided to keep her eyes, ears, and brain shut until her child was born. She was trying hard not to think about Anhilwara. She was resolute in avoiding national affairs or any political involvement. She couldn’t invite more problems into her life. Her child had already endured enough stress, not any more. But here Siddhant was dragging her back to chaos. And then he would be one to scold her that she was power hungry and not focusing on her baby. ‘I’m pregnant. And now I will just rest and enjoy my life. You keep your problem to yourself,’ she said dryly.

‘You can rest as much as you want. But in this matter…’

Nayantara turned to him with an angry glare. ‘You are the king. You can do whatever you want without consulting me.’

‘It is about the throne,’ Siddhant said. After what happened in the past few days, Siddhant wanted to give Aditya his rights. He knew if something happened to him, nobody would give Aditya his right. And that poor boy would not even ask for his rights. But he couldn’t take this decision alone. His wife was a power hungry queen. Maybe she wanted everything for her son. He didn’t want this kind of bloodshed in the future.

‘You had said a woman cannot sit on the throne. So now I have nothing to do with the throne,’ Nayantara said curtly.

Siddhant’s jaw hardened at her insolence. He stood up from the bed, and the next moment, Nayantara was in his arms, along with her comforter.

Nayantara wriggled. ‘Siddhant, put me down. I want to sleep.’

‘You don’t want to sleep. You want to trouble me. How many times do I have to request you? You have no value of my time,’ Siddhant snapped, his tone harsh, scolding.

Siddhant carried her to the bathroom and lowered her on her feet. Nayantara immediately stepped back, and the comforter slid from her body.

Siddhant’s eyes darkened as he stared down at her. Naked and swollen with his child. Her neck and inner thighs were covered with his marks. Day by day, she was getting more and more irresistible. Her pregnancy glow was captivating, and she had gained a significant amount of weight in recent days.

Nayantara shied away and tried to pick up a comforter. But Siddhant was quick and grabbed it from the floor before she could bend.

‘My lord…’ Nayantara shifted on her legs nervously. She was never this big in her entire life. Doing lovemaking at night was a different thing, but being naked in daylight under his intense gaze was so vulnerable.

‘Go into the pool. Now,’ Siddhant said in a stern, commanding tone.

Nayantara gulped with a slight pout on her face. His anger still filled her with the same fear she’d felt on her first day. His deep, raspy voice, his mountain-like structure, his rugged features always made her feel small and intimidated. She timidly walked away and slowly slipped into the water, feeling better as water covered her body.

Throwing one last angry glare at her, Siddhant walked away. He had thought he would talk to Nayantara before he went for the throne hall. But she was in a cranky mood. Anyway, he would finish his hearing early so he could talk to her before lunch. Aditya was on a political tour next week, so before he went, he had to talk to him as well. He clapped, and Vida immediately ran inside.

‘My lord,’ she bowed her head.

‘I will be back in some time, till then I want the queen ready.’ With that, Siddhant walked out.

He came back after two hours. Nayantara was sitting on the swing with a plate of raw mangoes. She was splendidly dressed in blue attire. Her strands were flowing in the air, and her dupatta was sweeping on the ground.

‘If it was going to take you so long, then why did you get me ready in such haste?’ she said, biting a slice of mango. It was not the mango season, but Siddhant had arranged the fruit for his queen. ‘I got a pimple, but because of you, I didn’t get time to apply face liniment.’

Siddhant sat on the couch with his leg crossed over his thigh. ‘You look more beautiful with that pimple. So if you are done playing a sassy princess, can I talk to a responsible queen?’

Nayantara finally decided to listen to him seriously. Putting the plate aside, she put a stop on the swing moment and stood up. She walked to the couch and lowered herself beside Siddhant. ‘Yes, go on.’

Siddhant cleared his throat before he started, ‘Maharav is now very big. So I’m thinking of giving Aditya the southern states of Maharav. He has been looking after the south for the last five years. He is more popular there than me. So I want him to rule there. What do you think about it?’

‘You want to divide the Maharav?’ she asked sharply.

Siddhant wasn’t expecting a direct yes or no. He knew she would ask a lot of questions. ‘How could I divide the kingdom in my presence? For now, he will rule there as my representative.’

‘It sounds perfect,’ Nayantara said in a monotonous voice.

‘Nayantara, if you want everything for our son, then tell me right now,’ Siddhant said in a serious tone.

Nayantara knitted her brows. ‘Where is our son? You cannot decide the future of someone who is not even born yet.’

Siddhant blinked at her, too surprised by her answer.

Nayantara stared at him. ‘What? You think I will do something like your sister?’

Siddhant shook his head. ‘No, no, actually…’

‘It’s okay, my lord. I can understand. Once trust is broken, everybody seems deceivers.’

‘I don’t think I could ever understand you. Every time you surprised me. You are like a deep ocean, who knows what secrets are hidden in your depth.’

‘Everyday you used to find my depths,’ Nayantara said innocently with a glint of impishness in her eyes.

Siddhant’s eyes widened, and he playfully slapped her cheek. ‘You naughty girl, the night session was not enough for you? Since when did you become so horny?’

Nayantara pouted. ‘What could I do, I have nothing to do.’

Siddhant pulled her in his lap and wrapped his arm around her. ‘Is everything okay with you, Nayantara? Because this is not you. You are not even getting involved in public affairs.’

‘Every time something happens around me. I do want to give my baby more stress.’

Siddhant gave her a soft, comforting squeeze. ‘I’m so sorry, you had to suffer because of me. I couldn’t protect you. I couldn’t imagine in my worst dream that it could be my sister,’ he said and sucked a breath to calm his aching heart. ‘But now nothing will go wrong. We have to stay positive for our future. Have you planned anything for your baby shower? Do you want to do anything special?’

Nayantara shook her head. ‘I don’t want to do my baby shower. This is not the right time to do any function or celebration.’

Siddhant thinned his brows. ‘Why not? My sister doesn’t deserve national mourning.’

‘It is about us? Our wound is still fresh. There is already so much gossip around the other states.’

‘So what? People do gossip, that doesn’t mean we should stop living our lives.’

‘No, my lord, maa shri is not well. Guests will ask about her. And anyone could hurt her with their questions. I don’t want any chaos in the palace. I want pure peace until my baby is born.’ Nayantara knew it was not all about the ritual. These kinds of functions and celebrations were important to build political networking. She remembered her father never missed an occasion to celebrate. He loved to invite guests and show off his wealth, power and family strength. But flaunting any aspect of life, whether it be relationships, possessions, or achievements, can attract unwanted negative attention. Such displays could evoke envy in others, potentially leading to harmful actions. Her pregnancy was not something to show off. And she had more enemies and fewer friends anyway. It would put unnecessary stress on her husband to increase her security.

‘Okay, as you wish.’ His hand gently traced the outline of her round belly. ‘Now let’s go to the dining hall. Our little girl must be hungry.’

Nayantara nodded with a smile and stood up from his lap. Walking through the long corridor, they reached the stairs, and Siddhant took Nayantara’s hand in his as they descended the steps.

‘Why is the dining hall so far?’ Nayantara complained.

Siddhant narrowed his eyes on her. ‘Didn’t I tell you to shift on the ground floor? Why are you so stubborn? Why don’t you listen to anyone?’

‘I like the top floor.’

‘What is wrong with the ground? We could change anything you don’t like in it.’

‘I want the room where the sunlight reaches first.’

Siddhant shook his head. ‘This is what happens when you marry a rich girl. You can never satisfy her, and you have to handle her tantrums for the rest of your life.’

Nayantara lifted her head arrogantly. ‘Then you should marry someone your level, not the princess of Anhilwara. Have you not seen my chamber? I have a hanging rose garden, and here I have to walk down to sit in the garden.’

‘Forgive me, Princess Nayantara, that I dared to marry you. But now it happened. And your poor husband cannot provide you more than this. So you have to adjust in this little shack.’

Nayantara laughed and slapped his shoulder.

‘Jokes apart, Nayantara, but you have to be careful on the stairs,’ Siddhant said in a serious tone. ‘Never walk alone, okay?’

‘I will be. Don’t worry.’

When they reach the dining hall. Aditya and Dadi ma were already there. They settled around the table, and Siddhant talked to Aditya about his decision, but it offended him.

‘So you also want to get rid of me? Fine. I will leave, and for that, you don’t have to give me all these,’ Aditya said annoyingly.

‘Do you want me to slap you in front of everyone? What nonsense are you talking?’ Siddhant scolded.

‘Then why are you sending me away?’ Tears collected in Aditya’s eyes.

‘Stop behaving like a child, Aditya. How could I handle this huge empire without your help? This is not the gift you can refuse to take. This is a responsibility you have to take by hook or by crook,’ Siddhant said sternly.

‘I’m ready to take any responsibility my King will ask me to take. And for that, I don’t want any official powers.’

Siddhant gritted his teeth. ‘Nayantara, please give some sense to this duffer.’

’Hey, don’t you dare call my Devarji duffer. He could play chess much better than you.’

‘Then tell him to use his brain and accept my offer,’ Siddhant seethed.

Nayantara’s eyes softened as she looked at Aditya. ‘Aditya, if deserving people will not accept the power, the underserved ones are ready to take it. And power shouldn’t go to the wrong hand.’

‘Nayantara is right, Aditya.’ Dadi ma said.

‘Okay, fine,’ Aditya yelled. ‘I will go. But not right now. I also want to play with the baby. You all will enjoy here and play with the baby. I will stay there alone. No.’

Siddhant shook his head. ‘Fine. For now we will do the paperwork, and after the baby’s birth we will arrange your coronation ceremony.’

---

Gossip about Adhisha was now quieted down, and once again the entire palace was gossiping about the king and queen. The king was fulfilling every wish of the queen even before she asked.

He was spoiling her in every way. Not just with clothes and jewelry, but he had arranged plenty of events for his queen’s entertainment. There was musical play, singing, dancing, and tournaments like jousting and bull fighting. Severts were also happy with this festival-like atmosphere in the palace with no guest burden to take care of. After finishing their chores, they could join the event and enjoy it.

Siddhant had satisfied peace in his heart seeing his wife blooming every day. She had put on a healthy weight, and the glow on her face was just magnificent. Dadi ma used to read religious books for her in the evenings, though Nayantara already had good knowledge about religion and mythology. After dinner, they would all gather for a game of pachisi and backgammon – Siddhant, Nayantara, Aditya, and Dadi ma. Nayantara found great amusement in her husband’s occasional defeats, as he wasn’t particularly skilled at indoor games. Siddhant’s true passions lay in hunting and combat.

In short, everything was peaceful in Nayantara’s life until one day a messenger came from Patyal.

Nayantara’s heart sank as she took the letter. It could only be from Vishakha, who else would write from Patyal? And if it was Vishakha, the news could hardly be pleasant for her. With a heavy heart, she opened the letter. Her eyes roamed over the page. It was tear stained, which made some of the words blurry.

Hello, Nayantara didi, How are you?

Nayantara paused and reread didi word. Vishakha always called her Nayantara. What is this new drama? She shook her head and read further.

Yes, it is me. And yes, I call you didi. God has blessed me with an elder sister. But I never value you. I never understood your importance in my life. But today, when darkness has surrounded me from all sides, I didn’t see anyone except my sister. Today if you are with me, at least I could cry in your arms.

I write this letter to ask for your forgiveness. I want to inform you that I got punished for my karma. Just three weeks ago, we found out that my son has a life-threatening illness. When he was born, he was pale white, even his lips were pale. We ignored it in the beginning, but then his health issues started. We showed him to so many physicians, but nobody knew about his illness. Then we called the physician from the other kingdom, and he told us that he wouldn’t live long. He has some rare blood disease, which is incurable. He has given us some supportive medicines that will extend his life and help him to live healthy. Thankfully, the medicines worked, and now he is doing fine. He is now smiling and able to take milk properly. But my husband thought this happened because of me. And as I couldn’t give him a healthy son, now he wants to marry someone else. He is not leaving me, but you can understand my life when his second wife comes. My parents didn’t say a word to him. They are okay as long as he will not leave me. My son and I are all alone in this world. In this dark time, I could only think of my elder sister. So I write this letter to you to cry out my heart. I was so happy when I got pregnant before you and I got a son. But see, my son is not even capable of sitting on the throne. I know your heart is big. You will forgive your little sister. Can I ask you one more thing? Please bless your nephew with a long and healthy life. His name is Bhavya. I don’t want anything else in my life. I promise you now I will never take what is yours.

Your stupid, selfish sister,

Vishakha.

Nayantara was a crying mess by the time she finished the reading. Her tears mixed with Vishakha’s tears, wiping the ink even more. She picked up a paper and quill, and hastily wrote a reply.

You do not have to worry about anything. Your sister is with you. Nothing will happen to Bhavya. I will find the best physician for him. And I will not let your husband marry someone else. Nobody could do injustice to my sister.

She folded the paper before she put it in the envelope and sealed it. She wiped her tears before she called Aazad and handed him the letter.

‘Send this letter to Patyal with our fastest messenger and tell him to give it to only Princess Vishakha. No one else,’ Nayantara said, and Aazad walked away with the letter.

It was not that she suddenly started liking Vishakha, but still, she was her sister. And she was in trouble. Her letter was silently asking for help. So as her elder sister and the queen of Maharav, she had to help her. And that little boy. The thought of her nephew filled Nayantara with a pang of sorrow. The adults’ disputes must not harm the innocent child. She was his maasi. She would never forgive herself if she couldn’t protect him and fight for his rights.

---

It was lunch time and Nayantara was nowhere to see. Siddhant was about to ask someone when he found a piece of paper on the couch. He picked it up and found out it was from Nayantara’s sister. His eyes narrowed with confusion as he read it. Vishakha’s son was ill, and why was she asking for Nayantara’s forgiveness? These two sisters were also fighting for the throne? Why was everyone around him fighting for the throne? Why they were not understanding the throne is not a toy to play. It was a responsibility. A crown of thorns.

Siddhant put the letter back on the couch and called Vida. ‘Where is the queen?’ he asked.

‘She went to the temple.’

Siddhant thinned his brows. Temple! She generally goes to temple when Dadi ma wants her to go. Hope she is okay. ‘Why are you not with her?’ he inquired.

Vida shivered at the King’s strong voice. ‘The queen said she wanted to stay alone. But her guards followed her,’ she said in a quivering voice.

Siddhant dismissed her and rushed towards the temple, hoping she was fine.

He found Aazad and Abhay standing a little away from the temple. They bowed their heads when Siddhant passed by them.

Removing his footwear, Siddhant ran up the steps, but his legs froze at the sight of Nayantara sobbing before the idol. He hid behind a pillar and watched her in disbelief. Something was terribly wrong with his wife. He had never seen her cry before. She was on the floor and looking at God with pure pain and grief in her eyes.

‘This is not justice. You don’t know how to do justice.’ She was yelling at the god. ‘This is not what I want. I had thought ill for my uncle and Vishakha, not the baby. You cannot punish an innocent child for his grandfather’s sins. No, this is not justice.’

One thing Siddhant was sure of now. His wife had a rough past. There was a story behind those rags.

34 The story behind the rags

‘Nayantara…’ Siddhant said, and as expected, Nayantara hurriedly wiped her eyes and nose with her dupatta.

Siddhant strode to her. She remained seated without looking at him.

‘Nayantara, I was looking for you. It is lunch time, c’mon,’ Siddhant said, looking down at his broken wife.

Nayantara sniffed. ‘Yeah,’ she muttered, trying to keep her voice normal.

Siddhant wrapped his arms around her, helping her to lift from the ground. She placed her hand on her belly to support her unborn child as she rose on her feet.

‘Nayantara, are you all right?’ Siddhant asked softly, staring at her washed off face.

Nayantara kept her head low and swallowed a hiccup as she said, ‘Yeah.’

‘Then why are your eyes and nose red?’

‘Auh, actually I smelled a weird flower, and then I started to sneeze,’ she lied soothly.

‘Oh, sneeze, I see.’ Siddhant clenched his fists to control his rising temper. She again lied straight on his face. He placed his hand on her back and slowly pulled her close. ‘Is there something you want to tell me, Nayantara?’ He tried again.

She looked up at him and then immediately lowered her gaze. ‘No, nothing.’

Siddhant shook his head in frustration. Why was she hiding her past from him? Why was she not able to share her pain with him? He had thought women were soft hearted. Chitra and Mrignayni freely cried in front of him whenever they wanted. And sometimes they even cried for silly reasons. Their faces were so expressive, so even if they lied, he could easily catch them. But of course, Nayantara was different. Her smooth lying skill never gave anything away.

But he had decided he wouldn’t ask her anymore. He would find some other way to know the truth. He was the king, and digging out someone’s information was not a big deal for him. But she was not someone. She was his wife, so he didn’t want to do anything behind her back. But today she broke his patience. He couldn’t see her crying alone. He couldn’t see her hurting herself by keeping everything inside.

They came out of the temple and wore their footwear.

Nayantara’s steps had slowed down, so Siddhant had to keep his long stride in check to match with her pace. ‘My lord, I want to eat in the room. You can go to the dining hall with others.’

‘No, I will eat with you,’ Siddhant said in a flat tone.

Nayantara was panting by the time they reached their wing. She looked up at the long staircase with tiredness in her eyes.

Suddenly, she felt Siddhant’s arms behind her, and he scooped her up in his huge, muscled arms.

Nayantara fidgeted. ‘My lord, the guards are around.’

‘Then you should have shifted to the ground floor,’ Siddhant said with a slightly angry tone. ‘Tomorrow we will shift to the ground floor.’

Nayantara was about to open her mouth, but Siddhant cut her off. ‘And that is final. I don’t want any argument on this. You cannot climb so many steps in your last days.’

‘Okay, but now put me down. I’m now too heavy.’

‘Heavy!’ Siddhant mocked. ‘My sword is much more heavier than you.’

Embarrassment swallowed Nayantara as she looked around with the corner of her eyes. The guards and servants kept their heads low, but they were not blind and deaf. She knew they would gossip for a week.

Siddhant kept waking, unaffected by her weight. Nayantara sighed with relief as they entered their chamber, and he gently lowered her on the couch. Nayantara noticed the letter she left there. She quickly grabbed it and slid it behind the pillow.

Siddhant saw this with the corner of his eyes, but he didn’t say a word and sat beside her.

The maid came with their food and placed everything on the table before them. She took the plate to serve the food, but Nayantara dismissed her.

Taking charge, Nayantara slid the edge of the couch and served the food for both of them. She pushed one plate to Siddhant, which had twelve rotis, and then took her plate, which had three rotis.

They ate in silence, the only sound was the clinking of utensils. Siddhant finished his twelve rotis, meanwhile Nayantara ate only three rotis. After finishing the food, they washed their hands and settled back on the couch. The maid cleared the table, setting out the post-meal refreshments. Siddhant took fennel in his palm and tossed it in his mouth. Nayantara picked up a paan without areca as the physician told her to avoid it in pregnancy. She put paan in her mouth and chewed on it. Her mind was on her sister. She had to do something about her.

‘Auh, my lord,’ Nayantara cleared her throat. ‘I want your help,’ she said, breaking the silence between them.

‘Anything for you, my love,’ Siddhant said.

‘I just got my sister’s letter.’

‘Uh auh,’ Siddhant pretended like he didn’t know about the letter. ‘How is she?’

‘She is not good. Her son is sick. And if this is not enough, her husband is going to marry again.’

‘Oh my god.’

‘I want you to find out who he is going to marry and tell that kingdom to back off from this marriage,’ Nayantara said. She could do this on her own, but she didn’t want to put herself in any trouble. This task was not as simple as it sounds. For the royals, their pride was everything. If Maharav forced the bride’s side to stop the marriage then it might permanently ruin their relationship with whatever state it was. If it was not about her sister she would never have jumped in this mess.

Siddhant thought for a moment before he spoke, ‘Nayantara, I can understand your emotions, but I don’t think we should interfere in this.’

Nayantara’s calm expression immediately turned into anger. ‘Why not? Or you think it is okay for a man to marry more than one woman.’

Siddhant’s heart ached as she pressed his unhealed wounds. He knew he did wrong with his wives.

‘If you will not do it, I will do it my way. But I will not let that bastard marry anyone else. He has to stay with my sister and keep her happy. Nobody could do injustice to my sister,’ Nayantara seethed.

‘Will you please listen to me, or you want to taunt me about my past?’ Siddhant said ruefully.

She continued to glare at him for a moment before her eyes softened.

Siddhant took it as a signal to continue. ‘You don’t know men. For some men, women are addictions. And as far as I know, Jayraj is a womanizer. I observed him in Vishakha’s baby shower. He is a sadist.’

Nayantara blinked at him. ‘Sadist!’ she muttered, imagining her sister’s life with him.

‘Yes. He is addicted to women’s bodies. If Maharav interferes in this, then it will not remain hidden. Jayraj will find out that his wife wrote you a letter, and then Maharav took action against him. He couldn’t do anything against Maharav, so anger could break on your sister. He could harm her. Or maybe he will try to get rid of her for a new wife.’

Nayantara shivered. ‘What do you mean by get rid of her?’

‘He could kill her, Nayantara. So first we have to assure her safety,’ Siddhant stated the bitter prospect.

Nayantara palmed her face. In her impulsive state, she forgot about it. ‘You are right. You are right.’

‘Don’t worry. First I will assure her safety, and then I will take action against Jayraj.’

‘So you will help me?’ Nayantara asked, hope filling her voice.

A slow smile spread across Siddhant’s face. ’Of course, darling, your family is my family. After all, I cannot see the tears in my beautiful saali’s eyes.’

Nayantara slapped on his shoulder. ‘Shameless!’

Siddhant grinned and kissed her cheek. ‘Now you take a nap. I will see you in the evening.’

Nayantara nodded with a small smile, and Siddhant walked away.

As he came out of the chamber, his face turned serious and he immediately called Vida. His first priority was to find out his wife’s past. He couldn’t see her suffering. Who knows how many times she might have cried alone?

’Who is this daai ma Nayantara always talks about? She came here with Nayantara, right?’ he asked.

‘Yes, my lord. Her name is Savita. The queen respects her like her mother,’ Vida informed him.

‘Call this Savita. Tell her to meet me at the main meeting room.’

‘Okay, my lord.’ Vida was about to go when Siddhant interrupted her.

‘And, Vida, don’t tell the queen about this meeting,’ he said with a warning in his tone.

Vida hesitated, but then nodded her head. ‘As you say, my lord.’

Siddhant went to the main meeting room and sat at the head of the table.

In a short time, Savita knocked on the door. ‘You called me, my lord?’ Her voice was shaky, skeptical. Why would the lord call her?

‘Yes, come. Take a seat.’ Siddhant pointed towards a chair.

Savita walked in but didn’t take the chair.

‘Sit,’ Siddhant said again, this time with a slight command in his tone.

Savita gulped. She couldn’t sit in front of the king. It was inappropriate. But knowing it was a command, she pulled a chair two seats away from the king.

‘How long have you known Nayantara?’

‘Ever since she was born,’ Savita said. She was a childless widow, having served Queen Gayatri from a young age. Nayantara was her only motive to live.

‘Good. I want to know about her,’ Siddhant said, leaning back on his chair.

‘What you want to know, my lord?’ Savita asked in a small voice, confused why the king was asking her. She was his wife, he could directly ask her.

‘Everything. From the beginning. What is her past? What is her story?’

Savita let out a small breath before she started. ‘She was like any other princess. Spoiled. Pampered. What she wanted, she wanted,’ she said, and a smile appeared on Siddhant’s face. ‘She was so talkative. A happy baby. Her one smile lit up the whole palace. She was kind hearted as well. Sometimes she demanded clothes, toys, and sweets just to distribute to servants’ kids. But after her parents’ deaths, everything changed in her life. She became quiet. Smile went from her lips. There was a strange fear on her face all the time. She needed love and care. But instead of taking care of her, her uncle started harassing her. He threw her in the servant quarter.’

‘What?’ Siddhant gasped.

‘Yes, my lord, she lived in a small, gloomy room. Her day started early. She cleaned the queen and Princess Vishakha’s chamber, prepared their bath, then cleaned the garden and some other places. She ate normal food. No royal food for her.’

‘And she used to wear someone’s old clothes?’ Siddhant asked, hoping she denied his doubt.

‘Yes, my lord, they gave her Princess Vishakha’s clothes. They even stopped her education.’

‘But she looked highly educated.’

‘She is self-taught, my lord,’ Savita said, and Siddhant’s heart swelled with pride.

‘They even humiliated her in front of royal guests. That time they gave her new clothes but then asked her to serve for everyone or bring something from the kitchen even if there were dozens of maids available to do it.’

‘And no one objected to this?’

‘Some did, some didn’t. After all, it was not a big thing, so why would anyone unnecessarily fight for it. Her maternal family was not even allowed to meet her. One day she got sick. She had the fever, but still they didn’t let her rest and forced her to do her routine chores.’ Savita’s voice trailed off. She dabbed her eyes to stop her tears. ‘My little princess. God played a joke with her life. He gave her everything but never let her enjoy it. It would have been better if she was born in a normal family. At least, she wouldn’t have a toxic life. She could happily do home chores before and after marriage, and nobody would have bothered her or laughed at her.’ She sobbed.

Siddhant inhaled sharply. He knew something was wrong between Nayantara and her family. But he had no idea they harassed her this much.

‘I’m so glad, my lord, that you married her and got her out of that hell,’ Savita said, wiping her tears. ‘Because her uncle didn’t even want her to get married.’

‘What!’ Siddhant shocked.

‘Yes, that’s why he fixed Vishakha’s marriage with Jayraj even if she was younger than Nayantara.’

‘Then why did he make her marry me? Just to save himself?’

‘Yes, he wanted to save himself. Plus your image…’ Her voice drained off.

‘Speak without fear,’ Siddhant said.

Savita swallowed hard. ‘Auh, actually your image is not good in Anhilwara. King Rajendra thought you would torment her, and one day she would also end up like your first two wives.’

Siddhant shook his head. Why would he torment his wife?

‘Even after everything, Nayantara never said a word. But I know how much she was boiling from inside. After all, she is a princess, and bending in front of anyone is not in her blood. The royal blood in her veins wanted to fight for the throne, and one day she decided to kill her uncle.’

Siddhant wasn’t shocked by this information. He knew she was brave and fierce. She couldn’t tolerate injustice. ‘Then why didn’t she do it?’ he asked.

‘The day she was going to execute her plan, you attacked Anhilwara and her uncle forced her to marry you.’

Siddhant’s head was spinning. Now every piece fitted together. Now her weird behavior, attitude, and reactions made sense to him. ‘Why didn’t she tell me?’

‘She is like that, my lord. She doesn’t trust anyone. Sometimes I feel like I don’t even know everything about her. Like there are many more things she is hiding from me.’

Siddhant sucked a heavy breath to ease the pain in his chest. ‘You can go now. And keep this thing between us.’

‘Okay, my lord.’ Savita stood up and bowed her head before she left.

Siddhant rose from his chair and walked back to his chamber. His body was burning in rage. She was his niece. And this was how he treated a little girl, a parentless child. They reduced her to rags. Anhiwara was the wealthiest kingdom. Providing basic things to its princess was too much for Anhilwara. And even after everything, she still wanted to help her sister.

He entered his chamber and found her asleep, her hand resting gently on her big belly. He sat beside her on the bed and stared at her serene beauty. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of pity. Her peaceful face belied the heavy weight she carried in her heart.

He caressed her head, and Nayantara cooed softly, lending against his comforting touch. Lowering his lips to her forehead, he kissed her tenderly.

I’m sorry, my love. I’m such a terrible husband. I couldn’t understand you. I couldn’t see your pain. Siddhant cried in his head. But why didn’t you tell me? You had to say it once, and I would have burned Anhilwara to ashes. But it is not too late yet. Anhiwara will have to pay for the way they disgraced you. You will sit on the Anhilwara throne. I promise you, my love. He pledged with strong determination in his eyes.

35 War crisis

A few days passed. Siddhant was sitting in his study room with a map of Anhilwara. They had shifted to the ground floor, so now the top floor was completely empty to do any kind of secret work.

Siddhant wanted to ruin Anhilwara. No matter how hard he tried, the humiliation and distress Nayantara suffered was not easy to forget. She was the crown princess. The fortune of Maharav. And they kept her in rags. They greedily consumed Anhilwara’s wealth and glory before her eyes, leaving her destitute, even though Nayantara had a rightful claim to everything. But despite his anger, he couldn’t harm Anhilwara. Nayantara wouldn’t like it. The innocent people of Anhilwara were not responsible for her distress. And the grand war would harm both Anhilwara and Maharav.

So he decided to conduct a secret operation. Abduct Rajendra from his palace and bring him here overnight.

His half plan was ready. Anhilwara was a sworn enemy, a place he could never fully trust. So, when he attended Vishakha’s baby shower, most of the staff in his convoy were spies. They meticulously surveyed the palace, uncovering all secret chambers, tunnels, drainage system, entrances, and exits. Upon returning, he decided to further his intelligence gathering, so he placed his agents in various roles within Anhilwara, posing as ordinary servants and guards. These agents would remain dormant until they received the signal from Siddhant.

So now it was time to activate his agents. He had already sent his message, and had received confirmation that they were ready to abduct Rajendra and bring him out of the palace without anyone noticing.

But this was the half plan. The real challenge was transporting Rajendra here overnight without anyone noticing. Even if they travel day and night with their fastest horses, still it would take them a whole one day.

Siddhant’s brain was eating all his energy since he was working on this mission. His spies were also working on this. He needed a perfect plan. If anything went wrong, they would have to face the war. Last time Rajendra gave up when his army started losing the war. But at that time he was out of his capital, unprepared, and he had his niece to sacrifice. But now he had nothing to save his throne, so this time he might fight.

Soon Siddhant’s head started throbbing unbearably as no plan came into his mind. He decided to go to his wife. Maybe her soothing scent could give him some relief. He stood and went down stairs. As he entered the room, the open garden door revealed Nayantara sitting on a bench beneath the setting sun. Her long hair cascaded down her back, and playful rabbits frolicked at her feet. A tree beside the bench provided shade from the direct sunlight, casting a soft glow on her serene figure.

Siddhant walked to her and wrapped his arms around her neck from behind. ‘What’s my princess doing?’ he asked, seeing a bunch of papers on her lap and a quill and inkpot beside her.

Nayantara smiled. She was still unaware that her husband knew about her past. ‘The list of some development programs I’m going to start soon,’ she said with a new enthusiasm in her voice.

Siddhant came forward and sat beside her. Sensing the beast like man, the rabbits ran away. ‘What programs?’

‘Like farming skills,’ she said as she pushed back her strands. ‘Some villages suffer from annual crop failures due to insufficient rainfall in their area. So some of our agriculture specialists will go there and teach them rain water saving techniques and how to do farming with less water. This will help them increase their agricultural productivity and reduce their dependence on relief packages we used to issue every year.’

Siddhant’s chest swelled with pride. She was the true queen. Kind. Thoughtful. Intelligent.

‘And this program is for women,’ she continued to say. Her eyes were still on the paper when she felt a hand under her thighs. Before she could protest, Siddhant gently lifted her and sat her on his lap.

‘What are you doing, my lord?’ Nayantara said angrily as the papers fell from her lap.

‘Do you know how much I love you?’ His thumb found her bottom lip and stroked it.

Nayantara blinked at him with his sudden change of subject.

‘And you look so beautiful today. Do you mind if I devour you a little?’ he said, and Nayantara’s eyes widened and her cheek turned red. Tilting her face, he kissed her jaw and then below her ear, sucking her supple skin, inhaling her floral scent.

Nayantara’s eyes forced closed as he continued to suck her tender spot. His hands went to her back and pulled strings of her blouse. Sliding his hands in, he cupped her breasts. They felt big and heavy in his hands. ‘So perfect,’ he muttered as he fondled her soft mounds.

‘Owwhhh…’ A painful moan escaped Nayantara’s lips. His hands were so rough on her sensitive breasts.

‘Sorry, my love, but you are irresistible,’ he said in a lustful voice, and he lifted her skirt.

‘No, my lord, not here,’ Nayantara panted.

But he ignored her and opened the knot of his lower.

‘No, my lord… Ahhh…’ Nayantara’s protest turned into a moan as he parted her legs and gently entered into her. Her walls wrapped around his thick cock as he began to fuck her with gentle but demanding thrust. His lips were devouring her neck and bare shoulders.

Nayantara reached high and high before she shattered into his arms. Siddhant growled and filled her with his warmth. He slowly came out of her and lowered her skirt. ‘Such a good princess.’ He kissed her flushed cheeks as his hands tied the knot of his lower.

Nayantara slapped his chest. ‘You are so bad. We are in the garden.’

Siddhant grinned. ‘I wanted you so badly.’ He tied her blouse and set her back on the bench.

Only then, Vida came running with a small, wooden craft in her hands. ‘See, my lady, what I make.’ Her voice died as she found the king beside her.

‘I will come later,’ she muttered and was about to run when Nayantara stopped her.

‘What do you make? Your boat is ready?’ Nayantara asked as she adjusted her dupatta on her shoulder.

Vida nodded.

‘Go, test it then,’ Nayantara said.

Vida glanced at the king and then lowered her gaze. ‘No, I will come later.’

Nayantara sighed. ‘Vida, the king will not kill you because you are testing your boat.’

Siddhant laughed. ‘I don’t think you should be afraid of me, Vida. I’m less scary than your Queen.’

Nayantara gave him an angry look.

Siddhant ignored her and looked at Vida. ‘Go, do whatever task you have,’ he said reassuringly.

‘Okay, my lord,’ Vida muttered with a small smile and ran towards the pond.

‘Will you give me my papers?’ Nayantara said irritably as she couldn’t bend with her big belly.

Siddhant bent and collected the papers. He arranged them before handing them to Nayantara.

‘Is everything okay in Patyal?’ Nayantara asked as she took the papers.

‘Yes,’ Siddhant said. He had already sent his spies to get the information about Jayraj and assure Vishakha’s safety. They sent the information that Prince Jayraj was marrying the princess of Gokar. Gokar was a small, peace loving kingdom. Siddhant sent the letter to Gokar and requested them to back off from this marriage, and he would find a better suitor for the princess than Jayraj. The king of Gokar agreed on it as he didn’t want unnecessary clashes with Maharav.

‘Thank you for helping my sister. Your men will protect her, right?’ Nayantara looked at him with worry in her eyes.

‘Of course, my love. I have also sent some female guards, and they have already taken jobs to serve Princess Vishakha. They will keep their eyes on her all the time. You don’t have to worry about anything,’ Siddhant said, kissing the side of her head. He knew what kind of man Jayraj was. One of his spies in Anhilwara had seen him slapping his wife, and he had informed Siddhant because every piece of information was wealth and could be useful in the future.

Nayantara gave a grateful smile and looked back into the paper in her hand. Siddhant sat quietly beside her, looking at the setting sun. His headache had subsided now.

Suddenly, Siddhant’s eyes fell on Vida, who was beside the pond, trying to put a baby rabbit into a wooden craft. The rabbit looked scared and was trying to jump out of it. ‘What is she doing?’ he asked.

Nayantara looked up at Vida and then smiled. ‘Ignore her. She is a child. She has made a boat for rabbits.’

Boat! Siddhant’s head repeated the word. Yes, boat. Water. He stood up. ‘I will be back,’ he said and ran inside.

Nayantara ignored him and picked up the quill beside her to write a few more points.

Siddhant came to his study and opened the map of Anhilwara. Anhilwara Palace was near the Vella river. It was a stormy river that swept away whatever came in its path. That river crossed Maharav as well. Now everything cleared in his head. His agents in Anhilwara palace would seize Rajendra after the sunset. They would give him a potion that put him into a deathlike coma, and then they would carry him to the river. They would put him in the vessel and throw him in the river. The river was not rocky, so there was little chance of the drum breaking down. And even if it broke, Rajendra would drown as he would be unconscious, or otherwise his men would collect the vessel once it entered the Maharav border. They would execute this mission on the night of the new moon, so they could use the darkness in their favor. And if everything went well, Rajendra would be in their custody before the sun rose and the Maharav flag would flatter on Anhilwara’s palace.

With a smirk on his face, he picked up the paper and wrote a letter to his agent in Anhilwara. He wrote the entire plan in code words and then sent the letter with his special agent. He couldn’t trust the regular messenger in this case.

---

The new moon was after two days, and Siddhant and his agents were ready to execute their plan.

Siddhant took dinner with Nayantara and then joined her for a walk in the garden. They had hardly walked a few steps when a guard interrupted them.

‘My lord, a messenger wants to meet you,’ he said.

‘Tell him to wait in the sitting area.’

The guard bowed and left.

Siddhant turned to Nayantara. ‘I will be back,’ he said, and Nayantara eyed him suspiciously.

‘So late?’ she said.

‘Nayantara, if it is about Vishakha, then I will inform you. Other matters are not yours to worry about,’ Siddhant rasped.

Nayantara nodded, and Siddhant walked away. He came to the sitting area and found that it was not the messenger, but the agent.

There was palpable tension in the air before Siddhant broke the silence. ‘What happened?’

‘Patyal wants to attack Gokar. The Patyal army will reach there by tomorrow,’ the agent said.

Siddhant stood up. He always knew this marriage issue wouldn’t settle peacefully. This has to happen now when he is going to kidnap Rajendra, he thought.

‘Okay, you can go. Keep updating me about everything.’

‘Yes, my lord,’ the agent said and walked out.

---

‘Do you know what happened?’ the head commander asked the minister.

‘I should ask you this question, General. You are the army head,’ the minister said.

‘All the Maharav boards are safe right now. So definitely it will be a political matter. Do you know anything, Prince Aditya?’ the head commander asked.

The minister, high-ranking army men, some spies, and Prince Aditya were in the meeting room, waiting for the king. Everyone was wondering what was so urgent that the king didn’t wait for the morning.

Aditya shook his head. ‘I have no idea. But it looks like the matter is serious.’

The king entered, putting a stop to their discussion. Everyone stood up in the king’s honor, and Siddhant motioned them to sit before taking his own chair.

The suspense was killing them as they sat patiently, waiting for the king to begin.

Siddhant let out a heavy breath as he started, ‘Today we are here because I promised the queen that I would protect her sister’s rights. And to do that, I stopped Prince Jayraj’s marriage. He was going to marry the princess of Gokar. Gokar canceled the marriage at my request. But now Patyal wants to wage war against Gokar. So now it’s my duty to protect Gokar from Patyal.’

‘We will fight for your words and Maharav’s pride, my lord,’ the head commander said in a strong voice.

‘But, my lord, we don’t have money for one more war,’ the minister said.

‘And my lord, our army is dispersed. To win the war, first we have to collect them,’ the major said. ‘For now everything is good between Ghan and us, but still we cannot leave the north unguarded, and the east…’

‘Major Surjit, the lord knows all these,’ the head commander scolded. ‘We have to find a solution. We will manage with the army we have.’

‘Anhilwara army could help us. After all, we are doing this for Princess Vishakha,’ Aditya said.

‘I don’t want any help from that coward, spineless man,’ Siddhant seethed. ‘If he had backbone, he would have done this even before us. We will manage on our own.’

‘Okay, so as per our information, Patyal has 50000 army men. Gokar has 10000 army and we have 140000 army, but the available army is just 25000. But we have more advanced weapons than Patyal. We can win against Patyal,’ the head commander said confidently.

‘Yes, we can,’ Siddhant said. ‘But how will we deal with collateral damage? We don’t have money. My people are not happy with me, as I never focused on them. Queen Nayantara and Prince Aditya’s efforts repaired my image. But this war will ruin everything. Think of something that could reduce our war damage.’

Everyone turned quiet and thought about the war in front of them.

‘One thing we can do,’ Aditya broke the silence. ‘Patyal and its neighboring kingdom Kasol have had border issues for a long time. But then they decided to sort out their problems and fix Jayraj’s marriage with the princess of Kasol. But driven by greed, Jayraj broke off his engagement and pursued an alliance with Anhilwara, to be son-in-law of a wealthy kingdom. And then after, nobody wanted to marry the princess of Kasol. Everyone thought something would be wrong with her, and then her father had to compromise and had to marry her to their head commander. Since then, Patyal and Kasol have had a cold war. Kasol is not directly attacking Patyal because they are scared of Anhilwara and Maharav. But now we can change sides and tell Kasol that this is the time to take revenge. Patyal couldn’t deal with three kingdoms.’

A big, proud smile spread across Siddhant’s face. ‘Excellent plan, Aditya. I have no regrets that I chose you as my heir. You send the message to Kasol. Write the letter in such a way that he agrees with us.’

‘I will try my best to take Kasol to our side,’ Aditya said.

‘We will set out tomorrow morning,’ Siddhant said, and he asked for a map of the entire realm.

A constable stepped forward and spread the large map on the table. They discussed the war strategies for hours. Siddhant wanted to make sure he didn’t lose any of his army men. He was not fighting this war to ruin Patyal, he just wanted to protect Gokar.

By the time Siddhant came back to his chamber, it was midnight and Nayantara was fast asleep. Siddhant changed into his night clothes before he went to bed. He placed his arm around Nayantara and closed his eyes, trying to catch some sleep. He had to conduct two missions simultaneously. Rajendra’s abduction and the war against Patyal.

36 Submit to duty

The sky was still a muted peach and black when Siddhant awoke, the dawn yet to break. After a hasty bath, he donned his royal attire and quietly exited the room, leaving his sleeping wife undisturbed.

He made his way to the outskirts of the palace, where the army was assembled. Aditya was already there, rallying the troops with his inspiring words. Siddhant stood a short distance away, watching as Aditya’s enthusiasm ignited the soldiers. Siddhant had already sent a warning letter to Jagatraj, the king of Patyal. If that stupid Jayraj had any sense, he would back off as soon as he received the letter, and the Maharav army would come back from midway. But if not, then they had to fight.

When Aditya finished his speech, the soldiers roared in unison, their cries echoing the call for Maharav’s victory.

Aditya turned to find his brother observing him. He walked to him. ‘Good morning, bhai shri. We are ready to leave.’

‘Adtiya, I cannot join you right now. I will join you after two days,’ Siddhant said.

‘You don’t have to come with us. Bhabhi shri needs you.’

Siddhant shook his head. ‘It is not that. I’m leaving for Anhilwara. Tomorrow night I’m going to conduct a secret operation. I will abduct Rajendra and then take total control over Anhilwara.’

‘What!’ Aditya’s eyes widened in shock.

‘Yes,’ Siddhant said and narrated the entire plan.

‘But Bhai shri, doesn’t it look like deception? I mean, you take advantage of being a son-in-law. They trusted you, and you went to Princess Vishakha’s function with spies. What will bhabhi shri think?’ Aditya said with concern.

‘I’m doing this for your bhabhi shri. You don’t know what Rajendra did with my Nayantara. He didn’t treat her well after her parents death. That bastard deserves this.’

Aditya thinned his brows. He had no idea what Siddhant was talking about. But as they didn’t have time, he didn’t ask further. ‘Okay, do as you feel right. I will handle Patyal. You don’t have to worry about it. But what have you thought about ground operations? Once you win Anhilwara, there will be chaos in the kingdom. Anyone can rebel.’

‘Already we have our 500 soldiers on the Anhilwara border. So if anything goes wrong, I will use them.’

‘500 men is very less. You need more. I think you should go with 10000 men.’

Siddhant shook his head. ‘No, this is a secret operation. If I involve so many people, there are chances of my plan leak before execution. And you will need these men in Patyal,’ he said before asking further. ‘Any news from Kasol?’

‘Not yet. My messenger would have hardly reached there. But I’m sure they will come to our side,’ Aditya said and bent down to touch his brother’s feet. ‘Bless me with victory.’

‘My blessings are always with you,’ Siddhant said as he placed his hand on Aditya’s head. ‘Be victorious.’ He held his shoulder and made him stand before hugging him tightly. ‘Take care.’ His voice turned wet with emotions.

Aditya pulled back with a smile. ‘Don’t worry, bhahi shri. I will come alive with all our army men,’ he said with a confident, reassuring voice. He knew his brother’s condition. He was not showing it, but Adhisha’s betrayal made him so vulnerable. He was blaming himself for everything. He had become more protective and conscious towards his family.

Siddhant nodded, satisfied with Aditya’s answer. ‘Now I should go. I have to wake your bhabhi shri for weapon worship,’ he said and gave a quick hug to Aditya before he walked away.

Siddhant returned to his chamber. He gazed at his sleeping wife, her heavily pregnant belly gently rising and falling. He didn’t want to cause her any distress, but here he was, facing a difficult decision. He could have lied if there was just Anhilwara mission, but now when the army was leaving, he couldn’t lie to her. She was so sharp; she would surely discover bustling in the palace, and then his absence and lie could cause her even more anxiety. It was best to be honest with her now.

He sat beside her. ‘Nayantara…’

No response. She was in a deep sleep.

He tapped on her cheek. ‘Nayantara…’

‘Hum,’ she hummed and wiped saliva from the corner of her lips.

‘Wake up.’ Siddhant’s voice was not soft, it was strong and urgent.

Nayantara grunted. ‘What is wrong with you? It is not even dawn. Come back to bed.’

‘A king cannot sleep when there is a war crisis,’ Siddhant said, his voice weighted with seriousness.

Nayantara’s eyes shot open, and all sleep instantly vanished from her eyes. She slowly sat up and blinked at him. ‘What did you just say?’

‘I’m going for the war,’ Siddhant said in a straight way. However, this wasn’t the worst situation he’d ever encountered, he had faced far worse than this. But as the queen of Maharav, Nayantara should be aware of the potential severity and be ready for any contingency.

Nayantara gaped at him. ‘What war? Someone attacked Maharav, or is it you who is still not satisfied with your borders?’

Siddhant ignored her taunt as he said, ‘Patyal army is going to attack Gokar. I have to protect Gokar.’

Nayantara felt her heart fasten as stress wrapped her. She grabbed onto Siddhant’s arms and pulled him close. ‘No, no, tell me this is a lie. You are joking, right?’

‘Nayantara…’

‘Just tell me this is a lie,’ Nayantara said in a quivering voice. However, she knew Siddhant was a mature man, and this was not something he would play around.

‘This is not a lie. I’m leaving right now. So I want you to take a bath and finish the weapon worship. Wish me victory.’

Nayantara felt like lightning struck her. ‘But why would you fight? You tell my uncle to go. This is his responsibility, not yours,’ she said restlessly, desperate to stop her husband in any way.

Siddhant’s jaw hardened. ‘Your uncle is a coward. I’m not. Gokar broke the marriage with just one letter by me. If I can’t protect them, next time nobody will trust me. My words will hold no meaning.’

‘But Siddhant, my time is near.’ Nayantara’s hands fisted on his overcoat as she tried to climb on his lap.

‘So?’ Siddhant gently removed her hands from his overcoat and pushed her away. ‘I have already arranged the best physician and midwife for you. They will assist in delivering the baby. What will I do sitting by your side?’

His words pierced Nayantara’s heart, leaving her dejected. She stared at him with a sorrowful look, tears blurring her vision as she met his impassive face. He appeared completely unaffected by any emotional connection to her and the baby. She lowered her gaze as her tears threatened to fall. Without another word, she came out of the bed and walked towards the bathroom. She knew nothing could stop him now.

Siddhant let out a heavy breath as he saw her walking away. He knew his words were harsh. He could understand her vulnerability, but still he couldn’t let her make him emotional. He was trained to forget everything when the war was standing in front of him, but it was always difficult for his wives. Chitra always cried a lot in his arms when he was leaving for war. She was not royal. She grew up like a normal girl who had nothing to do with war and politics. Her husband and daughter were her entire world. But Siddhant’s expectation was high when it came to Nayantara. She was a princess and very well aware about politics and conspiracy since childhood. She could understand why this war was important. He just wished she didn’t bid him with tears.

He walked out to see the arrangements until Nayantara took a bath.

---

Nayantara stripped her clothes down and stepped into the pool. Vida had not woken up yet, as it was barely dawn, so she took the bath on her own. She tied her hair into a high bun as she didn’t have time to wash it. She quickly rubbed ointment on her body, and before she could wash it, Vida came running.

‘I’m sorry, my lady. I just woke up and got this news. Why didn’t you call me?’ Vida said as she immediately took control of her work. She rubbed ointment on Nayantara’s body and then washed everything.

Nayantara stood up from the pool, and Vida wrapped a towel around her. They walked in the dressing room, and Vida dressed her in beautiful red attire.

Nayantara slowly lowered herself in the chair, and Vida started combing her hair.

‘My lady, are you alright?’ Vida asked, making her braid.

Nayantara didn’t say anything. She had a lost look in her eyes. Her heart was bleeding, and she was drowning in the darkness.

Vida eyed her worriedly. ‘Don’t take stress, my lady. The Lord never lost a battle. He will win.’

‘Hurry up, Vida. I can’t make the Lord wait,’ Nayantara muttered, her voice lost, distant.

Vida completed her look with some light jewelry and a bindi on her forehead. Nayantara took a pinch of vermilion and filled it in the partition of her hairline. Vida put the dupatta on her head, and they both came out.

Siddhant was not there. Nayantara sat on the bed, and Vida went to prepare a dish for the weapon worship. She placed the dish on the table and left.

Nayantara sat there absentmindedly. This sudden war news left her shocked and numb. She came back to her senses when she heard the heavy footsteps of her husband. She looked up and found him standing a few feet away from her. All mighty and strong. His heavy sword was fixed on his waistband.

Time stopped and the air turned thick with tension as Nayantara kept staring at her husband. Her chest heaved up with an unfamiliar fear.

‘It’s time, Nayantara,’ he said when she didn’t stand up.

Tears collected in Nayantara’s eyes, and she slowly rose on her feet. She felt her feet too heavy to move. She was not ready to do this. She didn’t want him to go to war. She wanted him with her.

‘Nayantara…’ Siddhant said in a strong voice. ‘C’mon, love.’

Nayantara slowly walked towards him and stopped before him. She kept her teary gaze low. She hated her vulnerability.

Siddhant cupped her face and made her look at him. She blinked her eyes to fight back her tears. He regarded her dull face before he said, ‘You are my strength. Don’t be my weakness.’

Nayantara nodded with a soft sniff.

‘That’s like my brave princess.’ Siddhant’s thumb gently caressed her cheek, making her feel even more vulnerable. ‘Aditya is coming with me. So you have to take care of the kingdom in my absence.’

Aditya! No! Nayantara’s heart ached even more as new worries settled inside her. Everyone was suffering because of her. Aditya. Soldiers. Their family. Maharav people. She knew Maharav didn’t have money for war.

‘Nayantara, I’m talking to you,’ Siddhant said, drawing her attention back to him.

Nayantara swallowed a lump in her throat as she said, ‘I will… I will take care of everything.’

‘And you, my little love,’ Siddhant said as he bent on his knees and kissed her protruding belly. ‘Don’t bother your maa too much, okay?’

An inaudible sob escaped Nayantara’s lips. She felt like she would break at any moment. Siddhant rose on his feet, and without wasting any moment, Nayantara took the small box of red turmeric and did the tilak on his forehead. Siddhant drew his sword out of the sheath and held it before her. Nayantara did the tilak on his sword as well.

Putting all her insecurities and personal interests aside, Nayantara put a small smile on her face. ‘I know you will win,’ she said in a small, confident voice.

Siddhant leaned in and kissed her cheek. ’I will. I have my Lady with me.’

Nayantara rolled her eyes. ‘You won Anhilwara without any lady by your side.’

‘Who said I won it without lady luck? Have you forgotten how you fell into my arms on the battlefield?’

Nayantara’s heart cried silently as the memory hit her. She always wanted those strong and protective arms around her. She maintained a smile on her face as she said, ‘How can I forget that scary incident? Now leave. One more moment, and I will not let you go.’

Siddhant smiled and kissed her forehead, long and true. Nayantara closed her eyes in contentment, and then suddenly his warmth went from her. He stepped back and turned around.

Nayantara watched him march away, his footsteps echoing in her heart, a mournful cadence. Tears started dripping from her eyes, and she was relieved that he didn’t turn back or her heart came out of her.

Once he disappeared from sight, Nayantara burst into tears, and her heartbreaking cry filled the chamber.

Nayantara knew this could happen, still she forced her husband to help her sister. She knew her decision was right. Her sister needed her help. But even after making the right decision, she was feeling pain. Because this right decision could cost her her husband. The father of her unborn child.

37 War in honor of the Queen

Siddhant had reached the Anhilwara border. The knight, Mahendra, was also with him. Except for Aditya, nobody knew where he was. Both missions were important, and he was forced to choose one. So here he was. He had chosen to remain hidden in a nearby cave. There was a risk of being recognized by Anhilwara spies. It was the night of the new moon, and his men were poised to execute their plan. A selected group of his soldiers patrolled the river, vigilant for any signs of wooden craft.

He removed his overcoat and lay on the hard ground, extending his arms over his head, feeling his muscles stretch. He shut his eyes, overwhelmed with tension. Falling asleep was harder. One mistake would cause ripples of suffering. He groaned and changed his side. His mind went to Nayantara. He knew she must have cried after he left. The physician said she was due around the new moon. Perhaps by the time he returned home, she would have given birth and welcomed him with a child in her arms. He hoped she would have a smooth delivery and wouldn’t suffer too much during labor.

I don’t want to leave you, my love. But after knowing your past, I couldn’t stay quiet. Your honor is something I cannot take lightly. The pain and humiliation you’ve endured is worth fighting for.

He sat up with the first rays of dawn piercing the dark sky. He couldn’t sleep all night. The sun began to rise, but still there was no news of Rajendra. He paced up and down in the cave. Killing the time was too annoying and stressful. If anything went wrong, he would have to face another war.

Suddenly, he heard the rustling sound outside the cave. He picked up his sword and came out. The knight, Mahendra, was standing outside.

‘Look like it is our men,’ he said, and Siddhant lowered his sword.

The four men appeared from the bush, carrying a big vessel on their shoulders. Mahendra ran to them to help them with the vessel. All of them carried it into the cave.

Finally! Siddhant stepped up to the vessel, and the soldiers moved aside. He opened its wooden door. A big smile spread across his lips as he found Rajendra safe and unconscious in the drum.

‘Good job, guys. Take him to our prisoner before he wakes up,’ he ordered.

The soldiers bowed their heads and took him away with the vessel.

Siddhant wore his armor and sat on his horse. It was time to claim the Anhilwara throne. His horse, a powerful steed with a coat as black as night, snorted and pawed at the ground, eager to continue their journey. Siddhant tapped on the horse’s back, and he started running. Mahendra followed him. They had 500 soldiers on the border. They took 400 men with them and left 100 men on the border. The Anhilwara army didn’t dare to stop him as he was son-in-law of Anhilwara. They looked completely unaware of Rajendra’s abduction. But Siddhant knew soon they would find out.

They traveled the whole day and night. By the time he reached the capital of Anhilwara, it was early morning. But before they could enter the capital, one of his agents met him midway.

‘You shouldn’t enter the capital, my lord. Everything has changed here. When they found out that King Rajendra was missing, their espionage system activated. They found out that we are behind this. So taking advantage of the situation, the head commander of Anhilwara sat on the throne. He has arrested ministers and officials whoever tried to oppose him. He has caught most of our spies and ordered his army to kill you as soon as you enter the capital,’ the agent said in one breath.

‘How dare he,’ Siddhant roared. He pulled the sword out of the sheath. The soldiers followed his action, and they all rode towards the Anhilwara palace.

Out of nowhere, Anhilwara soldiers appeared in front of them, blocking their way.

‘Back off, my lord. Commander Tejpal is our new king. If you try to enter, we have to kill you,’ one of the Anhilwara soldiers said.

Siddhant’s hand fisted on the hilt of his sword. ‘Your king is in my custody. And your head commander’s stupid plan is not going to work. I will kill him with my bare hands. So now the choice is yours. You want to stay with the king of Maharav and the son-in-law of Anhilwara or that filthy traitor who is going to die in some time,’ Siddhant shouted, his voice sounding like a roaring lion. His eyes were like a predator.

Siddhant’s sturdy, brutal presence immediately split the Anhilwara army, and half of them came forward, bowed their heads to Siddhant, and stood behind him.

Siddhant’s eyes narrowed at the others. He didn’t want bloodshed. But now his inner beast had provoked, and he had forgotten everything. ‘Kill whoever comes in front of us,’ he commanded, his voice strong like steel. With that, both the army collided with each other.

Siddhant didn’t have time to wait. He held the rein of his horse. The horse whinnied in agreement, its hooves kicking up sand as it charged forward.

Siddhant, clad in gleaming armor, galloped through an ancient city. Mahendra was riding beside him. Some soldiers followed them, and some left behind to deal with Anhilwara soldiers. The people on the stress hastily moved aside as Maharav’s roaring armed force passed through it. People looked at the king in awe. Some of them had already seen him when he had come to Vishakha’s baby shower, and some others were seeing him for the first time. Most of them hated him — that he was the son-in-law of Anhilwara, that he married their Princess. Unaware of the coup, they started gossiping — Have you seen how big and frightening King SiddhantVeer Agnivanshi is? … How Princess Nayantara is living with this beast… Our princess is so delicate and looks at the king. How cruel and barbaric he is… We think we have problems in our lives, but look at Princess Nayantara’s life. First she lost her parents, and then her uncle married her to this beast who already had two wives… She is a goddess. She sacrificed herself to save our kingdom… I’m relieved that at least this beast kept her alive… Who knows how her life is there. Maybe worse than death… I heard that she had come to Vishakha’s baby shower, and she looked good at that time… Maybe the beast wants a child from her, that’s why treating her well… Wish, King Digvijay was here, then all this wouldn’t have happened. King Siddhant doesn’t even dare to look at our kingdom… What a glorious time it was when King Digvijay ruled Anhilwara… But we must say Princess Vishakha is so lucky. People say she and Prince Jayraj look like they are made for each other… And now Princess Vishakha has an heir of Patyal and Anhilwara.

Suddenly, a few more of Anhilwara’s soldiers came into their way, and Siddhant and his soldiers slashed everyone. Seeing bloodshed in front of their eyes, people on the street started screaming and running here and there, trying to hide inside their homes and shops. Panic spread across the city when people realized something was terribly wrong in the kingdom.

As Siddhant’s platoon reached near the palace, Anhilwara’s soldiers started showering the fire arrows from the top of the palace. The arrows hit Maharav’s soldiers. Some of them got injured, and others held their shields up. One arrow hit Siddhant’s right shoulder. His armor protected his shoulder, but the fire on the tip of the arrow buried the skin of his neck. Siddhant extended his arm, and one of his men threw a bow and quiver towards him. He pulled out the arrow from the quiver and set it on the bow. He shot arrows one after another and knocked down some of them. Mahendra killed the guards and opened the gates for them.

‘Almost there, my friend,’ Siddhant said to his horse, raising his blood-dripping sword high in the air. The horse galloped faster, its hooves pounding against the earth. The horse jumped on the stairs and entered the palace. The servants in the palace panicked and tried to hide whatever place was near them. Siddhant rode through the labyrinth of corridors before he reached the throne hall. He stopped his horse in front of the throne, where Tejpal was sitting.

Tejpal’s eyes widened with shock, seeing a raging King SiddhantVeer Agnivanshi in front of his eyes. Siddhant’s men also reached there, and Tejpal’s shock doubled when he found some of his men fighting for Siddhant’s side. He had thought his army would easily kill Siddhant as he had no army.

Siddhant jumped down from his horse and dashed towards Tejpal with his naked and blood-soaked sword. Tejpal also stood up and drew his sword. But before Siddhant could reach him, five more men surrounded him with their swords raised.

Siddhant met them with a flurry of blows, his sword flashing in the sunlight. He dispatched them one by one, his movements precise and deadly. The thick metallic smell of blood filled the throne hall. A few got killed, and others got injured.

Finally, Siddhant looked at Tejpal, who got scared and stepped back. ‘You bastard, because of you, I have to do this bloodshed. Only the Solankyas blood will sit on this throne, and that is my wife, Queen Nayantara. Your duty is to fight for your king, protect the throne, not to sit on it. What kind of traitors Rajendra has recruited in his army.’

‘What!’ Tejpal laughed maniacally. ‘You did all these for a woman? Anhilwara isn’t the jewelry you give your wife. Does she even know how to hold the sword?’

Siddhant’s fist tightened on the hilt of his sword. ‘Right now I want to see how you hold your sword,’ he seethed, his wrath at its peak.

Tejpal lunged a fierce assault, his blade meeting Siddhant’s with a resounding clang. The two warriors clashed in a brutal duel, their swords dancing in a symphony of steel. Though Siddhant was fatigued from his journey and nursing a fresh wound on his neck, he matched Tejpal’s aggression. A glancing blow from Tejpal nicked Siddhant’s left hand, but Siddhant retaliated, slicing Tejpal’s right thigh, turning the tide of the battle. The fight intensified, each strike a desperate gamble. As the battle raged on, it became clear that Tejpal was no match for Siddhant’s skill and endurance. Soon Tejpal’s strength waned and with a final, powerful thrust, Siddhant drove his blade deep into Tejpal’s chest, ending the duel. Tejpal lets out a gasp, his eyes wide with disbelief. He collapsed to the ground, his life ebbing away. Siddhant stood over him, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

He looked up. The throne hall was turned into a battlefield. Everyone was so entangled in the fight that nobody noticed Tejapl was dead. Mahendra was fighting with two Anhilwara soldiers.

Siddhant sat on the throne. He planted his sword straight, pinning the pointy end on the ground and weighting his hand on the hilt. ‘The war is over. Put your weapons down if you don’t want to give up on your life,’ he said in a booming voice, and everyone turned to him.

There was pin-drop silence in the hall and then it broke with a loud clunk as Anhilwara soldiers dropped their swords and went on their knees. ‘My king!’ they said in unison.

‘Rise,’ Siddhant said after a moment. ‘I’m not your enemy. Your princess is my wife. So her people are my people. But someone like Rajendra and Tejpal cannot sit on this throne. Anhilwara now needs a better successor. Now go and help injured soldiers and do your treatment.’ Siddhant didn’t dare to announce Nayantara’s name. He had fear that people would reject her. Maharav people knew about her talent, but she never did anything in Anhilwara, so he had to take every step carefully. So nobody opposed Nayantara when he would announce her name. He could control everything and forced them to accept Nayantara, but he wanted them to accept her willingly.

Anhilwara soldiers bowed once again and then marched out.

‘I want a report of the damage we have suffered,’ Siddhant said to his soldiers. They walked away with Siddhant’s horse, who was still there.

Mahendra stepped forward. ‘You are injured, my lord. You go to the king’s chamber and rest. I will send the physician there.’

‘I’m okay. I would like to take a bath. You first treat your wounds and then other soldiers,’ Siddhant said as he stood up from the throne and walked out.

A maid came to him and bowed her head. ‘This way, my lord,’ she said in a frightened voice.

Siddhant decided to stay in his wife’s room. ‘I will stay in Princess Nayantara’s room.’

‘As you want, my lord,’ the maid said and led him to Nayantara’s room. However, Siddhant already knew the way to her room.

He stepped into her chamber and asked the maid to prepare his bath. He sat on the bed. He was exhausted and hungry. His eyes fell on the rose garden, and a sad smile spread across his lips. Her room was beautiful, but look at the irony of fate that she could never stay in it.

‘My lord, your bath is ready,’ the maid said, drawing his attention to her.

Siddhant nodded. He stood up and walked towards the bathroom with saggy steps. Two more maids were waiting inside to give him a bath. Siddhant dismissed them before he stepped into the small round pool and let his body ease into the water. His wounds stung as they came in contact with water. He closed his eyes. He wanted Nayantara’s hands on his tired shoulders, messaging them with her soft hands. His eyes started dripping from the sleep, and he quickly finished his bath. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he came out and found a fresh pair of clothes on the bed. It was not a regal garb. It was a simple navy blue kurta-pajama.

Only then, one of his soldiers walked in with a plate of warm food. ‘Your food, my lord.’ He put the plate on the side table and looked at the king.

‘I cannot trust their food,’ Siddhant said.

‘We cook this, my lord, with the stuff we brought with us.’

Siddhant nodded. ‘You all also try to avoid royal food for some days until we take control of everything.’

‘Yes, my lord,’ the soldier said and walked out.

Siddhant took the plate and ate thick rotis and tasteless sabzi with an onion as salad. The soldiers couldn’t cook like a royal chef, but at least it filled his empty stomach.

His eyes turned more heavy as his stomach was now full of food, and he sprawled on the bed. After giving some rest to his horse, he had to leave for Gokar. He knew Aditya was capable of handling everything, but still, this was happening because of his commitment, so he should stay there. Sleep started covering his eyes when a knock on the door interrupted him.

‘What?’ Siddhant barked. For god sake, I’m the son-in-law of Anhilwara. Can’t even I rest a little in my in-law’s house?

The healer of their troop walked in and bowed his head. ‘Sorry to disturb you, my lord. But I’m here to treat your wounds.’

‘Are you done with all the soldiers?’ Siddhant asked, still lying on the bed.

‘Auh, no, but…’

‘Treat them first,’ Siddhant said as he shut his eyes again.

‘Anhilwara’s physician is looking at them. But we cannot trust him with you,’ Mahendra said as he walked in.

Siddhant groaned as he sat up. Mahendra wouldn’t leave him alone until he treated his wounds. ‘Do you have a damage report?’

‘Yes, my lord. We have not lost anyone. Some of our men are seriously injured, but they are alive. One Anhilwara soldier died, who was fighting from our side.’

Siddhant nodded sadly. He didn’t want this bloodshed, but Tejpal ruined everything. ‘And how many soldiers died from Anhilwara?’

Before Mahendra could answer, one more soldier asked permission to come in.

‘I have news from Patyal,’ he said. He was Aditya’s trusted man.

Siddhant straightened his back.

‘It is good news, my lord,’ the soldier reassured the king, and Siddhant let out his breath. ‘Our army is coming back. Scatheless.’

Siddhant thinned his brows. ‘So soon? They’d barely gotten there.’

‘Yes, they were about to reach there when they got the news that Patyal backed off. Now they are going to Maharav, and Prince Aditya sent me here to give you this news.’

‘How this happened?’

‘When Kasol got our letter, the king of Kasol didn’t waste a moment and attacked Patyal. At that time Prince Jayraj was fighting with Gokar, so his father, King Jagatraj, had to deal with Kasol. Shocked by this sudden attack, King Jagatraj decided to back off.’

Siddhant scoffed. ‘As expected.’

‘But then something unexpected happened,’ the soldier said.

Siddhant narrowed his eyes. ‘What?’

‘When Prince Jayraj was coming back, at that time the princess of Kasol reached there out of nowhere. Prince Jayraj was not with his armor, and she shot an arrow right on his heart, and Prince Jayraj died on the spot.’

‘What?’ Siddhant stood up abruptly. This shouldn’t have happened. Vishakha was his sister-in-law. He didn’t want her husband to die, even if he was useless. This news would upset Nayantara. But he was relieved that at least Aditya or the Maharav army didn’t do this, or it would have created more political problems.

‘It happened so suddenly. Nobody could imagine a princess would do something like this.’

Siddhant wondered how angry the princess would be that she traveled all the way to Jayraj and killed him herself even though Patyal had accepted its defeat.

‘My lord, Prince Aditya is worried for you. He wants to come here with the army,’ the soldier said.

Siddhant knew Aditya would urge to come here, but he was a man of temperance. He knew this was a secret mission. He wouldn’t do anything stupid. He wouldn’t come here without his permission. ‘He doesn’t need to come. The mission is over. Tell him to send some men for ground control.’

‘Okay, my lord. I should leave now.’ The soldier bowed his head and left.

Siddhant caressed his brow. Aditya was coming back, which meant he should also leave for Maharav. If Nayantara didn’t find him with Aditya, she would get disturbed. He looked at Mahendra. ‘I’m leaving for Maharav. You stay here with the army. Make sure no one tries to rebel.’

‘Don’t worry, my lord, I will maintain law and order here.’

Siddhant gave a satisfied smile. Mahendra was a seasoned knight. He could trust him with everything.

He walked out and met injured soldiers, making sure they were getting proper treatment. After assuring their wellness, he went to his horse. He was munching on hay. Siddhant knew he was hungry and tired. He patted his back and kissed his neck. ‘Thank you for being with me. I’m so proud of you.’ The horse tilted his head in response. Siddhant took some grains in his palms and fed him. In some time, the horse was well rested and ready to travel again. Siddhant put the saddle on his back and started his journey, riding towards Maharav, riding towards his Queen.

He had won Anhilwara, but he had no idea what would happen next. He could easily take Anhilwara under Maharav’s law and everything would be sorted out. But if he granted Nayantara’s wish and allowed her to rule Anhilwara independently, he would face significant challenges. Anhilwara had its own constitution, incompatible with Maharav’s laws. To govern a kingdom with a different body of law, she would have to reside there as a supreme authority. But now she was not just the princess of Anhilwara. She was his wife. The queen of Maharav. The mother of his child. He needed her. Maharav needed her. How could he stay away from his wife and child? He was just hoping that Nayantara would understand this intricate situation and give up her stubbornness to rule over Anhilwara. Her honor had been restored, and she should now move on.

38 Contempt of the throne

Nayantara was sitting in the throne hall, all calm and collected, like everything was okay in the kingdom. No matter how broken she was from inside, she couldn’t show her weakness. Her throne was left to Siddhant, a few steps below. She could only sit on the main throne when the king was beside her.

‘So we will make a small check dam there and make one canal to the east,’ the civil engineer explained to the queen.

Nayantara nodded. ‘Sounds like a good plan. But I have a review petition for this. The canal is going to pass through a city, and we have to cut some homes and shops.’ Nayantara didn’t want to get involved in anything until her child was born, but Maharav’s people were already suffering the war consequences. So she decided not to stop any public interest work in Siddhant and Aditya’s absence. She was taking the matter, which needed urgent attention, and rest she would leave on Siddhant.

‘Yes, we have to. There is no other option, my lady,’ the civil engineer said.

‘We are ready to give them money, but people are still protesting against us,’ one of the courtiers said.

‘They have to say this will affect their business,’ another courtier said.

‘The canal is important, but we cannot do any development against our people’s will,’ Nayantara said.

‘Then how will it happen, my lady?’ the project manager said.

Nayantara caressed her brow before she said, ‘We will try to explain them. Show them beautiful drawings after development. They will have a beautiful water view from their houses. They will get new shops with bigger areas. See if this technique will work. If seventy-five percent come to our side, then we can think of continuing this project, otherwise we will find some other way.’

‘As you say, my lady,’ the project manager said, and he and the civil engineer walked out of the hall.

Nayantara cleared her throat before she spoke again, ‘So before we could move to our main case, are there any important petitions or complaints?’

The legal executive stood up and looked at the list in his hand. ‘Auh, my lady, something is strange today.’

‘What happened?’ Nayantara asked.

‘Suddenly there are so many complaints from commoners,’ the legal executive said.

Nayantara thinned her brows. ‘What are their issues?’

‘One is a dowry case, and one from an old couple whose son and daughter-in-law torment them. And one from a man whose wife stole his money and ran away with someone else.’

Nayantara looked at the law minister. ‘What is this, mister minister? Why are they here? Don’t we have local courts and village assemblies?’

‘This has never happened before,’ the law minister said, confused. ‘Maybe they get the news that you are conducting the hearing. After what you did for people, they must have thought that you would understand their problems better.’

Nayantara shook her head irritably. ‘What I did was going to have an impact on a huge mass. I cannot solve everyone’s personal problems.’

‘Don’t worry, my lady. We will not give them a date, and eventually they will get tired and give up.’

Nayantara thought for a moment and then shook her head. ‘No. They are my people. I cannot play with them. Let’s just see what their issues are.’

‘But what about the corruption case against the commissioner? It is more important,’ the law minister said.

There were serious corruption charges against the divisional commissioner. The investigative agency had collected all the evidence against the commissioner and some other officials. Now they had to present it in front of the king.

‘Give it some other date. It is not going to sort out in one or two hearings. The Lord will handle it later. Make sure whoever is related to this case can’t leave the kingdom,’ Nayantara said.

The assistant of the legal executive noted everything before they called the first complainant.

A beautiful woman in her late twenties walked in with a six year boy. She had a bruise below her eyes, which she was trying to hide with the edge of her veil. It was a case of domestic violence and the woman started her story. Her name was Geeta. Her husband was short-tempered and alcohol addicted, and beat her mercilessly. Her son and some neighbors were witnesses to her condition. Her in-laws never said anything to their son.

Nayantara listened to her without interrupting. Her voice was low and broken.

‘Have you complained about him to the village sarpanch?’ the law minister asked when she finished.

‘I did. And the sarpanch warned him many times. After the warning, he behaves, but after some time he forgets everything and starts beating me again. Last time he pushed me so hard that I fell to the ground and I broke my wrist,’ she said, and tears rolled down from her eyes.

‘You should go to the court,’ the law minister said.

She looked up at the queen. ‘I know, my lady. Your time is valuable, but you can solve any problem, so I…’

Nayantara inhaled sharply. ‘Look, Geeta, I can punish your husband. He will stay in jail for some time, and then he will come out. And this cycle will continue. You are the one who has to dare to come out of this.’

Geeta blinked at the queen. ‘Me? How?’

‘Tell me something about you. Are you educated?’

‘Yes, I can read and write. And my father also taught me maths.’

‘And what is your husband’s education?’ Nayantara asked.

‘Auh, I don’t know. He went to Gurukul but left it at the age of thirteen.’

‘You do home chores?’ Nayantara asked further.

‘Yes. Who will do otherwise? We have ten members in the family, and I’m the eldest daughter-in-law. So everyone’s responsibility is on me.’

Nayantara scrutinized her as she asked, ‘What does your husband do for you then? Why are you living with him?’

Geeta blinked at her, confused. ‘Auh, he… I…’

‘Is he more educated than you?’

‘No.’

‘Does he love you? Does he do anything to please you?’

Geeta lowered her eyes as she slowly shook her head.

‘Does he earn money for you? Does he take responsibility for you and your child?’

‘No.’ Geeta said in a small voice. ‘I have to earn to support him. I do embroidery on the clothes of our neighbors and relatives so that my and my son’s burden does not fall on him.’

Nayantara sighed. ‘Then why are you living with him? What did you get from this marriage? You are better than him in every way. You are educated. Sensible. Hardworking. He doesn’t deserve you.’

‘But where will I go? I have no place to live,’ she said weakly.

Nayantara’s heart ached with her answer. Once there was a time she wanted to leave Siddhant, but she had no place to go. Even if she was a princess.

‘You and your son will stay in your parents’ home,’ Nayantara stated.

‘They will not accept me,’ Geeta said.

‘They have to. It’s a royal decree,’ Nayantara said sharply. ‘Did your father give dowry in the marriage?’

‘He did.’

‘Do you have any proof of it?’

Geeta thought a little before she nodded her head. ’We gave it in front of everyone. My mother has written what we have given them. Pulse, there is my father’s name punched in every item given in dowry. Furniture, utensils, and jewelry.

‘Good. Now your husband has to return all the dowry and the money your father spent on your marriage with twelve percent interest,’ Nayantara said, and Geeta gaped at her. ‘How many years have you been married?’

‘Ten.’

‘Then it will be 10 years at 12 percent per annum. He has to pay the main amount within a week. And interest he could pay in monthly installments and submit it to the court. And if he doesn’t follow the decree and bother Geeta in any way, he has to go to jail,’ Nayantara said, her voice strong and clear.

Geeta gasped, and the men there looked at each other in shock.

‘My lady, you cannot give this kind of statement,’ one of the courtiers, named Vishal, said.

Nayantara’s brows raised as he questioned her judgment. ‘Why not?’ she asked calmly.

‘If you give this kind of statement, the other women will give the reference of this case in the future and make these kinds of illegitimate demands,’ Vishal said.

Nayantara narrowed her eyes. ‘Illegitimate demands? Can you explain to me, mister courtier, what is illegitimate in this? Or you think dowry is men’s right to take.’ She kept her voice low, even if she was boiling from inside.

‘This is an age-old tradition. Who are you to change it?’ Vishal said loudly.

‘Keep your volume low,’ the law minister warned. ‘And be respectful to the queen.’

‘I didn’t say anything wrong. If this woman doesn’t want to stay with her husband, she could go, but why would her husband pay for it?’ Vishal said.

Nayantara clenched her fists. ‘He beat his wife. He should be grateful that I didn’t get him flogged in public. Do you want that punishment for him, mister courtier? I’d be more than happy to give him a taste of his own medicine,’ Nayantara said coldly, and Vishal glared at her. Nayantara knew he was so disrespectful towards her, but still she maintained her calm. The wise people should forgive fools until they cross the limit. ‘The money he has to pay is not his. It is Geeta’s father’s money. And he kept it for ten years. So he has to pay it back with interest, and that is final,’ Nayantara stated in a firm voice, leaving no space for argument. ‘Seal the order.’

‘Geeta, you can go now. Tomorrow you will get a copy of the judgment,’ the legal executive said.

Geeta adjoined her hands. ‘Thank you, my lady. You give me new hope and courage.’

Nayantara gave a soft smile, and Geeta walked out with her son.

‘I don’t want to sit in a court run by a woman,’ Vishal shouted, standing from his chair. Giving a last glare at the queen, he walked away.

Everyone looked at him in shock. Today he had crossed all lines.

‘Contempt of the throne,’ Nayantara said, her voice cold, steely. The moment those words came out of her mouth, a few constables sprung forward and grabbed Vishal.

‘The Lord will decide his punishment as he doesn’t like a woman’s judgment,’ Nayantara said, and the guards dragged him out the hall, shouting and yelling.

Every man in the throne hall went deathly quiet.

‘Anyone else what to question my judgment?’ Nayantara asked sternly, and nobody said a word.

‘No, actually, your judgment raised a new ray of hope in me. My wife used to hit me. Now I will also get justice,’ an middle-aged courtier said in a dramatic tone. He had a round face, innocent eyes, and a funny small mustache.

Nayantara stared at him for a moment and then burst into laughter.

‘BatukShankar ji, if bhabhi ji heard this, you wouldn’t get dinner today,’ the other courtier teased him, and Nayantara laughed even more. The tension immediately vanished from the air with the queen’s melodious laugh.

‘I also want justice, my lady,’ the law minister said, making a sad face. ‘My wife always fights with me and cooks tinda sabzi all the time, even if I hate it.’

Nayantara laughed harder, placing her hand on her big belly. ‘Respected courtiers, this is throne hall, not a comedy convention. But yes, we will arrange a comedy convention, and there I will hear all the complaints about your wives,’ she said laughingly. ‘Can we move to the next case now?’

The rest of the hearing proceeded peacefully.

Hearing time finished, and Nayantara came back to her chamber. She rushed towards the bathroom to empty her bladder. There was a chair for her with a hole in the middle, so she didn’t have to squat down. After finishing her business, she came out and lowered herself on the couch. She groaned in pain. Her back was hurting due to sitting stiffly during the entire hearing. She adjusted the pillow behind her lower back.

The maid had arranged her lunch. She took the plate and tore a piece of roti.

It had been seven days and still there was no news from the battlefield. The weight of the world seemed to settle on her shoulders the day he left. Each day was a battle fought within her. The fear, a constant companion, gnawed at her peace. Nights were the worst. The longing was insatiable. She yearned for his touch, his laughter, his presence.

Everyone thought she was sad because she wanted her husband with her in this delicate state. But this was not the only reason. She was the queen of Maharav and she was worried for every army man. And if this burner was not enough, the guilt that this war was happening because of her was killing her. Her father and husband were accustomed to conflict for their pride and power. The war was nothing new for them. But she believed in the path of peace as it was the only true path to progress. Yet she understood the harsh reality of the world. Wars have plagued humanity, and will continue to do so for countless reasons. Power, pride, justice, revenge, peace, and many more desires. And this war happened because her sister’s evil husband only cared for his lust.

The thought of evil reminded her of her uncle. Her father’s killer was still on the Anhilwara throne. After the baby was born, she had to plan something strong to dethrone her uncle. But right now she was not able to plan anything. Her baby was moving and kicking in her womb all the time, and his father and uncle were at war.

Sometimes she thought she should tell everything to Siddhant. She should try to speak. But revenge was something you should do on your own only then it would heal you and satisfy you.

---

‘Aditya, tell me what is wrong? I know something happened to Siddhant, and you don’t want to tell me,’ Nayantara cried.

Today, in the early morning, Aditya had returned with the army. Nayantara didn’t know what happened on the battlefield. They hadn’t sent her a single letter. Still, she welcomed Aditya with flower rain. Siddhant was not with him, and Aditya had a plain look on his face. He assured her that everything had been settled down and they lost no one. Siddhant was behind with the other troop, and he would be here in some time. Saying so, Aditya retired to his chamber. Nayantara believed him, but when the sun began to set, her anxiety grew, unable to shake the feeling that something was amiss, and she couldn’t stop herself from going to Aditya.

‘What happened on the battlefield, Aditya? Tell me, please,’ Nayantara almost begged. ‘Is he seriously injured? Or is he…’

‘Bhabhi shri, trust me. Nothing happened to bhai shri.’ Aditya cut her off. He didn’t know how much he should tell her. Should he tell her that Siddhant was on some other mission and her sister’s husband was dead? He had decided to leave it to his brother. He had received a message from his brother that he was coming, but he had not arrived yet.

‘If you are hiding something from me, Aditya, then I will never forgive you.’

‘Bhabhi shri, please don’t take stress,’ Aditya said worriedly. ‘Bhai shri is fine. He will be here soon.’

Tears collected in Nayantara’s eyes. ‘You both brothers are the reason for my stress. First, none of you sent me a single letter. Can you imagine how stressful the last few days have been for me. And now you are behaving like you came from an outing, not the battlefield. But I can tell you from your face that you are hiding something. Now are you going to tell me everything, or do you want me to find out in my way?’ She almost yelled.

‘Why are you scolding my brother?’ A deep, thunderous voice rang in the air, and Nayantara’s heart skipped a beat. The baby kicked hard inside her womb, hearing the familiar voice.

39 Her ugly husband

Nayantara turned around. He was leaning casually against the door-frame. His muscular arms were crossed against his firm chest. His dark, intense gaze was staring at her lovingly. Her heart filled with emotions, unsure if it was her pregnancy or she falling more in love with him.

‘I just went for a few days and you already started ordering around, huh,’ he said with a smile on his face.

‘Siddhant!’ Nayantara cried, and she almost ran to him.

‘Hey, easy, easy,’ Siddhant said as he cut the distance between them in one stride and engulfed her into his arms.

Nayantara buried her face into his chest, inhaling his earthy scent. ‘What took you so long? I was so worried for you.’

‘I’m aged now, Nayantara. I cannot travel as fast as Aditya,’ he said, and Nayantara slapped his chest.

‘You don’t care about me at all,’ she said, her voice tear off.

‘Oh, my princess,’ Siddhant caressed her head. ‘I’m so sorry I left you like this.’

Nayantara pulled back to look into his eyes. ‘You should at least write me a… Oh my God, you are injured.’ Nayantara yelled as her eyes fell on his neck. One side of his neck had turned black and was covered in nasty blisters.

Aditya also stepped forward to see his brother. His eyes wandered to his neck with concern. He was about to say something, but Siddhant cut him off.

‘It is nothing. Now I want to rest for some time. We will have dinner together,’ Siddhant said.

‘Yes, you should rest, but after seeing the physician.’ Nayantara held his hand and found a cut on the back of his hand. She grew worried, and without a word she led him out.

They stepped into their chamber, and Nayantara started giving instructions to the maids.

‘You prepare the bath… You call the physician… And you go to the kitchen and tell the chef to cook the king and Prince Aditya’s favorite dishes,’ she said. Meanwhile, Siddhant took a banana from the fruit basket and finished it in two bites. The maids bowed their heads and walked away.

Siddhant walked to the dressing room with a glass of water in his hand. Nayantara followed him.

He emptied the glass and put it aside. ‘Nayantara, you rest,’ he said.

‘No, you are exhausted. I will help you.’

‘The maids will help me.’

‘No, I want to see your wounds.’ Nayantara pushed him against the chair, making him sit, and pulled off his kurta.

Siddhant shook his head. ‘There is no wound, Nayantara.’

Nayantara’s eyes roamed over his massive body before they lingered on his neck. The affected skin was dead, and blisters looked extremely horrible. ‘How did you get burned?’ her voice cracked.

‘Fire arrow.’

Nayantara lowered her gaze. ‘Everything happened because of me.’

Siddhant cupped her face, making her look at him. ‘Nothing happened because of you. And even if it happened because of you, then also it was worth it. You are the queen of Maharav,’ he said, and Nayantara’s heart jolted. His love, his respect were just divine. But still, she never wanted to be the reason for war.

‘What happened in war?’ she asked weakly.

Siddhant inhaled sharply. ‘There is bad news.’

‘Bad news?’ Nayantara’s face grew tense. ‘But Aditya said all our men are safe.’

‘Actually Jayraj is dead,’ Siddhant said, and Nayantara gaped at him.

‘What? But why did you kill him?’

‘We didn’t kill him. The princess of Kasol killed him,’ Siddhant said and told her the entire incident. He avoided telling her about her uncle. This was not the time to provoke her anger and pain. He would tell her after the baby was born.

Nayantara placed her hand on her head, feeling defeated. ‘Now what I will tell Vishakha. You were right, I shouldn’t interfere in my sister’s matter. I did everything with good intentions, but everything went wrong.’

There were a few moments of silence between them before Siddhant said, ‘Nayantara, your sister didn’t deserve him. We will marry her to some nice man.’

Nayantara blinked at him, considering that possibility. But before she could say something, a maid interrupted them.

‘My lord, the bath is ready,’ she said.

Siddhant stood up and dismissed the maid.

They went into the bathroom, and Nayantara helped him to take a bath. However, she didn’t move much. She just sat on the edge of the pool and helped him to wash his back and arms. She didn’t touch his neck, just poured clean water on burned skin.

Once Siddhant was cleaned, he changed into a loin and a thin white kurta without a collar so his skin didn’t get irritated. When they came out, the physician was already waiting outside. Siddhant called him in before he settled on the chair. Nayantara stood beside him.

The physician approached him. He was the youngest physician in the palace.

The physician gave him some pain relief medicines before he started treating his wounds. First he cleaned the cut on his hand.

‘Will he need stitches?’ Nayantara asked worriedly.

‘No, my lady, the wound is not deep,’ the physician said.

Nayantara sighed with relief. She knew how badly the stitches hurt. The physician tied the bandage on his hand and then moved to his neck.

He observed the wound before he said, ‘The burn is severe. We have to remove the dead tissue, my lord.’

Siddhant gave a nod to proceed.

Nayantara held her breath as the physician picked up small forceps and picked his dead skin to peel it off.

‘Nooo… stop,’ Nayantara cried. ‘What are you doing? It will hurt him. Can’t you just apply ointment to it?’

The physician looked at the queen and then back to the king.

‘Nayantara, wait outside,’ Siddhant said.

‘No, I will stay with you. I know you are in pain,’ Nayantara said, her words were firm.

Siddhant sighed. ‘Then stay quiet and let the physician do his work.’

The physician proceeded again. Siddhant shut his eyes tightly and gritted his teeth to fight back the pain, trying hard not to make any noise or Nayantara would get scared even more.

Nayantara held his uninjured hand and pressed it between her soft palms. ‘You will be alright,’ she muttered.

Siddhant opened his eyes and smiled at her. Her touch was soothing against the painful procedure.

‘Is it hurting too much?’ Her voice was meek, concerned. Her frantic eyes locked on him.

‘I’m fine, princess,’ Siddhant said, trying hard to keep the pain away from his voice.

The process seemed long, and Nayantara’s legs started getting tired from standing so long. She hissed and gasped through the entire process. Finally, the physician stopped the excruciating process and covered the wound with a big bandage.

‘Take these medicines after dinner. I will come tomorrow for the dressings,’ the physician said.

Siddhant nodded, his eyes dizzy with pain and his forehead covered in sweat.

The physician walked out, and Siddhant closed his eyes for a moment, his breathing rugged.

Nayantara eyed him worriedly. ‘Are you in pain?’

‘I’m,’ Siddhant said honestly.

Nayantara’s face tensed even more, and Siddhant made her sit on his lap. ‘But it will go away if you stay with me.’

Nayantara pouted. ‘You should have been careful. You are already ugly. How much you will ruin your look.’

A laugh rumbled from Siddhant’s chest. ‘What does a man have to do with his looks? This ugly man can still provide you protection, pleasure, and babies.’

Nayantara blushed furiously, slapping his chest.

‘Now tell me. The physician did your checkup? What did she say? When are you going to give me good news?’ he asked, playing with loose strands of her hair.

Nayantara smiled shyly, and Siddhant couldn’t help but peck her cheek affectionately.

‘It is not in my hand,’ she said timidly. ‘The physician said I’m late. She is doing my checkup every day now. She said the baby is healthy and active.’

Siddhant stroked her belly. ‘Looks like my girl loves you more. That’s why she is showing no excitement to meet her father, huh. Even if I talk to her all the time.’

‘But I’m tired now. I want her to come out. I’m feeling so uncomfortable with this big belly,’ Nayantara said, and Siddhant felt a kick against his palm.

‘Oh, she is upset with your words,’ he chuckled.

‘We should go for dinner now. You must be hungry,’ Nayantara said as she wiped his sweaty head with the edge of her dupatta.

‘Yes, I’m very hungry,’ Siddhant said, licking his lips as he lunged at his wife’s soft, red petals.

Nayantara moved her face away. ‘No, my lord,’ she said with a scolding glare. ‘You need food and rest. We have all the time for this useless thing.’

‘You are my medicine,’ Siddhant said, approaching her again.

‘No,’ Nayantara said as she slowly stood up from his lap.

Siddhant groaned. ‘Fine.’

Nayantara chuckled at his fed up expression.

They walked to the dining hall and did family dinner. Even Padmini was there after a long time. However, she didn’t talk to anyone.

That night, both Nayantara and Siddhant got a deep, peaceful slumber with each other’s embrace.

---

Two more days ticked by. Siddhant got busy with his work, but Nayantara’s restlessness and boredom deepened with each passing day. She was so tired with her big belly and wanted her baby to come out.

‘I think I should go to the library to kill some time.’

Vida made a face. ‘I don’t like library. Can’t we play with rabbits?’

‘Then you go and play with rabbits,’ Nayantara said as she walked on.

‘No, I cannot leave you alone in this condition. I will come with you.’ Vida rushed behind her.

They stepped out of the chamber, and Aazad and Abhay followed them.

They passed a long corridor and took a left turn, when Nayantara suddenly stopped and looked around.

‘Is everything okay, my lady?’ Abhay asked.

Nayantara nodded and walked on.

After passing some long corridors, they reached the library. Nayantara was relieved that she shifted to the ground floor. There was no way she could walk from top to ground floor.

She suddenly stopped before the doorway and clapped her head.

‘What happened, my lady?’ Vida asked.

‘I had to collect some stuff from Rajmata’s chamber. Maybe clothes and jewelry.’

Vida thinned her brows. Rajmata always used to give the queen so many gifts. But after Adhisha’s death, she was not talking to the king and queen and rarely venturing beyond her chamber. But she stayed quiet. Royal people were weird.

‘I will send…’ Vida said, but Nayantara cut her off.

‘Aazad, Abhay, can you go and bring those things to my chamber?’

‘Of course, my lady.’ They bowed their heads and left.

‘C’mon, Vida, you help me with the books,’ Nayantara said as she walked in, and Vida followed her.

‘This book, my lady?’ Vida was standing on the ladder, and Nayantara was on the ground.

‘No, the next one,’ Nayantara said.

‘This?’ Vida asked.

Nayantara was about to speak when she felt a sharp tightness in her abdomen.

When Vida didn’t get a reply, she turned her head to look down. The queen was standing still with her eyes on the floor.

‘My lady?’

Still, no replay.

Vida quickly came down. ‘What happened, my lady?’

Sweat broke over Nayantara’s forehead, and she palmed her face. ‘Vida, I want to go back. I’m not feeling good.’

‘Are you feeling contractions, my lady?’ Vida looked at the queen with concern.

‘Yes, I think so.’

Vida jumped in excitement. ‘Yes, finally the baby is coming. Let’s go to the chamber.’

‘Wait a moment,’ Nayantara panted. ‘I cannot walk with this pain. Let this contraction pass.’

‘I should send the message to the Lord,’ Vida said, her voice ringing in happiness.

‘No, don’t bother him. He will come when the hearing is over. You send someone to call the physician,’ Nayantara instructed with a soft groan in her voice.

‘Yes, my lady. I will be back in a moment,’ Vida said and ran off.

Nayantara tried to hold the shelf, and some of the books fell on the ground. She rested her head against the bookshelf and closed her eyes. Her hand caressed her belly, inhaling a deep breath to calm herself.

But suddenly, a manly hand grabbed her throat, strangling her in a firm grip.

Nayantara’s eyes shot open, and the man before her put a dagger on her neck, ready to slit her throat.

40 Pangs and new life

‘You!’ Nayantara glared at him with shock and confusion.

It was Vishal.

‘How dare you touch me? Move away,’ she snapped, feeling disgusted with his closeness. The enormous, silent library swallowed her. There was no one around except for the guards outside. But they couldn’t see them as they were deep inside in the labyrinth of the shelves.

‘You bitch, because of you, the Lord insulted me in front of everyone and fired me. But I will not leave without settling the score. I will not tolerate a woman ruling over Maharav,’ he snarled. His eyes were full of hatred, and his yellow teeth were grinding in malice. He looked like an insane animal.

Nayantara shook her head in disbelief. His hate towards her felt a little weird. Sick actually. It looked like he didn’t just hate her. He hated every woman in this world. She didn’t give any horrible punishment to Geeta’s husband, even if he had abused his wife. But still he questioned her jugement, and that too even rudely.

‘Now if you want to save yourself, bend on your knees and apologize to me,’ he said, pressing the cold blade against her warm skin.

Nayantara clenched her fists in anger. Even her lord husband never asked her to bend, and this vile man dared to speak so low.

Suddenly, Vida rushed in. ‘My lady, I have sent a message to… heyyy… who are you…’ she cried in panic and ran towards the queen as she saw a man holding the dagger to the queen’s neck.

‘Stay there or I will kill her,’ Vishal barked.

Vida stopped abruptly. But her scream had altered the guards on the doors, and the next moment they were inside. They dashed towards Vishal, but he pushed the tip of the dagger into the queen’s neck.

‘Don’t you dare come near me or I will kill the queen,’ Vishal threatened them and they also stopped themselves.

‘What do you want? You want money? I will give you as much as you want, but let the queen go, please,’ Vida begged.

‘Leave the queen, you stupid man, if you don’t want a painful death.’ one of the guards said, his eyes scanned the surrounding area to understand from where he would have come in, because he had not entered from the door. There were many long windows to fill the library with natural light. He could come from anywhere. And he was a courtier, so nobody had doubted him.

‘You don’t have to worry about me, but if you want to save your queen, then tell her to bend in front of me and beg for her life. Then maybe I will spare her,’ Vishal said impishly.

‘That’s not possible. Don’t challenge the king’s pride, you psycho,’ the guard shouted.

Vida took a step forward. ‘I will bend in front of you but leave the queen,’ she pleaded.

‘No, Vida,’ Nayantara stated firmly.

Vishal smirked devilishly. ‘Well, well, looks like the great queen doesn’t care for her life. Not even her child, huh,’ he said, lowering his gaze to her belly.

‘Enough,’ Nayantara hissed. She couldn’t hear his nonsense chatter anymore. ‘I didn’t tell the Lord to fire you. In fact, I didn’t discuss you with the Lord at all. But if the Lord decided to fire you, then I must say his decision is right. A person who has made such a stupid plan to kill his enemy is not fit to sit in the throne hall.’

‘You, bitch,’ he raised his hand to slap her, but Nayantara grabbed his wrist.

‘Don’t you dare,’ Nayantara seethed. Her inside was twisting and turning, but she still maintained her composure. ‘One wrong move and your family won’t find your body.’

Vishal’s jolted a little seeing her intense, burning eyes. He felt slightly frightened with the queen’s calm, fearless posture. ‘The dagger is on your neck, and you are trying to threaten me. I can slit you right now,’ he yelled in an irritated, angry voice.

Nayantara gave a small mocking laugh, ignoring the cold blade biting her skin. ‘Do you know how much planning and precision you need to kill the queen? The moment I stepped out of my chamber, I felt someone’s eye on me. And my guards are more sharper than me. They were sure that someone was following me. You should think, why would I send my guards away to bring some stupid stuff when I have dozens of servants to do it.’

He looked confused, and Nayantara chuckled at his fearful expression. ‘Yes, you could come inside because I let you,’ she said silkily. ‘You could come near me because I let you. And you could put the dagger on my neck because I let you do it. Now I’m warning you one last time. Just move away.’

‘I should have already killed you.’ Vishal snarled under his breath. But before he could strike the queen, a long, gleaming knife arced through the air, intercepting his deadly blow.

His hand, clutching the dagger, fell to the ground with a sickening thud, a crimson stain marring the clean floor. He bawled in pain. His hand was gone. He staggered back, crying maniacally. ‘My hand… my hand…’

Aazad and Abhay jumped on either side of him out of nowhere and seized him in their strong arms.

Nayantara stepped up to him and slapped hard across his face. The sound of the slap resounded in the quiet place. ‘You filthy pawn, how dare you touch me!’ she slapped again, harder than before. She would have flogged him until his skin peeled off if she hadn’t gone into labor. ‘A pawn shouldn’t collide with the queen,’ she seethed, delivering three more slaps.

Vishal was whimpering and shivering in pain. His cheek was imprinted with Nayantara’s fingerprints.

‘Calm down, bhabhi shri.’

Nayantara heard Aditya’s meek voice, and she looked at the direction of the voice.

Aditya was there, and an enraged Siddhant was standing beside him.

Nayantara inhaled sharply, coming back to her senses. She immediately stepped away from Vishal. Obviously, after this turbulence, the king must have gotten the news. He reached there when Nayantara was slapping Vishal.

Siddhant walked in, his heavy footsteps thundered through the silent room. His nostrils flared, and his intense eyes scanned his queen from head to toe. A low growl escaped his lips as he noticed the slight scratch and the tiny droplets of blood staining her neck.

A surge of primal rage coursed through him as he turned to Aazad and Abhay. ‘What is this? I have appointed you to protect the queen, not to roam into the palace. How did this bastard reach near her?’

Aazad and Abhay hung their heads.

‘It was not their fault,’ Nayantara interjected. ‘They were ready to arrest him, but I signaled them to wait a little.’

Siddhant’s head shot at her direction. ‘Have you lost your head?’ he shouted, and the room turned deathly quiet.

Nayantara looked around with the corner of her eyes, feeling degraded. Everyone was there: Aditya, Aazad, Abhay, that filthy Vishal, guards, Vida, and a few other servants. He called her stupid in front of everyone.

Seeing the delicacy of the situation, Aazad and Abhay used the presence of mind. Without waiting for the king’s permission, they dragged Vishal away.

Nayantara’s eyes met with Vishal, who had a wicked, winning smile on his face, satisfied with the queen’s insult.

Aditya grabbed him by the throat and punched his face, breaking his nose, punishing him the way he mocked the queen. He signaled everyone to leave before he yanked Vishal’s hair and dragged him all the way out.

‘What was the need to pull that kind of stunt? Your guards know their work,’ Siddhant asked sternly, drawing Nayantara’s attention back to him.

Nayantara lowered her gaze. She just wanted to know his intentions. If they would have arrested him for roaming into the palace, then he could lie about his intention. And they would have to leave him, and that could be more dangerous. So she took a little risk.

‘I’m asking you something,’ Siddhant shouted.

Nayantara’s eyes watered. She was hurt. He scolded her in front of everyone. Her stomach twisted again. She staggered back and rested her back against the bookshelf.

Siddhant’s brows furrowed as he observed her distress. ‘Oh God, are you in labor?’ he immediately reached for her, but Nayantara held out her hand.

‘No, first you finish with shouting and scolding. I’m listening,’ she muttered under her breath.

‘I’m sorry, my love. I didn’t realize you are in pain.’ Siddhant tried to hold her, but she pushed his hand away.

‘I can take care of myself,’ she said dryly. After taking a few deep breaths, she straightened her back and moved away.

‘Nayantara, let me help you.’ Siddhant pleaded, watching her walk away with slow steps. She was wise, and her every move was calculated, but still Siddhant couldn’t control himself whenever she took any risk or ignored her health. He couldn’t imagine what would happen when she would leave for Anhilwara. The mere thought of her leaving him terrified him. No, he wouldn’t let her go. Her wish was just too big to fulfill. He wanted her with him all the time.

She had barely walked a few steps when the pain in her abdomen forced her to stop. ‘Oww…’ she groaned in agony and caressed her belly, beads of sweat broke out on her brows.

Siddhant shook his head in disbelief. She was so stubborn. He reached for her and scooped her up into his arms, ignoring her protest.

‘I can walk by myself. I don’t want your help.’ She pushed against his chest.

Siddhant’s jaw hardened. ‘Don’t show me your tantrums.’

Nayantara opened her mouth, but no word came out of her, just a wail.

Siddhant softened as her body convulsed in his arms. He was angry with her, but this was not the time to scold her. He had to be soft and patient with her.

He carried her to their chamber.

The physician was already waiting in the sitting area with Dadi ma and Aditya. Siddhant took her inside and set her gently on the bed. She was quiet again as the contraction had passed.

Siddhant called Vida to help Nayantara with her clothes and jewelry. He walked out to give them some privacy.

‘Are you all right, my lady?’ Vida asked as the Lord went away.

‘Hurry up, Vida. The physician is waiting outside,’ Nayantara said, her voice lost, broken.

‘Yes, my lady,’ Vida said as she removed Nayantara’s jewelry and helped her to change her heavy attire into a plain cotton skirt and a loose blouse.

The physician entered inside with Dadi ma and Savita. Dadi ma was worried since she heard the news of the attack. Nayantara reassured her that she was alright.

The physician applied some ointment on her neck before she did her checkup. After her examination, she left her alone for some time as her cervix was not open yet completely, so they had to wait.

Dadi ma spent some time with her and then decided to let her rest a little. She asked everyone to leave her alone.

Siddhant was in the sitting area, talking with his brother. Once everyone left the room, he walked in. Nayantara was sitting with her head low, her hand stroking her belly. Siddhant’s heart ached, seeing her so vulnerable. Pain was written all over her face. He shouldn’t lose his temper.

He sat beside her and pulled her into his lap. She didn’t lift her eyes.

‘My princess is so angry with me, huh,’ Siddhant said and blew at her sweaty temple.

Nayantara inhaled sharply. It felt good.

He pushed back her strands and blew again. ‘I didn’t want to shout at you, but…’

‘You don’t have to explain anything,’ Nayantara cut him off. ‘Everything’s my fault. I got it. I’m stupid.’

‘What nonsense! The entire Maharav knows how smart you are. My courtiers told me how people came to you with their problems. They love you more than me. I’m so proud of you.’

‘You scolded me in front of everyone, Siddhant.’ Nayantara burst out, and with that she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. ‘Ahhh…’ she cried and nestled her face in Siddhant’s neck, her hands fisted on his kurta as she dealt with the pain.

Siddhant hushed her softly as her body convulsed in his arms. ‘Calm down, my love. You are angry with me, not the baby.’ He rubbed her back.

Nayantara felt a warm wetness spread underneath her. She tensed and tried to move away.

But Siddhant held her close. ‘Relax, my love, your water just broke,’ he said softly, stoking her face.

‘Your clothes will get ruined,’ she muttered.

‘It’s okay. I will change it.’

The pain eased, and Nayantara relaxed again. She lay limp in his arms. There was a silence between them, and Siddhant was stroking her hair.

‘Sorry, I made you worried,’ Nayantara said in a small voice.

‘You think I like to scold you, huh? I got scared, Nayantara. Can you imagine my condition when I got the news that someone put a dagger on your neck. He could harm. He could harm the baby. How could I stay calm?’ Siddhant said, trying to keep his voice low.

‘I just want to know his intentions.’

Siddhant kissed her head. ‘I know, but that is not the right way,’ he whispered.

Nayantara nodded slowly.

‘Do you want to eat something?’ Siddhant asked. The physician instructed him to feed her moderate amounts of liquids and light food.

Nayantara shook her head. ‘I don’t feel like eating anything.’

‘You need your energy. Just try to take some fruits. Okay?’ Siddhant said, his voice tender. He gently put her back on the bed and cut fruits for her.

In some time, Nayantara started losing her patience.

‘Siddhant… this is just unbearable,’ she whined as another contraction picked her.

Siddhant wiped sweat on her brows with his thumb. ‘Focus on your breathing, princess, and try to relax.’

‘I cannot relax. How long will this continue? When will the baby be born?’ Nayantara asked restlessly as her inside began to scream in pain. She didn’t know why she was asking this kind of stupid question when she already knew everything. She knew this was just early labor, and active labor would be worse than this.

‘I know you are tired, my love. But we have to pass this time somehow,’ Siddhant cooed her softly.

‘Noo,’ Nayantara whimpered helplessly.

The morning turned into afternoon, and afternoon turned into evening.

With time, Nayantara’s screams were getting louder. Nothing had ever hurt as much as that did, and she felt like she was dying. Every new contraction was stronger than the last one and made her more weaker.

Midwife gave her a gentle message to ease her pain.

By the time, the physician asked her to push, she had lost all her energy.

The physician was giving her instruction, asking her to push harder, and Siddhant was cooing her with sweet words, but at that point, Nayantara was no longer paying attention to them. All her focus was on her pain. She pushed with everything she had in her, unable to fight it even if she’d wanted to. Her body was forcing her to do it.

The maids helped by wiping the queen’s sweaty forehead, wringing clean wipes, and changing buckets of water.

‘Ahhhh… Siddhanttt…’ Her body was writhing in agony.

Siddhant looked at her with pity in his eyes. ‘You are doing great, my love. We’re almost there.’ His voice was so calm and his hand was gently caressing her sweaty head.

One last excruciating scream, one last pang, and she felt her body give away. She collapsed against the mattress, and the next moment, the chamber filled with a loud cry.

‘It’s a boy, my lord. A strong, handsome boy,’ the physician declared.