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Anya sat in the dimly lit chamber the bright sunlight was covered up as the family had barely gotten any sleep the last day Veena her royal maid had ensured of this, her heart racing with a mixture of relief and anxiety. The words from Royal spy Devdutt had shattered the grief that had enveloped her upon hearing of Prince Nayan's supposed death. Her fiancé was alive, albeit in critical condition. She clung to that glimmer of hope, her thoughts drifting to the innocent life , Nayan's survival who was hurt in as the effects of war.
Beside her, Indu, sensed the tumult of emotions in Anya. She embraced her sister gently, understanding the weight of the decisions that had been made. "Shhh, don't worry about me," Indu murmured, her voice a soothing balm in the tense atmosphere. "This is what even you would have done if an alliance saves our family. So be it."
Anya smiled, her heart swelling with pride as she watched her little sister, Indu, grow into someone capable of saving her. It wasn't every day that the roles reversed, and the younger sibling became the protector. Anya nodded silently, grateful for Indu's unwavering support. Their family had endured many moments of uncertainty and peril in the past few days, navigating the treacherous waters of court politics and rival kingdoms. The alliance brokered between their father and the Prince of Virata, had brought both relief and new challenges, adding another layer of complexity to their lives.
The past week had been a whirlwind of clandestine meetings, hushed conversations in shadowy corridors, and the constant fear of betrayal. Virata was a nest of vipers, each noble with their own agenda, and Anya was somehow feeling like a pawn in their dangerous game as if they had hidden something from her, something was missed by her. Yet, through it all, Indu had been a beacon of strength, her determination unshaken even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Now, as they stood on the castle's grand balcony, the cool breeze carrying the scent of blooming jasmine, Anya's thoughts were momentarily at peace. The sight of Arjun and Aditya Singh, now released by Prince of Virata following the signing of the treaty, served as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance they had achieved.
Anya's mind wandered to the sacrifices made and the mental battles fought, both within the palace walls and on the blood-stained fields beyond. The alliance had demanded not just political maneuvering but also personal sacrifices, and the cost of peace had been high. As she looked at Indu, Anya realized that their journey was far from over. The road ahead would be fraught with new dangers and unexpected turns, but for now, in this fleeting moment of calm, she allowed herself to hope watching Indu smile had been enough for now.
Devdutt came near the princesses, his eyes reflecting a mixture of weariness, approached Anya and Indu. "Princess Anya," he began, his tone respectful yet tinged with concern, "I donât know how to decipher this but I have seen with my own eyes Prince Ivaan has spared no effort in ensuring Prince Nayan receives the best care. There is hope."
Anya managed a small smile, touched by Devdutt's earnestness. "Thank you, Uncle. Your words give us strength."
The grand halls of the palace echoed with whispers, their marble floors cool against the maids hurried footsteps. Veena, regal and poised, swept into the room, her brown and golden robes trailing behind her. âPrincess,â she said, her voice a velvet murmur, âThe Queen Your mother returns, and with her, Bhoomiâthe second daughter of Rana will be arriving soon, it seem the news has reached them drawn by news of Aditya Singh and Arjunâs injuries. Our attempts to conceal the truth have failed; a mother knows her childrenâs pain, even when veiled in silence.â
Anya, shifted uneasily. âBut Queen Bhoomi too,â she whispered, âtraveling while pregnant.â
''If the queen is there we can rest assure Princess Indu!" Veena said assuring her bestfriend Anya
Indu, interjected softly, trying to lighten the mood "You really donât have to worry for Bhoomi when our mother is with her, Let us focus on what lies ahead. Our paths have converged for now, but we must tread carefully The alliance is happening ahhhh I cant believe this, I said yes must have lost my mind, what will Amma say I'm scared of her wrath Anyaaaaaaa she always hated my spontaneous choices this one will be the biggest surprise for her"
As sunlight approached, casting a faint glow through the chamber windows,
Anya stood up, wiping her tears away as the harsh sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting a radiant glow on her determined face she lets out a smile. "No, Indu. I won't let that happenânot while I am alive. This is my promise to you. Nothing without you choice will be imposed on you" Indu smiled at her brave sister, knowing Anya would always find a loophole, a way to protect them.
Suddenly, the peaceful morning was shattered by bickering from the garden below the balcony, followed by a commotion from the palace grounds. The urgency in the air was palpable, like the crackle before a storm. Without a second thought, they sprinted towards the source of the noise, skirts billowing, As they ran, they called out to a soldier, their voices echoing against the stone walls, "What's happening?"
The soldier, breathless and frantic, managed to reply, "Prince Arjun is asking for permission to go to war. We can't let him see the King in his fragile condition."
Indu's heart pounded in her chest as she rushed to Arjun, standing firmly in front of him to block his path. The courtyard was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of servants going about their duties. "What's going on, Bhaiya? '' Indu's voice trembled with concern, her eyes wide with fear and confusion.
Arjun's eyes blazed with fury, his face flushed with anger. "Do we just let that bastard leave after how he insulted our nation?" he spat, his voice cutting through the air like a dagger. The raw emotion in his words sent a shiver down Indu's spine.
"Bhaiya, and how do you plan to win? Have you forgotten how wounded you are You can't even stand for yourself!" Indu countered, her voice rising in desperation. She could see the fire in Arjun's eyes, but his body was weak, his wounds still fresh and bleeding beneath his bandages.
Arjun, stood resolute, his eyes aflame with determination. Indu had dared to question his resolve, her frustration evident in every syllable she hurled at him.
Indu's concern for her impulsive brother held her back. But Arjun was unyielding, fuelled by a fire that consumed reason.
âWe will win!â His roar echoed off the wind blowing by the columns, "They stopped our army from entering Nanda before, but this time, I will rally all our forces and allies. Move aside, Indu! I just need Father's the king of Rana's permission for the formality". Move nowâ With a forceful shove, he pushed her aside, his grip unyielding. His eyes bore into hers, daring her to challenge him further.
Indu stumbled back, her shock mirrored in wide eyes. âArjun bhaiya, no!â Her plea was lost in the tempest of his determination, a tempest that had always been both his strength and his curse. She watched him, torn between pride and sorrow.
Nearby, Anya stood with a stone-cold expression, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. The tension between them was thick, almost tangible, as she watched Arjun's rough treatment of Indu, the sister who had let her life be an alliance for his safety.
Anya, the quiet observer as Indu was always able to calm her brother, but now, her patience had worn thin.
âWhat do you even know about the price we paid for your life, Arjun!â Anyaâs voice trembled with a mix of fury and sorrow. She stepped forward, her eyes locking onto his. âYou think victory is merely a matter of rallying forces? Our blood has stained these halls, our sacrifices etched into the very stones beneath our feet.â
Arjunâs defiance flared. âWhat do you mean? If youâre still on about the treaty, Iâll nullify it myself by declaring war on them.â His words sliced through the air, leaving wounds deeper in her mind. He was blind to the weight of failure, the delicate balance they tread upon.
"Bhaiya how can youâ¦." Then, in a moment that would echo through generations, A hand struck The slap resounded, jarring and loud. Shock rippled through the room, leaving a stunned silence in its wake. Anyaâs eyes bore into his, pain and betrayal etched there.
The hall and courtyard fell into a deathly silence. Servants and helpers froze, their gazes wide with fear of what they just witnessed. The air thickened, suffocating, as if the very walls held their breath. The grandeur of their lineage seemed insignificant against the raw emotions that surged within those walls right now.
This shouldnât have happened!
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Ooooooh a slap ! That too in front of everyone shouldn't have happened?
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