10) Chapter

Devi Vijayshrii known as Pramila daughter of King Durvinitha sits within her new chamber, its walls adorned with intricate carvings, soft silks, and scented lamps casting a warm, amber glow.

Her maids were hover around her, adjusting her attire, smoothing her hair, and adding final touches.

They whisper encouragements, but the princess's mind was elsewhere, filled with quiet anticipation and a touch of vulnerability as she awaits her husband, Crown Prince Ereya. Who was predicted by astrologers to rule over the entire three worlds.

But he was late.

The air in the chamber is thick with the scent of jasmine and sandalwood, mingling with the subtle warmth of rose petals scattered across her bed.

"Devi, you look gorgeous tonight. The prince will be shocked when he sees you." a maid whispers warmly while smoothing her midnight balck hair.

"Thank you. But I feel... like a dream wrapped in silks and flowers, floating along, yet uncertain where it leads. Beyond these petals and all this beauty... who knows what awaits?."

Pramila said while gazing thoughtfully as her fingers trace the petals of a jasmine bloom in her hair

"Well, devi, I've heard the prince is not only handsome but also a bit mysterious. I wonder what he'll be like... you know, when the two of you are alone." Another maid spelled with a light chuckle.

"Oh, please! I doubt does he'll know what to say towards me?..he barely looked at me today! I imagine we'll be discussing royal treaties rather than anything... romantic." Pramila smiled with her sharp almond shaped eyes.

"Oh Your Highness, I've seen the way he glanced at you when he thought no one was looking! A man can't hide forever." A  maid said while giggling.

"Did he?.. Then I think he hides it very well. I'm already half-convinced myself that he's made of stone."rolling her eyes but she clearly looked amused.

"Stones? Oh, no, no, Devi! A wedding night has a way of melting even the most stone hearted princes. Maybe he'll surprise you!" Maids teased at her.

"And what exactly are you suggesting? That he'll drop all his princely reserved looks just like that?" Pramila said while playfully narrowing her eyes at maids.

"Men can be surprisingly charming when the right moment with the right person calls,Devi. Besides, just think! Alone, away from all the eyes... he may show a side that no one else sees." Maids said while giggling.

Pramila smiled, her cheeks went blushed "You all seem to have quite the imagination!" Suddenly her smile faded but she easily managed to hide that.

"All right, enough of this! You've all teased me plenty."She glances around with prentended palyful grin"Go on now. Let's leave the night to be what it will be."

The maids exchange knowing smiles and leaved the royal chamber quietly and close the door.

As the last notes of the maids' chuckles faded down the corridor, the princess let out a long, quiet breath, feeling the stillness settle around her. She was alone now, wrapped in silks and the gentle scent of jasmine.

"Am I the right person? Or is this simply the right moment?" This question swirls throughout her heart.

Her fingers brushed over the delicate embroidery of her sari, tracing the intricate patterns as if they held the answers she thoughts.

Then taking another deep breath, she straightened her posture, drawing strength from within and step through the chamber.

Her silks whispering softly against the marble floor as she approached a small shrine nestled in the alcove.

Soft lamplight flickered over delicate idols of Krishna, the god of her heart, casting his form in warm, golden hues that seemed to dance with life.

She knelt before the shrine, her hands folded, fingers trembling ever so slightly as her pulse quickened.

"O Lord Krishna, bearer of the flute, keeper of my heart's deepest hopes... as I journey towards a life unknown, I pray to You. May I walk this path as a lotus rises through water...graceful, rooted, yet ever-reaching toward light."

Pramilas voice was tender whisper, carried like a breeze.

"Let me be his strength, his peace, like the river that flows steady and clear, calming the banks on which it leans. Grant me the wisdom, Krishna, to know his heart as You know mine."

She breathes deeply, her words flowing like a gentle song, a soft melody of devotion in her heart.

Her voice softens further, a hint of poetry in her prayer as she imagines Krishna's gentle, eternal smile.

"As Radha Devi loves You, my Lord, let me hold that same love within me...for him, for this journey, for the life we will build. May I carry Your spirit within my heart"

" May my heart be as constant as Radha's, my devotion as true. Let our love be pure. Let people remember it, speak of it even after a thousand years, like they speak of You and Radha"

Just as she lowered her hands, she heared the faint creak of the chamber door opening, followed by the soft, steady footsteps of someone.

Little did she know, destiny had plans that differed from her own.