The Queen Defends Lavanya: Chapter 17

I am really happy and excited to tell you all that Lavanya already won 5 awards with 2 consecutive wins today. It won the awards in

1. Runner up in The Sapphire Awards

2. Winner of The Golden Awards 2020 (chicklit genre)

3. 2nd Place in Amore Awards( historical genre), library Awards (historical genre), Starlight awards 2020 (chicklit genre)

What made me excited is...both my books Lavanya and The Mission won Amore Awards, Library Awards, and Starlight Awards. Actually, both books are the female protagonist books and both of them are very close to my heart. So I couldn't control myself and told you all guys 😊😊

2. Meet my little sister aarushi6. Two days ago she asked me to update Lavanya. I told her that I may update the next day because I do have the NEET exam and I am preparing for it. On the day when it was declared that NEET is postponed, she again messaged me saying the NEET is postponed. I was like...yes I know, thank you for letting me know. The next words which she told me really made me surprised for a minute and then I was smiling like a lunatic. She said...since NEET is postponed. It means that the update of Lavanya is certain.

You guys don't know how happy I felt when she said those last words. I mean I never expected that you guys will be interested in Lavanya so much that you will ask for updates. Thank you so much my little Aaru for asking for an update.

BTW, she is an amazing author. She is writing the story THE CROWNED PRINCE and the blurb is really really powerful. If possible, then please do give it a try.

"Karthik?!" Gayatri Devi exclaimed when she heard the name of her son from Virendra.

The intruder's big almond eyes turned into crescent ones, indicating that the person was smiling. His right hand traveled to the back of his ear while his fingers removed the cloth covering his face. A gentle smile appeared on Gayatri Devi's lips when she saw the toothy smile of her son Karthik.

"Greetings mother, " Karthik bent his body forward while his hand touched his mother's feet to seek blessings.

"Ayushman bhava." Gayatri Devi smiled while holding her son, helping him to stand up.

"Greeting sister-in-law." Karthik smiled brightly showing cute dimples on his cheeks while Lavanya still stood flabbergasted, unable to process what had just happened.

"Karthik, why didn't you inform us that you will arrive today? And why did you enter like an intruder?" Gayatri Devi asked worriedly.

"I wanted to surprise you all with my sudden visit. So I didn't inform anyone in this palace." Karthik replied. "When I entered Maheswari, I have heard that some rituals are going on. I wanted to see my sister-in-law first. So I decided to came here as an intruder to have a look at her." He turned towards Virendra and said in a complaining tone. "Brother, why didn't you inform me the sister-in-law is such a good warrior!? If I had known that sister-in-law is a warrior, then I would never come here as an intruder. I would formally meet her as a brother-in-law."

"Did you meet me first so that I can have a chance to explain to you?" Virendra questioned back while looking at his brother.

"I am at fault too." Karthik pressed his lips together, realizing that he was at fault as well. He turned towards Lavanya who seemed to come out of her daze slowly. "Sister-in-law, sorry for meeting you as an intruder instead of a formal brother-in-law."

"Don't apologize to me, prince." Lavanya shook her head vigorously. "It's me who should apologize to you. I shouldn't have attacked you like that."

"Virendra, take your brother to his room." Gayatri Devi said in an authoritative tone before averted her gaze to Lavanya and the rest of the royal ladies. "We still have to talk about something. Let's go to my room."

Virendra and Karthik bowed to their mother and Gayatri Devi walked towards her room while elegantly holding the pallu of her saree with the right hand which made her look like a mighty queen. The royal ladies bowed to both of the princes before following the Queen.

"Lavanya, you know what..." Gayatri Devi glared at Lavanya while the latter was almost trembling with fear. "I really hate liars. Why did you lie to me when I asked you about the arts you know."

"I-I am s-sorry about i-it." Lavanya stammered while her eyes were glued to the floor.

"No Lavanya! I want an answer." Queen Gayatri Devi said firmly. "You said that you only know about cooking and taking care of the family. Then what's this!? You are a warrior and that too not an ordinary one. You defeated my son. It means you are definitely a powerful warrior."

"Are you sure that you aren't a spy?" A royal lady said while looking at Lavanya with disgust in her eyes.

"No!" Lavanya almost screamed at the words of the royal lady. "I am not a spy!" She glared at her while her eyes clearly showed the pain of accusation and anger of being insulted. "If I were a spy, then I swear...no one would ever be able to know about it." She put emphasis on each and every word while her voice sounded so cold that it made the royal ladies flinch.

"Great!" Queen Gayatri Devi chuckled dryly before averting her gaze to Lavanya. "Then why did learn to fight?"

"Your Majesty, I was young when my mother died while protecting me from dacoits. I was so young then and...I wasn't ready to believe that she left us. Then my father told me that she died because she got badly stabbed by the dacoits. Since then I decided to learn how to fight so that I can protect my family from attackers at any cost." She paused as she felt a lump around her throat. Closing her eyes for a moment, she tried to ease the lump at her throat before continuing her words. "Since I was learning swordsmanship since I was 5 years old, I didn't have any scope to learn other arts which princesses usually learn."

"Then why didn't you tell us before that you learned swordsmanship?" Gayatri Devi's voice somehow became softer than before.

"I-its because my father forbade me from telling this." Lavanya sighed. "He used to think that if anyone comes to know that I am a warrior then no one would marry me. He told me that men didn't like women to grow more powerful from them, so I didn't let you know about it. I-I am s-sorry." Lavanya bowed before the Queen while hanging her head down.

A chuckle left from the Queen's lips before her piercing gaze landed on the royal ladies. "You called my daughter-in-law a maid right? Then...find me a MAID who has the same fighting skills as my daughter-in-law.” She said in a cold voice which sent shivers down the royal ladies' spines while putting emphasis on the word 'maid'. The entire room was engulfed by a deadly silence.

"Did you too not maintain silence when we called her a maid?" One of the ladies managed to reply.

"Yes. I didn't defy you when you called her a maid because I wanted her to protect herself, I wanted her to open her mouth and prove that you are wrong. What surprised me is she didn't say anything but accepted you foul words." The Queen looked at Lavanya with questioning eyes before continuing. "I kept pushing her to the edge so that she should say something. Finally, when you accused her of being a spy, she lost her temper and defended herself." She let out a deep breath and looked at her daughter-in-law with a soft smile on her face. "Why didn't you defend yourself when they called you a maid?"

"I-its...my father told me never to protest against elders. All the royal ladies are older than me. So...I didn't say anything." Lavanya said in a low voice.

The Queen laughed in amusement after listening to Lavanya's words. "Indeed you are an obedient girl. Your father raised you very well even in the absence of your mother. But remember one thing, you should raise your voice against those who are wrong. It doesn't matter if they older or younger than you. The only thing that matters is that they are wrong and they should be replied in their own way." The Queen averted her gaze to the royal ladies. "I really like Lavanya very much. She is a perfect daughter-in-law whom everyone wishes for. She is polite, gentle, and caring while she is an excellent warrior as well." A proud smile appeared on her face. "She is selected as a daughter-in-law by the King and he never makes any wrong decision. Though I didn't like her at first, now I cannot stop myself from liking my daughter-in-law." She looked at Lavanya with eyes full of affection. "Since she already proved her talent and skills, I think from now on none of you will speak ill against her. Understand?" She growled while staring daggers at the ladies.

"We are sorry, Your Majesty." The Royal ladies bowed to the Queen. "W-we will never repeat this mistake."

"Good." Gayatri Devi's lips curved upwards into a satisfactory smile. "You all can leave now."

The royal ladies apologized to Lavanya and then bowed to the Queen before leaving the room. After everyone left the room, Gayatri Devi walked towards Lavanya.

"You proved yourself to be the perfect future Queen of Maheswari." Gayatri Devi smiled. "I never thought that you are a warrior as well. Moreover, your ears are very sharp. If you hadn't thrown the dagger at Karthik, I would be compelled to do what you did."

"Huh!? Y-you too noticed him?" Lavanya asked, flabbergasted at the Queen's words.

"Yes." Gayatri Devi nodded gently. "When he was trying to escape from this room, he made a slight sound. Before I could pull my dagger out, you already threw your dagger at him."

"You have a dagger with you!?" Lavanya's eyes widened as she never expected that the Queen had a dagger with her.

"Of course yes." Gayatri Devi smiled. Her hand traveled towards her waist and the next moment she took out an unsheathed dagger and showed it to her daughter-in-law. "I am the Queen, Lavanya. A Queen should always stay prepared."

"You are really the Queen of Maheswari." Lavanya smiled while she glanced at the Queen with amusement.

"You really impressed me today, Lavanya." Gayatri Devi said with a soft smile on her lips.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Lavanya smiled and bowed a little.

"Call me mother." Gayatri Devi sat beside Lavanya.

"Huh!?" Lavanya at once looked at Gayatri Devi as if she had heard something unexpected.

"Lavanya, why are you looking at me like that?" Gayatri Devi chuckled at her daughter-in-law's expressions.

"I-Its nothing." Lavanya shook her head while tears formed in her eyes. "I-I am just too h-happy."

"Why are you crying? What happened?" The Queen said in a worried voice when she saw pearl-like tears rolling down Lavanya's rosy cheeks.

"I-Its the first time that someone is asking me to call her mother." Lavanya sniffed. "I don't know why but when you asked me to call you mother, I-I suddenly feel something in my chest. It's...its something like...I don't know." She looked at the Queen, unable to explain her feelings.

"Awww...my child, don't cry." Gayatri Devi immediately hugged Lavanya while her fingers softly caressed the latter's hair, trying to console her. "You don't need to feel lonely anymore. I am here with you. Your mother will protect you. I know that I cannot take your mother's place, but I will try my best to give you the motherly love that you have missed."

"Thank you so much, mother" Lavanya sobbed while hugging her mother-in-law tightly.

Gayatri Devi smiled a bit while caressing Lavanya's hair. When she felt that Lavanya had calmed a bit, she broke the hug and looked at her daughter-in-law. "I didn't know that you are this emotional." She smiled while wiping Lavanya's tears. "You must be feeling tired and uncomfortable in this heavy jewelry. Go to your room and take rest. Don't think too much, alright?"

"Mn." Lavanya nodded and smiled. "Thank you, mother. I am taking my leave then." She bowed to the Queen.

"Mn." The Queen nodded and Lavanya walked out of the room.

"Princess, you are amazing." Jyotimani walked beside Lavanya, trying to catch up with her speed. "You fought like a warrior with the prince."

"Jyoti, walk faster. We need to reach to my room as soon as possible." Lavanya said hurriedly while taking big steps.

"Princess wait for me!" Jyotimani started to run so that she wouldn't leave behind.

Once they had reached Lavanya's room, she quickly took off a few of her necklaces and bangles.

"Sister, why are you in such a hurry?" Jyotimani asked looking at Lavanya, unable to understand what was going on in Lavanya's mind.

"I need to make the turmeric herbal paste for Prince Karthik," Lavanya informed while opening a big box.

"But why?" Jyotimani asked innocently. "He didn't seem injured."

"He is injured for sure," Lavanya replied while taking out a little piece of turmeric and a bowl of coconut oil. "I threw my dagger at him and I am sure that it formed a cut on his left arm."

"How are you so sure about it?" Jyotimani asked while handing a glass of water to Lavanya.

"Because my dagger never misses my aim," Lavanya replied in a confident tone. "Moreover, while fighting, he was easily using his right hand but couldn't use his left arm. It means he is injured." She started to grind the pieces of turmeric using the pestle while adding the oil.

"Are you going to meet him now?" Jyoti asked while looking at Lavanya who was busy preparing the turmeric paste.

"Yes," Lavanya said while checking the texture of the paste she had made. "His wounds need to be treated. Otherwise, they will cause infection." She stood up and transferred the paste from the mortar to a bowl. "Let's go to Prince Karthik's room."

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"Brother, be gentle." Karthik winced in pain when Virendra tried to remove his black full-sleeved tunic as he had a deep wound on his left upper arm.

"What happened to your left arm?" Virendra asked when he saw his younger brother wasn't moving his left hand.

"Help me to remove these clothes first." Karthik avoided Virendra's words while the latter helped him to remove his clothes.

"Karthik! What is this!?" Virendra's eyes widened in shock as soon as he saw the deep wound on Karthik's left upper arm and neck.

"Well...actually these are done by sister in law," Karthik said while rubbing his nape awkwardly.

"Serves you right!" A female voice echoed in the hall and both the brothers immediately stood up.

"Mother." Both the brothers bowed to their mother, showing respect to her while the Queen nodded a little.

"Brother Karthik! How did you get these wounds!?" Saanvi who was following her mother immediately rushed to her brother. "The wound on your arm looks deep." She looked at her brother worriedly.

"Your brother entered my room disguised as an intruder while we were having a talk. So your sister-in-law threw her knife in order to stop him." Gayatri Devi explained taking a cloth in order to stop the bleeding.

"But mother, shouldn't she wait for a little? How can she just throw her dagger at Karthik?" Virendra protested

"If she hadn't done that, then I had to do what she did." Gayatri Devi replied calmly while gently wiping the blood.

Before Virendra could say anything, the guard announced the arrival of Lavanya. No sooner had the guard announced her arrival than she entered the room, holding the bowl of medicinal paste in her hand.

"Mother." Lavanya bowed to the Queen while the latter smiled.

"What are you doing here, dear?" The Queen asked while her eyes already noticed the bowl in her hand.

"The wounds, especially the wound on his left arm need to be treated otherwise they will cause infection. So I made this medicinal paste for prince Karthik." Lavanya replied while his gaze was fixed on the Queen as she didn't dare to look at either of the brothers.

The Queen extended her arm, gesturing Lavanya to give her the bowl of medicine. When Lavanya handed over the bowl to the Queen, she lowered her head a bit in order to inhale the odor of the medicinal paste. Suddenly her brows got knitted together forming a frown and she took a little amount of paste in her hand in order to examine its texture.

"How did you make it?" Gayatri Devi looked at Lavanya while her eyes widened a bit.

"I applied coconut oil instead of water," Lavanya explained. "I have learned that using turmeric with coconut oil is more effective than using it with water."

"The medicinal paste you made has the same texture as mine. You used the right amount of coconut oil." The Queen smiled.

Just then a guard entered the room and informed that the King wanted to meet the Queen. The Queen excused herself and went to the King, leaving the siblings along with Lavanya.

"I am sorry Prince. I didn't recognize that it's you. I shouldn't have thrown my dagger like that." Lavanya apologized.

"Sister-in-law, don't apologize to me. You aren't at fault." Karthik immediately stood up as Lavanya was also standing. "I shouldn't have entered my mother's room like that."

"Sister-in-law, I know that you are not at fault," Saanvi said. "But...my brother is hurt because of you."

"I am really sorry, princess." Lavanya apologized while the feeling of guilt was clear in her voice.

During the whole time, Lavanya didn't even glance at Virendra. She kept apologizing to Karthik and Saanvi.

She isn't even glancing at me. She is clearly avoiding me. Virendra's brows got knitted together when he realized that Lavanya had no intention of looking at him. I am her husband. How can she avoid me!

"I have to take care of something." Virendra stood up and turned towards Mahesh. "You can stay if you want."

"No Virendra. I will accompany you." Mahesh said.

Virendra nodded before leaving the room while Mahesh followed him. Lavanya immediately sat beside Karthik, holding the medicine.

"Prince, please apply this medicine to your wounds," Lavanya said in a pleading tone.

"I won't." Karthik looked away from her like a kid throwing tantrums over a toy.

"Please, prince," Lavanya said desperately.

"If you want me to apply this medicine, then you have to do as I say." Karthik glanced at her with a mischievous smile on his face. "Do you agree to it?"

Finding no other option, Lavanya nodded. "Yes. I will do everything you say." She said in a determined voice.

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3250 words. Phew~ *wipes sweat*

Btw, I wanted to ask something. Can you guys feel any emotion that I am trying to depict? Is it okay or should I need to give more effort to depict them well?

Please do let me know your opinion. Otherwise, how will I know if my story is okay or do I need to improve it.

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