Sanvika Devi Takes Care of Prince Virendra : Chapter 30

Happy Wala New Year to all of you 🎉 🎉

I am sorry for being inactive for such a long time. It has been almost 2 months since I last update. I am very sorry about it.

The 2020 year was a very harsh year for me. The college pressure, family pressure, writer's block etc made me take a short break from writing.

In the meanwhile, I did some major plot changes and this story seems like it won't end anytime soon. So fasten your seatbelt and get ready for a long journey with Lavanya and Virendra.

I hope I can continue writing as usual.

Since it's a new year...I am thinking of doing some question and answer thing.

You guys can ask me any type of question, it may be personal, related to writing, anything. I will try to answer all of them.

Please ask your questions here -->

Once again, happy new year to all of you 🎉

Recap-

Lavanya and Virendra discovered the hidden treasure of the dacoits. At that night Lavanya set out as Sanvika Devi and captured some of the treasures, leaving the remaining for the royals. The dacoits appeared when Virendra and his men were taking out the treasure. While chasing the dacoits Virendra was shot with a poisonous arrow. Sanvika Devi and Surya who were sitting on the tree, observing the entire situation, showered with arrows, knocking out many dacoits. After the prince lost his consciousness, Sanvika Devi jumped from the tree and checked the prince's injury only to confirm that he has been poisoned.

"He has been poisoned," Lavanya replied. "We need to treat him as soon as possible, otherwise the situation may worsen."

"Poisoned?!" Surya exclaimed, unable to digest the fact.

"Surya, go to the south-western part of the forests where we used to secretly practise our skills. I am sure there are medicinal herbs still growing around the huts." Lavanya quickly suggested, checking the unconscious prince's pulse rate again.

"But there are only two temporary huts," Surya stated, glancing at his friend.

"We don't have much time Surya! Ask Swati to accompany you." Lavanya almost yelled, running out of patience. "Just go now and clean the place so that we can treat him."

"Mn." Surya nodded. Within a blink of an eye, he rode on his horse and disappeared.

"Karthik, return to the palace. If they ask where your brother is, just tell them that he has been injured and Sanvika Devi is taking care of him." Lavanya said while riding on her horse. "Mention that if something happens to His Highness, Sanvika Devi will surrender herself to the King."

"Sister-in-law!?" Karthik's jaws slacked listening to the unexpected words while helping his sister-in-law to hold his brother carefully.

"Don't worry. Your brother will be alright. I won't let anything happen to my husband." Lavanya smiled faintly before holding the reins of her horse. "Return to the palace. I am leaving."

Without wasting a moment, Lavanya pulled the reins of the horse, gliding through the woods like a fish swimming swiftly in its territory. Following the four-beat rhythm, the horse galloped, almost causing an earthquake due to its heavy hooves, aiming to reach the destination as soon as possible.

On the other hand, Surya almost made all the arrangements required to take care of the injured prince. Hardly two to three huts were there which clearly indicated that this place wasn't the residential area of Devi Sena. There were dense bushes all around while the tall trees proudly spread their crown, showing how mighty they were. The campfire and a few fire torches, which were lit by Surya to indicate Lavanya that he was waiting for them, formed the only source of light in the dark forest. Meanwhile, he sent a message to Swati informing her to arrive at the south-western forest as soon as possible.

With the hands folded at the back, Surya was walking to and fro, anticipating the moment. Suddenly the thunderous sound of the hooves of the horse echoed in the area. Surya's eyes sparkled, recognizing the heavy sound of hooves of Sanvika Devi's horse. He immediately rushed to her to help her.

"Surya, take him inside," Lavanya said, pulling the reins of the horse, stopping it.

Surya carefully pulled down an unconscious Virendra off the horse before carrying him inside the bamboo hut. He gently made Virendra lay on the small bamboo cot which was placed adjacent to the wall. The small bamboo hut was dimly lit by a few diyas.

"Did you prepare the leaves?" Lavanya hurried inside. Her gaze fell on the bamboo stool which had a few leaves on it. Walking quickly towards the stool, she took the leaves in her hand, examining them.

Surya quickly removed the prince's upper robes to examine the wound. No sooner had his gaze fell on the wound than he gasped. The wound was nastier than he had guessed. The blood was oozing out from the erythematosus wound.

"Sanvika, we need to treat him before it's too late. The blood is oozing out continuously!" Surya said worriedly, wiping the blood with a cloth dipped in warm water.

"Mn." Lavanya hummed as she was grinding the medicinal leaves using a mortar and pestle.

Using all her strength, she rubbed the pestle against the leaves, crushing them mercilessly to form the paste. Within a few minutes, she prepared the medicinal paste.

"Surya..." Lavanya called, extending the container containing the medical paste in her hand.

Taking the container, Surya dipped his fingers into it. Taking out a considerable amount of the paste in his fingers, he applied it on the prince's wound.

Lavanya was standing beside Surya, observing the latter's acts. As Surya was spreading the paste evenly on the wound, Virendra's brows slightly twitched, showing that he was in pain. As the medicine touched his wound, it caused an intense burning sensation, causing an unconscious prince frown.

Lavanya's brows furrowed observing the change in her husband's facial expressions. She moved closer to him and put her cold hand on his forehead, checking his body temperature.

"How's it?" Surya asked in a low voice, finishing his task.

"He hasn't developed the fever yet." Lavanya let out a heavy breath. Even though her face was covered by the black cloth, her eyes clearly showed her distress. "I think we applied the medicine at the right time. If he had developed the fever, things would've gone ugly."

Before Surya could say anything, a shrill female voice echoed, grabbing the attention of both the warriors.

"Brother Surya," Swati almost barged into the small hut. Seeing Sanvika Devi and the injured prince, her steps halted.

"Swati, grind the medicinal herbs over there. We need to make him drink the leaves extract as soon as possible," Lavanya said, walking outside the hut to bring the warm water which was kept on the fire.

As she returned into the but, she saw Swati was already making the extract. Putting the small pot of warm water beside Swati, she helped the latter to grind the leaves. She quietly kept on grinding the leaves while her breathing sounded heavier than usual. Her brows were knitted together, forming a deep frown, clearly expressing how worried and uncertain she was, yet she couldn't speak it out.

Noticing the distress in Lavanya's eyes, Swati asked in a low voice, "Is he fine?"

"We cannot say anything until he gains consciousness," Lavanya said, glancing at her unconscious husband. "I think he will be alright since we applied the medicine at the right time." Her voice trembled. Gulping the nervousness, she applied little warm water in the container before grinding the leaves again.

"Don't worry sister, he will be fine." Swati smiled a little, trying to ease the situation.

"Mn." Lavanya smiled faintly while mixing the warm water with the herbal paste forming a medicine.

Meanwhile, Surya wrapped a cloth around the prince, covering his upper body. No sooner had the medicine was prepared than Lavanya rushed to the prince. She gently put the prince's head on her lap in such a way that his head was at a little higher position than his body. Her long, slender fingers pressed his cheeks causing his lips to part into 'O' shape. Putting the edge of the bowl at the prince's parted lips, she gently poured the little amount of liquid so that it could reach his throat and he could gulp. After making him drink two gulps, she gently wiped the excess liquid on the corner of his lips before laying his head comfortably on the small pillow.

Standing up, she stared at the unconscious prince worriedly. Though her face was devoid of any expressions but inside her heart she felt like a violent storm was running on. The constant frown was plastered on her face as she was battling with her inner self to keep her calm composure. Since Surya and Swati were her closest ones, they could guess her condition at that moment.

Seeing Lavanya standing unusually quiet, Surya walked towards Lavanya. "Don't worry, he will be fine. We already gave him medicine."

"Never ever did I think that Sanvika Devi would take care of Prince Virendra," Lavanya chuckled without humour before shifting her gaze towards her best friend. "I want those dacoits in the royal dungeon by tomorrow morning." Her voice sounded cold enough to run shivers down one's spine. "Though the royals captured some of the dacoits, I want the entire troops of Baldev in the total dungeon. No one should escape!" She almost thundered at the end of her words as she looked at Swati.

No sooner had Lavanya's gaze fell on Swati than the latter understood the unspoken words of the leader.

"I understood, your highness," Swati bowed to Sanvika Devi.

"Wait!" Surya uttered before turning towards her. "Take our most efficient and trusted members. Act according to the situation."

"Yes." Swati nodded and bowed a little before walking out of the hut.

"Sanvika, change your clothes. You have a tendency to catch a cold easily." Surya said, looking at her, trying to read her eyes.

"You are wet as well," Lavanya said, adjusting the cloth which covered her face. "Moreover I won't leave his highness until he gains consciousness."

"I will guard him. Don't worry. Swati brought some extra clothes for you. They are kept in the other hut. Go and change." Surya turned towards Lavanya, facing his back at Virendra and removed the cloth covering his face to show an assuring smile.

"Cover your face," Lavanya said anxiously. "Are you out of your mind or what?!"

"I just wanted to assure you." Surya smiled as he covered his face again. "Now go and change, hm?"

"Mn." Lavanya nodded before walking out.

After changing her clothes, Lavanya entered the hut again. She was wearing jet black robes with black cloth covering her face leaving a pair of fierce eyes. Surya was sitting on the bamboo stool while examining the blade of his sword.

Chuckling, Lavanya walked towards him. "Are you planning to murder His Highness?"

"I dare not to, princess," Surya chuckled as he stood up. "I don't want to die brutally in the hands of the royal princess Lavanya."

"You are such a tease!" Lavanya laughed feebly. Ceasing her smile, she looked at her husband. "When will he wake up? It's already Nishitha prahar (9 pm-midnight)"

"Soon," Surya said, glancing at the prince. "It looks like he is better than before. His face looks relaxed."

Before Surya could say anything more, Lavanya sneezed loudly.

"Woah! You already caught a cold." Surya looked at her amusingly. "Sit beside the campfire. Otherwise, your cold will worsen."

"I know," Sanvika Devi snuffled before looking at her best friend like a guilty kid. "Go and change your clothes now. If we both catch a cold then it will be bad for Devi Sena."

Shaking his head, he walked out followed by Lavanya. Sitting beside the campfire, she hugged her body softly, trying to keep herself warm while the heat from the campfire already kept her warm. The flames seemed to be dancing as the slight breeze was blowing steadily.

Suddenly a faint sound came from the hut, grabbing the princess's attention. She looked at the direction of the sound. Brows knitted into a deep frown, she slowly stood up and took slow steps to avoid making any sound. No sooner had she entered the hut than she felt her stomach dropped. She couldn't find the prince lying on the bed. Within a fraction of second, her eyes widened in shock and her breathing became ragged. For a moment she felt like her mind stopped working. Where did he go!? She could feel her heart dropped to her stomach.

She was about to draw her sword when a strong hand pulled her from her behind, holding both of her hands within his big hand while the other arm was wrapped around her neck, strangling her. Since her back was facing the attacker, she couldn't get a glimpse of the person. Face contoured with anger, Lavanya struggled to set her hands free. But the more she tried to struggle, the tighter the attacker gripped her hands, almost bruising them.

"Who are you?" The raspy voice spoke, making Lavanya almost stop the struggle.

Virendra!? Lavanya exclaimed internally, calming down a bit. But within a moment, her anger stirred because of his behaviour. Kicking his groin area, she set herself free. Before the prince could wince in pain, Lavanya drew out her dagger and pressed it against his neck, making him stop moving. One of her hands was pressed against the prince's broad, firm chest, pinning him to the wall of the hut while the other was holding the dagger, threatening him to snatch away his life at any moment.

"The royals are always deceptive!" Lavanya scorned, staring at the Prince with a pair of big, fierce eyes.

"You are Sanvika Devi!?" Virendra's facial expressions changed into utterly shocked one. Since she covered her entire face except for those eyes, he mistook her as a man.

"Of course, I am!" Lavanya almost growled, staring at him fiercely as if she was staring into his soul.

For a moment, Virendra felt so familiar with the pair of fierce eyes staring into his soul. The more he looked deep into the pair of mysterious eyes, the more he was drowning in them. He felt like he knew to whom those eyes belonged to yet he couldn't find proper words to explain his thoughts.

"Your eyes...they are so familiar." Prince Virendra uttered subconsciously while his eyes stared deeply into a pair of beautiful, big round eyes. "My wife Lavanya has the same eyes as yours."

"My eyes are unique, prince. Don't you dare to compare my eyes with any other woman!" Sanvika Devi withdrew her dagger that was resting against the epidermis of Prince Virendra's neck while animosity was evident in her voice. She glanced at Virendra before walking away. You will never know that your wife Lavanya is Sanvika Devi. She thought as sheathed her dagger. Walking to the small bamboo stool, she picked up the small bowl containing the medicine.

"Here," Lavanya extended her hand, giving the medicine to the prince. "It's a medicine to cure your injury. It doesn't have any poison."

How did she guess what I was going to say? Virendra narrowed his eyes without taking the bowl, trying to read her eyes.

"Sanvika Devi isn't deceptive like the royals," Lavanya spoke, pulling the prince out of his daze.

"Royals aren't deceptive," Virendra said in a cold voice before taking the bowl from her, drinking the medicine.

Before they could speak anything else, Surya entered the hut.

"Sanvika De- oh? The prince woke up!" Surya's steps halted, seeing the couple busy in some serious talk. Checking if his face was covered perfectly, he walked towards them. "Greetings, Your Highness," He greeted in a hoarse voice so that the Prince couldn't recognise him.

"Why do you help me?" Virendra asked in his usual cold voice, glancing at both the members of Devi Sena.

"Because you are the crown prince of Maheswari," Lavanya replied in a confident tone, making her voice sound a bit raspy so that the prince couldn't recognize her.

"You could've killed me." Virendra inquired, adjusting the cloth around his body.

"Devi Sena was never against the royals," Surya replied, looking straight into the prince's eyes. "Sanvika Devi helps the poor and needy and all her hard work is dedicated to Maheswari. In that case, how can she leave the crown prince of Maheswari injured and unprotected?"

Virendra's eyes widened a bit listening to this new piece of information. Though he knew that Devi Sena helps the poor and needy people of Maheswari, he didn't know that Devi Sena held so much respect for the royals.

"Do the King and Queen know about my presence here? Otherwise, they will send men. And...where is prince Karthik?" The prince asked, masking his worry.

"Prince Karthik returned safely to the palace. I have told prince Karthik about your situation. He knows that you are getting treated by Sanvika Devi," Lavanya said, taking the bowl from the prince's hand.

"Didn't he oppose you?" Virendra's voice was clouded by surprise as he couldn't believe that his brother didn't raise a question against Sanvika Devi's decision.

"I told him that if anything happens to His Highness then Sanvika Devi will surrender to His Majesty." The leader's voice sounded so firm and confident that both of the men looked at her, astonished.

"Sanvika, you didn't tell me about this deal!" Surya almost yelled as he still couldn't digest her words. He didn't even imagine that she would do such a deal with the Prince.

"I had no other option. He needed to get treated as soon as possible otherwise he couldn't make it." Sanvika Devi let out a deep breath before continuing, "Everything is fine now. The prince needs rest." She turned towards the prince. "Your highness, you have to stay tonight here. You need rest otherwise your injury will worsen."

"But-"

"Please listen to her, Your Highness," Surya interrupted, infringing Virendra from speaking. "She had an important task to do but she sent her subordinates so that she can take care of you."

"I will send a message to the royal palace regarding your well being and about your stay here," Lavanya said. "Take rest, your highness." She turned towards Surya and signalled him to take care of the prince before leaving the hut.

Lavanya quickly walked into the other but where some essential materials were kept. The dim diya was flickering, making it easy for her to find the necessary materials. She took a small paper and a feather. Dipping the feather in the ink container, she gently tapped it against the edge of the container so that the excess ink won't ruin her writing. She quickly wrote a message about Virendra's well being and tried it using a small thread. Then she wrote another small message using some symbols and packed it within the other letter so that it would surely reach the destination.

She rode on Surya's horse before leaving the area. She had already sent her horse away since her husband had already seen a horse. After reaching a safe distance, she pulled the reins of the horse, stopping it. Pouting her lips, she made a special sound. Within a few minutes, a big, black owl appeared from nowhere. Lavanya's lips curved upwards forming a smile. She extended her arm so that the owl could land on her hand.

"Thanks," Lavanya uttered while caressing the owl's neck with her fingers. "I need your help. You need to send some messages to the royal palace."

She said while tying the letters to the feet of the owl. The owl stared at Lavanya with the pair of big yellow eyes befitting a witch's cat. After tying the letter, she softly caressed its head and smiled a little. The owl let out a few low hoots before opening it's large, rounded wings. Flapping its wings, it flew into the night sky, disappearing out of her sight.

This work will be done as well. Everything is hong accordingly. I hope Swati too succeeded in her mission. Lavanya thought before pulling the reins of the horse, returning to the hut.

"Your Highness, I've heard that you are married," Surya asked, sitting beside the campfire.

"Yes," Virendra smiled a bit, extending his arms as if he was collecting the warmth from the fire.

"Does your wife know that you set out for this mission?" Surya asked, glancing at the prince.

"No. I didn't want her to worry about me," Virendra nonchalantly replied, adjusting his clothes which Surya gave him.

"I still wonder why you guys trust me so much. Don't you have a second thought regarding how I can betray you and get you guys caught?" Virendra asked, amused at how confident and relaxed Surya and Sanvika Devi were.

"If we can save your life, we have the capability to snatch your life as well, Your Highness." Surya chuckled, adding some wood to the fire. "Even if you tell the King about this place, it wouldn't matter much since it's not where we live. Moreover, the members of Devi Sena are very well trained to escape from the jaws of death itself. If they can escape death, they can easily escape from the royals as well."

"It looks like I need to change my point of view about Devi Sena," Virendra chuckled as he glanced at Surya whose face was covered except the pair of hooded eyes. "By the way, what's your name?"

"Pardon, your highness. Members of Devi Sena aren't allowed to reveal their identities, especially when it comes to special members." Surya smiled.

"Is she your wife?" Virendra asked, hearing the word 'special' from the other.

"What?" Surya got choked on his saliva, coughing violently. "What are you saying, your highness?"

"You seem to be very close to her," Virendra replied, trying to move the left arm, checking if his wound was hurting or not.

"We are like best friends. She isn't my wife." Surya immediately shook his head in denial. "Moreover, she is too strict to be my wife. I want someone soft and pretty who will care about me and look at me with stars in her eyes."

Before Virendra could say anything else, the sound of hooves echoed in the area, indicating the arrival of Sanvika Devi.

Soon Lavanya reached where Surya and Virendra were sitting beside the fire, warming themselves. Lavanya's brows furrowed witnessing Virendra roaming outside instead of taking rest.

"The prince was supposed to take rest!" Lavanya yelled, getting off the horse. She walked towards Surya and glared at him. "I told you to guard him, not to disturb his rest."

"He insisted upon sitting here," Surya replied, defending himself.

"But-"

Before Lavanya could complete her words, again sounds of hooves echoed. Lavanya's brows knitted forming a deep frown. Her grip tightened on the hilt of her sword, ready to draw it anytime. As the sound of hooves neared, Lavanya suddenly drew her dagger and threw it in the direction of the sound. Within a moment, her dagger flew back to her. Lavanya jumped a little and caught her dagger before sheathing her.

Her lips curved upwards into a proud smile as she glanced at Surya who already guessed who the person ridding on the horse could be. Soon a brown horse appeared before them and a person dressed in the complete back got down from the horse. Surya and Virendra were facing the person while Lavanya's back was facing the latter.

"Sanvika Devi," a female voice spoke and the person bowed to her.

"Hm?" Lavanya hummed in response without turning towards her.

"Mission accomplished," the person said in a confident tone, making Lavanya smile a bit.

"Amazing!" Lavanya chuckled as she turned towards her. "Return home. Take care of the injured members."

"No one is injured," The girl reported.

"Well done. Take rest, all of you. You all did very well today." Lavanya patted her shoulder gently. Swati never fails to impress me.

"Yes." Swati bowed before her and rode her horse before leaving.

As Swati left, Lavanya walked towards the prince

"Your Highness, it's already late. You should get some sleep," Lavanya said in a gentle voice.

"Mn." Virendra nodded before walking inside the hut.

"Surya, check if they accomplished their task or not," Lavanya whispered softly. "Return safely. Don't get caught."

"Sure, your highness," Surya smiled before whispering, "be careful of him. He is prince Virendra after all. Don't get caught."

"Don't worry," Lavanya smiled.

Before she could go inside the hut, the big, black owl with yellow eyes appeared and flapped its wings, wanting to land on something. Lavanya's eyes sparkled as she recognised it to be the same owl which delivered the message to the royals. She extended her arm and the big bird landed on it. Letting out a few low hoots, it stared at Lavanya with big round eyes.

"Thank you." Lavanya smiled and caressed the bird's soft feathery body.

The bird nodded its head as if it understood the lady's words. Letting out a screech, it flapped its wings, flying away.

Lavanya smiled and then glanced at her best friend who was already smiling. Nodding, she went inside the hut. Surya shook his head with a smile on his face. Riding on his horse, he set off towards the royal dungeon to check if all the dacoits were imprisoned or not.

It was a while since Virendra lay on the bed while Lavanya sat on the bamboo stool, almost at the entrance of the hut.

"Are you going to sit there all night?" Virendra asked, popping his body on his elbows.

"Ye-achoo~"

"Huh? Did you catch a cold?" Virendra instantly sat up.

"It's fine. It's just I have a tendency to catch a cold easily," Lavanya sniffed.

"I think you should sit beside the campfire to keep yourself warm," Virendra suggested.

"It's fine, your highness. Please take rest." Lavanya said.

"What if one of your members failed in their mission?" Virendra asked, laying back.

"They will be rewarded with death," Lavanya said nonchalantly as if it made no difference to her.

"What?!" The prince exclaimed, unable to digest her words. "That's too cruel."

"The God of War is telling me what's cruel and what's not. What an irony!" Lavanya chuckled with amusement in her voice.

"But giving no chance to a person is wrong," Virendra argued, trying to change her mind.

"It's fine if sometimes we become cruel to survive in this cruel world," Lavanya replied absentmindedly, staring at the ceiling. "Your Highness, the missions accomplished by us aren't ordinary ones. If by mistake someone fails to accomplish it, they have no other option than to face death. Suppose one of my members failed to retrieve the wealth from the water before your arrival, then wouldn't they be taken to the royal dungeon and sentenced to death?" She asked, glancing at the prince with grief in her eyes.

For the first time, Virendra felt like he was washed by a sudden wave of guilt. Never ever had he felt like this before. He had brutally snatched away the lives of several soldiers but he never pitied or felt guilty about his doings. But the words of this woman had hit deep in his heart. He felt like he needed to apologise to the lady.

Before Virendra could apologise, Surya entered the hut.

"Mission accomplished!" Surya reported as he glanced at her.

"Thank you so much," Lavanya smiled as she immediately stood up. Her eyes became small which clearly showed that she was smiling.

Smiling fondly at Lavanya, he glanced at the prince and said, "Your Highness, please take rest. There are only a few hours left for the sunrise. Your body needs rest."

"Mn." Virendra smiled as he closed his eyes, trying to get some sleep.

Meanwhile Lavanya sat on the stool taking a nap while Surya sat beside the campfire, guarding the royals.

By the time Virendra opened his eyes, the sun already bloomed over the horizon, inviting a new day. He squinted his eyes to prevent the gentle sun rays from falling into his eyes. Adjusting his eyesight, he turned his head towards the entrance of the hut only to find the empty stood. A small smile appeared on his face upon reminiscing the last night's events.

Never ever did I think that Sanvika Devi will take care of me. Suddenly his face turned expressionless as if he remembered something. Why do I feel I know her? Those stares, that gentle voice, the authority and power she holds...these all are very familiar to me. Letting out a deep breath, he sat up. A series of last night events flashed in his mind. When I woke up I thought I was held hostage by the dacoits. Honestly speaking, for a moment I felt like my stomach dropped, not because I was afraid but because I couldn't find my brother beside me. In the moment of anticipation, Sanvika Devi entered and she told me about everything. I heaved a sigh of relief. If it wasn't her then perhaps I wouldn't have seen the sunrise today and Maheswari would have lost her crown prince.

"Good morning, your high-"

Before Lavanya could complete her words, a loud sneeze made its way out, proclaiming that she had caught a cold.

"Sanvika, you have sneezed for nth since morning!" Surya's voice was heard followed by heavy footsteps. "I told you not to take a bath in the cold water of the river but you won't listen to me even for once!" He walked inside the hut while annoyance was evident in his voice. The moment his eyes fell on the prince, he bowed to him. "Good morning, Your Highness."

"Good morning," Virendra smiled as he got up from the cot. "Sorry for disturbing both of you with my presence. Thank you for saving my life." He bowed gently to both of them.

"It's our duty, your highness," Surya said with a smile. "Please don't risk your life. You have people waiting for you at the royal palace. They will be worried as hell if you do something reckless."

"Mn. I will take care of myself." The prince nodded.

"Freshen up. You have to return to the palace as well. The Queen must be worried about you," Lavanya suggested.

After the prince freshened up, the three of them set out towards the palace. Lavanya and Surya accompanied him till the end of the forest. After that, the two members of Devi Sena returned while the prince proceeded towards the palace.

"Karthik, I am telling you if your brother doesn't return to the palace within a few hours then I will set out to find him all alone!" The Queen declared, walking to and fro in her chamber, worrying about her son.

"Mother, please don't worry. Sanvika Devi won't harm our brother. She said she will surrender herself if she couldn't save him," Karthik explained to his tensed mother for the nth time.

"Even sister-in-law is sick. She isn't coming out of her room since yesterday," Saanvi pouted, feeling helpless.

"If he doesn't return by Purvaanha prahar (6 AM-9 AM), then we will send our special men to find him." The King deadpanned in a firm voice which clearly declared that his decision was final.

As the royals were anticipating the situation, a guard came running by.

"Your Majesty, Prince Virendra has just arrived."

"What!?" Both the King and the Queen uttered in unison.

"We need to go," the Queen said as she rushed, following the guard.

When the royals reached the palace gates, they saw the Prince getting off his horse.

"Virendra!" The Queen almost rushed to the prince, cupping his face, checking his injuries. "Are you alright, son? I've heard that you have been poisoned? That woman didn't do anything to you right?" She bombarded him with questions while tears rolled off her soft pale cheeks.

"Mother, calm down first." Virendra smiled as he gently held his mother's hands in his. "I am fine. She took care of me and I am alright. She saved me."

"But..." the Queen's voice trembled and tears uncontrollably fell from her eyes.

"Mother, please stop crying. Everything is fine." Virendra smiled as he gently cupped his mother's face, wiping those tears. "Tears don't look good on you, Your Majesty."

"You don't know how much worried we were!" The King walked to his son.

"I am sorry father. I acted recklessly." Virendra looked at his father apologetically.

The King smiled and hugged his son gently. As he hugged the prince, accidentally he pressed the wound of the prince, making the latter wince in pain.

"Prince?" The King released him from the hug and looked at him worriedly.

"It's nothing father." Virendra smiled, trying to ease the atmosphere as the Queen was looking at him anxiously. "It's just a small injury." He glanced at the people around him. A small frown settled between his brows when he saw someone missing. "Where is Lavanya, mother?"

"Jaya, inform princess Lavanya about the arrival of prince Virendra and ask her to come here," The Queen ordered, moving aside.

"What happened to her?" Virendra asked, unable to resist his curiosity.

"She isn't coming out of her room since yesterday. Her maid said that she is ill." The Queen said, masking her worry.

"Brother, three of us are waiting here and you aren't even looking at us." Saanvi pouted, playing with her fingers.

"I am sorry my baby girl," Virendra smiled, pinching her cheeks slightly.

"I am sorry Virendra. I should've accompanied you." Mahesh looked down, feeling extremely guilty.

"It wasn't your fault Mahesh. Why are you blaming yourself?" Virendra patted his best friend.

"Your Majesty, the princess isn't there in her room!" The maid informed.

"What!?" The Queen's eyes widened with shock. "Search for her in the entire palace." The Queen ordered. Her facial expressions turned into utter confusion and worried one. What's going on? When my son returned, my daughter disappeared!

"We searched all over the palace but she is nowhere to be found." The maid replied, bowing repeatedly.

"Send our men to the entire city. Find her at any cost!" Virendra growled. "I will accompany them to find her." He looked at the guards with fierce eyes as if he would rip everyone if they failed to find the princess. I want her at any cost! Nothing can happen to her. I won't let anything happen to her!

Can you guess what's going to happen now?

What will Lavanya do now?

Will Virendra discover Lavanya's secret now?

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