ALEKHYA
Somehow I reached the entrance of one of the secret passage. I signed and entered it. My entire body is aching. Luckily I have some miraclous healing slaves with me which can heal me not completely but enough that I can work normally overnight. I quietly entered my mother's palace. SANGIT MAHAL. It is made up of white and red marble. The rubies and gems which are embedded are considered to be finest at that time. Which is 12 years back. The chandelier are sparsely lighted. After her death it never fall under negligence. My father appointed staff to take care of it. My mother's most trusted maid Reteka take care of it at present. She is somewhere in her late twenties. Even after years it retarn it's form but lost its shine my mother. She took her last breaths in father's palace in their room. She is helping my father get ready when she collapsed. He settled her on the bed and shouted for healer. But her condition is already worsen. I was 6 at that time. I only remembered when they told me that my mother can no longer talk to me, no longer see me. I cried my eyes out for nearly 3 months. She took her last breaths as the sun set.
I removed my clothes and bandages. I saw a dark blue ring with Jai's symbol on it. I had no idea when he slipped it in my finger. I kept it on as I walked down the steps of bathhouse. It is larger than mine or any other bathouse in the fort except my father's offcourse. He is a king. I looked down at my reflection. My entire back was mared with lashings, knifes and other weapons used for torture. The only undamaged parts are my visible one. Means my hands, face and foots are unscathed. But I have a scar which is running down my right eyebrow. I remember I got it in fight with Senapati. Unlike others I treat them with respect. They show who I am. A survivor, a girl who broke the paterical society and stood against norms. They dectate who I am. What I can do or what I have done.
Suddenly my thoughts went to Jaivardhan. How will he see me. Will he see me like a freak or will he respect me. He didn't gave me any indications of his future actions. He is obvious of my scars. He saw it I just know it. But he didn't talked about it why? What are his motives? Do he want to use me as a bait and get the throne of Devgiri. He has a glint in his eyes which attracts me. But in every way I must stay clear of his way. I don't want to became the princess I was before. Too silent and submissive. People died because of my negligence. I had taken this rebirth to protect the innocent and my vengeance. A faritale love story where a prince will come to protect me is not in my life. I have to be my own prince who should protect myself from the clunches of the world and punish the evildoers. A pure soul like my past self have no place in this greedy and evil world.
The only place here is for the people who play dirty and tramp the people who oppose them. I had oathed for vengeance and it had not ended just started. My real enemies are not Pratap and Chanchala but the greedy people who want to snatch away the artefact. My instincts tells me a lot of people had lied their lives for it. And somehow my life's entire mystery from my mother to my rebirth is connected with it. And I am hell bend on solving it. My mother also said about some kind of prophecy. But first I must solve the crises at court and then I will read the book. I determined as I dried myself and put the slaves on the wounds I can reach. And slept on my mother's bed.
I got up at the break of dawn rubbing my eyes. I slept for too long nearly 3 and half pahar. It is one of the most comfortable sleep I got till now partly due to the medicines. I did my morning routine and wore one of my mother's dresses. This were the one she brought from her maternal home and suppose to be mine when time came. I tied the heavily embroidered royal blue lehanga with silver working and silver blouse. My chunri is same colour as mine lehenga but with golden work. Luckily the blouse had only one string and I tied it successfully. I took my time to dry my beyond waist hair. I tied them in a loose bun. I wore each and jewellery item carefully. Gold armlets, bangles, anklets, waistband, three necklaces, my finger rings and lastly single bali (headpiece). When I was satisfied with my getup. I took my black sword. Which at last thought I hidden in one of the secret chamber. I calmly sat down and eat fruits which I stored away. A girl can't work hungry stomach. I finished my little breakfast. And before marching towards the court took a last look at the mirror. Redid my kajal and walked out of chamber.
People looked in shock as I walked through the corridors like I own this place. You really own it you idiot. My subconscious mocked at me. I walked confidently to my father's palace but two doorman stopped me in my way to his inner chambers. "Let me pass." I said to them. "No one is allowed inside till Her Highness Urvashi allows it." The idiots have the courage to smirk at me. "Who gave her the rights ?" I asked in a calm tone despite the anger that is burning through my veins. "Listen little girl how much you get ready her highness had already selected a suitable bride for Maharaj. If you want the position for Maharani it is impossible. And if you only want to have some fun we can give you that." Now my anger went above record. What on earth is going on here ???? Power struggle. My subconscious immediately answered. People are trying to get the King in their traps due to death of most of the important persons. My entrance will be the only way to end it. "Get lost you idiots or I will hang your bodies from the ramparts as example for the people who disrespect YURANI." I said in a menacing tone filled with authority. They visible saken and allowed me passage. I was totally mad now. Only god can save this bitches now.
I entered the chamber's sneakily. No one was able to detect my presence. I saw my father sitting on a couch in a gloomy mood along with Urvashi and a girl standing infront of them. Without seeing them I can tell who they are. Her husband's sister. Total bitch and bully. They run after power and authority. The entire rebellion has just started to close up and here they are starting more trouble. I looked around to find Karna, his second in command Dhruv, Maha Mantri Vijay and Ayudhik standing in a corner. My heart filled with happiness when I saw Ayudhik. I nearly forgetted he will return soon. I hope he arrived at correct time when we need help most. They all are looking as if they all are counting seconds when they get lost out of this room. I stood calmly as Urvashi introduced the girl and their qualities. "Maharaj. This girl is of high class family which can help us with our current situation. Think about future of the kingdom. If you married her I can guarantee you will get a heir for the throne. Not unlike others..." She trailed off. But we all know towards who she is pointing. Towards my mother. I just had enough of this nonsense bickering.
"What are you talking about Urvashi I heard something about heir or future of the kingdom ?" I asked as if I had not heard the entire nonsense. I looked around to find my father extremely happy along with others. Except of course Urvashi. Whereas the girl looked confused but it is clear for her that I am a obstacle in her plans of being future monarch. "You.. you are ....alive but how ?" She stammered and got up from the couch walking a few steps back. Gulping nervously. I rolled my eyes at her comment. "It will take more than an army of few thousands to kill me Urvashi. And by the way what are you doing here. Dhruv call the soilders and please see this respected lady out." I ordered him motioning towards the so called respected lady. I heard as Ayudhik muttered something like 'show time' under his breath.
"Excuse me Alekhya. I understand you just lost your mother. But this is no way you treat your future mother. You are a girl your place is in kitchen not in a court." Urvashi said angerily. "See Maharaj. How is princess treating us ? If you don't want me let me be thrown in any corner. I will just be fine by seeing your face. I already had accepted you as my husband. I love you Maharaj. I will die without you." And started to cry crocodile tears. "See Maharaj how much good this girl is unlike your previous consorts. She has concern about you. This is our best choice for well being of kingdom. Your subjects need a heir not a stubborn princess who is good for nothing and need your protection for everything." She said pointing towards me. Now my anger dam bursted. "Shut the fuck up Urvashi. One more word about my mother and you will face the same faith as that bitch Chanchala faced with other traitors. And if you ask me you have no right in talk of court and before worring about the future of kingdom you better see your own future. I better not find even a slightest indication of your scheming or else I will send you with that bitch. And listen so-called respected lady. Maharaj is eligible enough to be your father. So you better get lost out my sight and stay out of my way. Or else you will curse the day you are born." I turned towards Dhruv whose jaw is open. I clapped twice to bring him out of his trance. "Throw this both out of fort and dispatch them to their homes. And make sure they stay there." The lady began to cry again. "Mahar..." I cut in middle before she can continue her drama. "I will not fall for your crocodile tears. So the show is over go your home. And if you want to die I think blood prison wants few prisoners for teaching soilders torture techniques. I can arrange a place for you there."
They both looked too scare as the soilders took them away and Dhruv went with them. I turned towards my father who is laughing like a maniac. "Oh.. oh my god. Alekhya. She is going on and on on my marriage." I rolled my eyes and sat on couch next to his huffling. Motioning others to sit. Karna and Vijay are watching me as I grown two horns. They facing me whereas Ayudhik sat beside our father near me. "Seriously if few years back anyone would have told me my little princess will throw someone out of fort I would have considered it as best joke." My father said laughing. This is the most he had laughed in after my mother's death. "When did you return ?" I asked Ayudhik who is grinning like a fool. "The time when you burned down your own palace. A total lose of craftsman ship. Will the entire fort will collapse if you sent me a piegon telling about the situation." Ayudhik said rolling his eyes. "Yep." I said said which resulted in him giving me a evil glare. I looked towards my father as he cleared his throat.
"Are you okay Alekhya ?" He asked in concern. "Yes. Senapati and most of his army is dead. Including most of our commanders, generals, warriors and secondary commanders. That bastard had been sneaking away weaponry from the arsenal. We must open the army selection and refill entire arsenals." I replied. "I asked about your injuries Alekhya. Your hand have bruises." He asked. Really when onwards you began to care. "Nothing just few bruises and cuts here and there nothing more." I lied. My father nodded unconvencingly. I sent a pleading look towards Vijay to change the topic towards power struggle. "Maharaj." I signed in relief. "Nevarkar and Bhanusara families have most power in the court at present. They are the best solution to solve this power struggle and remove all the current obstacles. Bhanusara family is sporting you but Nevarkar family they.. " he hesitated to countinue. "Countinue Maha Mantri." I said resting my hand on armrest. "They are asking for Yurani's hand in marriage in return for their support." We had different reactions for this answer. My father and Karna looked like they want to kill that bastard whereas I and Ayudhik busted out laughing. They three are seeing me us both in bewilderment. "I am already bethroled Maha Mantri." I said when our laughing fit got under control. "To whom and when ?" My father asked when I gave him the shock.
Seriously he is even qualified to be called as my father. I and Ayudhik gave him our famous you have got to be kidding me look. I signed and said. "Jaivardhan Surydev Pratap, Yuvraj of Alwar. At the time of birth." I said nonchalantly. "That was joke do you know that among our great grandparents. No one acknowledge it." My father said tapping is foot on the floor. A clear sign of annoyance. I told them about our encounter. "Well that will work Yurani. No one in correct mind will cause any trouble now. Also it will stake our claim." We all nodded in agreement except Karna. "What do you want to say Karna ?" My father asked immediately sensing his hesitation. "Maharaj our military power and Defense mechanism is at its lowest at present. Dalpatdargh and other hostile ministers and landlords will not leave a single opportunity to stear up trouble and political imbalance. And we are forgetting that soon the news of Chanchala's death will reach Hind Kush. Her daughter is only 10 years old now. I am afraid that with our military power we can't protect ourself from a full fledged military campaign." "Don't worry Karna. Leave that headache to me and Alekhya." Ayudhik said as soon as Karna completed with a evil glint in his eyes which explained practically everything.
After sometime at royal building were all important official works
"What you guys are thinking to do ?" Karna asked us nearly 30th time after we left Maharaj and Maha Mantri at my father's palace. "Just wait and watch Karna. By the why how you got the scar Alekhya ?" Changing the topic. "That backstabbing Senapati. While douging one of his attack it sliced through my brow." I replied. "What about other injures you are walking with a limp. And don't tell you escaped unscathed. You are amazing but not that amazing. After all Pratap is one of the best warrior in entire Bharat." He asked again. "4 broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder, 7 major cuts and other minor cuts. As for limp I fallen from my horse due to exhaustion." I replied as if it's not a big deal. "Yurani you should be on bed rest not running here and there." Karna said his eyes widen in shock. I waved my hand as if it's not a big deal. Soon we reached the faculty which housed all important offices finance, defence, military, people's welfare, domestic affairs etc. Currently finance and domestic affairs are unoccupied. Before killing this bastards I had already secured all the counter measures. I had total plan for solving this problems beforehand. Entry of Jaivardhan only eased my troubles with power struggle. Let show them who is the real queen. I cheered my inner self.
"Yurani Alekhya." Advisor Sudhir acknowledged me. All officials and ministers bowed as I entered the meeting room. Staring at me in bewilderment. Of course most of them think I am dead. I had asked Advisor Sudhir to arrange a meeting of all left over officials and ministers. I held my head high and waked towards the table at the head of the table meant for king. I sat there asking them all to sit. Their expressions varied from amusement to shock to disgust to disbelief. "I hope you all know why I called you all here. In light of the shadyantra caused by former Senapati Pratap and princess of Hind Kush Chanchala. Many of our own officials and ministers supported them. But they all failed. I know this all happened in a small span of time and you all are bond to have question. I grant you permission to voice your concern here." I finished my little speech. Even if I have Jaivardhan's backing I can't do anything without ministers and officials support.
"Can we get a clear view what happened your highness. Because we just know that you were put under house arrest and your palace was burned to ground. Next morning we got news that there is a rebellion overnight and most of our trusted people are dead or in dungeons." Advisor Vinay asked. Seriously when I came to know he is not involved I felt a pang of pain in my heart. He is the one who despise me most. But leave it most of the officials and ministers listen to him and he served throughout my grand father and father's reign. A total dougebag but trustworthy. I clapped my hands twice as the servants brought the evidences I collected over the months and presented it to the members. "I got to know about the shadyantra when Chanchala overturned my carriage. I dug deeper to find out the misplaced information and treasure. They forged everything very cleverly but they forgetten to change workforce records and province evaluation. Maharaj and I know about this entire conspiracy but we waited for catching them red handed. Maharaj intentionally put me under house arrest to see who who is involved. Karna and Ayudhik protected the fort and weeded out the traitors. While I went behind Pratap to stop him and his army from approaching the fort. We already know but choosen to keep quiet to see who is loyal to us who is not. Not only that Chanchala also accepted most of her crimes she commited. She is the one who poisoned Rajmata Devika and Queen Bhumi along with former Senapati Jaidev and defence minister Harish. Most of the sudden deaths in recent years are her doing. She had a elobrated plan of sizing the throne of Devgiri. At first we have no idea of her involvement but later Ayudhik found her real identity and told Maharaj. He is also the one who destroyed the secrets troops maintained by other traitorous ministers and generals."
I told them a half truth version of what really happened. "Yurani. This humble servant apologize for doubting you." Advisor Vinay nodded as he sat back on his seat. "So what should we do now Yurani ?" Minister Sudhir asked as all ministers and officials are looking at the evidences in shocked expression. "I just want to clarify the doubts Advisor. The only important matter at present is well being of the subjects." I said as I passed on various orders to different people. After noon we are done with dealing all the crises. Luckily none of them has the courage to challenge my authority or else I will lose my ace card. I am saving it court tomorrow. But I have more important work today. "Are you both free tonight ?" I asked Karna and Ayudhik when we are doing towards dungeons. Karna looked at me as if I had grown two horns and Ayudhik had a stupid grin on his face. "Be ready as soon as sun set we have a important work." I said as I walked away to dungeons where other officials are present.
Hey lovelies,
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