As the night draped its velvet cloak over the land, the three princesses nestled within the delicate embrace of a stunning marble pavilion located in the enchanting Rani Udyan, the queen's garden. By day, this lush paradise was alive with the gentle gliding of swans and the playful frolicking of deer, creating a picturesque tapestry that seemed as though it had leapt from the pages of a fairy tale.
Inside their elegant chambers, adorned with billowing silken canopies that danced softly in the night breeze, the air was redolent with the fragrance of blooming flowers. Shelves overflowed with books of poetry, their pages whispering stories of love and valor, while radiant lotus-painted tiles sparkled under the soft glow of candlelight, adding to the ambiance of tranquility. Among their cherished belongings were toys crafted from ivory and wood, each possessing its own charm and history. One princess was an artist, her fingers skilled in the creation of breathtaking canvases; another had the voice of a nightingale, captivating all who listened; while the youngest revelled in carefree laughter, still enchanted by the wonders of childhood.
A devoted nursemaid hovered nearby, her gentle heart nurturing their dreams with the soothing scent of lavender and vetiver incense, enveloping the room in a cocoon of serenity. Once, the palace astrologer had prophesied that one would ascend to become a poet queen, while another might emerge as a revered spiritual leader. However, on this particular evening, a peculiar restlessness gripped Princess Devi, the eldest of the trio, making the lull of sleep elusive.
As she tossed and turned, images of a boy's sorrowful face flashed before her eyes. His tear-streaked cheeks and tattered weird clothes, dusty and worn, told a tale of misfortune that tugged at her compassionate heart. He was clearly a traveller but she had never seen such clothing that were so tight to the skin. But he was brave and even dared to stop her in her path told a different story and his build which resemble that of a warrior makes her even more curious. But now he is in my kingdom and it's my duty to help him and relieve him of his bad luck thought the eldest pincess.
The plight of this young boy, beset by life's cruel whims, ignited a fierce resolve within her. "I, Devi, Princess of this kingdom, vow to help him find his way and reclaim his desires," she silently declared. Only with that promise crystallizing in her heart did the waves of exhaustion finally wash over her, allowing her to drift into slumber.
Meanwhile, in the king's chamber, a different kind of restlessness lingered. King Bhoj was weighed down by an impending storm; whispers of impending invasion from ʿAlāʾ al-Dīn, the formidable Sultan of Delhi, echoed ominously in his mind.
The kingdom commanded an impressive battle-strength of 60,000 soldiers, backed by 6,000 powerful horses and a mighty 2,000 elephants. Yet, despite this formidable force, King Bhoj's heart was not set on conflict. This was not born from fear, but rather from a profound sense of duty to his people.
He could not bear the thought of countless lives being sacrificed for the glowing safety of his family or their kin.
All he yearned for was peace—a long-lasting calm that would permeate through every corner of his realm. However, he understood the harsh reality that if this fleeting peace could only be achieved through the brutal reality of war, then that was the path he must reluctantly consider.
As the night deepened and shadows danced on the walls of his chamber, King Bhoj knew that the morrow would demand choices that could alter the fate of many, shaping the very future of his beloved kingdom.
As I slowly emerged from the realm of dreams, the gentle chirping of birds floated through the air, mingling with the lively chatter of people bustling around me. Their voices rang with excitement and anticipation—especially that of the cook, who was deep in thought, contemplating what delicious dishes to prepare for the travelers awaiting breakfast. It was one of those mornings filled with promise, a magical backdrop where each sound added to the tapestry of the day.
The travelers around me buzzed with particular deliberation, their minds racing as they contemplated their next steps after this stop. Today was significant; it marked a tradition festooned in royal customs. Each traveler knew the importance of presenting a gift to the king and his esteemed family—an act of respect and homage that echoed throughout the corridors of time.
With a renewed sense of urgency, I quickly readied myself for the day's adventures. Breakfast was served, and I was greeted with a warm plate of chapati, fragrant rice, and a spicy curry that made my taste buds dance in delight. After enjoying my meal, I brought my hands together in gratitude, a gesture that turned heads and elicited curious glances from those nearby. But I paid no mind to the stares; my thoughts were consumed by the enchanting figure of my princess, who awaited me, and I yearned to impress her with my best self.
Deciding on my attire, I wore the same clothes I had washed and dried the night before. I opted for a pair of comfortable jeans and sturdy shoes, complemented by a kurta I had borrowed from the caretaker. It was a modest ensemble, yet it felt just right for the occasion, especially with the royal palace in sight.
As i don't want my princess and the king to see me in this thought Veer. What would they even think of me if they saw me like yesterday and how will i be to claim my princess and become the most powerful person.
As Veer was ready, the travellers and merchants were also ready for going to the palace as they were now carrying their stuff with them. No matter what you do the only one who will get the princess is me, but wait.... There are three princess then,, well they can be considered backup but first i have to make my impression and get a great deal, even if it requires me to cry or kneel in front of the king who knows what future will be holding for them.