As I stepped into the grand dining hall of the palace, the air was thick with anticipation. The walls were adorned😯 with intricate tapestries depicting ancient battles and royal ceremonies, each thread telling a story of its own. The long table, set with the finest China 😲and crystal goblets, awaited the royal family and me for a private dinner. Golden chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow that illuminated the faces of King Rajendra and Queen Meera as they entered.
"Welcome, dear," Queen Meera said, her voice melodic yet commanding. "We have much to discuss regarding our family."🙂
My heart raced at the thought of what they might reveal. It had been a whirlwind since our wedding—a union steeped in mystery and unspoken truths.
I had married their son, a prince whose very existence was shrouded in secrecy.
King Rajendra gestured for me to sit. "We understand there are questions surrounding your marriage ceremony," he began, his tone serious. "There have been grave dangers that require our immediate attention."😧
I listened intently as they explained how their son had been in hiding since childhood due to an assassination attempt on his life. My mind raced with questions. 😰
Why had I not known this before? What kind of danger loomed over us?😰😨😨
"He was sent away for his safety," King Rajendra continued. "The kingdom cannot afford to lose him before he can claim his rightful place."
The weight of his words pressed down on me like a heavy cloak. I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility wash over me. As we talked, I felt a deep connection to this family—a connection formed not only by our marriage but also by unspoken fears and closely guarded secrets.
I pondered whether they would regard my apprehensions with the gravity they deserved or dismiss them as mere figments of my imagination.
The urge to confide in them about the enigmatic encounter I experienced on our wedding night tugged at me, yet I couldn't shake off my hesitation.
Instead, I shared my thoughts on his absence and how it affected our union. "I wish to understand him better," 🫠I said cautiously. "He is not just a prince; he is my husband."
Queen Meera nodded knowingly. "You possess a strength that is rare," she remarked, her gaze piercing through me as if she could see my innermost thoughts. "Your lineage and your story resonate with our family's history."
As dinner progressed, we delved deeper into discussions about traditions and family legacies. I learned that their ancestors hailed from India, where customs ran deep—traditions that I had begun to embrace in my own way since marrying into this royal family.
As dinner progressed, we delved deeper into discussions about traditions and family legacies. I learned that their ancestors hailed from India, where customs ran deep—traditions that I had begun to embrace in my own way since marrying into this royal family.
She presented me with a pendant that had belonged to her great-grandmother—a delicate piece adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering gemstones. "This pendant is a symbol of our heritage; it has powers we do not fully understand." As I held it, I felt an inexplicable warmth radiating from it.
"Why do you want me as your son's bride?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
"You are more than just a bride; you are a protector of our legacy," King Rajendra replied earnestly. "Your intelligence in handling affairs of state is commendable. We need someone like you by his side."
My heart swelled with pride at their words, yet uncertainty lingered in the back of my mind. What did it mean to be a protector? Did they truly believe in my ability to face the challenges ahead?
After dinner, I retreated to my opulent chamber, adorned with rich fabrics and ornate carvings that told tales of valor and love. The room felt both comforting and foreign—a sanctuary filled with echoes of history.
As I examined the pendant again under the soft glow of candlelight, a sudden chill swept through the room; the lights flickered ominously before plunging into darkness.
Heart racing, I felt an electric presence fill the space around me. Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows—his silhouette familiar yet elusive.
"Who are you?" I whispered into the void.