Chapter 5 - Chapter 5

The heavy wooden doors creaked ominously as the guard pushed them open, allowing Vrinda to step into Chitranjan's study. The room was shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the dim glow of a solitary candle, casting eerie shadows upon the ornate furnishings and ancient tapestries that adorned the walls. The guard, without a word, closed the door behind her, enveloping Vrinda in a suffocating silence.

From the depths of the room, Chitranjan emerged, his presence commanding and foreboding. His piercing gaze fixed upon her, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and malice. A sardonic smile curled upon his lips as he leaned casually against his grand desk, radiating an aura of power and dominance.

"Good Evening, Hukam" Vrinda greeted him with a warm aura radiating of her, sense of panic completely disappeared of her face. "A mere maid, causing chaos and destruction in my palace. Tell me, do you find joy in your reckless endeavors?" Chitranjan sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. Her facade came crumbling down.

Vrinda's heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of fear and anger surging through her veins. She squared her shoulders, refusing to let his disrespectful words break her resolve. With a steely gaze, she met his eyes and retorted, "If it is joy you seek, perhaps you should look within yourself, for you seem to revel in the suffering of others.". She was hinting about the hidden and heinous act of torturing people.

Chitranjan's laughter echoed through the chamber, chilling Vrinda to the core. He circled her, his steps deliberate and predatory, his voice laced with a mocking tone. "Ah, the defiant maid with a sharp tongue. You have spirit, I presumed it would have been crushed by the villagers. That can we rectified. But let's not forget why you stand here before me, shall we? Your clumsy actions have got you into trouble, you have seen things that were never meant for your eyes to see."

Vrinda's mind raced, trying to decipher his insinuations. What did he mean by getting it rectified? What had she truly stumbled upon last night?

Chitranjan leaned in closer, his voice a venomous whisper. "You think you can escape the consequences of your crimes? The damage you caused, the lives you disrupted. It is time to pay your debts, my dear. But rest assured, I have a proposition for you, one that will allow you to redeem yourself, to repay your dues."

His words did not make any sense to her anymore, his eyes burning with a deep-seated resentment that seemed to reach far beyond their present encounter. In the depths of her mind, fragments of broken memories flickered like distant candle flames, teasing her consciousness with glimpses of a forgotten past. She wondered if within those faded recollections lay any encounter with this man. There was this strings attached pulling her towards him, calming her down. It felt peaceful, despite where she stood now.

How had she, a simple village girl, become entangled in the complexities of palace life and the dark intentions of Royal Palace? There was a depth to his animosity that spoke of a history far deeper than she could comprehend.

She stood silent, lost in her thoughts. She was bought to reality by the phone vibrarting in her pocket. " I should not have wandered the palace at night and stumbled upon things I was not meant to see."

Chitranjan's eyes narrowed, suspicion mingling with his lingering anger. "And what did you see, Vrinda?" he questioned, his voice laced with a dangerous edge.

Was this a trick qestion?

Vrinda took a deep breath, her gaze steady."Nothing, I was just carried away by the noises, I acknowledge my mistake and I promise I will not repeat such actions. I only seek to fulfill my duties as a maid with devotion and repay the money I owe"

Chitrnajan knew she was faking the apology. Her face Static. But did he even call her today to his study for an apology?

There is a lore that has long been whispered in the halls of this palace, a secret his family carries from 100 of generations. It speaks of a power, a connection between the chosen queen and the king-to-be. It is said that when the king stands in the presence of his chosen queen, his dominion becomes puissant bubbling up in waves.

The story was ancient, no one has been able to tap into the power that the lore spoke of, in his near past generation or even be abled to be blessed by the deity. But he knew, there was some layers of truth to the lore. His chosen queen, standing in front of him were the proof . He had search the entire clan of priests who can break the curse and set him free. It was pure mockery to see her ignorant to all the pain and trauma she caused yet she stood proud in front of him. If he could, He wanted to see her blood painted on the carpets. But can he now? With the destiny and fate interwined like this? Did she in have to appear in his life like this triggering their curse?

Chitranjan's eyes hardened, a sense of determination overtaking him. He was helpless towards the curse, But he sure did wanted to taste the power that would come from this disgusting chosen queen. The energy she displayed had surpassed his wildest expectations, leaving him in a state of both awe and curiosity. He couldn't help and wait anymore more.

"what happened in the gardens yesterday?"