Chapter 21: The Royal Marriage 2
Part 2: The Test
The Maharaja listened to Raj's answer, and nodded. He was impressed by his eloquence and sincerity, and he could see that he had genuine feelings for his daughters. He looked at Kaveri and Godavari, who were also listening attentively, and he noticed that they had different reactions. Kaveri seemed to be touched and flattered by Raj's words, and she blushed slightly. Godavari seemed to be amused and intrigued by Raj's words, and she smiled broadly.
The Maharaja then turned to Rahul, and said, "And what about you, Prince Rahul? Why do you want to marry one of my daughters? What are your motives and intentions?"
Rahul cleared his throat, and said, "Your Highness, I want to marry one of your daughters because I like and respect them. I have seen their portraits and heard about their beauty and intelligence, and I was curious about them. I have also met them today, and I was impressed by them. They are both stunningly beautiful, but also smart and talented. They have grace and elegance, but also energy and enthusiasm. They have a gentle and courteous demeanor, but also a lively and spirited personality. They are both perfect princesses, and I am sure they would make perfect wives."
He paused, and then continued, "But I also want to marry one of your daughters because I enjoy and appreciate them. I have learned about their hobbies and interests, and I was entertained by them. I have also talked to them today, and I was connected to them. They have artistic and poetic souls, but also adventurous and fun-loving spirits. They have a strong sense of duty and loyalty, but also a warm heart and a generous spirit. They are both unique and wonderful, and I am sure they would make wonderful partners."
He looked at the Maharaja, and said, "These are my motives and intentions, Your Highness. I want to marry one of your daughters because I like, respect, enjoy, appreciate, love, and desire them."
The Maharaja listened to Rahul's answer, and nodded. He was also impressed by his eloquence and sincerity, and he could see that he had genuine feelings for his daughters. He looked at Kaveri and Godavari, who were still listening attentively, and he noticed that they had similar reactions. Kaveri seemed to be amused and intrigued by Raj's words, and she smiled broadly. Godavari seemed to be touched and flattered by Rahul's words, and she blushed slightly.
The Maharaja then smiled, and said, "My dear princes, I am very pleased and honored by your answers. I can see that you both have sincere and noble motives and intentions, and that you both have genuine and deep feelings for my daughters. I can also see that you both have similar and compatible personalities and interests, and that you both have respect and admiration for each other. You have both proven yourselves to be worthy and suitable suitors for my daughters, and I commend you for your honesty and courage. You have made a very difficult choice, and I respect that."
He paused, and then continued, "However, as you know, marriage is not only a matter of personal preference, but also of social and political significance. It is not only a union of two individuals, but also of two families, and two states. It is not only a source of happiness, but also of responsibility and duty. It is not only a decision of the heart, but also of the mind. Therefore, before I give you my answer, I have to ask you another question, and I expect you to answer it truthfully and sincerely. Are you ready?"
Raj and Rahul nodded, feeling more nervous and curious. They wondered what the Maharaja was going to ask them next, and what his answer was going to be. They hoped that he would approve of their proposal, and that he would let them marry the princesses of their choice. They also hoped that their choice would be the same as the princesses', and that they would be happy and compatible with them.
The Maharaja smiled, and said, "Very well, then. Let me ask you the second question. Which one of my daughters do you want to marry? What are your reasons and criteria?"
Raj and Rahul looked at each other, and then at the princesses, and then at the Maharaja. They knew that this was the most crucial question, and that their answer would determine their fate and destiny. They also knew that they had to be honest and sincere, and not say anything that would hurt or offend the other one, or their brother, or the Maharaja.
Raj decided to speak first. He took a deep breath, and said, "Your Highness, I want to marry Princess Kaveri. She is the one who has captured my heart and soul. She is the one who has inspired and moved me. She is the one who has matched and complemented me."
He paused, and then continued, "My reasons and criteria are simple and clear. I want to marry Princess Kaveri because she is graceful and elegant, and I admire her. She is artistic and poetic, and I connect with her. She is soft-spoken and courteous, and I respect her. She is loyal and dutiful, and I value her. She is beautiful and charming, and I desire her. She is perfect and wonderful, and I love her."
He looked at Kaveri, and said, "She is the one who I want to spend the rest of my life with. She is the one who I want to share my joys and sorrows with. She is the one who I want to cherish, support and protect. She is the one who I want to be my wife and my queen."
He looked at the Maharaja, and said, "This is my choice, Your Highness. I want to marry Princess Kaveri, and I hope that you will grant me your blessing and consent."
Rahul cleared his throat, and said, "Your Highness, I want to marry Princess Godavari. She is the one who has captured my heart and soul. She is the one who has entertained and intrigued me. She is the one who has challenged and stimulated me. She is the one who has made me happy and fulfilled. She is the one who I love and desire more than anyone else."
He paused, and then continued, "My reasons and criteria are simple and clear. I want to marry Princess Godavari because she is energetic and enthusiastic, and I like her. She is adventurous and fun-loving, and I enjoy her. She is outspoken and spirited, and I appreciate her. She is kind and generous, I adore her, and I love her."
He looked at Godavari, and said, "She is the one who I want to spend the rest of my life with. She is the one who I want to share my adventures and experiences with.
He looked at the Maharaja, and said, "This is my choice, Your Highness. I want to marry Princess Godavari, and I hope that you will grant me your blessing and consent."
The Maharaja listened to their answers, and nodded. He was touched and pleased by their sincerity and passion, and he could see that they had made their choice with their heart and soul. He looked at Kaveri and Godavari, who were also listening attentively, and he noticed that they had the same reactions. Kaveri seemed to be happy and relieved by Raj's words, and she nodded. Godavari seemed to be happy and relieved by Rahul's words, and she nodded.
The Maharaja then smiled, and said, "My dear princes, I am very pleased and honored by your choices. I can see that you both have chosen the princess who is most suited and compatible with you, and that you both have the same feelings and preferences as them. I can also see that you both have the same respect and admiration for each other, and that you both have the same happiness and fulfillment with them. You have both made the right choice, and I respect that."
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