By morning, a crowd of thousands had gathered outside Siri Fort. Princess Radha and all her trusted companions felt their hearts begin to race.
"Commander Barauni, quickly deploy your troops outside. We are deeply concerned," Radha said, her worry now starting to seem justified.
Radha immediately sent a message to summon Arjun.
A short while later, as Radha saw Arjun approaching, she ran towards him and asked, "Arjun, where did all these people come from?"
"There aren't even this many people in Siri. How did thousands gather here?" she continued.
"Don't worry, Princess. These are our own people, who have come from distant places, villages, and neighboring states. They've all come to share in your happiness. On this auspicious occasion, you need not worry. Everything is fine," Arjun reassured her.
"Arjun, I feel that Kartikeya will surely plot something. He won't sit quietly. Have we heard any news from Magadha?"
"No, Princess, not yet," Arjun replied.
"Princess, the time for the coronation is approaching. You should get ready quickly," Arjun said, as he started to leave.
As the sun rose higher, the atmosphere inside the fort grew more tense. The crowd outside continued to swell, their cheers and anticipation echoing against the stone walls. Inside, the halls were filled with activity, servants rushing to ensure everything was prepared for the grand ceremony. Despite the festive preparations, a sense of unease gripped Radha's heart.
She stood by the window, looking out at the gathering crowd. Her thoughts drifted to Kartikeya, the ever-present shadow looming over her reign. She knew he would never accept her ascension quietly. Arjun's words had reassured her, but deep inside, she couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger.
As Radha prepared for her coronation, a servant entered, carrying the royal attire she was to wear—a rich, gold-embroidered sari, adorned with the insignia of her lineage. The sight of the garments reminded her of the responsibility she was about to take on, the weight of a kingdom that had been lost and was now being rebuilt.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. It was Devavarman, her trusted advisor, who had been like a second father to her since childhood. His calm demeanor always had a way of grounding her.
"Radha," he began softly, "the time has come. The people await their queen."
Radha turned to face him, her expression a mix of determination and fear. "Devavarman, do you think I am truly ready for this? Can I bear the weight of the crown? What if I fail?"
He stepped forward, his weathered face filled with kindness. "You were born for this moment. You are your father's daughter, but more than that, you are a leader in your own right. The crown does not define you; your actions do."
Radha took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Then let us proceed."
As they walked through the grand corridors toward the coronation hall, the sounds of the crowd outside seemed to fade. All that remained was the steady beating of her heart, the weight of her destiny pressing down on her with each step.
When they reached the hall, Arjun was waiting at the entrance, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ever vigilant. He gave Radha a firm nod, a silent message that he was ready to defend her, no matter the cost.
Inside the hall, nobles, warriors, and diplomats from across the land were assembled. The throne stood at the far end, bathed in sunlight that streamed through the tall windows. As Radha approached it, the weight of the moment settled upon her shoulders.
The high priest began the ceremony, chanting ancient prayers that echoed through the hall. Radha knelt before the throne, her head bowed as the crown was lifted above her.
Suddenly, there was a commotion outside. The doors of the hall burst open, and a breathless messenger rushed in. "Your Highness, we've received word—Magadha's forces are mobilizing. Kartikeya has sent his armies to challenge your claim."
The hall fell silent. Radha rose to her feet, the crown still hovering above her head.
Arjun stepped forward, his voice steady but urgent. "Radha, we must act quickly. This could be the first of many moves Kartikeya will make."
Radha's eyes flickered with resolve. "Let him come," she said firmly. "I will face him, as a queen should."
The crown was placed upon her head, and in that moment, Princess Radha became Queen Radha. The crowd outside roared with approval, unaware of the storm that was brewing on the horizon.
As she turned to face her people, Radha knew that her reign would not begin in peace. War was coming—sooner than she had anticipated.
"But perhaps neither the princess nor anyone else had any inkling that the battle was not going to take place on the field outside, but rather inside Siri Fort.
The sorceress Arushi had already advanced towards her plan."