As the battlefield quieted, Vishwanat gave orders to his generals to tend to the wounded and begin preparations for the journey back to Brajram. The victory had been costly, but they had driven the demons back—for now. There was no guarantee that the creatures would not return, but they had bought time for the kingdom, and that was something to be thankful for.
Vishwanat and Vaishali mounted horses and rode with the remaining troops back toward the palace. The journey was long and somber, the men weary from battle and carrying the weight of the dead on their minds. Vishwanat rode in silence, his thoughts churning. He knew what awaited him at the palace. Vandana.
The closer they got to the city, the more Vishwanat thought of her. He pictured her standing at the gates, her eyes scanning the horizon for his return. The thought of her finding out about Vaishali gnawed at him, but he pushed the feeling aside. He had done what was right—Vaishali had no one else, and royal customs allowed for the protection of those in need.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the great walls of the capital came into view. The golden spires of the palace gleamed in the fading light, a symbol of strength and majesty. The sight usually filled Vishwanat with pride, but today, he felt a deep apprehension. He glanced over at Vaishali, who sat quietly on her horse beside him, her face pale but composed. She had not spoken much since the battle, her mind likely occupied with the enormity of all that had transpired.
As they neared the palace gates, a crowd had gathered to welcome the king and his soldiers. The people cheered at the sight of their victorious warriors, though the scars of battle were clear in the weariness of their faces and the bandages that adorned their bodies. Vishwanat raised his hand in acknowledgment, offering them a small smile. But his heart was heavy, and his thoughts were focused on the palace ahead.
The gates opened, and they rode through into the inner courtyard. Servants rushed forward to take the horses, and a hush fell over the crowd as they noticed Vaishali riding at the king's side. Whispers spread through the assembly like wildfire—who was this woman? Why had the king brought her back from battle? Vaishali seemed to shrink under their scrutiny, but she kept her chin high, determined to remain composed.