Rajmahal - The Ghost Princess's Sanctuary
Inside her dimly lit chamber, Princess Nandini was seated cross-legged, focusing on her cultivation. The faint glow surrounding her body pulsed with energy, her mind deep in concentration. Her body had not yet fully healed from the battle that had occurred years ago, but her powers were slowly returning.
A gentle knock interrupted the stillness. A servant, named Harsh, entered quietly, bowing deeply. "Princess, the human woman refuses to eat or drink. She cries constantly for help."
Nandini's lips curled into a faint smile. "Humans are fragile, Harsh. They can't last long without food or water. Let her be stubborn for now; she'll break soon enough."
As she spoke, a sudden fit of coughing seized her. Blood spattered on her hand as she clutched her chest, her body wracked with pain. Harsh stepped forward, eyes wide with concern.
"Princess Nandini!" he gasped, reaching for a cloth to clean the blood. "Are you alright?"
Nandini waved him off, wiping her mouth. "Don't let anyone know of this," she warned. "If word spreads about my condition, it could create chaos. I must appear strong."
Harsh nodded solemnly, handing her a cup of water. "I will tell no one, Princess."
After taking a sip, Nandini composed herself. "You asked if that man will come for the girl, didn't you?"
Harsh hesitated. "Yes, Princess. Do you believe he will?"
Nandini's eyes darkened as she remembered. "He has been reincarnated many times, but his love for that woman has never wavered. It's ironic—each time, he dies before he can reunite with her. In this life, I will ensure they remain apart. But yes... he will come."
Harsh shifted awkwardly. "Shall I go tend to the young prince now? It's his sleep time."
Nandini nodded, dismissing him. "See that he doesn't sneak out. He needs his rest."
After Harsh left, Nandini stood alone in her chamber, staring blankly at the wall. Her eyes shifted to a shelf where a small lion statue sat. She approached it, gently pressing on the statue's head. The wall behind it rumbled and shifted, revealing a hidden passage.
Nandini stepped into the passage, descending into a vast underground chamber. The air here was different, thick with mystical energies. A magnificent garden sprawled before her, and at its center was a towering plant. Its large, luminous flower was encased in a shimmering golden barrier, as though it were protecting something within.
Approaching the plant, Nandini whispered an ancient incantation. A soft, blue glow appeared from her hands, feeding into the plant like fertilizer. Slowly, the plant grew, its petals unfurling slightly. Nandini smiled as she gently touched the flower, which seemed to respond by shifting its leaves towards her, as if it recognized her presence.
She lay down beside the plant, enjoying the peaceful silence. Here, she could forget about the schemes, the threats, and the looming presence of Raghav.
---
Outside Rajmahal – The Final Night of the Ghost Festival
As the final night of the Ghost Festival dawned, Rajmahal became a bustling hive of activity. Spirits and ghosts of all ranks entered and left, and guards were stationed at every gate. The festival was in full swing, and tonight would see the arrival of the Ghost Kings.
Karan and Raghav stood at the entrance of Rajmahal, both disguised as palace guards. They kept their heads low, observing the steady stream of carriages arriving. Each one was accompanied by monstrous creatures and a retinue of ghostly servants. These were the carriages of the Ghost Kings.
The air became thick with dark energy as more carriages arrived. The power radiating from them was immense, enough to make lower-level ghosts tremble.
Karan glanced at Raghav. "This is it. Stay sharp."
As they prepared to move, one of the palace guards stepped in front of them, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. "Hold it. I haven't seen you two here before. What's your business?"
Just as tension began to rise, Karan's ghost friend, Aakash, appeared at the right moment. "They're with me," he said smoothly. "New recruits for the final night. Let them through."
The guard grunted but stepped aside, allowing them to pass. Karan shot Aakash a grateful look before slipping inside with Raghav.
---
Inside Rajmahal – The Grand Banquet
As Karan and Raghav began their search on the ground floor, blending in with the other guards, the grand banquet for the Ghost Kings commenced. Performers danced in front of the kings, their movements elegant and mesmerizing. The entire hall shimmered with the energy of the four rulers.
At the end of the performances, the grand doors closed with a heavy thud, and the mood in the hall grew serious. The four Ghost Kings began their private discussion.
Maharaj Trikal, the Ghost King of the northern region, leaned forward, his deep voice rumbling. "So, Virendra... How long do you plan on hiding? The gods nearly wiped out your entire family, and you still cower in their shadow."
Maharaj Virendra, Nandini's father, glared at Trikal. "You should focus on your own problems. Your territories are being invaded by both gods and humans. I can still protect mine."
Maharaj Yashvant, the Ghost King of the western region, raised his hand to calm them. "This is not the time for petty insults. What the gods did was an insult to us all. They act righteous, but their actions speak otherwise."
As Yashvant was about to continue, the doors to the hall swung open, and a collective gasp echoed throughout the room.
Standing in the doorway was Princess Nandini, her face calm yet unreadable. Maharaj Trikal's eyes widened in surprise.
"So, it's true," he said, his tone softening. "You've returned from your seclusion, Princess. How are you?"
Nandini stepped forward gracefully, her gaze sharp. "I am recovering. Thank you for your concern, Maharaj Trikal."
Yashvant bowed his head slightly. "We all mourn what happened to you. It was a tragedy."
Nandini's lips tightened into a thin line, but she remained silent, her mind already elsewhere. Even as the kings discussed matters of state, her thoughts wandered to the one thing she couldn't ignore—Raghav. And she knew, without a doubt, that he was near.