Even after being born into royalty, the prospect of participating in a grand procession filled me with an unshakable apprehension. It wasn't merely the fact that I was the prince that unsettled me, but the daunting responsibility of meeting my people, of looking into their eyes and gauging whether their hopes and expectations were being met. I felt an immense pressure to embody the image they had envisioned for me, to stand tall on the pedestal they had placed me on. The fear of disappointing them, especially my people, weighed heavily on my heart.

As the procession began, the vibrant sounds of the bands ahead of my carriage filled the air, each note resonating deeply within me. The cheers and praises from the crowd reached my ears, and I could feel beads of sweat forming across my brow, sending a shiver down my spine. I tightened my grip on the hilt of my sword, a family heirloom symbolizing strength and leadership, to steady myself and maintain the composure expected of a prince. I had always been taught to be righteous and steadfast, for it was through these virtues that I could uphold the dignity of my position.

"Hail the Prince, may our prince live long and healthy..." The chants of the crowd echoed through the streets, their voices filled with joy and admiration. My eyes roamed over the sea of faces, each one a testament to the love and respect they held for me. I wondered if I truly deserved such devotion. Raising my hand to quiet the crowd, the cheers gradually subsided, leaving only the soft hum of anticipatory breaths.

"Greetings!" I began, my voice loud and clear, echoing through the assembly. "To all who grace this gathering with your noble presence, I extend my most sincere and humble greetings. It is a profound privilege, an honor beyond measure, to stand before you today. I am deeply moved to walk amongst you and to share in this moment of unity and purpose. Let it be known that the grand doors of the palace shall forever remain open to you, for you are the very heart of our realm. I pledge to you my unwavering dedication and unrelenting vigilance in your service, for it is my solemn duty to uphold the welfare and prosperity of my people."

As I spoke, I noticed a figure in the crowd who captured my attention. The jumping and overly excited women in the crowd however was what my caught attention amongst the masses. It was not difficult to guess how small she was to have to jump to have a look at the procession. I was so thrilled by her that when our eyes collided and she winked at me, I defaulted and had it not been the metal bar of the carriage I might have made joke out of me.

As I turned around, the bustling crowd swirled before me. She was nowhere to be seen, yet her presence lingered vividly in my mind, a haunting silhouette against the noise of the moment. Reflecting on my 25 years, I couldn't recall meeting anyone as audacious and forthright as her. In a world where girls were expected to embody grace and subtlety, her boldness was a stark defiance, a scandalous departure from the norms I had been taught to uphold.

My upbringing, shaped by the wisdom of revered teachers, had instilled in me a clear understanding of the roles we were meant to play. Girls were to be delicate, their actions governed by the boundaries set by society, and it was our duty to ensure they remained within those limits.  The memory of her defiance burned brightly in my mind, a challenge to everything I believed. 

I was in my chamber, having just returned from the grand procession that marked the end of the harvest festival. The room was dimly lit by the flickering flames of the candles, casting long shadows across the stone walls. Spread out before me on a large oak table were maps of the surrounding territories—some marked with red ink to denote areas of potential threat, others with blue to signify allies. My mind was already preoccupied with the weight of ruling and protecting the empire, ensuring that every corner of our land remained safe and prosperous. It was then that a knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Before I could respond, the door burst open, and entered the chamber my mother, Queen Gayatri.

"Prince Siddharth" I groaned at the voice not because I despised the person. I loved her but the knowing well what she was about to talk was hated by me. I was 25 years old now and with no wife, and childern which was great question for the royal prestige. A prince was supposed to be married by 20 and have children. I had none.

"Greetings Mother" I bowed in respect, already hating what she was about to say. I wished to give a response as witty as I have it in my mind. Alas! I can't.

"How was the day?" She asked me. She stood before in all her grace. Elegance was her second nature. Poise never leaving her. The jewelleries adorned her, with the perfect colored clothes on her making her shine like the queen she is. I wished to have someone like her as my partner and it was a task. I don't think there was anyone in here as her. Some had grace but not the wit, some had the wit bur grace and poise left the scene. None matched her.

"It was great and peaceful mother"

"It is truly heartening to hear that. I have come to inform you of the expected visit of the Princess of Kunindas, a dignitary of great significance. I need not emphasize how crucial it is for us to foster a strong and harmonious relationship with her realm. Kunindas has flourished in recent times, boasts of a thriving economy, and commands a formidable military force. An alliance with them would not only strengthen our position but also pave the way for mutual prosperity and security. Given the importance of this opportunity, I implore you to grant your undivided attention to ensuring her visit is nothing short of magnificent. The impression we make will undoubtedly shape the future of our relations, and thus, it is imperative that we extend the warmest of welcomes to the Princess."

"What is the purpose of the visit mother?" I inquired. I was aware of how choosing allies and enemies in politics was important and leaving any chance of good friendship was the sign of an incompetent ruler.

"I suppose she is here to see the kingdom and also with the prospect of finding herself a suitable groom in the royalty. It is her father, King Shivendra, who has requested me with the purpose. I am positive she would be able to find what she has to come look for and hope it is someone who matches her status." She didn't mention my name but it was clear as the day what her words implore. She wanted it to be me and I was not sure if I wanted to associate myself with a Princess I have not met or known and a meeting of a few days couldn't decide that. However, I knew better than to argue on the matter.

"I hope that is true mother. I will take your command and fulfill it to the best of my abilities." I asserted, bowed my head and sighed as she left. Only a moment would have passed, and I already the next in my chamber, my messenger, breathless and face coated with sweat beads. His worry stricken face was enough to alert of something unsettling.

"My Prince!" he exclaimed, bowing deeply. I nodded in acknowledgment, my curiosity piqued by the urgency in his voice. His expression alone was enough to alert me that the news he carried was grave. "I've come with tidings that have been circulating in the village," he began, his tone laced with apprehension. "The people are growing restless, and I thought it best to inform you at once."

I leaned forward, my interest piqued. "Speak," I commanded, my voice firm yet calm. "What is it that has unsettled the villagers so deeply?"

The messenger hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. "It appears that two strangers have been seen within the kingdom," he revealed. "Their behavior has been... peculiar, even suspicious. They were noticed lurking in the shadows, their actions deemed odd and unwarranted. The people are worried, my Prince, and whispers of fear are spreading rapidly."

His words caught my full attention. The security of the empire was of paramount importance, and any potential threat to it was not merely a concern for the people but a direct challenge to my rule. I knew that such matters required immediate and thorough investigation, but I was also wary of acting rashly. It was crucial to verify the truth behind these claims before jumping to conclusions. I did not want to create unnecessary panic or make visitors feel unwelcome in my kingdom, as that could harm our reputation and relationships with neighboring lands. For now, I decided it was best to handle the situation discreetly, without involving the king just yet.

"Are your words backed by certainty?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. The messenger nodded, though a flicker of doubt crossed his face. "Very well," I continued, my tone steady and authoritative. "I want you to be vigilant. Open your eyes and ears, but do so without drawing attention to yourself. Watch these strangers closely—observe every movement they make, every word they speak. Report back to me without delay, leaving no detail unmentioned. Let no one else know of this conversation, for secrets can easily be carried away by the wind and fall into the wrong hands. Do I make myself clear?"

He nodded obediently, his expression determined. "Yes, my Prince. I understand."

Satisfied with his response, I dismissed him with a wave of my hand, the gesture simple yet firm. He bowed once more, his head dipping low in respect, before turning and leaving the room. The soft thud of his footsteps echoed down the corridor, growing fainter as he disappeared from view. The sound trailed behind him like a fading shadow, a reminder of the task I had entrusted to him. I remained seated at the table, my fingers drumming lightly against the polished wood as my mind raced with a whirlwind of possibilities.

Who were these strangers, and what were their true intentions? Were they mere travelers, weary from their journey and seeking refuge, or was there more to their presence than met the eye? The question gnawed at me, refusing to be silenced. I could only hope that my messenger would uncover the truth before the situation escalated further, before whispers of suspicion turned into shouts of alarm. Time was a precious commodity, and I could ill afford to waste it on uncertainty.

The thought of someone in my kingdom harboring ill intentions, seeking to harm the land I had sworn to protect, was enough to ignite a fire of rage within me. But I knew that anger, while a powerful and immediate reaction, was a double-edged blade. It could fuel courage and determination, but it could also cloud judgment and lead to reckless decisions. Anger, I had learned, was a useful ally in certain situations, but it was a treacherous enemy in most. Controlling it, mastering it, was an art—one that required patience, discipline, and self-awareness. And I believed I was on the right path of honing that art, though the journey was far from over.

The day was winding down, the sun dipping below the horizon and casting long shadows across the room. Yet the palace never truly quietened. There was always movement, always the faint hum of activity in the distance—guards patrolling the halls, servants attending to their duties, the occasional murmur of voices from elsewhere in the labyrinthine structure. But in my chamber, I had utmost peace, a sanctuary where no one dared to disturb me. And in that silence, my mind spiraled back to the certain being in the crowd, the one whose presence had lingered in my thoughts long after our encounter.

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Here's the next chapter, this time from Siddharth's point of view. I hope it fills you with happiness and brings a smile to your face, giving you a moment to step away from reality.

Let me know in the comments how you feel about the book so far and share your thoughts—I'd love to hear your feedback! Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. With love and appreciation! ❤️ 😊