Prince Susim thought to himself,
Why has this princess brought me here? And who are all these men? What is actually going on?
Just then, Princess Ratri leaned close to his ear and softly said,
"Look, I know what's going on in your mind. But for now, just be a part of whatever is happening. Let things unfold naturally. There is no need to answer any questions or say a single word. I will explain everything to you later. Understood?"
"Yes, Princess."
"Oh Ratri, you've arrived! We were waiting for you. And who is this?"
"Mother… this is… his name is Rudra. And Rudra, this is my mother, Queen Takshika."
Folding his hands in respect, Prince Susim said,
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
"Mother, I love him, and I wish to marry him."
"But Ratri, you never told us anything about this. We gathered so many suitable men for you and brought them here to meet you."
Ratri thought to herself,
That's why I had to disguise a maid as a man and bring her before you.
"Mother, how could I tell you? Rudra had gone outside Takshak with me for our mission, and I didn't get the time to inform you."
"Mother, a state of emergency has been declared across the realm. Our kingdom is a target of enemies, and yet you brought all these people here?!"
"I had no idea about this. That's why when I found out yesterday that you were going to do all this, I immediately called Rudra here to introduce him to you."
"So what if you were on a mission? Do you ever ask us before doing anything? Whether it's an emergency or not, I am the Queen here. If I invite someone, they must come."
"But it's good—you've made my work easier. Everyone, leave this place. And you—what is your name?"
"Mother, I already told you—"
"I'm not asking you. I'm asking him."
"Mother, he—"
"Yes, Your Majesty, my name is Rudra. I work with the Princess on her missions."
"Do you also love the Princess?"
After glancing at Ratri for a moment,
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Very well. I will arrange your Gandharva marriage tomorrow itself."
"Mother, tomorrow?!"
"Yes, tomorrow. You spend all your time on missions—who knows when you'll leave again and return after years. That's why I want this marriage to happen as soon as possible."
"But Mother… Father?"
"Don't worry about him. I have already taken his consent."
Saying this, the Queen left.
Prince Susim turned to Princess Ratri,
"What is all this? Marriage? How can I possibly marry you?"
"Oh, it's just marriage. We'll manage it. By the way, you can imitate a man's voice, right?"
"Y-yes, Princess."
"Now go to my chamber. I'll meet you shortly."
"Yes, Princess."
Princess Ratri went to meet the King, but he wasn't in his chamber. He had gone to the monastery with Guru Rambh to create the Vijayvahini army through a sacred ritual.
"Oh God! What will happen now? My wedding is tomorrow, and Father is nowhere to be found!"
She returned to her chamber, where Prince Susim was waiting.
"Greetings, Princess."
"Greetings, Purva."
"Look, I know all this sounds strange, but we have no other choice. You will have to marry me."
"But Princess, how can I marry you? I am a woman, just like you."
"Yes, that's true. But you saw how many proposals Mother had brought. In that moment, I did what I thought was right. I had no idea she would act so quickly."
"Then Princess, you should run away from here. Your mother won't be able to stop you."
"Oh yes! I didn't even think of that. That's a good idea."
"You change out of this disguise and return to your real form, and I'll escape from the palace."
As Princess Ratri was about to leave, the Queen suddenly appeared and ordered both of them to change their clothes.
"Here, Ratri, wear this and come before me. And Rudra, you wear this as well."
"But Mother, why?"
"I'll tell you later. Just do as I say."
Both changed and came before her.
"Now come with me."
"Where?"
The Queen gave no answer.
She took them to the temple of Dhrutdev, which was ancient, grand, and huge . The royal priest was waiting there with a plate of flowers.
"Ratri and Rudra, come with me into the sanctum. No questions."
Both looked at each other, confused and stunned.
The Queen led them to the priest.
"Here, Princess, take these garlands."
"Why?"
"I told you—no questions."
Both hesitated but nodded.
"Yes."
They took the flower garlands, and the priest began chanting mantras. Neither Ratri nor Susim understood what was happening.
Meanwhile, King Drishtdum was planning strategies to defeat Takshak kingdom. He was waiting for Prince Susim—would he fulfill the promise made to all rulers? This question troubled every king.
But King Takshak and Guru Rambh had complete faith in their preparations. Through their ritual, they were devotedly creating the powerful Vijayvahini army.