"Hey, wait… I forgot to ask something. He will not agree, right?"
"Who?"
"Huh… his great-grandfather."
"Oh. You mean that king. We have never met before, so it won't be a problem. We can just say that I got some illness."
"My dear new maid… ask your mother and father to return my mother's jewels. I should wear them for my marriage."
She controlled herself and agreed.
"Go now… Tch, I am sorry. I will go to my room," Rudra said and walked away, taking her sword with her.
Maya stood frozen after she left. She looked at the room she was in. It was very small.
After Rudra went to her new room, she changed her dress. For the first time after her mother's death, she dressed like a princess. Her personal maid, whom she trusted, came. She looked at her in amazement—eyes so sharp, hair braided. Wearing a royal blue saree, she wore the jewels left in the cupboard by her sister.
"Princess, you look like a queen. The so-called queen and princess are no match for you," Meera said as she knelt on one knee, her hand on her chest.
"Get up, Meera. Change your dress too."
"I will do it later, princess. But are you going to marry that king? Marriage should be made in love, not with sacrifice."
"Without sacrifice, nothing can be gained. And I have nothing to sacrifice other than myself. I want to save my people."
Two days passed. During those days, Maya was in agony. No one dared to help her, while Rudra was preparing for her wedding.
It was her wedding day. The king of Agnikosha arrived with his family and soldiers. The king of Virdha and his family greeted them and welcomed them. They entered the castle with caution. Every single movement was observed.
Meanwhile, Rudra was getting ready. She wore a deep red lehenga with golden patterns. Meera was preparing her, and sadness could be seen on their faces. If the former queen had been there, she would have done her hair. But there was not even a servant to help her. Rudra cheered Meera.
"Meera, there is no need to be sad. We have endured a lot together, and we will continue to do so."
"Yes, princess. I will always stand by you."
Finally, she looked at herself in the mirror. She looked at the ornaments she was wearing. She commanded her maid to check the situation, and as soon as she left, a drop of tear fell from her eye.
"Mom, see your daughter. Don't be angry for wearing your jewels. I feel like you are with me. Thank you, Mom."
She stopped her tears. It was not the time for crying, but for revenge.
"You are summoned, princess."
She walked through the corridor. Everyone in the palace could see her—not her face, which was hidden behind the veil—but still, everyone looked at her in awe. She looked exactly like her mother: head straight, walking fast yet steady, with her anklets echoing.
She stepped down the stairs. Her stepmother walked beside her and led her before the king. She even acted as if she was crying, but Rudra knew that crocodiles do not cry.
The king of Virdha took her hand and placed it in Aarush's hand. They both felt each other's touch. She felt his rough hand, while he felt hers—not too soft, but not hard either.
Aarush leaned slightly and asked, "Princess, are you sure about this? Once you accept this, you will be in my hands, and I promise that whatever vow I take today will not be followed by me."
She did not expect that, but she said nothing.
All the rituals were completed. The king was supposed to lift the veil from her face. He did. Her head was held straight as he lifted it. He looked at her flawless face. She looked at him—for the first time.
He had no words to describe her beauty. His hand was still on her veil.
"Praise the Lord, who gave you such beautiful eyes and face," his mother said, and he lowered his hand.
"But this is not your second daughter, right?" his aunt asked.
Before her father could speak, she said, "It was supposed to be so, but she is very ill and couldn't make it. So, for the treaty, I came."
They set out for Agnikosha.