Sushim's head was dazzling with the glisten of the crown, from the sharp rays that seeped through the windows and set themselves on the golden metal of the beautiful ornament.

"You make me proud, Son." Maharani smiled emotionally at her son as he walked past her, down the hallway across to the throne.

The continuous cheering and throwing of flower petals never ended until a conch shell sounded suddenly, as he sat upright prominently, grabbing onto the scepter standing firmly while poking the ground.

He smirked through the corners of his mouth; a cold, slow, sly smirk which made a huge wave of anxiety hurdle up in my stomach.

"Well well..." he began, moving his head across the court, getting comfortable in his new seat which had the warm memory of his father.

"Mahamatya, I seek your permission to start the process of my leadership. I seek to provide you all, as well as the country with fine patriotism by making firm decisions which shall be highly thought upon and regarded by all my subjects. I shall continue to respect the honorable position of my father, and thrive to teach respect for the generations to come."

There was clapping and cheering. Mahamatya glowed with happiness as he went up with a royal platter that held a thin, sharp knife beside a bowl of green solution.

"Samrat Sushim! Samrat Sushim!"

Sushim waved at them contently; his shoulders resting back and he nodded at the impressed crowd.

He picked up the knife abruptly and a sharp noise sounded as pin drop silence surrounded the whole court when he slit his finger.

A trail of blood trickled down his hand.

He put out his finger over the bowl, and everyone waited till the drop of metallic-tasting blood dripped into the solution.

A mass cheering started again as the solution turned purple, which marked a positive start to his rule.

I cringed.

Ashok was staying over at Ahankara's tonight and my thoughts scattered themselves until Sushim walked up to me.

"Kaurvaki? What are you doing?" He smiled weirdly.

"I - I was j..." I began.

"It's alright. Make way for me now at least, don't block anyone's way in the future..." he taunted coldly. He meant to say I was an obstacle between Ahankara and Ashok's life.

Rani Dharma lowered her gaze hurtingly and Maharani walked behind him, looking down on us all.

Mahamatya appeared in front of us.

"There is a celebration feast tonight. If you can get your husband to come, please do." He smirked and left us, following Sushim.

I sighed deeply, turning to Rani Dharma unexpectedly.

"Err, we have preparations to do, lets go." She stuttered while pulling up a smile.

"You've been preparing all your life."

"I'll meet you in the kitchen then." She nodded and left me, watching her go while pulling her head scarf further over her head.

I wandered back to my room, where I lay down on the bed in deep thoughts.

Would Ashok come? Would Ahankara come?

💓

When the dusk replaced the afternoon sunshine, my eyelids flickered open in confusion as a heard a loud cheering and a diffusion of music.

I sat upright, straightening my hair.

"Of course! The feast!" My eyes widened and I hurriedly managed to get my stuff together.

I checked myself in the mirror and set off down the busy corridors.

The instrumental music became louder and louder as I made my way down to the hall.

Sushim was talking with a few subjects beside Mahamatya; Rani Dharma was ordering some maids while Maharani and Rani Subhrasi were busy talking with Dhrupad.

"You'll be the next king of Magadh!" I heard Maharani say to Dhrupad as I walked past.

Rani Dharma's tense face was contagious. I went over to her quickly.

"Rani Maa, calm down. How can I help?"

"Kaurvaki, I just can't concentrate - Leela, how many times have I said to not keep that hot plate on the velvet mat?! TELL ME? At least 6 times today haven't I?" Rani Dharma told off a servant.

The maid lowered her head in embarrassment as Rani Dharma began moving again.

"Now what are you waiting for? An invitation?" Rani Dharma stopped as she saw the maid just standing there, flushing with disgust.

"R..."

"Oh yes, and Kaurvaki - can you put that there? Wait no. I can't tell you to lift this heavy platter. DHANIYA? Come here this instant!"

I watched Rani Dharma become all stressed.

I ushered her to sit on the chair beside her. My hands rested on her shoulders as I sat her down gently.

"Rani Maa, you've done your duty very well. Now take some rest. Don't work this much."

"But..." she began to get up hesitantly.

I pushed her back down.

"No." I said firmly.

A smile drew up on my face as I saw her grinning at my love for her.

Suddenly, the vast majority of the members turned their heads and a Mexican wave of gossip began amongst them.

We turned to the doorway to see a couple arriving.

I felt my feet shake.

"Ahhh... there they are. You've come, Prince Ashok?" Mahamatya advanced towards them slowly and they stopped, face to face.

Ahankara stood beside him, trying to smile but looking nervous.

I eyed them regretfully.

"Yes yes, of course. Why wouldn't they be here? After all, it's been a while since he met his wife hasn't it?" Sushim drew up a smile which made Maharani's lips purse together in entertainment.

"First wife I mean, I have to be very specific don't I, brother?" He added, making my blood boil.

Ashok stared at him angrily but had to resist from doing anything.

"Come and take your place, Ashok. The feast will start in a while." Maharani said sweetly.

Sushim scowled at his mother's attention towards his step-brother.

Ahankara sat beside him.

"Erm, well - I don't know if you know but, we expect our daughter-in-laws to help with some of the arrangements, my dear." Maharani eyed Ahankara.

Ashok's lips split apart as he quickly began defending her.

"No, Maharani. I insist you not to."

Ahankara looked confused as to whether she should follow the family's custom or look after her unborn child.

I watched him solely all this time, not even taking my eyes off his for a second. Each moment was too precious to lose.

I saw him blink towards me and I quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in some non-existent work while I saw his head turn away through my peripheral vision.

The feast was served and everyone began consuming their food.

Suddenly, Ahankara's face cringed with pain and she screamed slightly.

Everyone got up and surrounded her in worry.

"It seems like the Princess's due date is nearing." Mahamatya examined her forehead.

Ashok clasped her hand and I felt my eyes quiver in their sockets.

I felt scared for her, however.

"Until she's well enough to return back to her residence, I give permission for her to rest in my room." I said reluctantly.

Everyone looked at me in surprise.

Ashok took no time to glance at me thankfully and everyone helped carry Ahankara to my room.

Ashok sat beside her as she became unconscious and got up quickly at the sight of me standing at the foot of the bed.

"Thank you."

I smiled weakly. "It's alright."

"Call me when she's better. I'll take her back. Sorry for the disturbance." He lowered his head.

"No. If she requires, she may deliver in the palace."

He looked at me in shock.

"Besides, it would take a long time for one of my mid-wives to reach there in the time of her labour. It would keep you content as well." I reassured him.

He smiled as if I had offered him a generous donation, which I had; frankly speaking.

He nodded and left me.

I turned towards an unconscious Ahankara...