A few more gloomy months had passed, where the spring birds often flew at my window, pecking at the mango tree's wood. However in winter, they went off to hibernate - so I was left all alone once more.

Now it was summer, when the evening's dash of chill created an enlightening abyss of flowers in the ever green compound below. I would usually take strolls in the greenery, inhaling the country's freshest air.

One summer's morning, Rani Dharma was sowing a pair of small clothes.

I was sitting on the grass, my legs spread to one side. I picked up an unusually colorful flower which was growing out of the soil.

It's fragrance was heavenly! I decided to put it in my hair.

As I settled it gently in the bun, a time when Ashok put it in for me flash backed into my mind.

My smile lessened, however I blinked away and got engaged in other chores to do.

Rani Dharma wouldn't even let me do any chores now that I had been 7 months pregnant.

"Kaurvaki?" A familiar voice sounded.

"Rani Dharma? I was just thinking about you." I smiled and walked over to her.

She, however, did not smile back. She had a rather pale coloured skin today and her cheeks seemed to be flushed out.

"What's the matter? You look depressed?" I frowned.

"Well, I am." She spoke, her voice cracking.

"Why?" I was getting worried now.

"Err - S... Samrat is -"

I gasped. "What happened to Samrat?" I spoke hoarsely.

"He's - he's unwell." She finished off quickly.

Whenever there was news about Samrat's health issues, my heart always skipped a beat.

"I'm sure he'll be fine." I reassured her unsurely.

"No dear, this time the news is that he has come of age..."

I glanced at her with clear sorrow.

"You don't mean....."

She nodded reluctantly.

I turned away. "No, that cannot possibly happen just yet." I wrinkled my forehead with anger.

"There's a correct time for everything, Kaurvaki." She came and rested a hand on my shoulder.

"A warrior's grave is dug before it's needed, but that doesn't mean it should be used before it's needed." I tilted my head.

"Rani Dharma...." I sighed. "How will things be if Prince Sushim takes the throne? They're just about being managed by Samrat, but he will corrupt the entire Magadh!" I turned round worriedly.

Rani Dharma knew I had a point.

"But what if Ashok takes the throne?" She looked at me hopefully.

I sighed. "How can he take the throne? The elder brother has the first right."

"But...."

"Ahem, excuse me..." Maharani was at the door.

We stiffened up as she walked in, glancing at us because we couldn't meet her eyes, expecting her to give us an earful about how 'righteous' Sushim was.

Instead, she pouted and looked us up and down in surprise.

"What are the pair of you doing in here? Come on, we have chores to do, Dharma. Have you got the veneration platter ready?"

"What? Why?" Rani Dharma sounded surprised.

"Of course, the two of you are here for some time. Well, Samrat may need it." She said calmly.

"WHAT?!" Rani Dharma went weak and her voice was unbalanced.

"I know, it's grievous. But what can we do?" Maharani put on a pretense, by wiping her eye.

"Kaurvaki, take care of her." The touch of Maharani's cold hand on my shoulder sent shivers down my spine.

I nodded and she left, flicking her hair.

"K-Kaurvaki - can you check the preparations in the kitchen? I... I'll be right there." Rani Dharma seemed to wipe her secret tears.

She left me in isolation as I myself struggled to stay calm in this realm.

"And yes." Maharani popped her head around the doorway.

"Be sure to attend the crowning of my son tonight." She smirked and left, shutting the door with a bang.

I let out a fragmented sigh, as I made my way outside to check on the preparations.

As I was walking sub consciously, a small velvet pouch full of pearls had been tossed over and they were now scattered all over the floor, rolling over the uneven terrain.

I pondered over it and decided they must be the "101 pearls" used for the crowning as a tradition.

I frowned and tried to bend down as low as possible to pick them up. I cringed with pain as I felt a sharp wedge in my stomach.

I was almost on my knees when a large commotion gathered around me.

"Princess! What are you doing?! Leave this up to us." A servant came and helped me up.

I straightened up slowly.

"Alright, err - can you pick these pearls up?" I said.

"Sure princess! You please carry on with your chores. You must be needing plenty of rest. We insist that you go back to your room." The servant laughed hesitantly.

"No, I'm fine. I'll wait here." I replied.

The servant nodded obediently and the group went on all fours, bending down to replace the pearls back in the pouch.

"Kaurvaki!" A high pitched screech sounded from one of the interior chambers.

I widened my eyes in shock and left the servants to sort the pearls hurriedly, trying to run as fast as possible.

My heart leapt fast, as I came to a halt near Samrat's chamber.

The door was open and I felt heat circulating around the thin translucent skin on my eyeballs.

Samrat was lying on his bed, with a blanket reaching his hips. Rani Dharma was sat beside him, frantically trying to rub his hands in his hers and she had a clear look of anxiety painted across her face.

I stopped abruptly and walked over reluctantly to stand beside her.

I rested a hand on her shoulder.

She broke down crying, letting out uncontrollable sobs. Samrat was panting for breath in desperation and his head was titled slightly diagonally, with his eyes flickering now and then.

Maharani and Sushim were gathered round, standing on the other side in silence.

I got up and went to Maharani to give her a scroll.

She continued to stare at me while she snatched the scroll out of my hands and I looked away.

Her eyes slithered down the scroll and she closed it so suddenly that I jumped.

She beckoned me out of the room.

"It looks like Samrat is breathing his last." She stayed neutral.

I felt a nauseous wave sweep up my stomach.

"It's time to prepare his death bed. Kaurvaki, go tell the servants to commence the preparations and to find the Maple tree wood for the pyre."

"Alright." My voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.

I left obediently and set all servants to task.

I wondered if Ashok knew what was happening?

"Uhh, listen." I stopped a passing maid.

I quickly grabbed a scroll out of her hand and got out a quill. My hands flexed around and frantically wrote a small message.

"Give this to Ashok now." I ordered. She scurried off and I watched her disappear into the distance. A bright beam bounced into my eyes from the top of Ahankara's palace. I stared at it hazily.