The outright declaration of a woman as the guilty was met with an overall air of varied scepticism and plausible conspiratorial speculations from the Royal Court.

The ministers- still very few compared to the old courts of Hastinapur and flourishing assembly of Dwarka- seemed divided on the new development. Some faces showed disappointment for being kept out of the loop while others nurtured caution. Sensing the rising tension, Maharaj Yudhisthir spoke in his ever calm demeanour, "Before we proceed to the questioning, it is most important that everyone is made aware of the undisclosed mission carried out by Rajkumar Arjun and Rajkumar Nakul. I would like Rajkumar Arjun to deliver his report."

Savyasachi bowed in deference. Clearing his throat, he said in an even tone, "The plan laid out by Chief Advisor Rajkumar Sahadev and myself was made to run it's course upon the affirmation of both Maharaj as well as Yuvraj. The mission had three phases - The first was carried out by Rajkumari Abhijishya's trusted attendant Charu. Today, after the incident, an immediate lockdown was ordered with exclusive instructions to all residents to not leave the palace premises. All palace gates were closed and guarded by soldiers under the supervision of Rajkumar Sahadev."

He paused letting a small smile slip on his professional face which was returned by Sahadev, sitting at the left of Maharaj's throne, when their eyes met. The smile vanished as smoothly as it had appeared. Arjun continued, "Attendent Charu as instructed by Rajkumar Nakul," he nodded at his companion, "spread the word about a small troop that would depart from the palace right before sunset during which the western exit gate would be opened. After she completed the task and reported back to Rajkumar Sahadev, the second phase began under the supervision of Yuvraj Bheem," Bheem nodded in acknowledgement of his name being mentioned.

"He questioned all the chefs and maids assigned the kitchen duties. A common but vague description of an out of place veiled woman was obtained from five maids and chefs including the Royal head Chef. Then Yuvraj ordered the arrest of attendant Parnika and officially declared that she was to be presented in the Royal court at the evening session which successfully wrapped the real culprit in a false sense of security as intended. Further, under Rajkumar Nakul's instruction Attendant Parnika held up the ruse by consciously prolonging her own questioning while allowing myself and Rajkumar Nakul more time to complete the final phase."

Abhijishya stared slightly open mouthed as Parnika arose from her position, wiped her tears and graciously bow to Maharaj while the later flashed her a tiny grateful smile. She tuned in back to Arjun's report.

"The third phase began shortly before sunset. Rajkumar Nakul had taken position at the base of the western gate while I was situated at the top of the archway of the gate. The troop which was falsely scheduled to be departed also gathered according to the plan. A peculiarly armoured person was spotted as soon as the gates were slowly being lowered. Rajkumar Nakul engaged the suspect in combat who was swiftly unarmed. Upon the revelation of the culprit, they were identical to all the descriptions provided and thus, was taken under custody. The western gate was closed soon after. As ordered, Rajkumar Nakul and I have brought in the culprit before His Majesty and the Royal court," Arjun's words caused another wave of whispers run around the assembled people.

Maharaj Yudhisthir spoke loudly to override the murmurs, "Excellent as always Rajkumar Arjun," then he looked at Nakul, "Rajkumar Nakul." The noise died down in deference to their Maharaj. Yudhisthir now addressed the woman surrounded by soldiers, "Lady, you are being accused of attempted poisoning of Rajkumari Abhijishya Nakul Kuruvanshi and the child of Rajkumar Nakul she carries along with the attempted framing of the Maharani of Indraprastha Krishnaa Draupadi Pandav Kuruvanshi. Identify yourself and state how you plea."

The woman in question stood straighter, not a bit quelled by the cool tone of the Jyesth Pandav. "Not guilty," she answered flatly ignoring the first half of the order.

Yudhisthir's lips thinned fractionally. He patiently proceeded, "Does that mean you were coerced or threatened by someone else? Perhaps another kingdom-"

His words were cut off by a scoff from the woman. Abhijishya was stunned by the sheer insolence which was mirrored by everyone present. The woman sneered in derision raising her chin with an almost manic glint in her eyes, "I am not guilty because that witch deserved it. She deserves it! And I, Charviksuta Vasudha, a Kukura Yadu don't need anyone to deliver justice."

As soon as the name of the Yadus was pronounced, the court was overtaken by an incredulous uproar. Questions and speculations were being thrown around one after another.

"I knew that cowherd was cosing up to the Pandavs for setting this woman-"

"Impossible! Rajkumari is regarded as a daughter of the Yadus."

"Does this mean the Yadus are declaring the end of alliance?"

"Silence!" roared Bheem shutting down all questions. The silent court waited with bated breath for the next words of their Maharaj which would determine the future stream of interstate politics. Narrowing his eyes, Yudhisthir spoke evenly- this time a warning tone clear in his voice, "Are you an agent acting under the administration of Kingdom Anarta?"

Vasudha's lips curled in digust as if appalled by the very notion. "The Yadus are blind to that witch's influence. I acted on my choice to avenge my household - The Household of my brother, reverend Mahalekhapal Chetas whom she dared disgrace. She accused my brother of theft and disloyalty. She manipulated and instigated the Coucil of Anarta against him. It is because if her we were ostracized, our property and wealth were seized, our honour slandered. It is," a sob broke from Vasudha's throat before she shouted, "because of her that my marriage was called off. She caused the imprisonment of the earning member of my family. She reduced my sister-in-law and her daughter to servitude. I had to be a garland maker kissing the feet of the likes of a woman that keeps relation with five different men. She took everything from me. So I knew I had to take everything from her."

The hysterical laugh which erupted from Vasudha's chest felt like a bucket of cold water poured over Abhijishya.  How could she not recognise the name of Mahalekhapal Chetas? Afterall, he was one of those whom she had caught for being corrupt. She felt oddly nauseous as the vengeance bearing eyes bore holes into her skull again. Her palms felt clammy as she rubbed them over her garment to easy her agitation. Abhijishya hadn't really asked about the aftermath of the imprisonment of the corrupt officials. Does that mean she had driven this woman to this point?

As if sensing her growing distress, Nakul ground out, "One more derogatory word and I'll-"

"You'll what? You can't do anything worse to me. I have already lost everything. If the last thing I do is put down that deceiving creature, then so be it," Vasudha seethed out as she produced a thick needle from the bun of her hair. She tried to lunge at Abhijishya but the attempt was thwarted in the next moment. One of the soldiers delivered a swift kick at the back of her knee sending her toppling down. The venom laced needle was snatched away from her hands. She gulped down her shout of rage when four spear heads rested a finger breadth away from her tender neck ready to slice off her life without much remorse.

"This is the second time you attempted murder, Lady Vasudha," Yudhisthir did not raise his voice but the shroud of anger it held made a flicker of fear flash in Vasudha's eyes for the first time. "That too in my court, to someone who is under my protection," his eyes swept the faces present in the court, "The most untamed of animals and uncivilized of creatures are known to show mercy to the mothers carrying the young." His gaze pinned Vasudha in her place as he uttered the next words, "You, yourself, are a woman yet you tried to snatch away the most treasured possession a mother could have. So, tell me, as a woman, what punishment would befit someone like you."

Vasudha trembled visibly before pulling up a facade of false bravado, "Son of Dharma, you are doing injustice to me. What about the losses I faced because of her? You, a man, would not understand a woman's heart whose marriage was called off. If you were to punish me, then let it be known that I will curse your family in my dying breath."

"Maharaj, may I?" Sahadev stood up from his seat seeking permission to speak from his eldest. Yudhisthir nodded in affirmation. Sahadev turned to the court, "We all are aware of the new changes that happened in Anarta related to finance laws and slaves. It is also known who brought about these changes. Bhabishree- Rajkumari Abhijishya has foiled years of corruption in Dwarka's financial division as well as freed the victims of that flawed structure," he glanced at Vasudha and said firmly, "It is not on her that your brother is a miscreant neither it is her fault for the ill fate of your household.  Therefore, she is not responsible for the choices you have made. Justice states that the person who has acted on their malicious intent to harm a pregnant woman, frame another and insult them be punished." His words were received with murmurs of approval.

"I second it," Scholar Bhabesh spoke up.

"So do I," Royal Treasurer Chinmaya intoned as if he weren't trying to manipulate the issue in his favour earlier. His declaration was followed by numerous others.

"As do I."

"I agree!"

"Agreed."

Once the agreements died down a bit, Yudhisthir gestured signifying the entire court, "Everyone agrees. Although, since you seem to think I would be unjust, none of my orders would ever seem fair to you. So," Yudhisthir stood up from his seat which was immediately followed by all the seated members of the court. He looked up at the balcony where Draupadi was seated, "I would request Maharani Draupadi to take her rightful place beside me and carry out justice in my stead."

Draupadi descended down the stairs gracefully while her conscience navigated the amassed emotions in her heart. When her kajal guarded eyes fell on her husband's, she didn't need anyone to decipher the not-pronounced apology in them. She walked up the stairs in full view of the court and took the left side of Maharaj as his Maharani. The discreet touch on her hand solidified her shaken beliefs. The court bowed in deference greeting their Maharani while Draupadi stood tall with confidence. Her husbands had never accused her and she respected their wish to keep her out of harm's way.

She raised her scarlet tipped palm. The court fell silent nursing a growing anticipation. "Lady Vasudha shows no remorse for the attempt of such an heinous act. She shows no guilt to have tried to hurt a baby that hasn't been born yet. She shows no shame to have insulted the hands that have fed her throughout the last few months," Draupadi watched Vasudha's face crumple as she pronounced the words which sealed her fate. "Death would not be enlightening as she would consider herself a matyr. So, as per Maharaj's wishes and on his behalf, I order her lifelong imprisonment with no contact from the outside world. If she stews long enough on the words she said, on the relations she tried to destroy, on the deeds she committed then perhaps she might gain some introspection and understand the dangerous consequences her actions could have."

Vasudha screamed trying to throw herself on a sharp blade but ropes found her wrists before that. She wailed as some dasis dragged her out of the Royal court followed by soldiers. Draupadi never forgot her words whenever she had tried to push the Panchal-born to harbour animosity for the witch. Now, Vasudha knew that. But it was too late to be of any favourable use.

The court showered the Maharani in praises over the situation well handled. Even Royal Treasurer Chinmaya remarked positively however begrudgingly that may be.

Meanwhile, Abhijishya couldn't unsee Vasudha's righteous rage. If she hadn't brought about the changes so crudely, if only she had accounted for everyone that could be possibly affected, Vasudha would probably be happily married. Her actions destroyed a family- definitely one of many. She walked away silently from the upbeat courtroom murmuring a short excuse to a concerned Nakul. 

Did she have a right to bring about changes when they led to uncharted consequences?

A.N. - Update alert!! Get ready for a series of almost daily updates!!!

Let me know in the comment section below what do you think of my presentation of Yudhisthir as Maharaj and Draupadi as Maharani.

Please vote and recommend my story if you like it.

Until the next time,

Byeee

;")

P.S. Unedited. Feel free to point out the mistakes.