Sikva, capital city of Kavish

"This isn't helping." Nakshathra slammed a manuscript she had been reading for the last three days on her desk in frustration.

All of her attempt to distract her mind had only proved her to be a failure. None of it helped. Neither her all-time favourite reading aided her nor her self-confinement did the trick. Nakshathra knew she was exhausting herself but she wasn't finding a way to get herself rid of all the things running in her head. Three things in particular, Agathiyan's proposition, her brother's assumption of the marriage alliance and the missing people, all of these were messing up with her mind. The fact all of it connects to one irked her more, Durja and the crown prince.

She sank to the floor and laid on her back, vacantly stared at the ceiling. Why must I bear the weight to bring the people's misery to an end? Nakshathra loved her people but she loved herself more. She often prioritises herself to be always cheerful, to avoid going into an argument—sometimes she couldn't help but to start it herself, her happiness tops the list along with maintaining healthy relationships with her people but sacrifice wasn't one of them. That isn't self-centred, it's self-care. I need to keep myself happy at all times.

Nakshathra had trained herself to see the positivity around her but the last few days had shown her that she was yet to master the ability to stay positive and calm at all times. The ceiling blurred; a tear spilled from the corner of her eyes. Too much overthinking had drained her energy, she felt a large lump in her throat.

Something her elder sister-in-law, Kaamini shared some time ago resurfaced. Going out helps.

"That's right. I should run away as far as I can," she told herself as she dragged her weak body to the mirror. She startled at her reflection, her round eyes sagged with tiredness and bagged with dark circles. Nakshathra looked awful. "Should I take a dip and groom myself?" The longer she stared the louder she could hear her inner self screaming to do so.

Stepping out of her chambers did not seem hard after the third step. She welcomed the warm breeze brushing pass her carrying the fragrant of lily from the pond in the garden. The bells in her anklet announced her presence and garner her a series of amused look from each working member she walked pass. Has it been that long or have I changed too much? Nevertheless, she kept her ever charming smile playing on her lips as she strode out of the palace without the guards tailing her from a distance.

While her mind decided to sit by the river Smiti and perhaps catch up with some of the people she often speaks to, her legs had some other plan. With a mind on its own, her route was diverted to the direction heading her to a secret spot known to the siblings alone. Their little hideout, a cottage built by the brothers was a place where they talk about everything and anything forbidden in the palace. A place hidden in the forest close to the mountains.

When Nakshathra reached to a small path at the border of the woods, she made sure no one followed behind her. Thirty minutes of hike later, she found the hideout well hidden behind the wild creepers and trees. As she neared the cottage, she realised she wasn't alone. What could be a better time and place than their hideout to be with them. She stepped in and her presence in the cottage brought surprise to the brothers who were already in there, in a good way. They welcomed her with a big smile and hugs as if she had just returned from a long trip away from them.

"It's good to see you out of the palace finally," said Nakul as they settled at the small table at the end of the cottage.

She simply smiled and let the brothers talk but her silence wasn't making any of them feel better. They rather have her talk all day than watch her have inner battle with whatever that was bothering her within.

Nathan placed his hand firmly on her shoulder, "Nakshathra, are you alright? You look lost. Is there something you think you can share with us?" he asked, his brows dipped in concern. "Tell me who is disturbing you and I shall chop off their limbs!" Nathan pulled out a sword from its stand, trying to dramatically cheer his sister.

"Nathu, you don't need to cut anyone. Come sit," said Nakshathra and pulled him back to the chair next to her.

"Then, does your trouble relate to the story you told Parthi?" enquired Nakul, cutting the chase.

The smile on her face instantly dropped, she gave Parthiban a sideways glance.

"It was a great story, I had to share. Plus, it did give me some hints," responded Parthiban with a shrug. "Tell us, who gave you the thought that marriage between two kingdoms would set everything right?" He asked sternly, directing the question without beating about the bush.

She did not come here with the idea of disclosing any of her thoughts to them but looking at her brothers, she knew she had no choice. She contemplated again, should I or should I not? Nakshathra observed the scrutinising gaze of her brothers again. "What if I don't?" she challenged them.

"Do you think you have a choice? Come on, spill it now," said Nathan as he playfully pulled her braided hair.

"Hey don't touch her hair. That's under my care," Parthiban ordered and caressed his sister's head. The second brother of the princess always had a thing for her hair and it was partially due to his care for her hair that it has grown quite lusciously.

Snatching her hair from Nathan's grip, she playfully slapped his arm and slouched back on the chair. "Fine but I'll not mention any name."

"That's alright, if we are sharp enough, we would know who it is," said Nakul maintaining his tough façade.

"Really?" Nakshathra narrowed her eyebrows teasing the ability of her brothers.

"Nathan, get the cane for me," ordered Nakul pretending to scare Nakshathra if she tries to get away from disclosing the matter.

"All right, no need for the cane. You don't need to threaten me. I'll tell you." She quickly stopped Nathan and she begin.

"There was this someone, told me that our people are suffering with losses because of the vendetta between the two kingdoms. They said we royals do not lose anything but the poor helpless people lose everything. In order to stop Durja from kidnapping our people, they suggested two choices. One to earn trust and get the people back or bind in marriage alliance, that way Durja will be able to return all our people back to their families."

"I don't know what to do, I was confused. So, I made up the story to get some idea. Parthi only added more stress and confusion than I already had. He made things worse for me. I really don't know what to do. I feel the burden to save the people is on me and it's weighing me down. So, I was thinking perhaps, I should go out and find the families and help them out instead of feeling down and helpless."

The silence from all three of her brothers frightened her, she instantly regretted telling them about it. She wondered which part angered them, the marriage or her wishing to go out. Either one, their lengthening silence threatened her more than anything.

"You want to go out and find them?" Nakul's voice fell on her ears like asking for a confirmation instead of anger.

She looked up to meet her big brother's soft gaze. He wasn't angry, none of them were. "You are not angry?" she asked.

"Why would I or any of us be angry with you?" asked Nakul. "I am rather happy to know you want to go somewhere and do something. For the twenty-one years of knowing you, you have never wanted to go anywhere out of Sikva or do anything for anyone. It's good to know that you want to play your part being the royal child."

Nakshathra scowled at him for mentioning her being apathetic towards the people and the kingdom. Although now she felt it was true, she was offended—a little.

Nathan who noticed she scrunched face, threw a commentary comment to make her feel better for her progress. "We are extremely happy with your choice, Nakshathra. You are growing up to be fine princess, I see," he said and minced to the small window. He caught the sight of a deer galloping through the shrubs.

"Thank you, Nathu." Nakshathra's eyes followed Nathan and got a glimpse of the leaves moving. She then turned to Parthiban who seems to be in deep thoughts, she waited, not exactly expecting him to say anything but to know if he thinks like Nakul and Nathan or otherwise. Whether it is big or small, her brothers' words have always meant a lot for her. Their opinion mattered to her more than that of her mother and father. Parthiban's silence bothered her.

"Parthi, do you think it is a bad idea?" She hesitated, unsure if he was mad or not.

"No, it is not. In fact, by you going around Kavish would help you gain more support from the people. What I was thinking was how are we going to make father allow you to travel out," articulated Parthiban. "Perhaps, you can come with me. Since I have not gotten any reports from the officers I sent, I was thinking of checking them myself. You can go with me, Nakshathra," he added.

Nakshathra's face glowed bright, they could see the twinkle in her eyes.

"We will tell father that she wants to see around. I'm sure he will be fine with it," assured Nakul. He was long gone from the table leaving the two there. He took out a sword from the sword stand and examine its edges. He passed one to Nathan, they took their stance, ready for a practice session as each swinged their sword left and right.

"Nakshathra, why don't you follow me back to the palace. We would need to prepare a few things before we leave," suggested Parthiban

While Nakshathra waited for Parthiban by the door, her brothers indulged in a quick exchange of instruction to each other. Although curiosity urged her to run to the other end of the room and learn about what they were discussing, she chose otherwise. She reminded herself to behave well and respect when someone whispers to another, she should take it as a hint to maintain distance making sure she doesn't hear them.

Heeding to her own advice, she sat outside the cottage on a rock, not bothered much of the moss on the rock ruining her skirt. She would get them washed later and meet her little friends. Meanwhile, she involuntarily brooded again on the one problem that had consumed her peace for many days.

'A problem with one choice and so much had changed in me. I hope we could find all our missing people in this expedition and that, I don't have to throw myself in Durja to some prince of rival.'

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Mahina, capital city of Durja

She carefully watched her steps as she descended the irregular set of stairs leading to the secluded prison located away from the palace. Alli had been an influencer with large source of money enough to gather people on her side and through them, she made the secret dungeon built ten years ago. Not one but a number of prisons around Durja. The usage of the palace prison in the first few years of her plan had almost got her caught by the king himself. Had that happened she would have been on the receiving end of people's wrath, damaging her social status all at once. In the time of need, Alli managed to convince a few and bribe as many noble men as she could with the help of Ranganathan and had those secret dungeons built specially to imprison her new catches of men before they were sent away as payment to Shoolin. All the while by concealing her true identity, she would reveal them at the right time.

Kovalan, her long-time captive whom she had let roam quite freely lead the way holding a torch to light their path. There were a few she had controlled intangibly and one of them was Kovalan and the other was Agathiyan. She had tactfully captured their family and have been using them as baits to get her work done all along. Kovalan and Agathiyan were weak and helpless men, thus making her powerful.

Kovalan picked up speed as they rounded the corner, descending further underground. With brightness now dimmed, Alli tried to take careful steps and before she could call for Kovalan to come closer with the torch, she slipped her foot. Losing her balance, she fell on her rare and pulling her face cover loose. Kovalan stood aghast; he finally knew who was behind the mask.

"Speak nothing about it!" she seethed immediately as she picked herself up with the help of the wall.

Kovalan watched with horror struck at the lady. Her eyes blazed with anger and embarrassment. There was a slight hint of glaze in her raging eyes as she fixed her shawl to cover her face. "Devi!" he finally addressed her overcoming his fear-stricken self. In a brief moment, he saw something familiar in her eyes. There was fear, anguish, broken pride, troubled and petrified of the exposure she had given to a mere captive of hers.

"Stop staring at me and move forward. I have work to get done," she snapped, her voice trembled.

This is the moment, Kovalan thought. He had to take her shaken self as an advantage and find his family, it was now or never. Once he sees them all fine, he would do anything for her. His stood rooted to the ground, staring at her.

"Move!" she ordered, ignoring his piercing gaze on her.

Kovalan took it as a cue and swung the burning torch and hit her calf as hard as he could, making her fall back. Her eyes clouded with fear for the first time in many years, she scooted back as he stepped forward with the torch. "I am your master. How dare you hit me?"

"Please, tell me where is my family and I'll do whatever you want. I want to see them once or. . . or I'll set you on fire," he cried and swung the torch once again close to her face.

She recoiled and studied her shaking captive who was equally frighten as her. Alli thought for once what good is it for her to still keep him alive. There was no reason apart from writing her message to Agathiyan and get updates of that country. She huffed; she could write those messages herself. Why should she need to jeopardize her image for a bloody-captive fool who wishes to see his long death family? Through her hooded eyes, a sly grin stretched on her lips hidden behind the shawl.

"Sure, I'll send you to them," she agreed to a false promise as she got on her feet once again with profound energy to fight the meek man who have turned against her. Her hand reached for a small knife in a scabbard tied around her waist hidden under her sari. Alli watched Kovalan enjoying his triumph, for the last time. Tightly gripping the hilt of the knife, she bent her body forward and slitted the back of his thigh, weakening him on his leg. His painful yelp did not stop her, she pushed him on his back and placed her foot on his throat. "What a fool you are, Kovalan? Do you think you are important to me, huh? No and now that you knew who I am, I can't let you walk in Durja freely anymore." His hands slapped the ground as he fought for air.

"My . . . My family," he breathed through his struggled breath.

"To them I'm sending you. Farewell, Kovalan. Farewell." Alli gathered her anger and humiliation, she stabbed the knife on his neck several times until her fury diminished. Blood spurted all over her hand, the lifeless bloody of Kovalan lay on his own pool of blood.

"What a waste of a slave?" she commented, wiping the blood with the end of her sari. Picking up the fallen torch, she saw her way to the prison without a slight guilt of the murder she had committed.

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The sight of a sleeping guard outside the dungeon gate irked Alli, she kicked his leg waking him up in a jolt. "Wake up you fool. Is this how you guard the prison?" raged Alli. Her eyes screamed disgust for the guard as he unlocked the gate. The sword hanging on the scabbard of the guard, reminded her of Kovalan. He was her captive and if he could retaliate after sixteen years of docile, wouldn't these guards do the same, she thought. The terror of being overpowered by number creeped in her slowly, she had brought no one with her even Ranganathan wasn't around. Gathering herself some courage, she walked in with chin up.

The new batch of captives were tied in chain and shackles, sat on their haunches cramped in a corner. Smell of sweat and urine overwhelmed the wet damped cell. It nauseated her.

"Well, greetings to people of Kavish. It delights me to see more of you here this time," she announced her entry in the prison.

Startled with her presence, a young man and a few around him screamed for freedom. "Let us go or you will have to face consequences."

"Oh really? What kind of consequences, young man? That your king would bring his army here?" mocked Alli as she minced back and forth before the prison door.

The man stared at her hard, that was exactly what he wanted to say and he quickly realised how many could have said the same. Nothing must have happened in the last years and it only boosted her confidence.

"Ah, I have heard this too many times. Let me make it clear to you that your king has always been and will always be a coward! And I will make the best use of it. You will be the bait for my revenge. You will bring my prey to me," quipped Alli, knowing well of the king of Kavish.

"If not the king. . . Our princes and princess will come for you. Rajkumar Parthiban and Rajkumari Nakshathra are already searching for the missing people. They will reach you soon! Count your days."

Alli did not respond to him because it was exactly what she wanted. The princess in exchange for the hundreds or maybe thousands of these prisoners she had kidnapped over the past sixteen years. If what the man said were true, the most awaited time would begin, they will feel my pain a thousand times harder that they would prefer to die.

However, there was a tiny bit of self-doubt gathered at the back of her head, could she really make it that bad? Does she have the courage or was it a mere façade she displays? She brushed off the thought, she would make it bad that she knows and how bad it could go, was an answer for the time to give. All she wanted was to prepare for the sixteen going seventeen long years of revenge for her father's death.

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