Kayadhu's heart pounded rapidly against her chest, and she felt beads of sweat form on her forehead. She had just returned to the Kingdom of Serpents after encountering the terrifying Demon King Hiranyakashipu, and she was still shaken.

She ran through the winding corridors of the palace, clutching the pink lotuses in her hands. She hoped that her father, the king, would be in his royal chamber. She needed to see him, to tell him what had happened, to seek his comfort and guidance.

She reached the chamber and pushed the door open. She saw her father sitting on his throne, surrounded by his advisors and ministers. He looked up and saw her pale and frightened face.

"Father," she gasped, as she staggered into the room.

Everyone turned to look at her, and a hush fell over the chamber. The king's face immediately tensed upon hearing her words. He sensed that something was wrong, something terrible.

He stood up and walked towards her, dismissing his courtiers with a wave of his hand.

"My dear daughter, drink some water, then tell me how you even encountered the demon king."

He led her to a couch and sat beside her. He took the glass of water offered to him by a servant and handed it to her. She drank it gratefully, feeling the cool liquid soothe her parched throat. She took a deep breath and began her story.

"I went to Manosarvar lake to get some pink lotuses for the prayer. You know how much I love the lake, father. It's so peaceful and beautiful there. The water is clear and blue, and the lotuses are fragrant and delicate. I always feel closer to the gods when I'm there."

She paused, remembering the horror that had shattered her tranquility. "But today, it was different. When I was picking the flowers, I sensed an evil gaze upon me. I felt a chill run down my spine, and I looked up. Then I saw him, father. I saw the demon king!"

The king's worst fears had come to fruition, and he was now faced with the task of ensuring his daughter's safety. He nervously asked, "How did you escape the place from such a powerful demon?"

She shuddered, recalling his monstrous appearance. "He was huge and muscular, with horns on his head and fangs in his mouth. His skin was dark and scaly, and his eyes were red and glowing. He wore a crown of skulls and a necklace of bones. He had a sword in his hand, and a cloak of fire on his back. He was the most terrifying thing I've ever seen, father. He was the embodiment of evil."

She clutched her father's arm, seeking his protection. "He came towards me, father. He came towards me with such evil intent. He grabbed my hands and asked me who I was and where I came from. He said he had never seen such a beautiful creature in his realm. He said he wanted to take me with him, to make me his queen. He said he would give me everything I ever wanted, if I agreed to be his."

She shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "But I didn't want anything from him, father. I didn't want him. I wanted to be free, to be with you, to be with our people. I wanted to worship the gods, not the demons. I wanted to live in the light, not in the darkness. I wanted to be happy, not miserable."

She looked at her father with pleading eyes. "So I resisted him, father. I resisted him with all my might. I didn't answer his questions and rebuked him directly gazing at his blood-red eyes. I remembered the tales you told me of our ancestors' courage and unwavering determination. Their spirits guided me, giving me the strength to run."

The king was impressed with his daughter's bravery and resourcefulness, but their troubles were far from over. He knew that the demon king was a formidable enemy, and that he would not give up on his desire to capture Kayadhu. He knew that he had to act swiftly, before the demon king could launch an attack on their kingdom.

"Now that the demon king knows of your existence, we must act swiftly. For your safety, I need to form a plan." He said, his voice firm and determined.

She said, her voice echoing her father's resolve, "We cannot underestimate the demon king's pursuit. He will surely try to know about me which will endanger our kingdom and the lives of various species residing in our kingdom. We must find allies, seek protection from divine sources, and gather our strength." 

The king nodded gravely, "We shall do all we can to ensure our safety. We will not let fear rule our lives. We will devise a plan and seek guidance from the renowned sages." He said, his voice filled with hope and faith."

He then summoned his trusted advisors and generals,and discussed with them the possible strategies and tactics to counter the demon king's threat. He also sent messengers to the neighboring kingdoms, asking for their support and alliance. He also ordered his priests and astrologers to perform rituals and prayers, asking for the blessings and protection of the gods.

Kayadhu watched her father work tirelessly, and admired his leadership and wisdom. She also did her part, by helping the people prepare for the possible war. 

She also spent time with her father, whenever he had a moment of rest. They talked about their memories, their dreams, and their hopes. They laughed, they cried, and they hugged. They strengthened their bond.

But despite their efforts, they could not escape the looming shadow of the demon king. 

They could feel his presence, his malice, his rage.

 They could hear his thundering voice, his taunts, his curses. 

They could see his cruel face, his eyes, his demonic smile.

He haunted their dreams, and their nightmares.

Kayadhu was especially tormented by the demon king's image. She could not forget his touch, his words, his offer. She could not forget how he had threatened her. 

She was terrified of him, and of what he could do to her, her father and her kingdom.

She often woke up in the middle of the night, screaming and sweating. She often felt a cold hand on her shoulder, a hot breath on her neck, a sharp pain in her chest. She often heard a whisper in her ear, a laugh in her head, a scream in her heart.

She was losing her sanity, and her peace.

One night, she could not take it anymore. 

She ran to her father's chamber, hoping to find solace in his arms. She knocked on his door, and heard his voice.

"Who is it?" He asked, sounding tired and weary.

"It's me, father." She said, her voice trembling and cracking.

"Come in, my dear." He said, his voice softening and warming.

She opened the door, and saw him sitting on his bed, holding a book in his hand. He looked up and saw her pale and frightened face.

He put the book aside,and opened his arms. 

"What's wrong, dear? What's troubling you?" He asked, his voice gentle and concerned.

She ran to him,and hugged him tightly. She buried her face in his chest,and sobbed. "Father, I'm scared." She said, her voice muffled and broken.

He wrapped his arms around her,and stroked her hair. "Shh, shh, it's okay, I'm here." He said, his voice soothing and calming.

She lifted her head,and looked at him with tearful eyes. "Father, what if the demon king comes back? What if he finds us? What if he attacks us? What if he takes me away? What if he hurts you? What if he kills you?" She asked, her voice full of fear and pain.

The king's expression softened as he placed a comforting hand on his daughter's shoulder, "Remember, Kayadhu, you are not alone in this battle. As your father, I stand by your side. Together, we will face the darkness and emerge victorious."

Kayadhu nodded, her father's words of support and reassurance calming her nerves slightly. "I know, father. You will surely give your unwavering support and love to protect me."

The king then imparted a piece of wisdom to his daughter, "Remember,
no matter how dark the night may seem, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. We will find that light. "

Kayadhu felt a warmth in her chest, and a light in her soul. 

She smiled,and hugged him again. "I love you, father. I love you so much." She said, her voice sincere and heartfelt.

He hugged her back, and said, "I love you too, Kayadhu. I love you more than anything."

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