In a realm where verdant Kanchanjangha hills met azure skies, where lush forests whispered ancient secrets, there lay the fabled kingdom of Malyr. Once a beacon of independence, it had emerged from obscurity to become a haven of prosperity and power.

     You may not find the name of Malyr in the modern history of India. This small yet prosperous kingdom was independent for a little while but again merged in the Ahom Kingdom due to lack of strong kings. But in those short periods, the kingdom was very powerful, rich and prosperous, under the Sonowal Dynasty. Today you will find the name Malyr associated with a small city in the Ahom Kingdom. And if you ask the people of that region they will still identify themselves as Malyri, not Ahoms.

      But they are essentially Ahoms non the less. Because the Sonowals were Ahoms. They were the officials in Ahom Dynasty. Later given this region as an independent state. The kings of Sonowal Dynasty were warriors and learned men. The most notable among them will be King Kalden Mahim Sonowal.

     He was one of the last kings of the Dynasty before it gets merged into Ahom Dynasty. He was a good warrior. A phenomenal poet. And a strong ruler. His period considered as the golden period of Malyr's history. Where, King Kalden's public life was like a steady flowing river of the plane land, his personal life was however a dangerous high current river of the mountains, filled with obstacles.

    And it all started the time when he was crowned as Yuvraj of Malyr. Among all the sons of the old king, he was choosen to get the throne. It wasn't without a string attached. That day when he was having lunch with his father and the Royal mother.

"Kalden, what do you think of appointing your official wife. You have good women in your Inner palace. Choose one who is suitable to rule along side yourself." The old king said. The prince excited a little to talk to his father about the woman he already choose.

"Eije, I already know about his choice. After so many warnings seems like his heart can't let go of the Saikia woman." The royal mother who was old king's second wife said.

"Saikia woman? But their clan isn't in the state they were decades ago. No no. She can't do. That whole clan is almost eradicated in last war. Who are left in that girl's family. Widows and kids? Will they support you while you take the throne?" The old king asked dismissingly.

"The woman of Saikia are intelligent and learned. They are steady thinkers. Like the first Royal mother. Your first wife." The young prince protested. His mind went to the beautiful girl running towards him in the courtyard of the palace. He would fight for Usri.

"Kalden! Your first Royal mother's position was different than Usri. Her father was the chief of our forces. She had a strong clan to depend upon. Usri do not have this luxury. If she marries you. She will depend upon you. Your own strength will cut in half instead of doubling after marriage." The old king said.

"Is it not more reasons to take her as my official wife, as a symbol of gratitude to all they did for us?" Kalden asked putting down his utensils.

"The royal family is still taking care of their living expenses. And the most elegible daughter of their clan is your consort. Is it not enough gratitude already?" The royal mother replied.

"Your Majesty! I would like to leave." The young prince said. The old king sighed.

"You won't be able to change our mind about her, son. You should know that in your heart. Think about my suggestion in isolation, while I tell your Royal Father about this." The royal mother said.

       The prince stormed out of the room. Irritated and anxious he went to find the only person who understood him. Usri. He went to the mannor in the inner palace where his consort live. He didn't find her there. Then he walked towards the sewing hall. He walked directly towards one perticular chamber. When he walked inside a girl in very simple clothing was paiting on a piece of cloth.

"Kayi!" He said making her look up. She immediately stood up from her seat and bowed down.

"Welcome Yuvraj!" She said ceremoniously.

"Hmm.. get up. Where is Usri?" He asked walking towards the paiting to find out it was a pattern she was making.

"Jiji hasn't visited me after this morning. And she was saying something about checking some scrolls. May you check the library."

       She said politely while walking slightly towards him to show her attention towards the thing he was observing. Yankayi grew up in the palace. Playing with the prince and his siblings when they were younger. Her parents were palace workers too. She was grew into these mannerisms.

"I'll find her later." The prince said dismissingly. "What are you making? The colour seem soothing to eyes and the pattern. It is so unique that after watching for a long while eyes aren't tired. "

"Thanking yuvraj for his praises. I'm incompetent infront of you." She said with a smile and taking her seat as the Yuvraj motioned her. He took a seat near her. "I was trying to come up with a new pattern to print on the chador we will make for the Royal mother. She sent back all that we made for this spring festival. The patterns are old and overused. She wants something fresh. So I took inspiration from those trumpet vines she has in her palace garden to make this pattern."

"You are a very thoughtful person. No wonder she adores you. Now I can see the trumpet vines." The Yuvraj leaned to the painting to see clearly. "Show me." Yankayi obliged by painting a section. "This is soothing. Hand me one brush and cloth. I'll copy you."

"But, Yuvraj, you never paint." She said handing him the supplies.

"I'll now. I'll just copy your actions." He said starting to work. After sometime he compared their work.

"Why mine doesn't look as good as yours?" He asked. "I did exactly what you did."

"Yours look beautiful for first time Yuvraj. I have years of practice. So my techniques of holding the brush, applying pressure is little polished than yours." She said with a smile. The prince chuckled too seeing the pride in the girl's face.

"Holding the brush? I'm holding it as you." He said.

"You are holding it too strong. It's a brush not a sword." She said painting some more.

"Correct me then."

"See... Your fingers should stay like this." She showed him how to hold it. He had a hard time.

"Do it yourself." He said moving back so she can hold his hand. Kayi looked at him confused.

"I can't do that."

"Why not?"

"Because..." She stopped. But he gave her a look that suggested her to go on. "Yuvraj, I'm a sewing maid. The only time I'm allowed to touch you is when I'm taking your measurements."

"So, what do you want me to do? Strip?" He asked making her gasp.

"Such a loose tongue!" she muttered. He leaned a little towards her and asked,

"What did you say?" 

"Nothing. I'll show you once again. Watch carefully." she said but the prince held her hand to make her stop. 

"There now I'm touching you. correct my strokes now." He spoke.

       They were painting for some time before they heard a familiar soft voice. She was clearly delighted about something and running towards the room they were in calling out Kayi's name. So eager to tell her about her day. They both watched the door smiling and waiting for her to enter. She came into the room laughing and stopped seeing them. The beautiful Usri looked between her prince and her best friend in this world together.  she gave a confused yet happy expression and walked in,

"Greetings Yuvraj." she bowed down. "I didn't expect you here, but it is for the best that I found you two together."

"Ah I came here to see you but got caught up with Kayi, making these patterns." Yuvraj said. "I have something important to tell you too." Kayi understood, its her que to leave the room.

"Allow me to leave, your highness, for you two to get some privacy." she said bowing down and leave the room.

"What happened Yuvraj? you seem very tensed? how did lunch with his majesty go?" Usri asked.

"Come. sit with me." he said taking a seat followed by Usri. He held her hand before saying,

"His majesty asked me to appoint the official wife as soon as possible." Usri looked at him with anticipation. "He or the royal mother don't want to look at you from my point of view." she sighed.

"Saikia isn't in its glorious form since the last war. I can understand their reservation. Who do they want as the future queen then?" 

"Zeyo." 

"Ah.. Phukan clan has been in the steady rise in the last couple of years. In the court as well, their number has been increased." Usri said with a thoughtful expression. "Also, it helps the fact that she already has a daughter. But so does Tamarai. Infact, she has a son and daughter. You got both of them at the same time which keeps them on the same scale of seniority too."

"Usri! I am talking about them rejecting you to be the official wife. and you are comparing other consorts. Are you not bothered?" he asked. she smiled.

"i knew this would happen. so, I was prepared. Royal mother is the step empress who got the position after Saikia Queen of his majesty passed away in illness. if she shows it or not, she must have resentment towards my clan. I knew she won't support your decision. And the current state of my clan made sure of it." he looked at her in disbelief, so she leaned on to him. "Besides I do not want to be the official wife. I get to marry you ceremoniously, that will be enough for me."

"Why can't they see how selfless and well-intended you are." He said hugging her.

"I do not want anyone else's praise other than you."

                 The first challenge might have been tackled way too easily for my readers liking. But that was the reality of King Kalden's life, the first obstacle was crossed due to the simple-minded lover of the king. And his wedding ceremony with his official wife, Zeyo Phukan was completed without a hitch. Making her the mistress of the Inner Palace. This may be considered as the turning point of his life.

An
Ok. First ever chapter. Very Nervous. Please be kind to this poor author.

Keep your characters in mind while playing.

THE GUIDE

CHADOR: chador is a upper body cloth used in traditional Assamese dress. It essentially means stole/dupatta. But the material are not as light as a dupatta. It's quite heavy.