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Trishalini POV

My heart was sinking.

Moment by moment.

With each new heartbeat.

I sat with my hands in my lap, but my gaze shamelessly stuck on my husband. His gaze was busy staring at the floor.

"Aap sab hamari Putravadhu ke aagman ki khushi me sammillit hue, hame uski bahut khushi hai,"

The air was tense as Baapusa's booming voice filled the room.

Baapusa began in his loud voice, and I moved my gaze to him. I was not making it evident that I was looking at him.

"Parantu aaj ye divas sirf hamari bahu ke swagat ke liye hi nahi yaad rakha jaega... hum chahte hai ki aaj ke is shubh diwas par vo ho jo itihaas me, kisi samrayja me kabhi nahi hua,"

"But this day will not be only remembered for the arrival of our daughter-in-law... I want that on this auspicious occasion, something that has never happened in entire history or any Kingdom, happen, "Baapusa declared, his words hanging in the air with anticipation.

Baapusa's voice was loud and could be heard from a very far distance. I had never seen him speak like this. Abhi inhaled deeply and blinked before closing his eyes for a moment. Tightening his fist, he lifted his gaze, and the moment his gaze met mine, I felt a shiver run down my body.

It was not a loving, caring, hating, or emotional stare. It was raw, intense, shameless and daring. Like, he wanted to kill me right now.

Timidly, I gulped and blinked, moving my gaze around to notice that a few people saw us looking at each other. Slight discomfort wrapped me up and heated my vulnerability.

"Hamare Putra, Rajkumar Abhinandan Mahabalesh ko hum apni upastithi me hi Mahabaleshgarh, Pratapgarh, satrah Virasate or poore ekso tera gao saunpte hai,"

"To my son, Prince Abhinandan Mahabalesh, I declare to pass on the Kingdom of Mahabaleshgarh, Pratapgarh, seventeen princely states, and a total of one hundred thirteen villages in my presence." The moment Baapusa finished, everyone gasped. The shock was visible, and even Daadisa looked stunned.

There was a pin-drop silence for a moment.

And I noticed him inhaling deeply and biting his lip, keeping his gaze low.

"Yuvraj Abhinandan," Baapusa said, and he tightened his jaw and sat silently.

Everyone was looking at him, waiting for him to say something or stand up from his couch. 

As a few moments passed, I could not help but feel the sweat breaking in my palms.

"Yuvraj!" Baapusa called again.

And, suddenly, he placed the tip of his sword on the floor and lifted his gaze. His face was red, and I could not tell which shade of red.

It was pain, sadness, regrets, love and mostly obedience.

Rising from his couch, he strolled towards Baapusa's throne.

Baapusa smiled, looking at him.

"But, my King, this is not possible," suddenly stepped one of the court members. He chuckled, "This is not how a crown is passed on to the others," he added.

Baapusa clenched his jaw and lowered his gaze for a moment. I noticed him rubbing his fingers and then lifting his gaze back.

Now, I understand where he got this intense and deadly gaze, which could make anyone forget things and lose debates.

Honestly, it frightened me deep down.

"How has it passed, then?" Baapusa asked. The old man looked around, finding everyone still in shock. "Well," he tied his hands in front.

"For a Kingdom, a legacy, a reign or rule, there cannot be two living Kings," he said, and suddenly Baapusa stood up from the throne.

Everyone stood up, too.

And I immediately stood up.

This was difficult. The atmosphere was picking up the heat.

"There will not be two living Kings. There will be only a King, Abhinandan Mahabalesh, and the previous one will be considered only a father to a King," Baapusa said, and another one stepped forward.

"But, my King," he addressed him, and I noticed Baapusa standing straight with his hands tied behind his back.

"Yes?" he asked, and he smiled weakly.

"There is no reason to do it. The crown passes to the eligible son of a King when the King... dies," he said, and I felt something in my chest. I immediately looked at Abhi, who was standing silent, just staring at his sword.

Baapusa chuckled.

"Dies," he laughed a little louder.

"Well, strange thing to do because death is something that's meant to mourn, and a child deserves to mourn rather than lift the burden of new responsibilities. I am not dying, but I will never want my child to suffer what I suffered on my father's death. I want to see him happily take the crown, and I wish to see his shining bright. For a father, this is a bigger achievement than any wars, Kingdoms or anything," Baapusa and suddenly, two more people stepped forward.

And they seemed to be the Kings of other Kingdoms.

"Maharaj Rajvardhan Mahabalesh, your thought is quite good," one of them said with a smile. But this is something that will go against the order of things, and pardon me," he raked his eyes around. There is a long list of things that Mahabaleshgarh should be regretting. I do not think of this thought anything but an outcome of over-attraction towards your son, and I see more regret coming in after it," he said. Baapusa inhaled profoundly and stepped forward to him.

"Thought?" Baapusa asked. "I believe you misheard me. I did not suggest anything. I preached my decision here," he said in a deep and thick tone.

I felt slight goosebumps on my arms.

"And about regrets, Mahabaleshgarh has never done anything that it should regret," Baapusa said, and I noticed Rudra Bhaisa scratching his upper lip a little.

"But, my King," Another man in his late sixties stepped forward and looked at Yuvraj for once before looking back at Baapusa. "I believe Mahabaleshgarh has been seen as one of the oldest Kingdom in the northern Hind, and what it adopts, leaves, or amends is followed by the Princely states and taken as an example in life-changing matters. This thing will make Crown passing seem like a joke. The crown is not the servant, even of the greatest Kings. When a healthy, experienced, eligible man resides in a Royal family, the younger one can never take the throne. It's... more like treason or has never been looked in a good sight," he suggested, and I liked his polite and respectful tone.

"Maharaj Veer Varan Singh ji," Baapusa smiled, hearing him, "I respect and understand what you are saying. But, my grandfather Maharaj Jayavardhan Mahabalesh began a democratic ritual to let the Samrajya decide its own Samrat, the one who looks after not only the Kingdoms, Princely states, and villages of its own but can have an important say in any of the Kingdom's matter in his umbrella. And, till now, I have been holding the responsibility of a Samrat, but if I cannot pass on the throne to my son before I die... I will let the people decide whom to choose as their Samrat," Baapusa finished, turned around, walked towards his throne, and sat down.

"I hope we can at least see how many of us want to see Yuvraj Abhinandan Mahabalesh as the Samrat Abhinandan Mahabalesh," Baapusa said. I noticed Yuvraj lowering his gaze. I could feel the tension in the air.

It was so thick that I could feel it vibrating against my skin. The constant glares at him, the questions, and the way they judged him were making me feel uncomfortable.

Imagine yourself seen by almost two dozen important people, older and more experienced than you, in more ways than you thought possible.

Their gazes did not hold any comfort, sympathy or love for him, but the sharp, cutting judgements, weights and intentions to win over him.

Because it seemed like the moment.

When I saw him crying, I did not really understand what exactly this would be. I mean, how bad it could go, but imagine failing here.

And, more than imagine, standing here at the age of twenty and only two.

Especially when all the steps you have walked were under your father's shield.

A father who was ready to fight the world to see his son shine.

And, somewhere, I could understand Baapusa here. It was challenging, and it was not hard to see Abhi get impossibly hurt after his death and have the throne on his shoulder.

Men were supposed to be practical and unemotional, but my husband was emotional and soft. Moreover, he was entirely innocent and good-hearted.

It ached in my chest to even see him going through this.

It was like giving two dozen people the right to hurt you, judge you and make you vulnerable only because you were born in a Kingdom.

"That we can do," the man said, and I looked at everyone sitting back.

I sat down with Maasa, too.

Lowering my gaze, I noticed her fingers tied over her lap. She was not showing any emotions, but I could guess what she felt deep down.

"Aap sabhi me se jo bhi Rajya Abhinandan Mahabalesh ko apna Samrat sweekarte hai Kripya khade ho jae,"

"Please stand up, whoever accepts Abhinandan Mahabalesh as their Samrat," Baapusa said in his loud voice. When no one stood up, my heart dropped to the point that I could not even find it with an army of a thousand.

I waited.

One more moment.

A few more moments.

Many more moments.

And, still, no one stood up.

And suddenly, Yuvraj Abhinandan chuckled and stepped forward.

"Hume ratti bhar bhi achambha nahi hua. Kyuki hume Gyaat hai ki Baapusa kuch galti kar rahe hai,"

"I am not even a bit surprised. Because I know that Baapusa is making some mistake here," he said, walking a little in the middle of the visible partition, a long gallery.

"Kya hum jaan sakte hai iska karan?"

"May I know the reason?" he said, smiling at the people who stood up to speak against Baapusa.

And after a few moments of silence, one stood up and suddenly looked at me for a moment. Yuvraj's gaze followed his, and he looked at me.

"Kshama chahte hai Maharaj, parantu Yuvraj Abhi chote hai, Rajgharano ki neeti nahi samajhte or jis Mehal me sookhe patto ko dharti se uthakar ped ki choti par bitha diya jae, vaha neeti or raj sahi kese ho sakta hai. Aap Pita hai, putra ki icha ka maan rakhna aapka kartavya hai, parantu us kartavya ke kaaran poore Samrajya, sahastra logo ke jeevan ke saath khilwad nahi kiya jaa sakta. Yuvraj bahut hi gooni honge parantu, kuch baatien unhe bhi dhyan rakhni chahiye, jis singhasan par vo apni nav-vivahita ko bithana chahte hai uspar ek esi kanya honi chahiye jo rajguno se sampoorn ho. Baat sirf parivaar ki ho to man ki ichaye suni jaa sakti hai parantu Yuvraj ko Samrat banne ke liye neeti, or ran-neeti dono me nipun hona chahiye, or jo neeti hi na maane vo singhaasan ka gaurav kese badha sakta hai?"

"I beg your pardon, my King, but the Crown Prince is still young and does not fully grasp the intricate policies of royal households. In a palace where withered leaves are lifted from the ground and placed atop trees, how can governance and rule be just and true? You are the father, and it is your duty to honour the desires of your son, yet this duty cannot come at the expense of an entire empire and the lives of countless people. The Crown Prince may indeed be wise, but there are certain matters he, too, must heed. The throne upon which he wishes to seat his newly wedded bride must be occupied by one who embodies the virtues of royalty. When it comes to family, the heart's desires may be indulged, but for the Crown Prince to ascend as Emperor, he must excel in both statecraft and strategy. How can one who disregards policy ever enhance the dignity of the throne?" he finished, and upon hearing him, I felt my heart racing.

"Very well said," Yuvraj said.

I noticed everyone looking at him. My palms were sweating, and suddenly, Yuvraj stepped closer to the old man and stood beside him, looking at his father.

There were almost five metres of distance between them.

"Withered leaves?" he muttered, turning his gaze to the old man, "You called my wife withered leaf," he repeated, and I could tell the anger that was viable on his face.

"Have you ever spoken to my newlywed wife?" he asked, and the man shook his head.

"Yuvraj, this is not how we greet the young ladies," he said, smiling and nodding.

"Then, how come she has been called withered leaf without even having a moment of her own as a Princess yet?" he asked, and the old man chuckled.

"Maharaj, your daughter-in-law, ran from a crowded hall meant for her enjoyment," the old man said to Baapusa, "Life does not give us many chances to prove ourselves worthy. No matter how much you try, she should not become the Queen. And a King with a love interest other than a princess cannot be trusted. Because if someone cannot control the family, the Kingdom and the Empire are way beyond his grasp," he said, and Yuvraj clenched his jaw.

"Love interest," he muttered.

"Prem Vivah kiya hai humne kyuki hamare kisi bhi samrajya ki rajkumari me vo ek bhi gun nahi jo hamari patni me bhare pade hai. Isliye Kshama chahte hai kisi Rajkumari se vivah nahi kar paaye, parantu aap nishchint rahe hamare raaj me sabhi Rajkumariyan, sabhi Rajya, sabhi gao do samay ke bhojan, chhat or suraksha se sade rahenge. Ab sabhi sahaytaien ek kanya sirf raani bankar hi to nahi kar sakti na, ek behan bankar bhi kar sakti hai, or ek kyu hum sabhi rajyo Rajkumariyo se is Raksha Bandhan par rakhi bandhwaenge, jisse vo hamari sahayta kar paaye or hum unki. Sabhi Raniyan hume apna vichar, prem or sahayta ek bhai ke roop me de sakti hai,"

"I have entered into a marriage of love because none of the kingdom's princesses possess even a single virtue that is abundant in my wife. Therefore, I seek your forgiveness for not marrying a princess, but rest assured, in my reign, all princesses, all kingdoms, and all villages shall remain secure with two meals a day, shelter, and protection. After all, assistance does not require one to become a queen; it can also be rendered as a sister. And why just one? This Raksha Bandhan, I shall have all the princesses of the realm tie the sacred thread upon me so they may aid me, and I them. Every queen may offer me her counsel, affection, and support, not as a wife, but as a sister," he said, and did my heart skip the beat?

Not just a beat.

But, many, many beats.

And, suddenly, Baapusa laughed, and so did everyone.

"This is well settled then," Baapusa said, "A Queen is to take part in many political matters, run a Kingdom and do many things for the crown, and as far as suggestion and friendship among the Kingdoms are concerned, it cannot only come through an alliance, it can come through a sacred bond of brother-sister hood as well. And, apart from that, Trishalini, my daughter-in-law, is the daughter of the Guru Santeshwar, a well-known teacher for almost all the Kingdoms, so her upbringing or virtues cannot even be questioned because she can easily beat any Princess in that. Also, as far as running from a celebration meant for her is concerned, there could be many reasons for it. And, I, being the King, must not question my daughter-in-law's liberty and freedom to walk away or in from wherever she wants, in her own home," Baapusa said, and tears appeared in my eyes.

I lowered my gaze and felt Maasa's hand on my shoulder.

"So, now, Maharaj, if you have any genuine cause not to stand beside me, I will be glad to hear that, or we can go for other options because I am in no conscience of disregarding my King's wishes," Yuvraj said to him and turned his gaze to everyone.

His voice was daring.

I had never seen him like this. And I could tell how much he was pissed off after this particular conversation.

And suddenly, there was an old King who stood up.

"I choose to stand beside Yuvraj Abhinandan to be made the next Samrat after Maharaj Rajvardhan Mahabalesh," he declared, and I suddenly smiled. And I immediately hid it.

After a few moments, two more men stood up. "We choose him as well. He is right; a Princess cannot be called a withered leaf, which does not make him ineligible. The relationship he offers to the Kingdom is more than worth any, and I believe in his direction, vision and care for the people," he said, and I noticed Baapusa smiling.

Abhi was soft-hearted, but I did not. He was so good at speaking. How could he never talk to me so clearly and persuasively?

He was always blabbering, confused and muffling while speaking to me.

Almost eight more men stood up and agreed to accept him as the Samrat as well.

Samrat?

Samrat Abhinandan Mahabalesh.

Sounds powerful. Isn't it?

Suddenly, Rudra Bhaisa cleared his throat and stood up.

"I need everyone's attention," he said, and I noticed everyone was looking at us.

"Since Suryagarh is tied with Mahabaleshgarh through an alliance, I should bring it out because it has never been said that my Kingdom stands besides Mahabaleshgarh and Pratapgarh in all the even and odds," his words felt powerful. I saw a tiny smile on Abhi's face for the first time.

Hearing it, four more men stood up, and, according to the law of majority, he had already won.

I noticed him looking at me, and at that moment, I wanted to run to and hug him so tightly that it would squeeze him.

But, he did not smile when looking at me; he looked away at his father.

"It is decided then. Yuvraj Abhinandan Mahabalesh will be the next Samrat of all the Kingdoms, states and villages. Samrat Abhinandan Mahabalesh,"

"After you," one of the men stood up and interrupted Baapusa. Maharaj after you. He is to be the next Samrat, but we still cannot allow you to pass on the throne to him when you are alive," he said. Suddenly, Baapusa smiled, and I noticed Yuvraj lowering his gaze.

My brows knit in confusion.

Why was he upset now?

"I can understand, but I believe you know that a person is ineligible to be a King on certain grounds," Baapusa said, and I turned my gaze to him.

"Yes, he can, if he is unable to produce a male heir, if the nobles pull their support from him, if he has run from a battle, if he is impotent, incompetent, rules unjustly, dishonoured the saffron, and found mentally or physically incapable of ruling," the man said, and I gulped.

One more thing could make a royal man unfit to sit on the throne: physical disability or incapability.

"Right," Baapusa said, suddenly pulling a small knife from his belt.

Everyone gasped upon seeing the blade, and I immediately looked at Yuvraj.

He stood silent, head down and before I could even react, I heard the sound of a blade running through the flesh.

My heart came out when I looked at Baapusa's tiny finger falling to his footrest and the blood pooling on the floor.

Maasa stepped forward and clapped twice.

She did not say anything, and everyone stood up in shock.

Yuvraj closed his eyes, and I noticed the physician came running.

Baapusa still smiled.

"Rajguru, please step forward and light the sacred fire for the coronation of Samrat Abhinandan Mahabalesh," Baapusa said and stepped down from the throne.

Maasa walked to him to attend to his bleeding hand.

Tears rolled down my cheeks.

I wanted to run away from here.

I noticed Abhi stepping forward to his father and shaking his head. "You did not have to do this," he said, and I heard him reading his lips.

"I am dying to see my son rule the Kingdom, and I cannot wait any longer," Baapusa said, and Yuvraj lowered his gaze.

The pain might not be visible through his face, but I could tell how badly it would be aching in his chest.

The Rajguru sat down in the middle with a small Hawankund and lit the fire before adjoining his hands and chanting the mantras.

"Yuvraj, kindly take the seat," he said, and I noticed him lifting his gaze to me. My knees felt weak when he took the steps forward to me. My eyes widened slightly, and he forwarded his hand to hold mine.

There was a pin-drop silence when he took me with him to sit near the holy fire for the oath-taking. The woman does not sit in oath-taking.

But no one offended me, and I just silently sat down with my gaze low.

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