HIS FIRST QUEEN

Chapter 3 [Nayantara]

I entered my individual chambers in the palace. The maids were cleaning up the mess I had created. Broken glass, torn fabrics, and overturned furniture littered the room, remnants of my earlier rage.

"Your Highness," the royal healer who was also present there spoke, "May I bandage your hand?" He approached with gentle concern, his eyes betraying a hint of fear, knowing the volatility of my moods.

I nodded absentmindedly, extending my injured hand. The healer worked quickly and efficiently, his movements calm and practiced. But my mind was elsewhere, lost in the turmoil of my thoughts.

As the healer finished and the maids continued their work, I heard the guards announcing the arrival of the Queen Mother, my mother-in-law. My body tensed involuntarily.

"Her Majesty, the Queen Mother," the guard's voice echoed through the corridors, and within moments, she stepped into the room.

"Tara," a soft voice called, breaking the silence. I turned slowly to see Ranimaa approaching me, her eyes filled with understanding and concern. Her presence, as always, was a mix of authority and warmth, and I felt a momentary relief.

"Ranimaa," I replied, my voice strained and barely holding back the storm of emotions within me.

"Come, let's sit and talk," she suggested, guiding me to a nearby couch which remained untouched by my rage. Her touch was gentle, and I followed her, though every step felt heavy.

We sat in silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. The rustling leaves and distant palace sounds created a cocoon of tranquility, yet my mind was anything but calm. Ranimaa's words broke through the tumult.

"You were very brave today," she said softly.

I let out a bitter laugh, a sound that held no joy. "Brave? I felt anything but brave. I felt... hollow."

Ranimaa sighed, the sound filled with empathy. "I know it's difficult, and words may seem empty right now, but you showed great strength. You upheld the dignity of the crown, despite everything."

I looked at her, my eyes burning with unshed tears. "How can you say that, Ranimaa? I welcomed the woman who took my place, who shattered my life. How does that make me strong?"

"Because you did what was right for the kingdom," she replied gently. "You put the needs of our people above your personal pain. That is the mark of a true queen."

I shook my head, feeling the weight of her words but unable to accept them fully. "I don't know if I can keep doing this. Every day, it feels like I'm being torn apart. Anshuman's betrayal... it cuts deeper than any wound."

Ranimaa reached out, taking my hand in hers. Her touch was a lifeline, grounding me in this moment. "I understand, Tara. Betrayal by those we love is the hardest to bear. But you must not let it break you. You have a strength within you that is greater than you realize."

Her words touched a chord within me, but the pain was still too raw. "I feel so lost, Ranimaa. I don't know how to navigate this pain, this... new reality."

"I am here for you, Tara," she said firmly. "You are not alone in this. We will face it together, one day at a time. And remember, it's okay to lean on others for support. You don't have to carry this burden by yourself."

I looked down at ouroined hands, her strength flowing into me. "I feel like I've lost everything. My place, my love, my sense of self. How do I find my way back?"

"By taking it one step at a time," she replied softly. "Focus on what you can control, and allow yourself the grace to heal. Surround yourself with those who care for you, who will help you find your way."