The Lost Dynasty

Chapter 61

From the grand chamber's balcony, the clear blue sky that rayed by the ball of flame was blocked by the thick soot of the violent flames caused by the Marathas. The same vile smoke that blocked the view of the possible paradise.

Kyda had clear front view of the reality of history unravelling itself...

The Deccan War

The Maratha War of Independence

This palace was no longer the Haven that Kyda first came to. But now she was the first-hand witness to Saif destruction to his own Empire.

Kyda could sense the shift of ambience as it was from bleak and dystopian to the end of their world. She had to warn everyone: Amita, Amjed and Ali, if he was still there where she left him.

Her chamber doors flung open in turmoil, that accompanied with the sounds of pandemonium steps of delicate crafted shoes hitting the marble floor. 

Kyda faced the uninvited guest that stormed their way towards her, to meet eyes with a contemplated Saif. She had never seen him in so much doubt and anguish in himself.

"Saif are you ok? maybe you should take a br-" he clutched onto her shoulders "Kyda do you remember anything from your future history books that may dictate how this war ends?". His jaws tightened along with his fingers wrapping around his shoulder as he slightly shudders her. She scans his expression and notice how he was in a dire need for conformation, and she knew the outcome very well...

"I don't know"

But she didn't have the heart to tell him. He sighed and with his hold still on her, he pulled her into his chest and ropes his arms from behide her. Just by her ear on his chest should hear his heart rate pounding almost out of his rib cage, carrying a sense of foreboding.

4 handmaidens entered the chambers each carrying woven baskets in their hands, bearing with gifts. "Saif this is no time for gifts" Kyda exhaled from a slight agitation, he held both of her hands and gently strokes his thumb over her knuckles

"These ladies will assist you in dressing". Kyda glanced at the basket "Assist me?" he responded with a simple nod "It's the only thing I could find within such short notice, but you will look radiant no matter what". The ladies placed the basket on the bed, without any more suspense, Kyda unravelled the dust cloth to find a wedding dress.

But was not traditional portrayed lehenga as many desi would invision. Its fine craftsmanship created a ivory long frock that was adorned with unique geometric patterns and ornamented with floral embroidery. The gems and pearls embroidery are done in the shade of ivory and champagne gold, to the ends of each thread. Finally, being embellished with a heavy work of finished Swarovski from every inch. To complement the ethereal aesthetic was a matching dupatta (translation: scarf) was too beauteous with gold and pearl detailing to enchant the mesh fabric.

"... I promise I'll keep you safe and we will have the rest of our lives to spend with each other" following with his quote was a red felt rectangle box handed to her. Her fingers traced the red cases outline "What is it?" she glimpses upwards to him as he appeared with a soft smile "Well if you open it then you would know". With an obvious reaction, she opened the box, and no words could be possible formed, she was more shocked then surprised.

Chills ran down her spine.

"I gather all the best jewellers I could, in short notice" Saif pushed a strand of her hair behide her ear. "The pearls represent your confidence and prestige in your knowledge and loyalty and the gold bells are for me" he explained "For you?" Kyda queried. "Yes, so I can easily find you if I ever lose you again" he pulls out the finely welded piece of art as the pearls reflect the natural light and shakes it lightly to produce the sounds of light jingles. It was the Chamakna-Ghanta Pattilu (the Glowing Bells Anklet) the same anklet that the late Emperor gifted to his soon-to-be bride before they both perish. Kyda throat began to slightly squeeze as her skull began to compress her brain. Saif has not taken note to her sudden pale complexion, he went down to his knees and adorned her ankles with the one-of-a-kind anklet "I promise after I fix everyone's mess, we will have our happily ever after".