Fuck you...Your Majesty!

12

"You should have some mercy, your Majesty. It's the family of your concubine. She may hold resentment towards you for this decision." said a nobleman, and as if on queue, concubine Mayuri mimicked wiping tears. Her face looked marred with sadness. Once again, there were a mummer of different opinions around the palace grounds.

"I recommend His Majesty rethink his decision. Concubine Mayuri is carrying and is in the very early stages of her pregnancy. Any kind of resentment, stress, or grief may affect the growing child." The royal physician butted in. And now the crowd went even more hysteric. Even after hearing the news, Atharva chose to maintain his composure. Seeing the shocked expression on his face, even the ones who knew about the plan were confused for a moment, as if their king was genuinely surprised. Atharva on the other hand, was trying to avoid King Samartha's death glare aimed his way. King Samartha did not know about his plan, and Atharva now regretted not telling the said king about his plan. While King Samartha cursed Atharva in his heart, 'You horndog of a King! You say you love my brother? And sleep with anyone? It's good I took Salil away from here!'

Concubine Mayuri herself was quite shocked by the revelation. She had not expected the Physician to let the cat out of the bag when she had already ordered him not to disclose the fact and even paid a heavy sum to keep his mouth shut. She broke into a cold sweat when she felt Antharva's gaze on herself. She knew soon her covers would be blown and made an attempt to save herself.

"You impudent! Do you dare to lie in my face?! Are you trying to smear my name?!" Shouted Mayuri as she threw the cup next to her towards the healer who luckily dodged the incoming attack. She wanted to attack the healer once more but her attendants stopped her from doing so. Then she turned towards Atharva and pleaded in a broken tone.

"H-He lies your Majesty! Please don't believe him!" By the end of her speech, she fell to her knees and started to sob. She looked so pitiful but just to the ones who didn't know her real self.

By now Princess Swara had already understood what her brother was planning to do and she too wanted to help him. She whispered something in Queen Mother's ear who looked quite surprised on hearing whatever she had said and then slowly nodded her head as if granting her permission to the Princess. The exchange did not go unnoticed by the court but none of them dared to question it.

"Brother Atharva! I would like to suggest something to the court that would help you solve this issue," said Princess Swara making Atharva raise his eyebrow in question but he did not deny the princess's request.

"Sure. Go ahead."

"Why don't you ask your personal Royal physician to check Concubine Mayuri? He is the most renowned healer in our land. He can surely help you make a judgment in this matter." Finished Swara and Atharva had never felt any more thankful for having a sister. Swara had just helped him proceed with his plan without it looking like he was trying to get rid of his concubine, which he was.

"I think you're right, Princess Swara. Escort the royal healer, Vedant here," said Atharva, and shadow guard chief Chandra along with a group of royal guards left to escort the said healer to the court.

By the time healer Vedant arrived, Concubine Mayuri was at Atharva's feet begging for him to believe her. But the king just consoled her saying that if she was right she did not need to fear the investigation. And that was enough to shut the wailing concubine cause if she opposed the investigation anymore, it would do her no good.

Soon the guards arrived along with a very tired-looking healer Vedant who seemed to magically gain all his vigour when he was notified of what he had to do.

Not wasting any more time, Vedant got to his work. Mayuri was swiftly moved to a nearby chamber and under the watchful eyes of Princess Swara and Queen Mother, a checkup was performed.