The Crown Prince and His Love

Chapter 45|Treachery invaded the palace|

Treachery invaded the palace.

The preparations for the Crown Prince's coronation was going on in full throttle, the priests were called, the Palace walls were decorated, important Chieftains from all over the kingdom were sent invitations to attend the event. Everything was ready...Well except for the Crown Prince.

Sundara Chozhan had this blind hope that his son would not break the emperor's orders. But Kundavai knew for a fact that her brother was not going to listen to anyone.

Kundavai sighed as she turned back to Arulmozhi entering her chamber with his usual smile.

"Have you heard? Our thatha had married someone." He said, leaning on the ledge. "Again."

"I have." Kundavai said, uninterested. She turned back, overlooking the procession arriving at the palace gate. "I heard she looks pretty." She said, eyeing the Howdah which the central elephant carried.

Arulmozhi raised a brow. "Jealous?"

Kundavai laughed lightly. "No. Come, I want to see the girl who had seduced our grandfather."

"So you're not denying it?" Arulmozhi asked playfully, following his Akka.

"You and your brother always like riling me up." Kundavai said, rolling her eyes.

Arulmozhi laughed as he followed his sister outside.

******

Nandini stepped down, looking around nervously. The silk and jewellery that they draped on her felt so heavy. But of course, she had to look good as Periya Pazhuvettaraiyer's wife. Nandini downcast her eyes as she followed her husband.

The only silver lining of marrying this old man was that she got to see Kundavai in absolute shock and confusion.

She had defeated Kundavai. They drove her out and made sure that she never stepped foot in Thanjai ever again. But due to life's games, she was now standing in front of her, as Pazhuvoor Ilayarani.

No one could wipe that sly smirk on Nandini's face as Kundavai took the arthi.

"Vanagugiren Ilaya Piratti." Nandini said, with a small smirk playing at the end of her lips.

"You finally got the riches you desired?" Kundavai whispered to her, bitterly.

Nandini did not answer to her accusation. "It's good to be back in Thanjai. I missed this place. A lot."

"I'm surprised actually. To see you return after the humiliation as my grandfather's wife." Kundavai said.

"He professed his love for me." Nandini said.

"Did he?" Kundavai raised a brow. "And you just accepted his proposal?"

"Yes, wouldn't it be too rude to decline it?" Nandini said. "He has a heart of gold for taking this orphan in, unlike a few other people who drove her out when she had no where to go."

Kundavai pressed her lips into a line. "What are you here for?" She knew she had come, seeking revenge. Kundavai could never let Nandini hurt her family. No. Not when she is alive.

"For Karikalar's coronation." Nandini said. "As Periya Pazhuvettaraiyer's Ilayarani, It's my duty to accompany him for such festives."

Kundavai cringed at Nandini calling her grandfather her husband over and over again.

Though, Kundavai had thought ill of Nandini in many occasions, she never thought she would stoop this low to achieve what she wanted.

But Kundavai was not the only person who was surprised by her visit, her father, the emperor of the vast Chola empire had an odd reaction. He froze as soon as he saw Nandini, A scream tore out from his throat before he briefly fainted. Well, that's a start.

Kundavai shot a glance at her before running off to help her father.

Much to Nandini's relief she was sent to the Anthapuram before Kundavai's blazing eyes could envolop her into flames.

"Anna will be devastated." Arulmozhi whispered to his sister. Kundavai nodded, furrowing her eyebrows. Karikalan will be inconsolable if he found out, but it should happen. They should tell him, or atleast use this as a Situation to bring him home.

"Write to Anna." She finally said. "Tell him that Nandini is here."

"Okay...Should I mention her..."

"No. He wouldn't come otherwise." Kundavai said, this was her last resort to finally bring Karikalan home.

"He'll find out eventually though..."

"Our first aim is to bring him home, we can take care of consoling him after." Kundavai said. Arulmozhi finally nodded.

******

Much to Kundavai's prediction, Karikalan came running to Thanjai with his men. The trumpets were blown to mark his visit.

Kundavai watched from the balcony as her brother came riding a cheerful procession, accompanied by two of his best friends. The Pallava king...and some other guy. They were showered with flowers by the young princess' who had come to see their handsome prince.

Kundavai had her eyes fixated on that young Vanar Prince. He must be the one who saved her brother from the Pandiyan rebels.

"Who are you looking at?" Arulmozhi asked with a smirk. Kundavai finally broke away her gaze.

"No one." Kundavai said, looking away.

"The Pallava king? I knew you had an eye for him!" Arulmozhi mocked, nudging his sister's elbow.

"Arulmozhi." She said firmly, observing the Pooja that was going on to welcome him. Vanavan Madevi and Sembiayn Madevi took to welcoming him.

Kundavai noticed his brother's eyes wander around here and there, presumably searching for Nandini.

Karikalan finally walked over to Kundavai, Arulmozhi walked over to him and took his brother into a hug.

"Welcome home, Anna." Arulmozhi said. Karikalan smiled at him slightly and nodded, looking back up at Kundavai.

"Where is She?" Was the first thing he asked her.

"I missed you too." Kundavai teased him. "You have a coronation to attend."

"Where is she?" Karikalan asked again, it was not long before their parents joined them and distracted him.

Karikalan touched his parents' feet to get their blessings before the coronation started. He was zoned out for the most of it, occasionally looking around where the princess's where standing, hoping to get a glance of Nandini.

Nandini almost ran into Karikalan as soon as she saw him, but she restrained himself, constantly forcing her to think what he had done to Veera Pandiyan.

But soon enough, Karikalan's roving eyes met hers, lighting up at the sight of her. A rare smile graced his face. Nandini turned away, knowing full well she couldn't resist him, she got to her feet and hurried inside.

******
A/N

Hello! Long time no see! Finally got the time to update this chappy!

Fair warning though, the next chapter is going to be angst af.