Rajkumar Yashveer lounged lazily against a pillar, watching his younger siblings Minnal and Anjali giggle and whisper to each other in the palace gardens.
"What has you two so amused this morning?" he called out teasingly.
The siblings exchanged mischievous glances before Anjali replied, "We were just talking about Maharaja Suryadev and how he has to choose a bride this year."
"Imagine, the most eligible bachelor in the empire having to pick a wife!" Minnal added with dramatic flair. "I heard he has refused every match put before him so far."
Yashveer raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Our mysterious Maharaja playing hard to get?"
"That's what all the rumors say," Anjali nodded eagerly. "No one knows why though. Maybe he's secretly pining after a lost love?"
"Or waiting for a woman who can match his...prowess," Minnal said slyly, eliciting shocked giggles from his sister.
"You two and your wild imaginations," Yashveer shook his head in amusement. Still, he had to admit his own curiosity was piqued. What woman could possibly capture the elusive Maharaja's heart?
Across the palace, Raja Mata Janaki Devi strode purposefully towards Rajkumar Aadhir, a pure white lotus blossom in her hand.
"Aadhir, just the man I wanted to see," she greeted him warmly. "Walk with me, won't you?"
As they strolled through the halls, Janaki Devi cut right to the chase. "Now about this business with Suryadev refusing to marry...I'm sure you're as concerned as I am."
Aadhir nodded gravely. "He is being stubborn, though I know not why. The council grows restless."
"Indeed. An heir must be secured," Janaki Devi agreed. "But finding a suitable bride has proven...challenging."
She let the statement hang in the air meaningfully. Aadhir looked at her warily.
"What are you suggesting, Raja Mata?"
"Oh, just that it may be time to expand the search outside the usual circles," she replied lightly. "To a family both noble and virtuous...who can inspire respect in the Maharaja."
Aadhir's eyes widened slightly in understanding. Janaki Devi smiled.
YOU ARE READING
The Maharaja And I : Inspired by Bridgerton
Historical FictionA story as captivating as any inspired by the scandalous affairs of Bridgerton. The Rajmata faces a challenge: securing a Maharani for the enigmatic Maharaja Suryadev. Bazaars' and temples' gossips of Vijayanagara Empire buzz with speculation. The h...
