Maze of Lies- Lost Around Secrets

Chapter 3

~Amrita~

The Palace and the entire capital were bustling with liveliness and positivity. The reason? Prince Shauryavardhan Suryavanshi was returning to his kingdom for good. He had been pursuing his studies at the Gurukul of Nandala for seven years. After completing his studies a year ago, he went on a trip with his friends. Now, everyone was thrilled to have him back. I was happy too, but for a different reason—my brother Devansh, who was returning alongside the Prince.

Dev had accompanied the Prince on the trip around the kingdom. Now, after a whole year, he was finally coming back to the capital. He sometimes wrote me letters during his trip, sharing his new experiences. But writing letters and meeting in person are two completely different things.

I had been sceptical about him accompanying the Prince but couldn't deny the request when the queen and Rani-ma themselves asked me.

Dev had been friends with the Prince since childhood. Despite their differences—Dev is four years younger and we're not of royal or aristocratic lineage, being the children of the personal bodyguard of the previous Crown Prince who is no longer with us—they got along remarkably well.

Only Lord Mahadev knows how!

"Both of them won't be coming before afternoon as the letter stated. So I think Dev will not arrive before late afternoon or, perhaps, evening as he needs to accompany the Prince to the palace," I thought as I looked for medicinal herbs in my wooden cases.

"This herb is finished so soon. I brought it just four days back," I grumbled. "Now I have to take a trip to the market to buy this herb."

Since I was going to the market, I started making a list of herbs that had run out. While doing that, something caught my eye—a tiny bottle the size of my forefinger.

"Shit! What is it doing here? Did I put it here?" I questioned myself, trying to recall how I could have made such a mistake.

"This is not a place for it," I said, staring at the bottle with clenched jaws. I walked toward two wooden cases on the other side of the room, placed on the floor.

There were two cases, both kept side by side and looking similar, but only I knew the differences. I opened the second one.

The case was filled with similar tiny bottles and other utensils for storing herbs and potions. I put the bottle in it carefully and, as carefully, closed it, arranging the cases as they were before.

"Poisons belong with the rest of the poisons not with their antidotes."

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~Shaurya~

After seven years away, I had finally returned to my kingdom for good. I had become older and wiser, but I was haunted by unfinished business. My travels had strengthened my resolve to uncover the truth behind the treachery that had threatened my kingdom.

We headed into the capital after receiving a "warm" welcome in the form of arrows and threats. It was decided that Ashwin and I would head to the palace while Dev would return to his family. We were supposed to arrive by noon but had come early.

We had unmounted from our horses as we crossed the busy markets of Ambikapuram. We admired the items on display. The air was filled with the distinct smell of spices, perfumes, and other goods. Stalls were crowded with colourful fabrics, exotic items, and local produce. Shopkeepers yelled special discounts and offers, creating a chaotic but lively atmosphere.