HIS FIRST QUEEN

Chapter 6 [Anshuman]

The walk towards the palace gardens was filled with trepidation as I couldn't shake off Tara's haunting words. Her accusations cut deep, reminding me of my failures in balancing duty and emotion. Each step felt like trudging through quicksand, the weight of regret pulling me down.

As I wandered through the familiar paths of the garden, I couldn't help but feel trapped in a labyrinth of my own making. The constant threat of Maya loomed over me, a reminder that danger always lurked nearby. But at the same time, I couldn't ignore the guilt and pain I had caused Tara.

When I reached a secluded spot among the blooming flowers, I sank into a nearby chair, my mind spinning with conflicting thoughts. How could I protect Tara, our kingdom, and fulfil my promises without sacrificing my own well-being? Maya, the woman from my father's past who still haunted me, seemed to be pulling all the strings. To stop her, I knew I needed help. I need to go visit my father's old advisors.

But first, I had to repair the damage I had caused to those closest to me - Tara, Ashutosh, and Ranimaa. My rigid devotion to duty had pushed them away, creating an unbridgeable chasm between us. It was time for me to make amends.

With determination fueling my steps, I made my way back towards the palace chambers. As the sun set and cast long shadows over the once peaceful gardens, it mirrored the turmoil within me.

Suddenly, a rustling sound behind me jolted me out of my thoughts and into high alert. My hand instinctively went to my sword as I scanned my surroundings. But there was no one there except for the rustling leaves and chirping crickets.

A chill ran down my spine. Someone - or something - was watching me from the shadows. And they were close. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to control my breathing. Whoever-or whatever-was watching me had the advantage of knowing the gardens better than I did. I needed to stay calm and think clearly. Slowly, I withdrew my sword and moved cautiously, my eyes darting from shadow to shadow, searching for any sign of movement. The gardens, once a place of solace and beauty, now felt like a treacherous maze filled with unseen threats. The leaves rustled again, this time closer, and I spun around, sword at the ready.

"Who's there?" I called out, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me.

For a moment, there was only silence. Then, a figure emerged from the shadows, cloaked in darkness. I tightened my grip on the hilt of my sword, preparing for a confrontation.

"Lower your weapon," the figure said, their voice calm and familiar. "It's just me."

I squinted, trying to see through the dim light. "Ashutosh?" I asked, lowering my sword slightly but not letting my guard down.

The figure stepped into the moonlight, revealing Ashutosh's face, his expression serious. "Yes, it's me," he confirmed. "I didn't mean to startle you. It was fun seeing you all scared, looking like a cornered prey."

I sheathed my sword, relief washing over me. "What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice softening. "Why are you sneaking around in the dark?"

Ashutosh glanced around, making sure we were alone before speaking. "I was looking for you," he admitted. "We need to talk."

I nodded, understanding the urgency in his tone. "Let's go somewhere more private," I suggested, leading him to a secluded corner of the garden where we could speak without fear of being overheard.

Once we were settled, Ashutosh wasted no time. "Your second marriage has caused quite a stir," he began. "People are starting to question your loyalty and your ability to lead. It could destabilise the entire kingdom if we don't address this soon."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I know," I said. "I've been thinking about it a lot. I need to make amends with Tara and the others. But more importantly, we must find a way to deal with Maya. She's the real threat."