HIS FIRST QUEEN

Chapter 9 [Nayantara]

The palace was cloaked in an atmosphere of palpable tension as I made my way to Rani Kanchana's chambers. The Trithiya ceremony was approaching, a day that bore the weight of our shared grief from losing our child to the poison Rudrajaala. It was a sorrow Anshuman, and I carried silently, our public duties serving as a veil over our private heartache.

I entered Kanchana's chambers unannounced. She looked up from her embroidery, her surprise evident as she saw me. Clearly, she hadn't anticipated my visit.

"Maharani," she greeted, rising and bowing slightly.

"Kanchana," I replied curtly, my mood far from cordial. "We need to talk."

"Of course, Maharani. What is it you wish to discuss?"

"The Trithiya ceremony," I said firmly. "I will not be overseeing the palace's activities on that day. I expect everything to proceed smoothly, and I do not want any disruptions."

Her curiosity flickered in her eyes. "I understand, Maharani. I will ensure everything is in order."

I moved closer, my gaze unyielding. "I do not want anything to go wrong. Also, do not approach me on that day."

She nodded, her head bowing slightly. "I will respect your wishes, Maharani."

Leaving her room, my heart felt heavy with the impending ceremony and the suspicion that Kanchana might not be as innocent as she appeared. Just then, I heard the sound of a carriage arriving at the palace gates. My breath caught as I saw the familiar crest-it was my mother's carriage. Her arrival was unexpected, but it seemed she meant what she wrote in her letter.

"Maa!" I called out, hurrying to greet her as she descended from the carriage.

"Nayantara," she said warmly, embracing me. "I decided to come and support you during this difficult time."

I blinked back tears. "You didn't tell me you were coming."

She smiled gently. "I know how hard this day is for you and Anshuman. Maharani Daksha knows what goes on in her Tara's heart. As for not informing you, I sent you a letter."

Her presence brought a much-needed sense of comfort. "Thank you, Mother. Your support means everything to me."

"Let me take you to the guest chambers," I offered, guiding her along.

"I wish to first meet your mother-in-law," Maa said.

"Rajmata Pratibha, lovely to see you," Rani Maa greeted my mother.

"Likewise, Rajmata," my mother replied, her anger barely concealed.

"Mother," I whispered, pulling her towards the guest chambers.

"Why did you stop me? Did she stop that Katika Kutika from becoming her son's second wife?" my mother asked, her eyes wide with frustration.

"She, too, was unaware of Kanchana," I explained. Rani Maa had always been supportive of me.

"I don't believe that," my mother huffed, "I don't like her."

"Maa," I whined. Mother had always been unhappy that I had been married into the kingdom of Aranyapura. She had wanted me to marry the prince of Rudravaya, Hemant, but Father was pretty adamant in wanting relations with the Aranyapura Empire. So here I was, married to the Crown Prince of Aranyapura at the age of seventeen, three years ago and was crowned king a month later, making me his queen. His First Queen.

The palace temple was steeped in the scent of incense and the murmur of prayers as the Trithiya ceremony began. Anshuman and I sat side by side, our hands clasped tightly. The priest chanted solemnly, his words echoing in the sacred space, reminding us of the son we had lost. We followed all the instructions for the havan(sacred offering).