The Royal Enchantment

Chapter-2 : Mirror Mystery

Viraj woke up to the warm rays of sunlight peeking through the windows of his chambers. He stretched, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a good night's sleep. As he got out of bed, he couldn't help but smile, thinking about the delightful evening he had with Kiara.

After a leisurely breakfast, Viraj decided to spend the day outdoors, enjoying the beautiful gardens and stables of the palace. He walked through the lush greenery, admiring the vibrant flowers and towering trees, feeling grateful for the peaceful life he led.

As he approached the stables, he heard the sound of horses whinnying and the soft murmur of voices. He entered the stables, greeted by the familiar sight of his favorite horse, Kesar, and his loyal groom, Shankar.

"Good morning, Kunwar Sa!" Shankar exclaimed, bowing his head. "Kesar is ready for you. Shall I saddle him up?"

Viraj nodded, eager to take Kesar out for a ride.

As Viraj rode Kesar through the palace grounds, the wind in his hair and the sun on his face, he felt a sense of freedom and joy. They galloped past the gardens, the fountains, and the reflecting pools, the sound of Kesar's hooves echoing through the air.

As they approached the outskirts of the palace, Viraj noticed a group of travelers on the road, their colorful clothes and exotic goods catching his eye. He reined in Kesar, curious about the strangers.

One of them, an elderly man with a kind face, approached Viraj. "Greetings, young prince," he said, bowing. "We come from a distant land, bringing gifts and stories. Would you like to hear one?"

Viraj nodded, intrigued. The old man began to speak, his words weaving a tale of magic, adventure, and mystery. Viraj listened, entranced, as the world beyond the palace gates came alive in his imagination...

As the old man finished his tale, Viraj applauded, captivated by the story. "That was amazing!" he exclaimed. "I've never heard anything like it."

The old man smiled, his eyes twinkling. "There are many more stories where that came from, prince. But I sense you have a tale of your own to tell. One of adventure, perhaps, or love?"

Viraj's thoughts turned to him,"Don't know," he said, smiling.

The old man nodded, as if he knew a secret. "I think I have just the thing for you, prince." He rummaged through his pack, producing a small, intricately carved box. "Solve this riddle, and you shall discover a surprise."

Viraj took the box, intrigued. The riddle read:

"Where shadows dance, light reveals
The heart's desire, in secret deals"

He pondered the words, his mind racing with possibilities. Suddenly, the answer came to him...

"Ah-ha!" Viraj exclaimed, his eyes widening with excitement. "I think I've got it!"

The old man smiled, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Tell me, prince, what is your answer?"

Viraj thought for a moment before speaking. "The answer is... the mirror!"

The old man nodded, impressed. "Very good, prince! You are indeed clever."

With a small key, the old man unlocked the box, revealing a beautifully crafted silver mirror inside.

"But that's not all," the old man said, his voice full of mystery. "This mirror shows not just your reflection, but also the heart's deepest desire."

Viraj's eyes widened as he took the mirror.He looked at the mirror and saw a faint image of someone.

"Who is that?" Viraj asked, feeling a sudden sense of wonder.

The old man smiled. "Someone who will soon enter your life, prince."

Viraj's eyes remained fixed on the mirror, trying to make out the person's features, but they were too blurry!

The image in the mirror faded away, leaving Viraj with more questions than answers. He looked up at the old man, who was watching him with a knowing glint in his eye.

"Who was that?" Viraj asked again, feeling a sense of curiosity and wonder.

The old man smiled. "You'll find out soon enough, prince."

Viraj rode Kesar back to the palace, the mirror's mystery still whirling in his mind. As he approached the grand entrance, the guards bowed, and the doors swung open.

Shankar, his loyal groom, took Kesar's reins, and Viraj dismounted, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. The palace's opulence seemed dull compared to the intrigue of the mirror.

"Kunwar Sa, welcome back," Shankar said, bowing. "I'll take care of Kesar."

Viraj nodded, his thoughts still elsewhere. "Thank you, Shankar. I'll retire to my chambers now."

As he entered his chambers, the soft glow of candles and the sweet scent of incense enveloped him. His valet, Kana, was waiting to assist him.

"Kunwar Sa, shall I prepare your bath?" Kana asked, bowing.

Viraj nodded, his mind still preoccupied. "Yes, please, Kana. And bring me some chai."

Kana bowed and disappeared, leaving Viraj to his thoughts. He wandered to the window, gazing out at the night sky, the mirror's secrets still lingering in his mind.

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Kiara lounged on a plush couch in her chambers, surrounded by vibrant fabrics and colorful tapestries, her feet tucked under a soft throw blanket. She was engrossed in a book of poetry, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns on the page.

Rohini entered the room with a gentle knock. "Bai Sa, breakfast is ready."

Kiara bookmarked her page and closed the book. "Thank you, Rohini. I'll be right there."

She walked to the dining area, where a delicious spread of traditional Rajasthani dishes awaited her. Her mother, Nalini and elder brother, Arjun, with his wife Natasha, were already seated.

"Good morning, beta," Nalini said, smiling. "I trust you're hungry?"

Kiara nodded, taking her seat. "Yes, Maa Sa. I'm starving."

Arjun teased, "Natasha, it seems like Bai Sa is finally ready to eat something other than books."

Natasha playfully rolled her eyes. "Arjun, don't start."

Kiara chuckled, feeling comfortable with her family's banter. She finished her breakfast and Nalini asked, "Beta, how's the reverse culture shock treating you? Missing London yet?"

Kiara laughed. "Maa Sa, I'm still trying to get used to not wearing boots in July! And yes, I do miss London, but Amerkot is home."

Arjun teased, "Bai Sa, we're glad to have you back, but don't expect us to start drinking tea and saying 'cheerio'!"

Natasha playfully added, "Or wearing funny hats and talking about the weather all the time!"

Kiara chuckled. "Hey, watch it! I'll have you know, I'm still a desi girl at heart... with a few British quirks, maybe!"

Nalini smiled. "We're just glad to have our Kiara bai sa back, British quirks and all!"

Hey lovelies, i hope you're liking the story. And also wanted to ask you all if i should write mature content in this book or not. Please give your opinion.