The Obsession

Chapter 40 (part 2)

(I break the same last chapter 40 in half because it was lengthy ....)

In the evening, Queen Dowager as summoned both Ranvijay and Leela to her chambers.Just after Leela bowing "Greetings your Highness".Ranvijay entered, Queen Dowager gestured to Leela,"Maanvika why don't you poured a steaming cup of chrysanthemum tea for his majesty."Leela nodds slightly and gaze fall on Ranvijay.

"Your Majesty, you must be exhausted from handling state affairs," Leela said, offering the tea her finger brushed deliberately on his he leave the cup it fall on ground, he glare at her. Leela gasp her heart sank to her mouth.

Queen Dowager intrupret"I've prepared this to help you relax,maid clean it bring new cups."

Ranvijay nodded slightly, "Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.But i m not in mood for tea".

Queen Dowager's expression turned stern, "I heard that your new concubine, Lady Maanvi, is rude and unruly. Women are supposed to be graceful and polite, like Maanvika(Leela)here." She gestured to Leela, who sit her head demurely.

"What I heard about Lady Maanvi is disturbing," Queen Dowager continued. "Attacking your chief guard, punishing your child princess Ramya because she disrespect her personal maid a little reason for this cruelty ,is she angry on Ramya's mother instead, and even trying to brainwash you against other concubines. Is it true that you've begun investigating everyone for her assaisan due to her influence?"

Ranvijay's expression remained calm, but a hint of tension crept into his voice, "Grand Empress Dowager, I assure you that Maanvi is not as you've described. She is chivalrous and extra straightforward but not malicious."

Ranvijay lean back holding his hand in arc ,next the Grand Queen Dowager, his voice firm but respectful.

"Your Highness, you speak of grace and compassion, but I must question your judgment...
You praise Maanvika(Leela)for being graceful i heard her punishing her maid for no reason is this not cruelty , forcing her to kneel for an entire day because her mouth watering on her food??.Is that truly an example of grace?"

He paused, his eyes locked on the Grand Queen Dowager.
"And yet, you criticize Maanvi for teaching princess Ramya to respect her elders, even if they are maid servants. Who among them both sets an example of true grace and compassion?"

Ranvijay's voice took on a hint of skepticism.As he gaze at Leela.

He continues "I apologize, Your Highness, but I doubt your judgment. Punishing without cause is not grace, it's cruelty. Teaching respect and empathy, that is true grace."

The Grand Queen Dowager's face reddened with anger, but Ranvijay stand his ground in support for Maanvika, his expression unwavering.

Leela sweats to hear their conversation her poster not confident at all,sitting with the most powerful people of the palace who is debating over her. "they are both supporting the same Maanvika in their own ways,oh the frustration burns within me and how she has his majesty back even if he doesn't know, still giving her princess treatment, why she's capable of so much more even without her identity...why she has too be beautiful, smart,brave and she's everything I envy she is."

Queen Dowager's expression turned stern, "Mistreating a child by hitting her is a serious matter even if discipline she asked the parents, no. As the ruler, you must ensure justice and fairness. If Lady Maanvi's actions go unpunished, it will be seen as biased and undermine the code of conduct in the palace."

Ranvijay nodded thoughtfully, "I understand your concerns, Grand Queen Dowager. However, I must consider all aspects of the situation before making a decision."