Chapter 34:
The Queen's Wrath
The grand hall of Kampalyam was tense, filled with the murmurs of onlookers as a confrontation unfolded between Draupadi and a visiting king. The king, overconfident and arrogant, had overstepped his bounds, believing that his title gave him the freedom to act with impunity. Little did he know that in the kingdom of Kampalyam, there was no tolerance for such arrogance.
Draupadi, seated on her throne, had been listening to the king’s demands and provocations with a growing sense of anger. The room seemed to grow colder as she rose from her seat, her eyes blazing with the fire for which she was known.
**King**: (smirking) "I am a king! I’ll not be questioned by a mere woman, even if she claims to be a queen."
The room fell silent as the king’s words echoed through the hall. The tension was palpable, and the air seemed to crackle with Draupadi’s suppressed fury. Without warning, she moved swiftly, her hand connecting with the king’s face in a powerful slap that echoed like thunder.
The king staggered back, his cheek instantly reddening, and a thin line of blood appeared where her fingers had struck. The hall was utterly silent, everyone too shocked to speak.
**Draupadi**: (her voice cold and commanding) "You may be a king, but I am the Queen of Kampalyam. Do not mistake my kindness for weakness. If you believe that your title allows you to act without consequence, you are gravely mistaken."
The king stared at her, wide-eyed, clutching his bleeding cheek, unable to muster a response. Draupadi stepped closer, her voice lowering but filled with a steely resolve.
**Draupadi**: "I have ruled this kingdom with justice and fairness, but do not make me return to the younger Draupadi who ruled with anger, strictness, and an iron fist. I have fought, I have shouted, and I have delivered slaps that brought kings to their knees. I will do so again if you force my hand."
Her words were a warning, and they hung heavily in the air. The king’s bravado crumbled, and he quickly bowed his head in submission, knowing he had underestimated the queen before him.
Meanwhile, the Pandavas, standing at the edge of the hall, exchanged nervous glances. They were well aware of Draupadi’s fiery temper and her capacity to enforce her will with force if necessary. Though they admired her strength, they couldn’t help but feel a twinge of fear seeing her in this state.
**Yudhishthira**: (whispering, concern in his voice) "She’s as fierce as ever. I had hoped we wouldn’t see this side of her again."
**Bhima**: (with a nervous chuckle) "I’m not sure if I’m more scared for that king or for us if we ever cross her."
**Arjuna**: (in awe) "Her power is unmatched. But even I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of that slap."
**Nakula**: (wide-eyed) "It’s terrifying to see her like this, but also… incredible. She truly is a force to be reckoned with."
**Sahadeva**: (softly) "She’s always been strong, but today, she reminded everyone why she’s the queen."
The Pandavas continued to whisper among themselves, a mix of admiration and fear in their voices as they watched Draupadi handle the situation with unwavering authority.
**Yudhishthira**: (with a sigh) "We must always remember her strength, and never take it lightly. She’s not just our wife—she’s the queen who commands respect, and we must stand by her in all things."
The others nodded in agreement, their respect for Draupadi deepening even further. They knew that while Draupadi’s love and compassion were boundless, so too was her strength and determination to uphold justice.
As Draupadi returned to her throne, the king having learned his lesson, the Pandavas exchanged one last glance, silently reaffirming their commitment to support their queen in every way possible, while also vowing never to be on the wrong side of her wrath.
