Author's POV
"Make all the necessary arrangements and inform Thalapathi that we are departing to assist in the rescue operations for the people, Sandilyare."
Emperor Ellalar said to Sandilyar, upon noticing Queen Alarmelu Nachiyar's distress, halted his prime minister, who was about to outline the task plan and the simplest routes to Varmanadu, a region severely affected by floods due to its proximity to the ocean. The prime minister simply nodded and took his leave.
Ellalar gave her a pointed look... Alarmelu stepped closer and spoke.
"Perarasae.....I don't think you should leave this situation"
Ellalar raised his eyebrows, prompting her to explain her suggestion.
Queen Alarmelu presented her reasoning with a calm yet urgent tone.
"Valliyammai could go into labor at any moment," she began, her eyes reflecting concern. "It's her first delivery, and you should be with her during such a critical time. The Emperor doesn't need to personally oversee the rescue efforts. Besides, this might cause disputes between the provinces. We just finalized Princess Umaiyazh's marriage with Prince Maaravarman, and if you go to oversee the works yourself, it might appear as though you're favoring one province over the others."
Ellalar listened intently, then chuckled softly, appreciating her thoughtful and strategic perspective.
"For a moment, I thought you were going to ask something for yourself, Arasiyare... but once again, you proved me wrong and reminded me why you are the greatest queen the Sethupathi empire has ever known.
You understand the political dynamics of our empire better than anyone. Varmanadu is not just a strong province; it's a lifeline, contributing immensely to our treasury with its thriving trade chains and ports. In their darkest hour, I must be there to give them hope and strength. They are my people, and I cannot sit idly in a palace while they fight for their lives.
As for Ilaiyarani, your presence with her will be the greatest support she could ever ask for. Your strength and wisdom will be her anchor in this critical time"
Ellalar spoke directly, his eyes boring into hers with an intensity that revealed the depths of his soul. The first sentence unmistakably displayed the deeply buried pain of losing his love, a pain rooted in the fact that his wife had chosen to be the Queen over being his partner. This decision had left a wound that time had not healed. Alarmelu, perceptive and empathetic, was not blind to this; she noticed the sorrow etched in his gaze and the unspoken anguish that lingered between them.....
"Perarsae..."
"I think you got your answer Arasiyare....You can leave now....."
He spoke and then turned away. Alarmelu quickly wiped her tears before he could notice, swallowing the lump in her throat as she took her leave. Just as she was about to reach the door, his words stopped her in her tracks.
"You may have learned to stop loving me, Nachiya, but that's something I can never do. So don't ask me to love Valliyammai, it's impossible for me"
"I can't force you to love her, Perarasae, but she is your wife. You have responsibilities towards her, and you can't run away from them"
Alarmelu spoke and cast a final glance back at him before exiting the chamber.
Elallar didn't look back. A loud thunderclap jolted him from his thoughts. Grabbing his sword, he exited his chamber and walked through the corridor. Sandilyar, who stood by the door, followed him. He wanted to say something to the emperor, his best friend.....But seeing the emperor's rigid posture and the determined set of his jaw, he remained silent, knowing that now was not the time for words.
