Chapter 139: A Queen's Grace
The days in the palace were filled with bustling activity as the Pandavas took on the roles of rulers for all the kingdoms under their vast empire. While they had faced many challenges on the battlefield, governing was proving to be a different beast altogether.
One evening, after a particularly exhausting day of council meetings and kingdom affairs, the Pandavas returned to Draupadi’s chambers, their expressions a mix of fatigue and frustration. Draupadi, who was resting on her couch, saw them enter and smiled knowingly.
**Yudhishthira** sighed as he took a seat beside her, “How do you manage it all, Draupadi? The wealth, the power, the constant demands of so many kingdoms?”
**Bhima** nodded, massaging his temples, “The council meetings alone are a battle in themselves. And you handle it with such grace.”
Draupadi chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “It’s a matter of practice and patience, my dear husbands. And perhaps a little bit of stubbornness.”
**Arjuna** leaned back, laughing, “Stubbornness? You must have that in abundance, because I barely made it through the day without losing my temper.”
**Nakula** and **Sahadeva** joined in the laughter, but then Sahadeva admitted, “We thought it would be easy, but you make it look so effortless, Draupadi. We’re struggling to control the kingdoms, yet you do it with so much elegance.”
Draupadi smiled warmly, looking at each of them. “It’s not just about control. It’s about understanding the needs of the people, the pulse of the kingdom, and balancing power with compassion. You’re all warriors at heart, but ruling is a different kind of challenge.”
**Nakula** teased, “Maybe we should just leave it all to you, queen. You’re the only one who truly knows how to handle it.”
Draupadi laughed, a light, melodic sound that eased the tension in the room. “Perhaps. But remember, I couldn’t do it without all of you by my side. You are my strength, just as I am yours.”
The Pandavas couldn’t help but smile, feeling both admiration and gratitude for their queen. Though ruling had proven difficult for them, they had newfound respect for Draupadi, whose wisdom and strength continued to inspire them.
As the night wore on, they stayed by her side, the burdens of the day eased by her presence and gentle words. Together, they were stronger, and with Draupadi as their guiding light, they knew they could overcome any challenge—even the complexities of ruling kingdoms.
