Minister's Possession

Chapter Thirteen

King Shivay walked slowly through the royal gardens, his infant daughter nestled in his arms. Her soft, rhythmic breathing was the only sound cutting through the quiet evening, but his mind was far from at peace. As he gently patted her back, hoping to lull her deeper into sleep, his thoughts lingered on the conversation he'd just had with King Aloknath.

The words echoed in his mind like a distant drumbeat, unsettling him in ways he hadn't expected.

"I have heard a lot about the bravery and kindness of your minister, King Shivay," King Aloknath had remarked earlier, his voice calm but laden with intent. He had dismissed the maids with a wave of his hand before continuing, "He is spoken of highly, even beyond your borders."

King Shivay had smiled then, pride swelling in his chest. Vinaay wasn't just a trusted minister; he had become like a brother. Their bond, once strained by misunderstanding, had grown into something strong, unshakable.

"Yes, he is well-loved," Shivay had responded, recalling the transformation in their relationship. Vinaay was no longer just his wife's brother. He had become family in a deeper sense, a man Shivay would trust with his life. "But I didn't realize his reputation stretched beyond our kingdom."

King Aloknath's gaze had sharpened, his next words heavy with unspoken intentions. "You do know, King Shivay, I have but one daughter. And I am searching for a worthy groom-someone brave, kind, beloved by his people. Your Minister Vinaay... he seems to fit that description."

Before Aloknath could even finish, Shivay had felt an unease creep up his spine. "I believe I know where this is heading, King Aloknath. But Vinaay is already married."

There was a brief pause, as if Aloknath was weighing his next words carefully. His expression had darkened, though he tried to mask it with a diplomatic smile. "Yes, I've heard that story too. It only makes him more remarkable, doesn't it? Marrying a girl out of kindness, they say... but surely, you know as well as I that there is more to that story. A girl like her-she couldn't possibly compare to the princess of Balgarh."

Shivay had stiffened at the remark, recognizing the subtle insult beneath the flattery. Even as Aloknath tried to hide his hand, Shivay saw through the manipulation. His mind had raced-he'd never questioned Vinaay's marriage to Veena before. The union had been sudden, yes, but he had always trusted Vinaay's judgment. Yet now, with King Aloknath planting seeds of doubt, Shivay found himself wondering-why had Vinaay married her? Why had it all happened so quickly, with no fanfare, no explanation?

"King Shivay," Aloknath had interrupted his thoughts, "imagine the strength of our alliance if our families were bound through marriage. Fifty elephants, eighty horses, and a wealth of gold and silver-all as part of the dowry. And once I step down from the throne, Vinaay will inherit Balgarh. Think of the power, the peace that would come from such a union."

It had been an enticing offer-one that any king would find difficult to refuse. But as tempting as it was, Shivay couldn't shake the unsettling feeling in his gut. This wasn't a decision he could make for Vinaay. Despite the questions swirling in his mind about Vinaay's marriage to Veena, Shivay had always respected his brother-in-law's choices.

"This isn't my decision to make, King Aloknath," Shivay had replied carefully. "It is Vinaay's life, and only he can decide what path to take. I can ensure the well-being of my kingdom, but I cannot choose for its people. I will discuss this with him and let you know."