KING'S QUEEN

The Gathering Storm

Happy Reading<3

Third Person pov

Meera's resolve to prove herself in the court and to Arad was firm, but she soon realized that the path she had chosen was fraught with more challenges than she had anticipated. The palace, with all its splendor, concealed a web of intrigue and power struggles that would test her at every turn.

The first test came sooner than expected.

One morning, as Meera prepared for the day, a servant brought word that Rani Shabnam had requested her presence in the gardens. It was an unusual request, given that Shabnam had shown little interest in engaging with Meera since her arrival. Sensing that this meeting could be a trap, Meera carefully dressed in a simple, yet elegant saree, opting for subtlety over opulence. She needed to appear strong, but not threatening.

The gardens were a riot of color, with flowers blooming in every shade imaginable. But despite the beauty of her surroundings, Meera couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in her chest. As she approached the spot where Shabnam waited, she noticed that the second queen was not alone. A group of noblewomen, known for their influence and sharp tongues, stood with her, their eyes trained on Meera as she approached.

"Meera Begum," Shabnam greeted with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Thank you for joining us."

Meera inclined her head, her expression polite. "Rani Shabnam, it is an honor."

Shabnam gestured to the bench beside her. "Please, sit. We were just discussing the upcoming festival. As you know, it is one of the most important events in the kingdom, and it is customary for the queen to take an active role in the preparations."

Meera sat, aware that every move she made was being scrutinized. "I would be honored to assist," she replied calmly. "What can I do to help?"

One of the noblewomen, a woman named Parveen Begum, spoke up, her voice laced with thinly veiled disdain. "It is a great responsibility, Meera Begum. The entire court will be watching. A single misstep could be disastrous."

Meera met Parveen's gaze, refusing to be intimidated. "I understand the importance of the festival, Parveen Begum. I assure you, I will do everything in my power to ensure its success."

Shabnam's smile grew wider, but there was a glint of malice in her eyes. "That is good to hear. The festival is a reflection of the kingdom's unity and strength. It will be your first opportunity to prove yourself as queen."

The implication was clear-Shabnam was setting Meera up to fail. If anything went wrong, it would be seen as a reflection of her inadequacy as a queen. But Meera knew better than to show her hand. Instead, she nodded gracefully. "I appreciate the trust you are placing in me. I will not disappoint you."

The conversation shifted to the specifics of the festival, with Shabnam and the noblewomen discussing the various ceremonies and events. Meera listened carefully, making mental notes of everything she would need to do. As the discussion went on, she could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on her, but she refused to let it shake her resolve.

When the meeting finally ended, and the noblewomen dispersed, Meera felt a wave of relief wash over her. But she knew that the real challenge was just beginning. The festival would be a test of her abilities, and she would have to navigate it carefully to avoid the traps that had been set for her.

As she made her way back to her chambers, Meera's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of laughter. She looked up to see Ayan and Lutfanisa playing in the courtyard, their youthful energy a stark contrast to the tension that filled the palace. For a moment, Meera allowed herself to smile, watching the two children chase each other around the fountain.

But the sight of them also brought a pang of sadness. They were a reminder of the family she had left behind, of the life she had sacrificed for this marriage of convenience. She had not yet found a way to connect with Ayan and Lutfanisa, and their presence only deepened her sense of isolation in the palace.

As she stood there, lost in thought, she felt a presence behind her. She turned to find Arad watching her, his expression unreadable. He must have been observing her for some time, though she hadn't noticed his approach.

"They are happy," Meera said softly, gesturing to the children.

Arad's gaze shifted to his son and daughter, and for a brief moment, his stern expression softened. "They are," he agreed, his voice carrying a note of melancholy.

Meera hesitated, unsure if she should broach the subject, but her desire to understand Arad outweighed her fear of rejection. "Do you ever wonder how they will remember their mother?"

Arad stiffened, and Meera immediately regretted her words. But instead of lashing out, he merely sighed, a heavy, tired sound. "Not a day goes by that I don't think of her," he admitted quietly. "She was their world... and mine."

Meera's heart ached at the pain in his voice. She wanted to reach out to him, to offer comfort, but she knew that he would reject any gesture of sympathy. Instead, she asked, "And what about now? What do you want for them now?"

Arad's gaze turned back to her, and for a moment, she saw something flicker in his eyes-something that looked almost like vulnerability. "I want them to be safe, to be strong. I want them to know that they are loved, even if..."

He trailed off, and Meera could see the struggle within him. The walls he had built around himself were high and impenetrable, but there were cracks-cracks that revealed a man who was more than just a ruler, more than just the cold, calculating king she had come to know.

"Even if what?" Meera prompted gently.

Arad shook his head, as if dismissing whatever thought had crossed his mind. "Even if it means making difficult choices," he finished, his tone hardening once more. "This kingdom comes first, Meera. It always will."

With those words, he turned and walked away, leaving Meera standing alone in the courtyard. She watched him go, her heart heavy with the knowledge that she was still an outsider in his life, an intruder in a world that had no place for her.

But as she looked back at Ayan and Lutfanisa, she felt a renewed sense of determination. She had promised herself that she would find a way to reach Arad, to prove her worth as a queen and as a wife. The festival would be her first real test, but it would not be her last.

She would face whatever challenges came her way, and she would not rest until she had earned her place in this palace-not just as a queen, but as a woman who could stand beside her king, no matter the cost.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

guys I was thinking about something for a very long time which I want to share with you guys .

I will mention the names of the readers who will vote . Like that way we can have a interactive session. And guys pls comment . I always love to read your views on my chapters .

Lots of love
Db