The Monster King

Chapter 62

Jeevanta was livid, a storm of betrayal and bitterness brewing inside her. The very child she had nurtured, loved more than her own life, had chosen someone else over her, casting her aside like she was dispensable. The realization hit her like a blow, leaving her both furious and heartbroken.

Her stomach twisted in knots, a sick feeling of disgust creeping through her, but no tears fell. Her eyes remained dry, burning with indignation, yet her throat felt tight, suffocating with the weight of unspoken grief. The betrayal was too deep for tears—it festered into something darker, more venomous.

Every thought of Kiara only fanned the flames of her hatred, a loathing that multiplied with every heartbeat. How could this outsider, this intruder, dare to take her place? A place she had rightfully earned through decades of service, love, and sacrifice. Jeevanta's hatred swelled within her, sharp and overwhelming, drowning out any trace of her former devotion to Reyansh.

Jeevanta entered her room, shutting the door softly behind her. It was the only thing she could control right now—closing out the world, even if just for a moment. She leaned her back against the door, eyes scanning the familiar surroundings, but nothing felt the same. The room, once her haven, seemed distant now, as if it too was slipping away, just like the power she once held so tightly.

She exhaled slowly, trying to steady the rush of emotions surging through her. Her mind swirled with the thought of Reyansh—her grandson—placing Kiara in charge. How could he? After everything she'd done for him, after raising him and shaping him into the king he had become, he was giving away everything she fought for to a girl who had only just arrived in their world.

Her vision blurred slightly, but she blinked the tears back. No, she wouldn't cry. Not over this. But the betrayal gnawed at her, deeper than she could have imagined. The weight of her powerlessness pressed down on her, and for the first time in years, she felt truly alone.

Steadying herself, Jeevanta moved toward the window, letting the cool evening air brush against her face. She took a deep breath and whispered to herself, "This is just the beginning. I won't be pushed aside so easily."

Jeevanta stormed through the halls, her anger building with every step. Her hands trembled with rage, and her heart pounded in her chest. She had to confront Reyansh—this had gone too far. Bursting into his chambers without knocking, she found him seated at his desk, deep in thought. He looked up, startled by her abrupt entrance.

"Reyansh!" she snapped, her voice shaking with emotion. "What in the world were you thinking? Handing the kingdom over to her? To Kiara? She's not ready, she doesn't deserve this responsibility!"

Reyansh leaned back in his chair, his expression hardening. He had expected this reaction, but it didn't make it any easier to face. "I know you're upset, but I've made my decision," he said calmly, though his voice carried the weight of authority. "Kiara needs to understand her duties as queen. This is the best way for her to learn."

Jeevanta's eyes narrowed, her voice rising. "Learn? You want her to 'learn'? Reyansh, she barely knows the palace, let alone the intricacies of running a kingdom! You're giving her power she's not equipped to handle!"

"She's stronger than you think," Reyansh replied, standing now, his eyes meeting hers with a firm gaze. "You've sheltered me long enough, Dadi. I'm the king now, and I need my queen to stand beside me, not hide behind me. Kiara needs to step up, and I need her to understand what it means to rule."

Jeevanta's voice cracked, her frustration spilling over. "I raised you, Reyansh! I've been by your side every step of the way. I taught you everything you know, and now you're telling me I'm being pushed aside? For her?"