AADRIKA : The writer of the story

Chapter 30 : Duties

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The following morning, Aadrika stood in front of her full-length mirror, meticulously adjusting the intricate folds of her royal attire. The weight of her crown was symbolic, and today, it would serve as a reminder that she wasn't just a queen in name, but in power and presence. She had decided to fully embrace her role, not because she had to, but because she wanted to. If she was to rule this kingdom, it would be through sheer force of will and intellect.

Diya watched from the corner of the room, admiration plain in her eyes. "You look every bit the queen, Your Highness."

Aadrika smiled faintly. "It's not enough to look like a queen, Diya. One must act like one."

As she stepped out of her chambers, Diya followed closely, her hands full of documents. Today was important-Aadrika was going to officially begin her duties as queen. She'd be meeting with the household staff, overseeing the palace finances, and perhaps most importantly, attending a council meeting where matters of both the royal household and the kingdom's economics would be discussed.

The first meeting of the day was with the palace's head steward, the kitchen staff, and the chief of the treasury. They gathered in one of the grand chambers reserved for royal discussions.

Aadrika sat at the head of the table, her posture regal yet relaxed. "Let's begin," she said, her voice steady and authoritative.

The steward spoke first, detailing the current inventory of palace supplies, meal plans, and the budgets allocated for various expenditures. He expected the usual nod of approval from the queen, but Aadrika surprised him by asking sharp, detailed questions.

"Why is there a higher expenditure for the southern guest quarters this month?" she asked, her gaze never wavering from the steward's face.

The steward stuttered for a moment, not expecting such a pointed question. "W-we had more guests than expected, Your Highness. Some of the food and drink supplies were diverted there."

Aadrika nodded slowly, but she wasn't finished. "And what of the provisions for the upcoming festival? Are they accounted for separately in the budget, or have they been included under general palace expenses?"

The head steward blinked, clearly impressed by the depth of her knowledge. "They're included separately, Your Highness. We've ensured that the funds allocated for the festival remain untouched."

Aadrika leaned back, satisfied. "Good. I want a report on any future discrepancies immediately. We must be precise with our resources."

The conversation shifted to the palace finances, where Aadrika's expertise truly shone. She discussed not only the allocations but also proposed improvements to the household's budgeting system, ensuring every expense was meticulously recorded.

The chief of the treasury, a stout man with graying hair, nodded thoughtfully. "Your Highness, your suggestions are quite astute. I had not considered the benefits of such a detailed tracking system before."

Aadrika smiled, but there was no warmth behind it. "That's why I'm here, isn't it? To make sure we're not just running a household, but an empire."

Later that afternoon, Aadrika attended the royal council meeting. The atmosphere was tense as the advisors and ministers sat around the vast marble table. Abhiraj, as always, took his seat at the head, his cold and composed demeanor never faltering. Aadrika, though technically there as an observer, sat with the authority of someone who knew she belonged.