The Promised Queen

𝓉𝓌𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓎 𝓈𝒾𝓍

Ridhima

The palace was bustling with preparations, every corner filled with activity. The wedding was fast approaching, and with each passing day, the chaos only seemed to grow. Yet, today, amidst all the madness, something felt different. Nishi was arriving. Just the thought of her being here—her infectious energy, quick wit, and unwavering loyalty—made me feel like I could breathe a little easier.

I adjusted my dupatta, pushing stray strands of hair out of my face, checking my reflection briefly in the hallway mirror before making my way toward Kaka-Sa and Kaki-Sa's guest quarters. I wanted to welcome her properly—with warmth, joy, and fewer reminders that I was marrying into a family where not everyone seemed happy to have me.

Kaka-Sa and Kaki-Sa had always been kind to me. From the time I was a child, they'd treated me like family, their affection never waning even when I had been away for so many years. I thought it would be nice if they joined us today, adding a sense of familiarity to what was otherwise starting to feel like a whirlwind of wedding formalities.

As I approached their door, however, their voices drifted out into the hallway—low and urgent, filled with an undercurrent of tension that made me hesitate just before knocking.

"You're taking this too far," I heard Kaki-Sa say, her tone strained but still soft, as though she didn't want anyone to overhear. "If someone finds out—"

"It's for Ishaan," Kaka-Sa cut in, his voice defensive and sharper than I'd ever heard it. "I have to do this. You know what's at stake."

Kaki-Sa's voice lowered even further, almost inaudible. "But it's too risky. There are other ways—"

"There are no other ways," Kaka-Sa interrupted, his tone final. "This is the only way to protect him."

I stood frozen in the corridor, my heart quickening. Protect Ishaan? From what? The words swirled in my mind, vague and troubling, but before I could process them, there was a rustle of movement inside, and I knew I needed to either knock or leave before they caught me standing there.

Not wanting to seem like I had eavesdropped, I smoothed my expression, took a steadying breath, and gently knocked on the door.

Kaki-Sa opened the door almost immediately, her usual warm smile flickering across her face. But there was something behind it—tension, maybe? Or guilt? Whatever it was, it vanished the moment her eyes met mine.

"Ridhima, my dear," she greeted, her tone light, as though nothing unusual had just been discussed behind the door. "What brings you here?"

I returned her smile, though my curiosity was still bubbling beneath the surface. "I just came to see if you both would like to join us. Nishi will be arriving soon, and it would be nice if you were there to welcome her with us."

Kaki-Sa's face softened, and for a moment, I thought she would say yes. She even glanced toward Kaka-Sa, waiting for his input, but his response came quicker than I expected—and it was not what I anticipated.