Storms of the heart

Whispers of the Gazebo and Serpent

In the western part of the castle, a gazebo nestled among a vibrant array of flowers and plants stood gracefully. Its pillars were entwined with river jasmine, climbing all the way to the top. Inside, a group of girls sat, chatting and giggling. Among them was Ranjani, the daughter of the Education Minister, surrounded by sycophants vying for her attention. Rumors circulated that Ranjani might marry the second prince, prompting these so-called "old friends" to suddenly reappear, eager to rekindle their connections.

"Your hairstyle is so beautiful, and the saree you're wearing is so elegant! It must have been quite expensive, right? I've never seen anything like it in our province. You're going to set the trend here, Lady Ranjani," remarked Leela, the daughter of a wealthy merchant.

Ranjani smiled politely, fully aware of their attempts to curry favor. The last time she had been to this place, she was only three years old, so how could she possibly remember these "friends"? Over the years, it was her father who had traveled to the Kodi Province to visit her, as they had no close ties here.

"You flatter me, Lady Leela. My hair is simply braided into a bun—it's nothing special. Your hair, on the other hand, looks so shiny. You must share your secret with me," Ranjani replied, playing along. She knew she couldn't afford to offend any of them, as they were all daughters of the wealthiest men in the kingdom.

Leela blushed slightly, thrilled by the compliment from the very person she was trying to impress. "Oh, it's no secret! I just use a hair mask made of fenugreek and hibiscus before washing my hair."

"That's wonderful! My cousin, Lady Ragini, uses the same hair mask. No wonder you both have such beautiful hair," Ranjani added, trying to draw her ever-quiet cousin into the conversation.

Ragini sat quietly, her presence barely acknowledged by the others, though she listened intently. Her sharp eyes flicked between the conversations, gauging every word and subtle shift in tone. When Ranjani mentioned her, a small smile played on her lips—a quiet but knowing smile.

Leela turned her gaze to Ragini, eager to make an impression. "Oh, Lady Ragini, I didn't realize you were also so skilled with hair care. You must share more of your beauty secrets!"

Ragini raised an eyebrow, her tone calm but edged with humor. "Well, some secrets are better left as mysteries, don't you think? Keeps life interesting." She paused, then added, "Besides, it's not the hair mask that matters—it's the patience to wait while it works."

The girls laughed, though some exchanged puzzled glances, unsure whether Ragini had just offered a compliment or a veiled jab. Ranjani, hiding her amusement, caught Ragini's eye and gave a slight nod, appreciating her cousin's subtle wit.

Ragini kept her composure, sipping from her cup as she let the conversation drift away from her again. She didn't need to be the center of attention—her words, when spoken, carried enough weight. In contrast to the flurry of compliments and superficial conversation, Ragini's quiet confidence and wit made her stand apart effortlessly.

Meanwhile, Ranjani leaned back slightly, taking in the dynamic with a sense of satisfaction. It didn't matter if these girls were trying to curry favor—they were all playing the same game. And between herself and Ragini, they were far better equipped to handle it.

As the sun reached its zenith, the group decided to have lunch together at the Education Minister's mansion. However, Ragini had grown weary of the company. Though she hadn't spoken much and managed to stay out of the spotlight, the constant flattery aimed at her cousin left her with little appetite. She politely excused herself and made her way to the stream behind the main castle, seeking solitude.

Being the daughter of the Army Chief, Ragini was always taught to be vigilant, regardless of her surroundings. Her father had raised both her, Ranjani, and her brother Ragavan with the same discipline. He firmly rejected the notion that women belonged solely in the kitchen, ensuring they were trained in warfare and strategy just like their brother.