I had everything that a person could ask for - a loving family, wealth, respect in the kingdom of Kshatra Gadh and engagement to the love of my life.
But life had other plans, I lost everything within the blink of an eye. Everyone left me and I was...
As soon as I was ready and looked like a civil human being, I made my way downstairs. The dining hall was buzzing with excitement as almost everyone was present. The long dining tables were filled with food, sweets, drinks, alcohol - you name it. Everything you desire was present on the table.
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Soma Sangha's Dining Hall
I don't know what I was expecting but it certainly wasn't this grand of a celebration. And to think that it was being held because of me....It was a nice feeling.
My uncle was the first one to spot me. He was talking with the officials who conducted the test today. "Look who's here! It's the star of today's celebration. Come over here, Laxita."
Uncle introduced me to all the officials who were present. Everyone congratulated me and expressed their happiness. It was so infectious that I couldn't stop smiling for the entire time I was talking to them.
After a while, the officials left for dinner. I found the nearest empty plank and sat down. My spot was at the corner of a table and I could see the entire hall from there. Everyone was chatting, smiling and laughing. It was a jolly atmosphere but I still felt dread piling up inside me.
"Where's your mind wandering?" Veer plopped down beside me. "There's an entire celebration being held in your honour and yet here you are, looking so gloomy."
"It's nothing."
"Ooh, there's definitely something." How can he always read my thoughts?
I blew out a breath and said, "Honestly, I am terrified. This is a huge responsibility. Everyone's relying on me and I have no clue how I am going to be a pivotal person in the future battle against dark mages. The battle is inevitable, everybody knows it."
"So?"
"I don't know- I'm just confused and... nervous and....scared." It was the truth. I really was terrified and anxious.
"It's alright to feel that way. The title just dropped on you all of a sudden. It would've been weird if you had been completely fine. As for the war, just know that you're not alone. An entire association of mages is behind you. I am behind you."
His honest and sincere reply made me smile. "You always know what to say to make me feel better. Thank you for listening to my stupid rant."
"But that's not the only thing that's bothering you, right?" At this point, I am convinced that he's a mind-reader.
There was something about the way he was intently listening to me which made me want to open up to him. I sighed and continued, "Yes, that's not the only thing that's bugging me. You know, the main reason why I wanted to be a mage was to become powerful. I wanted to reclaim what was rightfully mine.
My father's half-brother, Vijesh snatched away my father's business after my parents' death. And the worst part is, I couldn't even fight back. This was all because of Kshatra Gadh's archaic customs of not handing down the businesses to daughters if they're unmarried. I mean who made this rule?" I was furious and at this point, I just wanted to vent out my anger and frustration.
