AADRIKA : The writer of the story

Chapter 33 : Queen

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The next morning, sunlight filtered through the heavy drapes of Aadrika’s chamber, casting a soft golden glow across the room. She stirred from a fitful sleep, her body tense from the lingering anxiety of the night before. Her dreams had been haunted by shadows and whispers, and she awoke with a sense of dread that weighed heavily on her chest. The faint rustle of fabric caught her attention, and she opened her eyes to see Diya standing by the window, adjusting the drapes to let in more light.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” Diya greeted, her voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of concern. She could sense that something was amiss; Aadrika's silence and the faint shadows under her eyes didn’t go unnoticed.

Aadrika sat up slowly, rubbing her temples as she tried to shake off the remnants of her troubling dreams. “Morning, Diya,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Today would be a long day—she could feel it already.

Diya moved closer, her gaze softening as she looked at Aadrika. “Are you feeling alright, Your Highness? You seemed... troubled last night.”

Aadrika forced a small smile, but the weight of her worries was too much to hide. “I’m fine, Diya,” she replied, though her voice lacked conviction. She paused, gathering herself before continuing. “There’s just a lot on my mind. Palace matters and… other things.”

Diya nodded, though she didn’t look entirely convinced. “Perhaps a walk in the gardens might lift your spirits, Your Highness. The air is crisp this morning, and the flowers are in full bloom.”

Aadrika considered the suggestion, then nodded. A walk might help clear her mind, even if only temporarily. She rose from her bed, reaching for the light silk robe draped over a nearby chair. As she dressed, her mind drifted back to the rumors that had circulated through the palace. She could still feel the weight of those whispers, the way they clawed at her confidence.

Once dressed, Aadrika glanced at Diya. “Let’s go, then,” she said softly, leading the way out of her chamber.

They walked through the palace halls in silence, with Diya trailing a respectful distance behind. The marble floors gleamed under the morning light, and the occasional servant bowed as Aadrika passed by. Despite her calm exterior, she could feel their eyes on her, the subtle shift in their expressions as they whispered amongst themselves. It seemed that the rumors were already taking root, spreading like wildfire.

As they reached the garden, the scent of roses and jasmine filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of dew-covered leaves. The vibrant colors of the flowers provided a brief respite from the tension that had been building within her, and for a moment, Aadrika allowed herself to simply breathe, to let the beauty of the garden soothe her.

But her peace was short-lived. As they rounded a corner, she spotted two palace maids speaking in hushed tones, their heads bent close together. They fell silent the moment they noticed her, their expressions a mix of surprise and guilt. Aadrika’s gaze hardened slightly as she passed by them, but she didn’t acknowledge their presence.

Diya, sensing her discomfort, spoke softly, “Pay them no mind, Your Highness. They’re merely servants. Their words hold no weight.”

Aadrika nodded, though her mind was far from at ease. “Perhaps, but words have a way of spreading. And sometimes, words are more dangerous than actions.”