Empire of Ash and Silk

Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Sibling Bonds and Unspoken Secrets

The morning sun streamed through the palace windows as Anaya made her way to the gardens, where she had agreed to meet Aarav. She found him waiting near their favorite spot by the lotus pond, his gaze distant but serene.

As she approached, he turned and broke into a smile, pulling her into a warm embrace. "Good morning, little sister," he greeted, a playful glint in his eyes.

Anaya chuckled, resting her head briefly on his shoulder. "You seem cheerful this morning."

"I am," Aarav replied, his voice soft but brimming with gratitude. "I owe it to you, Anaya. You have given me something that I didn't think possible—a chance to be with Laxmi, openly and without worry. I can't thank you enough for what you've done."

Anaya smiled, feeling warmth swell in her chest. "You are my brother, Aarav. I would do anything to see you happy."

He squeezed her hand, his gaze filled with sincerity. "I know, and I am beyond grateful for it. I only wish I could do something equally grand for you."

Anaya hesitated, her heart fluttering as she considered broaching a question that had been lingering in her mind. She looked at him thoughtfully, her tone gentle. "Aarav... if I were to marry someday, do you think Father would consider my wishes?"

Aarav arched an eyebrow, amused by her sudden curiosity. "Why, are you thinking of someone already?"

She laughed softly, shaking her head, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes. "Not exactly. I just... wondered what kind of person I would marry."

"Someone worthy of a princess, of course," he replied, looking out over the garden. "A future king, no doubt. He'd have to be someone with the strength and wisdom to rule beside you, to be a true partner. Our alliances are delicate, and each one could mean the difference between peace and war."

Anaya nodded, her heart heavy with unspoken thoughts. "Of course, a king," she murmured. "But... would it matter if it were someone who wasn't... from here?"

Aarav glanced at her curiously, sensing the layers beneath her words. "Anaya, anyone who marries you would have to be accepted by our people and bring strength to Bengal. Whoever he is, he must honor our land and our people. Beyond that," he added with a smile, "I only wish I knew."

Anaya managed a small, wistful smile, understanding the limits of her brother's insight. She knew Aarav would be protective if he ever suspected her feelings for Zahir, and she didn't want to put him in a difficult position. There were lines that could not yet be crossed, truths that had to remain hidden.

Their conversation turned to lighter topics, but Anaya's heart remained conflicted, pulled between her loyalty to her family and her budding feelings.

Later that day, the royal court was abuzz with discussions as the Raja and council convened to finalize the arrangements for Anaya's birthday celebration. The marble chamber was grand, adorned with tapestries and symbols of Bengal's power and lineage. The council members sat around a long table, their expressions serious as they listened to the Raja outline his plans.

"The invitations will be dispatched today," the Raja began, his voice steady and resolute. "We shall host an event worthy of our lineage. Dignitaries from all across Hindustan will be welcomed, and our alliances reaffirmed."

A minister seated beside the Raja nodded. "It is wise, Your Majesty. The bonds we forge here will resonate across the lands."

The Raja's eyes sharpened as he leaned forward, addressing his council. "We must also consider new alliances. The king of Vijayanagara is a strong ruler, and word reaches us that he is preparing for an expansion of his empire. Inviting him would open doors to diplomacy and discussion."

Another council member spoke up in agreement, "A wise choice, Your Majesty. Vijayanagara's strength and influence over the southern kingdoms could be pivotal for us."

The Raja nodded thoughtfully. "Then let it be done. We shall invite him as an honored guest. It's time to expand our alliances beyond our traditional borders."

The decision made, the meeting continued with discussions about the upcoming celebration, details on security, and the anticipated arrival of allies from the farthest reaches of the kingdom. The Raja's determination was evident; he intended this birthday to be more than a mere celebration. It would be a testament to Bengal's strength and resilience, a beacon of peace and unity.

Back in her chambers, Anaya watched from her window as a messenger set off, bearing the royal invitations to distant kingdoms. She couldn't help but feel the weight of everything unfolding around her. Soon, the palace would be filled with guests, her family's allies, and even Zahir himself.

The anticipation of seeing him again made her heart race, but she knew that with every step, every guest who arrived, the stakes were growing higher.