Every moment of grief is a testament to a love that was deeply felt.
The entire palace mourned Sarojini's death.
But Aditha did not move.
He remained seated, holding her lifeless body in his arms as if she were merely asleep.
Tears had long stopped flowing. His face had become eerily calm.
Rana stepped forward slowly.
Rana: Moothoney... Makkal avarai paarkka varuvar. Avargalin paarvaikku avarai naam vaikka vendum.
Aditha looked at him.
His eyes were empty, yet terrifyingly steady.
After a moment, he simply nodded.
Rukmani wiped her tears and spoke with difficulty.
Rukmani: Adharku munnar avalai neeraatta vendum... Aval dheetchai pettraval... Siva poojai seidhal vendum.
Aditha gently adjusted Sarojini in his arms.
Aditha: Anaitthum sariyaaga nadakkum, thaaiye.
He paused before adding quietly,
Aditha: Avalai neeraatta aaru nadhigalin neer vendum.
Veera immediately stepped forward.
Veera: Indru madhiyame varum.
Aditha turned his gaze.
Aditha: Rudhra.
Rudhra walked forward and stood before him.
His face had hardened like stone.
Aditha studied him for a moment.
Aditha: Mamanudan sendru vaa.
Rudhra silently nodded.
------
As promised, by midday Veera and Rudhra returned with water from the six rivers.
Aditha was still seated in the same place.
Sarojini remained in his arms.
Without a word, he slowly stood and lifted her carefully.
Rukmani stepped forward.
Rukmani: Naangal suttham seigirom... Nee thalaiyil ennaiyai poosinaal podhum...
Aditha shook his head.
Aditha: Ini avalukkaana anaitthaiyum naane seidhu kolven, thaaiye.
Shock spread across the room.
A king... preparing his queen's final rites himself.
Aditha then turned his gaze toward Sevili.
Aditha: Avalukku pidittha selaiyaiyum anigalangalaiyum edutthu vaa, Sevili.
Sevili quickly nodded. Her lord had understood her heart.
And allowed only her to help.
The courtyard prepared for the ritual was silent.
Six large vessels filled with water from sacred rivers were placed beside the stone platform.
No one spoke.
Aditha gently laid Sarojini upon the smooth stone.
For a brief moment, his hand lingered near her face.
She looked peaceful.
As though she had merely fallen asleep.
Sevili arrived carrying the saree and ornaments Sarojini loved the most. Her hands trembled, but she remained silent.
YOU ARE READING
The First Empress
RomanceThis story is the continuation of PM&I. A clueless girl from a colonised country dies and reborns 500 years back. She wasn't reborn as any commoner but as the fourth wife of the handsome crown prince who was about to become a king and be killed by h...
