Love or Revenge?

Chapter 2

Translations-

Rajkumari- Princess

Rajkumar- Prince

Maharani- Queen

Maharaja- King

Rajya-Kingdom

Maa-Mom

Pitaashree- Father

Didi-Sister

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I sit on the chair unknowingly looking in the mirror but not noticing. I am deep in my thoughts because after knowing about the Mauryan soldiers, Maa instructed me not to come out of my room at any cost. The chiming of anklets brings me out of my thoughts and this time I look in the mirror fully noticing myself and soon someone comes inside my room.

"Mura." I see her reflection in the mirror, walking towards the table with a gold tray in her hands.

"Yes, Rajkumari." She responds with a gentle smile.

"Do you know where Maa and Pitaashree are?" I ask, turning to face her. I haven't seen them for the entire day.

She smiles before saying, "they are calling you and are in the throne room waiting for you. Aditya is coming to get you."

"Thank you Mura," I say as I stand up from my seat, the dress brushing the floor behind me as I walk to the door.

"Mura?" I stop in my tracks, turning to face her as she picks up the tray. "Do you know what is going on? Why is everyone so tense?"

"No Aisha, everyone in the servants quarter is also asking. There have been some rumours. I doubt if they are even too, they sound too far-fetched." She replies, furrowing her brow.

After the Mauryan soldiers have arrived, the palace's atmosphere isn't the same tranquillity as it was before. It was clear from Maa's face today that something is wrong, even Aditya seems to be knowing what is going on. To my dismay, he also has alerted the guards to properly guard the east of the palace ruining my plans of going out at dawn and further increased the security of my room by placing three guards directly below my room.

Walking out of my room, I glance around the corridor and notice something different. The walls are decorated and silk drapes across, hanging from the ceiling is a painting of our ancestors. Never have I appreciated the time that must have been spent on every design.

"Aisha, Maharaja Kanishk is calling for you," Aditya says, his sword present on his side as he glances around approaching me.

"Have you got your royal sword with you?" He seems tense, very tense about my safety.

"Yes Aditya, I have it here." I pull a bit on my saree, revealing the sword that is safely hidden and kept ready by my side.

A sigh of relief escapes from his lips as he catches a glimpse of the sword.

The sword's cover is specially decorated for each member of the royal family. Blue, green and white jewels that sparkle, adorns mine in the shape of a peacock. The peacock is my favourite animal symbolising guidance and protection. Surrounding it are dots of gold speckles contrasting against the black cover.

"Good, now do not go anywhere without it, it's not safe," he mumbles as he takes me towards the throne room walking down the corridor.

The palace is around seventy feet high, the pastel blue wall mimics the clear blue sky. The walls surrounding the palace itself are around twenty feet. Soldiers are placed around the palace, almost six to eight soldiers guard each entrance.

As we approach the throne room, two guards go towards the door and pull on the bars as they begin to open it.

The grand doors to the throne room opens and I see Pitaashree sitting on the throne. Maa sits beside him. A smile of relief forms on his face as I appear from behind Aditya.

"Pitaashree, Maa, please can you tell me what is wrong?" I ask, ignoring Aditya as he bows and walks near the stairs which are to the left and right of the room leading up to a platform towards the back of the room.

"Nothing dear, but you will be accompanied by Aditya at all times." Pitaashree answers and Maa holds his hand, tightly gripping it.

Something is amiss. I know they won't tell me anything. I gazed at Maa, she can easily be broken when it comes to hiding things from me. She glances over to me, our eyes meet for a second before she pulls away, glancing over to Aditya.

I turn towards Aditya, expecting some explanation but he too avoids my gaze. However, he is clutching his sword tightly, as if ready to face any attack, it is most definitely connected to the visit of the Mauryan soldiers.

The door suddenly opens and Aditya immediately brings out his sword backing towards me as Pitaashree and Maa stand up from their seats, alarmed, watching as the door opens.

"Sorry." A voice whispers and a small girl appears from the door saying, "I was looking for Aditya brother."

Her jet black hair, just like Aditya's is messily tied up in two braids. A smile plasters on her face as her chestnut eyes open wide. Her rosy cheeks stand out the most. She wears a simplistic lilac cotton dress with flower patterns on it, a plain rope necklace with a flower knotted onto it. Another soldier appears from behind the door, flusters as he sees everyone there, his gaze turns towards Pitaashree.

"My apologies Maharaja Kanishk, this girl was insisting to meet commander Aditya. I didn't know that you were here as well." The soldier apologises. Father smiles which turns into a chuckle as he sees Arohi.

"It's fine, you may leave," Pitaashree ordered the soldier.

"Arohi!" Aditya exclaims, picking her up in his arms. "You are not meant to be wandering about in the palace alone." He tells her.

A smile appears on everyone's face, Arohi is Aditya's younger sister, she is around four years old and is quite smart for her age.

"I will look after her." I smile, taking Arohi from Aditya's arms, her smile radiating.

"Very well Aisha, take her to your room," Maa adds on.

Arohi pouts, narrowing her eyes at me, "Aisha Didi, your room is in here? In the big, big, big house. How come you never told me?"

She only saw me whenever I was in her house and she rarely comes to the palace so she is not aware that I am a princess. I have insisted for her to call me Didi, I prefer it much more.

I smile as I tap her nose gently and ask, "if you're done with your question then should we go?"

She nods, her smile widening in excitement as I turn around to leave. As the doors open, I glance behind and see Maa and Pitaashree sharing worried looks. As soon as their gaze turns towards me, a small smile replaces the worried expression.