The Shambala Chronicles(Sample)

Chapter 5 - The tree climbing princess

 Rudra and his entourage were now in the capital city of Kushan, the home of the royal family, and therefore the capital of the Shambala Kingdom. Looming marble towers grew from the city's centre like white tree trunks into the heavens. 

The streets were lined with old trees and bright flowers. The finest artists and craftsmen worked along with them in grand shops and houses. Endless gardens sprawled across the city, interspersed with inns, eateries, and tea houses that took the form of gazebos and houses.

People walking around looked happy and content. 

The palace had architecture like no other in the district. Several centuries earlier the royal family of Shambala had shipped in an architect from an overseas city. 

They wanted something exotic to inspire awe in the population. So instead of the peaks in the roof, it had gold-domed towers. It had an open porch at the front, held up with most ostentatiously detailed pillars, painted in brilliant white and blue. Inside there were no doors on the ground floor, only arches. The flagstone floor had been shipped from Anatolia and it was made with a stone of soft blue hues that had never before been seen in the district. 

The palace had been extended over the centuries. It now had four sides around a central quadrangle and over five hundred rooms. It took a small army of servants to upkeep such a large abode, and indeed most of the rooms were never used.

However, they were all full now due to the esteemed guests, their relatives, staff, servants, etc.

"My lord seems like we are the last one to arrive." Their chief bodyguard Malcolm said.

"Most important people arrive last," Anbir replied with a flourish.

Rudra shook his head. Sometimes Anbir was too much of a show-off.

They were received by a shower of flower petals, and the King and Queen themselves. Going by the graceful looks of her majesty Rudra guessed the princess would be beautiful if she took after her mother.

"Welcome Princes to our humble abode" King Suchirhero greeted them with folded hands.

"Pleased to meet you, your majesty. I am Anbir and this is my brother Rudra. As per my father's wish, I am here to win Princess Revati's hand in the Svayamvaar."

"We are grateful to have such a brave and illustrious man as a prospective son-in-law. We are truly honoured by your presence. Please come in and make yourself comfortable." Suchihero said humbly.

Pleased with the welcome Anbir and Rudra entered the huge white archway.

Rudra liked the palace at first glance. Back home the royal palace of Vatsaya was equally grand. Perhaps even bigger however it was dark and imposing, with dark drapes and high turrets, it was more like a fort, unlike Shambala. 

Because of its open architecture, use of white and blue marble the palace was well lighted and seemed more lively.

Rudra followed his brother towards the guest quarters.

They were given separate rooms.

His room was beige with beautiful murals on the wall, hand painted by someone who knew what they were doing. The scene depicted various mythology and battle scenes. He noticed a similar mural in the entire palace. These people loved their paintings.

The room contained a big bed, with velvet drapes, neatly made.

Two straight-backed chairs and a table was in the centre. There was also a bureau with a mirror in the corner.

Purple drapery curtains surrounded a door which he assumed was a balcony. The sunlight poured into the room from the door.

Overall the room looked comfortable and warm. He liked it.