Kritika Karoly, the princess of one of the richest kingdoms of 10th century BCE, and the only daughter of the family, becomes obsessed with Rajadheeraj Kian Krimarksh. Kritika is not the stereotyped quite and shy princess, but is rather one of the bravest and fiercest woman one man can only envy. Kian, on the other hand, is thought of as one of the best suitor for any young women, as he is the strongest and most feared man of whole aryavarta, and has never lost any battle. Except for one. The battle of Blood, it was named. The battle between Arsh and Ankash region, the battle between Kian's and Kritika's kingdom. Kritika, even though obsessed, has never-EVER had any feelings for him, she has always wanted to be close to him and know him better, to note down his war strategies, personal strategies and make sure she is, after him, the most renowed strategist and warrior. To make sure that after she is done with him, he is dead.
"Kian looks and Kritika, his eyes switching emotions, as if he is fighting his inner voice. 'Maharaj, allow me to leave'. As the sound of Kritika's footsteps start fading, Kian's heart sinks. Again, Again and Again, they both meet and Kian again couldn't utter a word in front of her. That's the effect she has on him, on the man who craves dominance and power. Then he looked at a ring, the ring of Ankash region. The ring which marked people of the territory they belonged to. Someone had envaded his kingdom. He was now sure. He takes a note to make sure that his kingdom is covered in the blood of that person."
"Kritika asks for permission and moves towards her room. I disappointed myself, again. I was again unable to gain any information from him. My war skills will get not better if this continues, I saw the way he looked at me, he is completely not enjoying our meetings. I need to make him believe that I am not a spy from the RIVAL kingdom, even if it is true. If I don't get done with it faster, he will live longer. I can't let that happen."
Li Xiang is the Priestess of the Moon, she can see read the stars and fortune as well as misfortune to her people. However, the life of a Priestess consists of nothing but loneliness: she can neither leave the palace nor meet with anyone but the Emperor and his advisors.
One day a mysterious servant boy named Rui sneaks into her room, daring her to go outside if he wins against her in a game. Upon meeting him, she also befriends a female warrior and a scholar, and realizes life is much more than the palace. When the day comes she can either choose to go down the road her heart truly desires but bring ruin to the kingdom, or ignore the one chance she will ever have to leave this life?
***
"My fate has been decided for me."
"There's no such thing as that," he said. "We all make our own fate."
"But the stars tell me--" I stopped talking when he holds my face in his hands, warm hands cupping my cheeks, brown eyes looking into my eyes.
"Then stop looking at the stars. Look at me."
A love story about fate, finding one's identity, stepping out of your comfort zone, and, most of all, choosing between your happiness or the happiness of others...
[[Word Count: 80,000-90,000]]
Wattys Fantasy Winner 2021