(3 days before the birth of Raj Hindr)

  Everyone was eagerly anticipating the birth of the new heir to the kingdom. Celebrations echoed throughout the capital. Joy was in the air, and the people were content under the rule of their beloved king. Children played freely in the streets, their laughter filling the atmosphere.

  "Watch this! I'll show you how to play properly," one kid shouted with excitement.

  "Oh please, we all know how terrible you are," another teased.

  The group burst into laughter. The first boy struck the edge of the gilli, sending it airborne. Then, as it hovered for a second, he hit it again, launching it down the middle of the road. The children rushed to retrieve it.

  But just then, the gilli began to tremble. The kids turned around. Dust clouded the road as the king returned with his army, riding triumphantly through the main street. He held his sword aloft—still blood-stained from the battlefield. The people erupted in cheers.

  "All hail the king!" someone cried.

  "All hail the king!" the crowd echoed.

  Faces lit up in joy as they welcomed back their victorious ruler.

  "Our king is truly remarkable," someone whispered in awe.

  "Do you see this, my king? They adore you," said Rajeev, riding beside him. "You're a man of honor."

  "I am fortunate," Dacrahindr replied with a proud smile. "Their love is my strength. I would do anything for them. A kingdom is nothing without its people. As long as they're happy, I am proud to be their king. But tell me, Rajeev... what if one day they decide to rise against the throne? Would you stand by them—or by me?"

  Rajeev hesitated. "My king, I can't even imagine such a day. I am loyal to the throne. And if it comes to that... we could suppress any rebellion."

  The king's expression hardened. "Don't ever say that again. I will not harm my people. They are my family. Never forget that."

  "Forgive me, my king. I didn't mean it that way," Rajeev said, lowering his gaze.

  "Rajeev, you're like a brother to me. If anything ever happens to me, the kingdom's future will rest in your hands. I trust your sense of duty. As your king, I command you—not to blindly follow the throne, but to do what is right for the kingdom. If I ever lose my way or act unjustly, it is your responsibility to stop me. Do you understand?"

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  Rajeev looked conflicted. "But... how could I ever go against you? You're my brother."

  "It's not a request. It's an order—from your king. I expect your answer."

  Rajeev bowed his head. "As you wish, my king."

  "Open the gates!" came the gatekeeper's shout.

  The massive castle gates opened as the king and his soldiers entered, greeted by thunderous applause. Servants, nobles, and guards cheered his return—except one.

  From her balcony, Rei Hindr watched silently, unease etched across her face.

  "My queen," a concubine said, entering. "A letter has arrived from your father."

  "I know," Rei said without looking away. "I already know what's in it."

  As the concubine turned to leave, the queen's voice stopped her. "Wait. I haven't dismissed you."

  "Of course, my queen. Forgive me. What would you have me do?" the concubine asked nervously.

  "See that chair?" Rei pointed.

  "Yes, my queen."

  "Sit in it."

  "But... how can I sit while you remain standing?"

  "I gave you an order. Or are you defying me?" Rei said, her gaze intense.

  "No, my queen. Forgive me," she said, quickly sitting down.

  Rei walked toward her, slowly. "Tell me—who do you serve? Me, the king, or someone else?"

  "I serve both you and the king, my queen."

  "Oh? Both?"

  "Yes, my queen."

  "You have a daughter and a younger sister, don't you?"

  "Yes, that's true."

  "Must be nice. Have you ever thought about their future? About their education, food, marriage?"

  "I have, my queen. I'll give them everything I can."

  "And how do you plan to do that? Working as a concubine? You know your pay isn't enough. You'll never manage."

  "I'll do anything—even sell my body if I have to. But I'll make sure they live well."

  Rei leaned in. "And what if I told you they may not survive another day?"

  "What?! Please... please don't harm them. I'll do anything you say, just don't hurt them!"

  "I'm not a murderer," Rei said coolly. "But someone else might be. And if they succeed in what they're planning... not just your family, but the entire kingdom will suffer."

  "Who is it? Shouldn't we tell the king?"

  "No. Telling the king could cost you your life. You must trust me. I need you to do something."

  "What is it?"

  "I want you to spend a night with someone."

  "With someone?"

  "Yes. I need you to share a bed with the king's brother."

  "Rajeev?" the concubine gasped.

  Rei nodded. "And you must not tell anyone I ordered this. Not even the king. He has other matters to handle. This is something only we can manage."

  "Okay... I'll do whatever it takes to protect my family—and the kingdom."

  "There's one more thing," Rei said solemnly. "I'm sorry... but while I can ensure your family's safety, I cannot promise the same for you. You may not survive."

  The concubine's face turned pale. But after a long pause, she nodded. "I'm ready to give my life if it means protecting them."

  Relief flickered in Rei's eyes.

  "There's another task," Rei added. "Separate from sleeping with Rajeev."

  "What is it, my queen? Do you want me to poison him?"

  "No, not Rajeev. You must poison the king."

  Chapter 2 ends