Author's Note: Please refer to the glossary at the end of each episode to understand the non-English words used in this episode. This was originally meant to be a published novel, but due to time and resource constraints, I'm publishing it here first. I hope you enjoy the sprinkle of culture throughout the Episodes!  Since it has been a few chapters already, I'd love to receive feedback and further suggestions. :)

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Grim and focused, Prince Buddhisen was utterly immersed in the task at hand. His study desk was a mess, the pot of liquid indigo was on the precipice of tumbling onto the floor, and his papyrus sheets were all dangerously in the zone of its splashing impact.

Lacking its usual green splendour, the winter gardens outside the Prince's palace were still meticulously trimmed, the birds outside were flying high in the skies in synchronised murmurations, and the gardeners were tending to his favourite bushes of roses which wouldn't bloom in the cold Margashirsha.

Gurudev had piled up quite a bit of work for him that day, but he couldn't complain. All the work was a welcome distraction from his idle time. But it hadn't stopped him from repeatedly referring to the Shabd Shastra. The large volume of the Nakshatras was the next thing he had to understand on his agenda. 

However, after several attempts, he set aside his peacock feather pen, gazing at the pink skies of the setting sun. Perhaps, a quick detour to his mother's chambers would set aside his worries. Chanda was supremely indulgent as well. 

Deciding to pay the Queen a visit, the Prince marched ahead of his entourage of maids.

Right outside the palace gardens of the Queens, the Prince spotted several maids bustling about in quick steps. 

... Mother!

Was the Queen alright?

But before the Prince could enter her chambers from the grand hallway, Chanda rushed out.

"My Prince! You must return to your chambers at once!"

"But Chanda - ."

"Her Majesty may well give you a younger sibling, Your Highness. You must let her rest and prepare for the arrival of you royal sibling."

The Prince stopped in his tracks as realisation dawned upon him. 

The Queen had been frequented by the royal midwife a lot more than usual. At times he would catch the Queen contorting her face as if in pain. The Prince hadn't thought much of it earlier as the Queen assured him she was alright. But now it was all clear.

A new royal member would be arriving. 

But before he could ponder any further, Chanda grabbed his hand and began running towards his palace, his entourage of maids in tow. 

Out of the corner of his eye, His Majesty, the king, was seen rushing towards the Queen's chambers, with the family arbitrator panting as he tried to catch up to him. The council of Jyotisha were a few paces behind them but was rushing just as fast.

The Prince would have to go back to his chambers and study the volume of Nakshatras once again and try to divine the auspiciousness of the birth of his sibling by himself. Perhaps, the royal tutor would be pleased with his proactiveness and lessen the burden on him. 

[Footnotes / Glossary]

Margashirsha = 9th month of the Hindu Calendar; usually falls in November - December of the Gregorian Calendar 

Gurudev = Hindi for teacher, the literal translation would be Lord Teacher

Shabd Shastra = Dictionary in Hindi; the text was a part of the royal education in Ancient India

Nakshatras = Hindi for constellations used in Vedic Astrology or sidereal astrology; there are 27 Nakshatras 

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