Chapter Two

(3 days before the birth of Rajhindr)

The very air of the kingdom seemed to hum with anticipation. In the capital, banners in the royal colors already adorned the lampposts, fluttering gently in the warm breeze—a visual promise of the grand celebration for the imminent birth of the heir. The streets, once quiet, now buzzed with the energy of impending festivities, the laughter of children echoing from cobblestone alleys, where a spirited game of gilli-danda played out under the watchful eyes of merchants preparing for the grand market fair.

But beneath the carefree joy lay a quiet sense of expectation—a pressure building in the hearts of the people, like the calm before a storm.

A low, rhythmic thrumming began to reverberate through the cobbles, gradually growing louder. The small wooden gilli, lying forgotten in the dust, trembled as the vibration spread through the earth. Then, a plume of dust rose from around the corner, heralding the arrival of King Dacrahindr, astride his imposing warhorse. His dark armor, still streaked with the marks of battle, gleamed in the sunlight as he raised his sword high, the blade stained with the blood of a recent victory—a silent testament to his ruthless reign.

The street erupted. A spontaneous cheer rolled through the crowd, growing louder as the King and his soldiers advanced. The people’s voices, once soft in their daily rhythms, now surged with the force of devotion.

"All hail the King! Hail King Dacrahindr!"

Faces, moments before softened by the ease of peacetime, now shone with a fervent adoration, the eyes of mothers gleaming with pride, of craftsmen filled with reverence. And amidst them, Rajeev, the King’s most trusted commander, rode beside him. A smile played on his lips, but it was a smile tinged with something more—genuine admiration, yes, but also a quiet wariness.

"They greet you with the fervor of devotees, my King," Rajeev said, his voice smooth, but edged with something deeper. "Your victory is their triumph. It is a profound honor to serve such a leader."

Dacrahindr inclined his head, his gaze sweeping over the faces—hopeful eyes of merchants, proud smiles of mothers, the hard-won faces of craftsmen. But his eyes narrowed as a shadow flickered within them, a momentary reflection of something darker. "I am fortunate, Rajeev," he murmured, his voice low. "Their affection… their trust… it is the true strength of this kingdom. I would sacrifice everything to safeguard it." His gaze lingered on the crowd, and for a brief moment, his smile faded, replaced by something colder. "But tell me, Rajeev… have you ever pondered the fragility of such devotion? What unseen tremor might one day cause it to… shift its foundation?"

Rajeev stiffened, caught off guard by the King’s sudden shift in tone amidst the celebration. He hesitated, his eyes flickering to the King’s unreadable face. "My King, their loyalty is as steadfast as the mountains. My loyalty to you is unshakable. Any whisper of discontent would be… swiftly dealt with."

A sudden chill swept over the King’s expression, his smile faltering, replaced by something colder. "Never speak of addressing my people with force, Rajeev. They are not subjects to be controlled. They are the lifeblood of this land. Never lose sight of that truth."

Rajeev swallowed, a flush creeping up his neck. He had been too quick to reassure. "Forgive my hasty words, my King. I only meant to convey my unwavering commitment to the throne."

"I know your commitment," Dacrahindr said, his voice softening, though a note of gravity remained. "You are more than a commander to me; you are like a brother. Which is why… should fate ever decree otherwise for me… the future of this kingdom might depend on the wisdom of your decisions." He met Rajeev’s eyes, the intensity of his gaze a heavy weight. "Your allegiance must be to the good of this kingdom, Rajeev. Should you ever feel my judgment has faltered, if my actions stray into injustice… you must act, even if it costs you everything. Understand?"

Rajeev’s breath caught. His loyalty to the King was unquestionable, but this command… it felt like a blade pressed against his heart. "But… my King… how could I ever contemplate such a course?"

"This is not a request," Dacrahindr said firmly. "It is a royal decree. Swear your oath to me."

The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken tension. Rajeev’s hands clenched around the reins of his horse, his mind torn between duty and the King’s chilling words. Finally, he bowed stiffly, his voice taut. "As you command, my King."

Before the conversation could continue, the cry rang out from the fortress ahead: "Open the gates for the King!"

The gates creaked open, the heavy timbers groaning as they swung inward, revealing the bustling courtyard. A new wave of thunderous applause surged through the air. Soldiers in polished armor, busy palace servants, elegantly dressed nobles, and vigilant guards all cheered their monarch’s triumphant return.

But high above, on a stone balcony overlooking the courtyard, Queen Rei Hindr stood motionless, her figure rigid as a statue. Her face was an impassive mask, yet her dark eyes glinted with something unreadable as she watched her husband’s reception. Beneath the veneer of royal composure, a subtle, almost imperceptible tension radiated from her—a deep unease, or perhaps something darker.

"My Queen." A voice broke the silence. A concubine entered the chamber, her movements fluid, but her tone hesitant. "A letter has arrived. From your father."

Rei did not look away from the balcony. "I know," she replied coolly, her voice devoid of emotion.

The concubine paused, sensing the Queen’s mood, and began to retreat discreetly.

"Wait." Rei’s voice, low but commanding, stopped her in her tracks.

The concubine froze, turning back slowly, her hands trembling in front of her. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

Rei turned, her gaze sweeping over the woman with the cold precision of a ruler. "That chair," she gestured with a delicate hand. "Sit."

The concubine blinked, her heart quickening. "But… Your Majesty… protocol—"

"Are you refusing a direct command?" Rei’s voice dropped, each syllable laced with ice.

"No! Forgive me, Your Majesty!" The concubine scrambled for the chair, sitting stiffly, her spine straight.

Rei moved toward her, her robes rustling like the whisper of death itself. "Tell me," she began, her voice dangerously soft, "To whom does your true loyalty lie?"

"To you and the King, my Queen," the concubine replied, her voice faltering under Rei’s scrutiny.

Rei’s lips curled into the faintest, coldest smile. "Indeed?" She raised a brow, the silence between them pregnant with meaning. "You have family, don’t you? A daughter with eyes like yours… and a sister with a fondness for sweet cakes?"

A pang of fear tightened the concubine’s chest, though she kept her composure. "Yes, Your Majesty. That is true."

"And their futures… their safety… are these not the thoughts that occupy every mother’s heart?"

"Every waking moment, Your Majesty," the concubine whispered, her voice now laced with quiet desperation. "I want nothing but their happiness."

Rei leaned in closer, the scent of jasmine heavy in the air. "And how do you plan to secure their happiness, hm? By the paltry wages of a palace servant?"

The concubine's breath hitched, the desperation in her eyes barely masked. "I will work tirelessly, Your Majesty."

Rei’s gaze sharpened, her voice dropping to a chilling whisper. "What if… despite your best efforts… their futures were to become uncertain? What if their safety hung by a thread?"

A cold shiver ran down the concubine’s spine. "Please… what are you implying?"

Rei straightened, her eyes hardening. "There are forces within the kingdom that threaten to unravel everything. Should they succeed… the suffering will be unimaginable. Not just for you, but for those you love."

"Who?" The concubine’s voice was barely audible. "Who plots against the King?"

Rei’s gaze was unflinching, her words laced with deadly calm. "Not the King. He is too embroiled in his own affairs. This requires… a more delicate touch." She paused, her eyes narrowing. "I need you to work with Rajeev. Gain his trust, seduce him, and discover his loyalties. I trust you understand the risks."

The concubine’s face drained of color. "But… Rajeev? You want me to—"

"Yes," Rei interrupted, her voice colder than ever. "You will spend a night with him. Listen carefully. Observe his actions, his words. But do not, under any circumstance, reveal that I have sent you. The King is too distracted by his triumphs; this is for your hands alone."

The concubine’s mind raced, torn between fear and a mother’s duty to protect her own. "If it will keep my family safe," she whispered, the decision made. "I will do as you command."

Rei's smile was a cold, calculating thing. "Good. But know this—there is a price. Should you fail or anger me, your family will be left at the mercy of those who would destroy them. Understand?"

The concubine nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I understand."

Rei’s smile deepened, cruel and satisfied. "There is one final task," she said, her voice slipping into the quiet calm of a predator. "This is no longer about Rajeev. This is about the King."

The concubine’s breath caught in her throat. "What is it, my Queen?"

Rei’s voice was sharp as steel. "Poison the King.

Chapter 2 ends