The air around her felt damp because of the little rain-shower that had occurred just before she left the castle. A few dewdrops fell on her cloak as she rode her stallion through the secret pathway in the forest. It was dark as the dawn still hadn't adorned the sky in it's glory. She slapped the ropes on stallion's back to canter it forward, "Giddy up" she clucked her tongue. The stallion followed her owner's command and increased it's pace in the muddy path.

Anala ducked her head to avoid the low branches of the trees that surrounded her. It was one of the trickiest paths in the kingdom but, she couldn't help it. It led her to her favorite place in the world other than the training grounds. Her sword was hidden beneath the cloak, shielding it away from the view. Her brunette hair swayed away from her face because of the cold wind and gave her a clear view of the surroundings.

Slowing down, she stopped the stallion and got down from it. Caressing the head of the stallion, she whispered sweet murmurings to help Raunak-the stallion calming him down from the journey in the damp atmosphere. Once, she was sure the stallion had started breathing normal, she turned to look at the sky. The first sunrays were just starting to spread and the view mesmerized her.

Anala walked over to the edge of cliff and sat down hanging her legs over the edge. She looked at the sight in front of her- a beautiful sunrise taking over the dark cloak of the night. Her smile widened in mere happiness as the coats of orange and red leapt over the sky like a blanket. Her skin basked in the heavenly warmth of the sunrise. The rising of sun always made her feel content and safe as if nothing could ever go wrong if only there was a dawn to her life. The way the sunrays covered every inch of the sky and the surrounding it engulfed her wholly.

This gave her utmost happiness which even fighting couldn't give her and she was grateful to have found this place while wandering around, when she was just twelve. This was her own place and no one could ever take that away from her. Here, she could be her own person and no one would judge her for it. Being a princess of one of the biggest kingdoms wasn't easy and she couldn't always have her way. It was a boon as well as a bane for holding such a great position in the kingdom.

Posing for the responsibilities of a princess wasn't something she took for granted but, sometimes because of it she couldn't enjoy the little things in life. Though swordsmanship training since she was a child was something that gave her existence more meaning than just being a princess of a kingdom. Serving her people for a safe and peaceful life was something she had sworn to and was willing to respect the words till her death.

Sighing in happiness and a tiny bit of sorrow, she got up from her place and mounted on the stallion. Her heart was still not ready to leave the place so early but, if she didn't leave now her absence would be felt and then she won't be able to come here ever. So with a heavy heart, Anala reined the horse and made her way back to the castle.

After quickly changing the dirty clothes and freshening up, Anala made her way down the corridors of the castle towards the dining room. Her long maroon lehenga flowed behind her as she walked quickly, trying not to be late for the breakfast that her mother-the Maharani Jyothika insisted on having together every morning. Nodding in acknowledgement towards the Dasi's on her way, she finally reached the doors of the dining room.

The dining table was almost packed with all her family members, except her father-Maharaja Gauravadeva and her elder brother- Vibhakara the heir to the throne. Making her way over to the head of the table, where her mother sat she quickly pecked her cheeks and sat in her seat. Her mother smiled at her lovingly before her attention turned towards her younger children-Varudh and her twin daughters- Ashwathi and Vanhi. The three of them argued over who could race faster amongst them.

Anala chuckled in response to their argument before turning towards her cousin-Sulohita and asking her about her dance practice. The dining table was in a joyful mood, when her father and brother walked in a deep in conversation. Her father quickly kissed her mother's hands before taking his designated seat at the head of the table and her brother sat on his side. After the daily prathna- a ritual that was compulsory before every meal, food was served and everyone once again fell into easy banter. This was what Anala wanted forever to last, her family safe and happy in one place.

Finishing her practice for the day, she made her way over to the neighbouring training field. The twin sisters- Ashwathi and Vanhi both held their bows and arrows in position ready to hit the target. Both held their postures quiet straight and poised, not daring to lose the strong trance at least not when their parents were watching them practice. Any mistake and they would have to face the wrath of their mother. Anala turned towards her parents and found them intently watching the practice.

"TEJA."The master shouted and on cue both the girls released their arrows from the bows. Both of their bows missed the target just by an inch and their gaze dropped considerably low due to the failure. Fearing the gaze of their mother, no one dared to look up.

Suddenly, a swoosh of air passed between the girls as an arrow passed and struck the target. All eyes turned towards the way from where the arrow came and a bow was lowered with a cheeky smile. Varudh stood there with a grin looking all too proud for his accomplishment. Both the girls scowled at his move and shouted," You!!" They started running towards him and the moment Varudh understood that they were going to come after him, he took off with a hearty laugh.

Everyone started laughing at their run and chase and the mood was lightened. Vibhakara stood at the other end with his armour suit on. His breastplate shaped in a form of Pheonix's wings at the top representing the Vaisvanara Dynasty's Sigil.

Anala shook her head while chuckling at her sister's expense. From her gaze she noticed that her father left his position after enjoying the amusement, probably heading to his personal office where he did most of the kingdom's work.

"Girls, get back to practice and Varudh you better perform good in your training sessions or else I will have your head."Her mother's stern voice broke the commotion and everyone got back to their work.

Walking out of the training grounds, Anala walked towards her father's office. It was quite known that her father need not be disturbed while in his office, but she had been dealing with this matter for a while now and couldn't wait any longer.

Her father's office was dimly lit with fire torches in every corner. Red curtains adorned the pillars and with golden intricate designs on the sides. Her father's office was the most hideous and intimidating room in the entire castle. It boozed power, fierce, strong, full of passion and mostly bravery. There was a huge banner of their Sigil- a Pheonix in it's full glory with it's wings spread and full of fire behind her father's throne.

There was a huge banner of their Sigil- a Pheonix in it's full glory with it's wings spread and full of fire behind her father's throne  

Next to her father's desk was a tall golden stand with a bowl full of ashes and on it sat a huge Pheonix. The beautiful, mystical creature was a wonder to eyes with it's fiery red and golden wings. Anala was left awe-struck every single time she saw it, even though she had witnessed it since her childhood. Jwala was the royal family's ancestral bird which was passed down to every king from time to time. It was immortal as it reformed again to life from the ashes after burning itself. This nature was what depicted the warriors of the Agnidhra kingdom.

Every time she was disheartened at a failure, her father would make her repeat their motto-

"A true warrior may burn but never accept defeat."

Her father entered the room from the side door and looked at her astonished, "My love, what is the matter that you couldn't wait for some another time?"

"Pitaji, there is a matter related to one of the orphanages and some officials are trying to shut it down. The people working and living there don't have anywhere else to go. I tried sending an official royal message but it didn't workout. Could you please look into this matter for me?"Anala looked up at her father hopefully.

Maharaja Gauravadeva chuckled at her pleading and spoke,"Just this small problem and you have been worrying over it so badly?Beta,you need to stop worrying so much over little things and smile more. I will be more content if this face lit up more in happiness and joy.Can you do that for me,my love?"He placed his hand under her chin and lifted her face.

"Ji,pitaji."She nodded at him in agreement and turned to leave the office.

"Beta, go and meet Vibhakara he has planned something for you."Maharaja Gauravadeva spoke when she was at the door. Alana nodded at him and took her leave.

~~~

Vocabulary-

Teja-Command for firing the bow.

Pitaji- Father.

Beta-Son.

Ji-Yes.

Prathna-Prayer.