Warrior Princess; Her Quest to the throne

Chandranarayan guffawed as he heard this. He had asked his people to keep an eye on Vallabh after the confrontation between him and the Southern zilla chief. An angry military general had the potential to become a security threat any time but from what he heard, it seemed that the humiliation had made a man out of him, instead.     

"Good, that's good. Please inform the people waiting outside my chambers that I am tired now and will continue with the political matters tomorrow," he instructed.     

The minister was already used to the king's lazy ways and simply nodded his head. It was because of this king's apathetic attitude towards the people's welfare that all the ministers under him had managed to fill their coffers with ease. The current ministers belonged to the long lineage of royal court members of the past. It was nearly impossible for any commoner or outsider to apply for a position in any of the ministries since these were filled by the next kin of the previous ministers. Dynastic politics was all pervasive. Despite that, the previous generations of the court members had not been this prosperous ever. It was all thanks to King Chandranarayan.     

D Day     

"It has been many months since I visited my parents, your highness. Will it be ok if I wanted to travel today to meet them?" Damyanti asked her husband hesitantly.     

Chandranarayan made the servants pause, in the middle of getting ready.     

With a frown, he spoke, "so suddenly? You are well aware that these things need to be planned out well in advance. You are not an ordinary citizen who can travel upon your whim and fancy."     

Suppressing her nervousness, Damyanti spoke in a cajoling manner, "I know that you are worried about my safety but I just received an urgent missive from my mother informing me about my father taking ill. The letter sounds extremely grave and I am finding it impossible to stay here even for a second."     

The king dismissed the serving girls who were helping him getting ready. Damyanti was an only child of her parents and her father had a small but flourishing province adjoining Chandragarh's boundaries. In fact, the reason for Chandranarayan to marry this ugly princess had been to obtain that kingdom when her father died. It was also the reason why he had restrained himself around her during sex. Had she died due to his fetish, the neighboring kingdom would have gone away from him. Hence, he always kept that at the back of his head. It seemed that his hard work was about to pay.     

He thought hard and spoke almost lovingly, "I am really saddened to hear that. Of course, you must go. But for my peace of mind, I want you to travel with a big troop of royal guards. They would be with you for your safety."     

Damyanti fought hard to keep the surprise off her face. When Devyani had told her to speak with the king about traveling to her native place with the excuse of her father's illness, she had told her that the king would offer a large troop of people to travel with her and that she should accept it readily.     

"How the hell could she have predicted that the king would say something like this," the young queen mused.     

"Sure, your highness. Then I shall go and start preparing for my departure," with that, she exited his chambers.     

Chandranarayan immediately convened all his ministers.     

He addressed them, "I want about 40% of the guards present in the capital to accompany the queen to her parents' kingdom today. This is the most unquestionable manner in which I can ensure the presence of my army when the time comes to take over that kingdom. I want the minister of state affairs also to travel alongwith, to keep me apprised of the situation. I need to know how soon can we expect the king to die and also to find out if there is any way to expedite his departure from this world. Do you understand my meaning?"     

The ministers resembled a pack of hounds who were also scenting new opportunities to increase their riches. They all nodded their heads on agreement and stepped out to start prepping.     

"Uh, if I may say something…." The elder most minister who was responsible for the administration of the country stayed back after others had left.     

The king looked at him impatiently and asked him to speak up.     

"Maybe it isn't so wise to send so many soldiers out of the capital in one go. You could call for the army from the closest zilla to back the queen up as she enters her father's kingdom. This way, we are not at risk," he advised quietly.     

The king looked at the pathetic man who stood there with a stooped back and a wrinkled face with distaste.     

"Victory comes to those who are brave and willing to take risks. I think our borders are fairly safe and secure from the enemies currently. Also, there isn't any internal threat as of now for a civil war to break out. So, I suggest you put your imagination to rest and comply with my command immediately," he dictated.     

As the minister bowed and turned to walk away, the king stopped him with his next words, "I think that it is time for you to retire, minister Abhaidev*. Unfortunately, you don't do justice to your name. It is sad that you don't have a son who can succeed you to your post, as well. So, we shall find someone else to fill it."     

The minister turned and stared at the king's back with something close to hatred but chose to walk out of the chamber with his mouth shut and head bowed.     

*Abhaidev – Someone who is fearless