Banquet

“My father wishes to see you,” Prince Kridaksha said in his usual cool tone.

“And I expect you to stand properly before him.”

Arna gave a small nod.

“Fine.”

A few moments later, she stood in the grand court before King Dharma Aloukya.

The atmosphere was heavy. The black silk blindfold over her eyes only added to her mystery.

The King observed her carefully, then smiled faintly.

“Prince Kridaksha,” he said, “your choice is commendable. This girl truly appears to belong to a royal bloodline.”

Kridaksha bowed, hand over his chest.

“My gratitude, Father.”

The King’s gaze shifted to Arna. His tone hardened instantly.

“Listen carefully, girl. If you make even a single mistake, the consequences will not be pleasant. Consider this a warning.”

Inside her head, Arna muttered—

Is this king actually mad? I’m the one helping, and I’m the one getting threatened?

The King continued,

“And ensure that the Emperor chooses you as his queen. Otherwise… we need not explain what we are capable of.”

Arna nearly exploded internally.

What? That was NOT part of the deal! The prince said I just had to act!

Kridaksha intervened smoothly.

“We will try our best, Father. Please grant us leave.”

The King waved his hand dismissively.

“Go.”

Outside the Court

The moment they stepped out, Arna burst out—

“What exactly is going on? Now I have to charm the Emperor too? That wasn’t included in the agreement!”

Kridaksha frowned.

“Charm? What sort of language is that?”

She turned her face away angrily.

“That’s our street language. Leave it. Answer me!”

He grabbed her wrist and turned her slightly.

“I am here. This side.”

She snapped back,

“Well, if you tie such a huge black cloth over my eyes, how am I supposed to see?”

“You do not need to see,” he replied coldly.

She clenched her teeth.

“But you need to understand. I am not going to flirt with some Emperor.”

His tone grew serious.

“If you do not try, I do not know what decision my father will take.”

“Then we’re not going anywhere!”

In frustration, Arna ripped the blindfold off.

Kridaksha stared at her.

“Very well. Prison it is.”

Her face fell instantly.

Without another word, she picked up the cloth and tied it back over her eyes herself.

“There. Happy?” she muttered.

For the first time, a faint smile appeared on Prince Kridaksha’s lips.

Departure

The Emperor’s grand carriage stood waiting at the palace gates—golden wheels, silk drapes, armed guards surrounding it.

As Arna—now “Princess Praniksha”—stepped into the carriage, Kridaksha’s voice was quieter than before.

“Be careful. About everything. And about yourself.”

She gave a small nod.

No one could see what her golden eyes were thinking behind the blindfold.

Kridaksha turned to leave.

Then her voice stopped him.

“By the way… you never told me your name.”

He paused, slightly surprised that she would ask something so ordinary at such a moment.

“Kridaksha. Of Aloukya.”

A slow smile touched her lips.

“Then we shall meet again… Kumar Daksh.”

She intentionally shortened his name.

For a second, surprise crossed his face. Then, unexpectedly, he smiled.

The carriage wheels began to turn.

The sound of hooves faded into the distance.

And at the palace gates, Prince Kridaksha stood still—

perhaps realizing for the first time that this was no longer just a political strategy.

Perhaps that stubborn girl with golden eyes had left something unsettled within him.

The Emperor’s Palace

Soon, the carriage halted before a palace far grander than Aloukya’s.

Towering marble pillars. Glittering chandeliers. Golden torches blazing along the pathways.

Power. Wealth. Authority.

A well-dressed maid hurried forward and bowed gracefully.

“Radiant greetings, Princess Pradiksha. I shall be your guide this evening.”

Arna smiled faintly.

“A pleasure.”

The maid gently assisted her down and began guiding her across the vast courtyard.

As they walked, the maid softly described everything.

“To your right lies the royal garden. Ahead, the main hall. To the left, the chambers for distinguished guests.”

Arna listened carefully.

Though her eyes were covered, her steps were steady, alert.

Casually, she asked,

“How many princesses are present at this banquet?”

“One hundred and fifty-five, Your Highness.”

Her steps faltered slightly.

One hundred and fifty-five.

She muttered inwardly—

Out of so many princesses… why would the Emperor choose me? A blind girl? Impossible.

She asked again,

“Have all the princesses arrived?”

“Yes. You are the last.”

Wonderful, she thought sarcastically. Grand entry and all.

The doors of the grand hall stood before her now.

Music drifted from inside. Soft laughter. The murmur of nobility.

The maid whispered,

“Princess, we are about to enter.”

Arna inhaled deeply.

Behind the blindfold, her golden eyes sharpened.

Game on.