Shama stood up and said, "Be quite, please. I have one thing to make clear to all of you: I have no romantic relationship with Prince Rehan. I know that in the past, I used to pursue him, but I have realized that this was foolish. Naina is like my sister, and I regret harming her in the past. I have repented for all the wrong I have done to you all. But, I am going to start a new life as a responsible princess who will help my people prosper. I hope that you all understand and support me in this."
She spoke confidently and assertively.
"Let's leave the past and create a beautiful future together. After all we are one family."
All of the servants looked at her in awe. She stood before them like a goddess, her eyes holding determination and power. Everyone was shocked to see such a drastic change in her.
"Our princess has grown up," one of them said, wiping away her tears.
"This is all a bit dramatic, I think," Shanaya thought to herself, observing their expressions.
Everyone bowed down to her and shouted, "Hail to Princess Shanaya! We are all by your side."
Shanaya was taken aback for a moment but then a genuine smile painted her lips.
"Now, the meeting is dismissed. Everyone may go back to work," she said, clapping her hands as the staff started to leave one by one.
"Royal butler, please accompany me," she said, gesturing to him. The butler quickly followed her.
"You remember what I told you? Don't bother my brother too much. And hand over the invitation to tonight's ball. I'll be attending it. Also, Make the necessary preparations."
Shanaya had a poor relationship with society, so Shama decided to improve her rapport with everyone to solidify her position.
"And you told me that Prince Rehan is attending the ball, so Naina must be coming there too, right?" she asked, taking the invitation from the butler.
"Yes, Your Highness," the butler replied walking fast, trying to match her pace.
"Prepare a suitable gift to please them," she said.
"But miss, you said that..." the butler began, but Shama interrupted him.
"Dear butler, I want to give them the gift as a token of my apology for everything I have done to them. I have no ill intentions." She laughed as she said this.
The butler sighed with relief.
Shanaya returned to her room and read the invitation. Her eyes were drawn to the words
"Celebrating 75th Birthday of the Emperor."
Suddenly, her body began to shake as tears rolled down her cheeks. Her physical reaction was a testament to the fearful memories the emperor evoked in her subconcious mind.
The lifeless bodies of her parents appeared before her eyes. Shanaya's memories flooded into Shama's: her parents being murdered in front of her, blood pooling all around her as she cried and screamed for help, but no one came forward.
Shama opened her eyes, gasping for air as her whole body reacted badly to the trigger memory. She took deep breaths in and hugged herself while patting her own back, calming herself down.
After some 10-15 minutes she again reached out for the scroll.
"So, it's the emperor's birthday, is it?" she said, glaring at the invitation, her eyes depraved of any warm emotions.
She crumpled the paper in her hands. "I'll give you the best gift, Your Majesty. Just wait."
A cold look spread across her face, her eyes ablaze with vengeance.
Shama prepared for the ball. The carriage was loaded with gifts, and she donned a regal gown. Maids applied light makeup to her face and braided her hair. As she arrived at the ball, the butler extended his hands to help her disembark. She stepped out of the carriage gracefully and walked towards the entrance."Her Highness, Princess Shanaya, is entering the royal ball. We all humbly pay our respects and welcome her."The gatekeepers announced in a loud voice, bowing to her. Shama entered the gate, and all eyes were drawn to her.The beautiful pearls on her gown glistened, and the diamond set she wore perfectly complemented her outfit. The royal blue color of the gown exuded her royalty and elegance. A sparkling bracelet adorned her wrist, and a blue sapphire ring on her finger shone brightly in the light. Her eyes resembled those of a deer, with sharp corners like a knife. The dark kajal on her eyelids was like an arrow piercing everyone's hearts. Her eyes were deeper than an ocean, d
Naina and Rehan bowed their heads to the Emperor, then took their seats beside Shama. Shama's eyes welled up with tears, her body reacting involuntarily."Why am I crying?" she thought to herself. "Is it the body's reaction to Shanaya's past again?"She wiped away her tears and forced a smile.The celebration began, with musicians playing and dancers twirling in joy for the Emperor's birthday. Shama watched the show, but her mind was elsewhere. She felt a chill down her spine as if someone was watching her. She glanced around, but everyone seemed engrossed in the festivities."It must be my imagination," she thought. But as she turned her attention back to the stage, she felt the chill again. It was stronger this time, and she could have sworn she saw a pair of eyes gleaming in the darkness. Shrugging the ominous feeling off, she focused on the celebration. After the show, it was time for dinner. Shama's eyes widened as she saw the array of delicious food spread out before her. She q
Shama sipped her wine, savoring the rich flavor as she scanned the ballroom. Her eyes met Ekansh's, who flashed her a mischievous grin. She rolled her eyes, amused by his antics. "Dork" she muttered.Just then, she spotted Naina slipping away from the ball. Shama smiled to herself. This was her chance.She excused herself from the crowd and followed Naina to the backyard. Naina was standing beneath a tree, gazing at the moon. Shama approached her silently, admiring the way the moonlight caressed Naina's innocent face, giving her an ethereal appearance."What are you doing here all alone? Aren't you afraid someone might harm you?" Shama asked, her voice soft.Naina scoffed and looked up at the moon. "Harm me? This is the safest place I could find in this palace. All the people back at the ball were staring at me, their faces disguised with gentle smiles while they waited for the chance to take me down. It makes me feel sick."Naina's eyes were empty, and Shama saw a side of her friend
Shama sat beneath the moonlit sky, the cool breeze caressing her skin. She gazed up at the full moon, its silvery glow illuminating the vast expanse of the night sky. Myriad stars twinkled around it, like diamonds scattered on black velvet. Shama wondered which celestial body she most resembled: the lone moon, shining brightly in the darkness, or the countless unknown stars, twinkling beside it, their light unseen by most.The clear water in front of her reflected the moon's ethereal beauty. Suddenly, a firefly landed on her nose. Shama held her breath, captivated by its delicate beauty. The tiny creature emitted a faint glow, illuminating her features with its otherworldly light. Shama reached out to touch it, but it fluttered away, leaving behind a trail of shimmering sparks.Shama rose to her feet and chased after the firefly. As she stepped on the long grasses, a swarm of fireflies rose from the ground, like a magical cloud of light. Shama giggled with delight and ran through the f
Shama changed into her nightgown."That brat must want death."Shama murmured in anger. She went to her study table. The account books and letters were kept there."I have to take a look at these too."She murmured and sat down on the chair. She put on her spectacles and read the account book."Hmm...Everything is fine here."She said after some time when she finished reading the account book."Ah, I have to read and reply to these letters too."She said yawning.After some time Shama completed reading all the things."What the hell do they think the Royal Palace is? Some kind of delivery shop or what? None of them is important matters. Every letter is a piece of trash."Shama said throwing off the letters."Ugh, how could I forget? Tomorrow is my self-defence classes. I haven't slept till now.”Shama said jumping on the bed."Ah so comfortable."Shama said taking a p
"You are poor in martial arts. So, we will start from basic boxing." Yug said. He showed Shama how to punch in the right manner. Shama already learnt martial arts at a beginner level in her real life. She knew all the moves. "Teacher, I already know martial arts at a beginner level." She said smiling at him. "Huh? Do you even know what martial art is?" He said mocking her. "A martial art is a style of combat, in many instances directed towards the self-defence. They are practised for many reasons like fighting, self-defence, sport, self-expression, discipline, confidence, fitness, relaxation and meditation. Teacher
Shama went to the hall. She sat there to listen to all complains and troubles to go on in her city."Your highness, currently the most troubling thing is that the whole city is suffering from the flood. We were suffering from poverty and now the flood is there. People are all suffering a huge loss of life and money. They need help." A man spoke up from the crowd. "Yes your majesty, we all needs your help." The whole crowd started saying at once. Shama looked at every one of them. She stood up and said, "You all can go back now. I will think of a way to help you all." All of them looked disappointed. Shama looked at them leaving sadly. She called the royal butler.
It was midnight. Shama went to the royal backyard. "Will it be alright? What if it's a trap for me?" Shama thought while walking. "But the letter said that he/she has the evidence which can prove my parents right. I can't miss this chance. I will be careful on the way." Shama thought while grabbing the sword tightly. She reached the royal backyard. But there was no one to be seen. Just then a note hit her head; Shama rubbed her head and looked around angrily. She saw a note lying on the ground. She opened the page and read. "Look to your left, there is a bunch of paper covered with red clothes" Shama looked to her left.