The Royal Palace

Shama alighted from her carriage and walked towards the royal palace.

The royal palace was a sight to behold. Towering spires pierced the azure sky, their golden tips gleaming in the sunlight. The white marble walls were adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes of myth and legend. A grand fountain graced the courtyard, its waters cascading into a pool of shimmering lapis lazuli. The maids and servants working in the garden paused to stare at her for a moment, then resumed their tasks.

Shama startled.

"Can't they see their princess standing right in front of them?" she muttered a little embarassed.

"I've returned after so long. They should show their concern towards me like, 'Oh, my princess, are you alright? Where have you been all this time?' Or atleast show me some respect?"

Perhaps they simply hadn't noticed her.

"Ahem, ahem."

She coughed loudly to get their attention. Again, the servants looked at her briefly, then went back to work. Crying internally and cursing her sick fate, Shama walked inside the palace.

Her heart skipped a beat at the equisitive and luxurious sight in front of her.

The palace interior was even more opulent. The floors were paved with mosaics of precious stones, and the walls were hung with tapestries woven with threads of gold and silver. The ceilings were painted with murals depicting the history of the royal family, and the chandeliers were made of crystal and precious metals.

The palace was home to a vast treasure trove of art and artifacts. There were galleries filled with paintings by the greatest masters, sculptures by the most renowned artists, and artifacts from all over the world.

Shama's gaze was filled with awe as she surveyed the massive hall and staircase of the palace. Not knowing where her room was, she felt lost in the labyrinthine structure.

At that moment, the royal butler approached her with a scroll in hand. Adjusting his glasses, he read from the parchment: "Your Highness, there is a ball tonight. Although I instructed the staff to decline the invitation, I thought you might like to attend, as Prince Rehan will also be present. Therefore, I have informed you of this event."

The butler spoke in a casual tone, which Shama found insulting. She was a powerful princess and a potential queen, and she deserved better treatment.

"Who gave you the authority to make decisions on my behalf?" she asked in a cold, commanding voice.

The butler bowed quickly, terrified of the sudden change in her demeanor.

"I apologize, Your Highness. But you have never expressed interest in attending social gatherings or paying attention to the servants in this palace. Your only concern has been pursuing Prince Rehan. You have severed all ties with the royal family, and we have been forced to act on your behalf."

Shama inhaled deeply, maintaining her composure.

"Call all the palace staff, everyone who works and lives here, to the gathering hall. We need to have a serious discussion. If anyone is absent, they will be fired."

She issued the order in an authoritative tone, massaging her temples as she did so.

"Lead me to my room," she commanded.

The butler nodded frantically and obeyed.

Shama face palmed herself mentally.

"How could I forget that the original Shanaya was an irresponsible girl who always slacked off from her duties as a princess?" she thought. "Why did I have to  end up in this body out of all."

"But somehow, I feel a little bit sorry for her. She didn't deserve this. Poor, naive girl." Shama murmered with a sigh.

"But now that I'm here, I'll make everything right," She decided, her eyes sparkling with determination.

She halted before her room, gaping at the sight.

Her room was spacious and opulently furnished, with a four-poster bed draped in silk canopies, a dressing table with a crystal mirror, and a chaise longue upholstered in velvet. The walls were hung with tapestries and paintings, and the floor was covered in a thick carpet.

The room had a large window that overlooked the palace gardens. On one side of the room was a desk where she could work on her correspondence or study for her royal duties. On the other side of the room was a walk-in wardrobe filled with beautiful gowns and dresses.

The butler withdrew, leaving Shama to herself in her room. At the sound of the bell, a throng of maids rushed in.

"Prepare a warm bath for me. I am exhausted," Shama said in a gentle tone.

The maids, sensing the sudden change in her demeanor, widened their eyes in surprise as they got to work.

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.

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Shama sat in the mahogany chair before the dressing table, admiring her reflection in the mirror. Her maids assisted her with her jewelry, hairstyle, and makeup.

"Shanaya is so beautiful," she thought. "Any man would be smitten with her. Why did she waste her time on that punk, Rehan?"

Shama sighed, taking note of everything that needed to be corrected. As the male lead of the story, Rehan had been a good choice, but he was the worst choice for Shanaya. He had never understood her, and because of him, she had been ruined.