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LXVI A Gift
Huling Na-update:
2025-05-04 17:15:16
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The Rule LXVII "The King has been poisoned."
The world around her shimmered with an unfamiliar hue — neither memory nor waking reality. Inayat stood in a place she had never known, yet something in her soul felt tethered to it, as though she had been summoned not by accident but by love. The sky above her stretched vast and unbroken, blue like the lapis of old scriptures, brushed lightly with golden sun. The ground beneath her was velvet with grass, speckled in wildflowers that danced gently in the breeze. It was not the palace garden. It was not anywhere she could name. But it was beautiful.And there, under the shimmer of light and shade, was a child. He ran barefoot, chasing butterflies. His laugh was high, innocent, the very sound of joy unfettered. His golden curls bounced on his head as he stumbled across the grass, cheeks flushed, lips parting in a delighted gasp every time he came close to catching one of the winged creatures.Inayat watched, her lips curling into a smile. Her hands clasped softly before her, but her
Huling Na-update : 2025-05-04The Rule LXVIII Tainted Loyalty
The clank of iron rang loud in the dark, damp air as the cell door was thrust open. Inayat stumbled forward, her bare feet scraping against the cold stone floor as the guards pushed her in with careless hands. She tried to keep her balance, but the suddenness of the fall and the heaviness in her heart made her knees buckle. She reached out to the bars, trying to steady herself, and as she did, the door slammed shut with a shuddering finality.The clang echoed like a thunderclap in her soul.She rose slowly, fingers gripping the bars that now held her captive. Her wide, tearful eyes searched for the one man standing beyond them.“William…” she whispered, breathless, a broken plea in her voice.He stood before her, tall, composed, devoid of all softness. His expression was carved in marble — cold and unmoved.“Please,” she begged, her voice quivering, “I didn’t do anything. I swear upon all I hold dear — I did not poison the king. Why would I? Why would I ever harm the one who gave me a
Huling Na-update : 2025-05-05The Rule LXIX Fast Proclaimed
The night had settled heavily over the palace, its stillness pierced only by the flickering torches and the whispers of dread carried by the wind. Inside, silence did not bring calm — it brought fear. The court still buzzed with unanswered questions and shadowed glances, and beyond the walls of the king's private chamber, a storm of hearts waited in despair.From the far end of the corridor came the sound of hurried steps. Aabroo — little, tender, and shaken — burst through the hallway, her sobs echoing against the marble. Her hair fell loose from its braid, her cheeks flushed and wet with tears."Move aside!" she cried out, pushing through the startled guards and ministers. "Let me through! I want to see my brother! Please! I want to see him!"Gasps fell from the lips of many present, and the crowd parted like the tide before her broken wail. But before she could press past the heavy doors of Samarth’s chamber, Raj appeared. His expression bore both sorrow and patience, and he knelt
Huling Na-update : 2025-05-05The Rule LXX Will The Lionheart Rise Again?
The morning sun had risen, casting golden light across the earth, but within the palace, a hush lingered. The air hung heavy, taut with fear and fasting. Though the world outside stirred with life, the walls of the royal estate held their breath.For three days, the kingdom was called for fasting, clinging to prayer like a lifeline, pleading for the life of the king. No bread had been broken, no wine poured. Even children knew to whisper their play. It was not a command born of authority, but one born of love — each soul offered silence and hunger for Samarth, the Lionheart. And now, as the final thread of sunlight stretched across the sky and kissed the palace roofs, a soft stir moved through the halls. From behind the tall doors of the king’s chamber emerged the chief physician — aged and stooped, yet upright in spirit, his presence commanding reverence.His beard flowed like threads of moonlight; his hair was tied back neatly, white as river foam. His fingers were stained with med
Huling Na-update : 2025-05-05The Rule LXXI You Shall Live
Three days had passed since the sun last rose over a kingdom at ease. Since the moment the king's breath had grown shallow, and the poison sank deep into his bones, the kingdom stood suspended — like a harp-string drawn taut, waiting for either song or severance.In those three days, the palace became a temple. Courtyards where laughter once echoed now bore solemn prayers. The bustling halls were hushed, lined with bowed heads and fasting mouths. Messengers arrived like doves with letters folded in velvet and bearing seals from every corner of the known world — kings, sultans, emperors, and chieftains — each sending their goodwill, their gifts, their golden offerings for the beloved king who once unified their quarrels with a word and a gesture.But Samarth — King of the Flame-Borne Throne — remained still.Upon his great bed, where woven silks once told tales of victory, now lay dull linens of rough-hewn weave. No ornament adorned him; no gem kissed his brow. His garments were plain,
Huling Na-update : 2025-05-06The Rule LXXII A Thunder Against Pride
In the eastern reaches of Tziyonia, where the hills rose like silent watchmen and the olive groves glistened in the warm breath of spring, lay the estate of Lord William. Unlike the palace cloaked in mourning, his estate breathed ease. The scent of roasted meats, ripened dates, and golden wine floated from the kitchens like indulgent incense. Birds sang in the arbors. Children ran across the stone terraces. And in the study chamber, cloaked in fragrant cedarwood and lit by soft oil lamps, William reclined in his carved chair, draped in silks, a cup of honeyed wine poised between his fingers.He was not fasting.He was not praying.The storm that shook the palace had not yet arrived to trouble the skies over his home.He sipped the wine slowly. A platter of seasoned meats and fruit lay untouched before him. Scrolls and maps unfurled across the oakwood desk beside him. A candle flickered lazily, casting his sharp profile in gold and shadow. His robes hung loose, a comfort only the rich
Huling Na-update : 2025-05-06The Rule LXXIII A Serpentess Indeed
The chamber was drowned in silence, broken only by the soft flicker of the candles placed in rows upon rows across the stone-carved alcoves. Their flames quivered in rhythm with the wind sighing through the terrace. Samarth lay still, motionless, a shadow of the man he once was. Seven days had passed since the prophet’s word was spoken, and still, no flicker of consciousness stirred behind the king's closed eyelids. He was dressed in simple garments now, as was required during the long healing process. No silks, no embroidered robes. Just a loose, pale cloth wound about him, leaving his chest partially exposed. His eyes were covered in a dark herb-dyed cloth — coarse yet soft — held in place by a physician's careful knot. The poison, which had accidentally touched his left eye during the night of his collapse, had caused inflammation. Thus, they had shrouded his vision to treat it with delicate balm.Priests moved about the room like shadows themselves. The physicians, bleary-eyed b
Huling Na-update : 2025-05-06The Rule LXXIV Trembling When The Lion Has Awakened
The air in the palace was no longer heavy.Whispers of his awakening rippled through marble corridors like sacred hymns carried by the breeze. A hush of disbelief lingered in the corners, but joy had begun its return. Light flooded chambers that had, for days, sunk in gloom. In every street, among every mouth that moved, a single name throbbed like a pulse: Samarth.In the royal chamber, the king sat upright, propped by cushions embroidered in gold, eyes still partially bandaged, the cloth stained faintly with the green of crushed neem and turmeric — an ancient concoction brewed with sandalwood and healing camphor to soothe his sight.Gathered before him were three men — Raj, stalwart and loyal; Veer, the commander whose gaze missed nothing; and the High Priest, clad in robes that whispered of wisdom.But Aabroo? Aabroo was silent. Kneeling by her brother's side, her arms wrapped delicately around his waist, her face buried in the folds of his loose linen shirt, she breathed him in. H
Huling Na-update : 2025-05-06
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The Rule LXXXVII And The End
Samarth's eyes, cold and blazing, darted around the chaos of the battlefield. The wedding grounds had become a warfront. Screams pierced the air, steel clashed against steel, and blood painted the floor once gilded for celebration. He turned from Sabrina with a snarl curling his lips. Without waiting, he rushed through the courtyard, his boots splashing into pools of blood and shattered petals. His guards closed around him, forming a protective shield as he mounted his horse with practiced precision. "Protect him!" Veer’s voice echoed as he engaged in fierce combat, his blade a silver blur, felling enemies two at a time. Samarth kicked into his horse's sides, surging forward with fury burning in his chest. Inayat. Aabroo. The image of them being hunted sickened him. Behind him, a dozen riders followed, their faces resolute, blades drawn. Sabrina, seeing his retreat, bellowed to her army, "Kill the rest. Let none remain!" Her voice was venom and vengeance. The tide surged against t
The Rule LXXXVI The Ruination
The day of the wedding dawned like a benediction from the heavens. The sun rose slowly, gilding the spires of the palace in soft gold, casting a warm glow over the bustling kingdom. The air was fragrant with fresh marigolds and rose petals, and the palace echoed with joyful voices, music, and the sounds of celebration. The hearts of the people beat with anticipation, for it was not merely the union of a king and his bride — it was the binding of two destinies, sanctified by faith and the will of God.From the upper balconies to the vast courtyards, all was adorned. Silk banners of ivory and crimson swayed in the breeze. Draperies stitched with threads of gold whispered against the marbled walls. Lamps flickered in readiness to be lit at dusk, casting soft glimmers upon the polished stone floors. The scent of incense and jasmine floated in the corridors as nobles and commoners alike readied themselves for a wedding that would be etched in memory for generations.Within her chamber, Ina
The Rule LXXXV To The House Of God
The desert wind was calm that morning, brushing softly over the golden sands as the sun began its slow rise beyond the dunes. The palace gates, tall and majestic, opened with a quiet groan, revealing a caravan waiting under the pearl-gray sky. Camels stood adorned in fine cloth and gold-tasselled harnesses, their hooves shifting gently on the stone-paved courtyard. The guards stood in rows, their spears gleaming with polished steel, their eyes scanning the horizon with quiet vigilance.Inayat emerged first, dressed in a layered ensemble of ivory and peach, her head lightly veiled, golden embroidery catching the morning light. Her delicate anklets jingled softly as she walked toward the lead camel. Samarth followed, his sherwani a rich cream, bordered with gold thread, a soft white shawl resting on his shoulder. His presence was commanding yet serene, and his gaze found her as naturally as breath finds the chest.They mounted their camels, Inayat with practiced grace, Samarth steady be
The Rule LXXXIV What Lies Ahead
The great hall had long gone quiet. The last echoes of music had faded down the corridors, and the petals that once rained upon her now rested on the cold marble, fragrant and still. But in the solitude of her chamber, Inayat lay curled upon her soft, brocade-covered bed, the warmth of celebration still glowing inside her heart.Her cheek pressed gently against a silk pillow, arms folded around it like it might float away if she didn’t hold on. Her eyes, soft and filled with starlight, remained fixed on the delicate ring wrapped around her finger. The pearl gleamed faintly in the dim glow of the single standing lamp beside her bed. It was gentle and elegant, like everything she had ever dreamed of.She stared at it, unmoving, but her mind was alive with memory.She could still feel it: his gaze. How he had looked at her in that moment. How his eyes never once left her face even as petals fell and music roared. It had been more than a gaze — it was devotion, offered wordlessly. Not the
The Rule LXXXIII Stepped Into Forever
The palace was draped in splendor, touched by the hands of artful decorators and blooming with the essence of joy. Silken banners fluttered from grand arches, embroidered in gold thread with the twin emblems of House Samarth and House Inayat. The royal hall, usually a place of counsel and command, had transformed into a sanctum of celebration. Candle chandeliers hung like floating stars, scattering their golden light over polished marble floors that reflected the excitement of the day.Every inch of space below was filled with noblemen, ambassadors, emissaries from afar, commanders, sages, and friends of the kingdom. Laughter echoed against high ceilings, blending with the distant music of flutes and harp strings. Above, on every balcony and gallery, more guests leaned against the carved railings, craning to witness what had drawn such fervor — a union the kingdom had longed for.Two priests in white and gold robes stepped forward to the center stage, where a great circular platform h
The Rule LXXXII Simple Joy
The sunlight was mellow that morning, filtered through carved jharokhas and falling in soft golden squares upon the polished marble floor. The chamber designated for the king's fitting had been transformed into a vibrant workspace. Bolts of fabric in every hue imaginable lay neatly folded on low teakwood tables, while ornate designs of embroidery were pinned across scrolls of parchment hanging against the walls. The scent of freshly brewed spiced tea lingered in the air.Samarth stood tall at the center, stripped down to a fine muslin undershirt and loose cotton trousers, the chill of the cold season barely bothering him. Around him were his closest men — Raj, the General Commander, tall and ever sharp-eyed; Veer, the tactician with a penchant for jokes; and three council ministers who had stood beside him in countless matters: Vaibhav, Amar, and Kshitij.A lean, graceful man in his late forties circled the king with a measuring tape. The master of textiles and tailoring, a famed Vast
The Rule LXXXI Teasings And Gentleness
The moon spilled its silver warmth over the palace gardens, painting the world in gentle light and shadows. The fragrance of night-blooming jasmine floated up from below, and the quiet rustle of the breeze through the silk curtains gave the air a kind of hush, like the night itself was listening. Inayat stepped into Samarth’s private chamber, her anklets chiming softly beneath the folds of her pale blue skirt. The room was bathed in warm amber light from the brass lanterns hung above. A scroll lay half-unrolled on the polished wooden table, abandoned. Samarth stood near the window, his dark silhouette drawn against the moon.She paused a moment, smiling quietly to herself before calling gently, "You look like you’re about to leap out of that window."Samarth turned, and the usual weight in his eyes lifted just a little. "If I did, would you come catch me?""No," she replied at once, walking toward him, "but I’d probably climb down and pull you back by the ear."He chuckled, stepping
The Rule LXXX Wedding Preparations
The afternoon sun filtered through the carved jharokhas, casting a delicate mosaic of gold and shadow upon the marble floor of the palace’s bridal chamber. The scent of rosewater lingered in the air, mingling with the subtle sweetness of sandalwood oil and fresh jasmine garlands that had been strung up along the lattice windows.Inside the room, laughter rang like bells.Inayat sat cross-legged on a thick silken rug, her maroon skirt pooling around her like a blooming flower. Her dupatta, sheer and embroidered with silver vines, was pinned loosely atop her head, the ends cascading over her shoulder. Around her sat her trusted women — Ridhima and Leela, their eyes sparkling with mischief — while across from her, a group of skilled women from the royal atelier prepared lengths of exquisite fabric on low tables.Swatches of fabric spilled in gentle waves: ivory muslin embroidered with gold threads, pale blush silks with silver zari, delicate organzas dyed in hues of rose, almond, and cha
The Rule LXXIX Quiet Prayer And Unborn Dreams
The golden light of early dusk filtered through the carved jharokhas, scattering intricate patterns across the marble floor. Inayat reclined gracefully against the cushioned settee, her silken robe shimmering with subtle embroidery, hair loosely braided and threaded with pearls. Aabroo sat beside her, her hand loosely folded into hers, and on the rug before them, Leela and Ridhima lounged like blooming lilies, laughter bubbling softly between them.The sound of anklets jingled as Leela stirred the contents of a small brass bowl beside her — an ointment she was making, grinding crushed herbs with steady fingers stained green. Ridhima, meanwhile, was braiding a thin garland of jasmine, the scent lifting like incense in the air.“You’re going to be Queen,” Ridhima said suddenly, teasing spark in her eye. “Just like that. One night and the heavens have shifted.”Leela chuckled. “What enchantment did you use, my lady? A glance? A touch? Or simply your silence? He was smitten like a deer ca
