The training grounds of Panchavat bustled with disciplined activity as warriors, mages, and soldiers from both Swarnartha and Navnayana assembled.
On one side stood Siraj, accompanied by the elite warrior mages of Navnayana.
On the other stood Yug, leading the Imperial Army of Swarnartha.
Waiting for them was Srijan, the current ruler of Panchavat. He stepped forward with a welcoming smile and inclined his head respectfully.
"Welcome to Panchavat."
"The King of Swarnartha is already waiting for you at the training grounds."
Without another word, everyone followed him.
At the center of the vast grounds stood Kshiraj.
Behind him stood rows upon rows of disciplined imperial soldiers, their banners swaying gently in the wind.
As Siraj approached, the two men locked eyes from a distance.
Neither smiled.
Neither looked away.
For a brief moment, the noise of the training grounds seemed to disappear.
Yug and Srijan exchanged formal greetings before stepping aside, leaving the two future rulers facing one another.
"May I ask... how have you been?" Siraj asked.
The question sounded formal.
But his wandering eyes betrayed his true concern.
They searched every corner of the grounds...
Looking only for one person.
Hrituraj noticed.
"We have been well," he answered calmly.
Siraj's eyes finally settled on him.
"Where is my sister?"
"I wish to meet her."
Kshiraj nodded.
"She is inside the palace."
"She may be resting."
"I'll take you to her chambers."
The walk through the palace was silent.
Neither spoke.
The quiet between them carried more weight than words.
Their footsteps echoed softly through the marble corridors.
Halfway through the lobby, both men stopped instinctively.
They stood shoulder to shoulder.
Neither looked at the other.
Their gazes remained fixed upon the long hallway ahead.
Finally...
Siraj broke the silence.
"We never wanted this marriage."
There was a little anger in his voice. But was disagreement more.
Only honesty.
"We opposed it from the beginning."
Kshiraj remained silent for several moments before replying.
"...Neither did we."
His voice was calm.
"We never expected it either."
After another pause, he slowly folded his hands.
Turning slightly toward Siraj, he bowed.
"As the next Samrat of Swarnartha..."
"I ask for your forgiveness."
"It was my responsibility."
After speaking, he straightened once more.
The silence returned.
Siraj watched him from the corner of his eyes.
"If you truly feel guilty..."
"...then convince her to return home with me."
Kshiraj said nothing.
His silence was answer enough.
After a while, Siraj asked quietly,
"Was she... content?"
Kshiraj thought for a moment.
"She..."
"...was normal."
Siraj frowned immediately.
"What do you mean... normal?"
His voice deepened.
For the first time, emotion slipped through his composure.
She was always calm and had a smile but maybe she missed her home beneath the smile.
Kshiraj looked at him with genuine confusion.
"Why do you ask?"
The two continued staring ahead.
Neither turned toward the other.
Siraj answered after a long pause.
"...She was the first person..."
"...to agree with the one decision our entire family opposed."
For the first time—
Kshiraj turned toward him.
His brows drew together.
"Why?"
His voice carried genuine disbelief.
"Why would she agree?"
Siraj gave a faint, bitter smile.
"I don't know."
Then he resumed walking.
"Let her decide."
"If she wishes to return..."
"...then let her return."
His voice had softened considerably.
They soon arrived outside Lavyaa's chamber.
Kshiraj knocked gently.
"Come in."
Her gentle voice answered from inside.
Hrituraj stepped aside.
"You may enter."
Siraj nodded before opening the door.
"Lavyaa..."
"My dear sister."
She was seated near the window, quietly enjoying some light refreshments.
The moment she saw him...
She immediately stood.
A bright smile spread across her face.
"Brother!"
Without hesitation, she walked toward him.
She bent respectfully and touched his feet in pranam.
Siraj quickly lifted her before she could remain bowed.
"There is no need for such formality."
"It has been far too long."
"When did you arrive?" Lavyaa asked warmly.
"Only a short while ago."
He studied her carefully.
"How have you been?"
"I've been well."
She smiled reassuringly.
"What about Mother?"
"Father?"
"And Shambhavi?"
"Are they all well?"
"They are."
Siraj smiled faintly.
"Mother has been worried every single day."
"Father..."
"...and Shambhavi were furious."
Lavyaa lowered her eyes.
"I thought they would be."
She looked back up.
"And you?"
Siraj laughed softly.
"I was worried."
"Very worried."
"But now..."
"I can finally breathe."
Lavyaa smiled.
"How did you even find me?"
"Yug explained everything."
"You'll hear the complete story during today's meeting."
"Honestly..."
"I still don't know every detail myself."
She nodded.
After a brief silence, Siraj asked,
"Did you miss home?"
Lavyaa couldn't help but laugh.
"Isn't that obvious?"
"Of course I did."
"I missed everyone."
She paused.
"But..."
"I was comfortable here."
"He took good care of me."
"I hardly had to do anything."
Siraj listened quietly.
Then he asked the question that had weighed upon him since arriving.
"...Do you want to come home?"
Lavyaa looked down.
"I..."
Before she could finish—
Siraj stepped closer.
"Come back with me."
"Everything can return to the way it was."
"I still don't understand why you agreed to this marriage."
"Who believes in prophecies..."
"...or promises left behind by the dead?"
"Mother."
"Father."
"Shambhavi."
"Everyone in Navnayana is waiting for you."
His voice became almost pleading.
"Come home."
Lavyaa looked into her brother's eyes.
Then she smiled gently.
"If I wanted to come back..."
"...I wouldn't have married in the first place."
She spoke without hesitation.
"I'm truly alright, Brother."
"My safety was the reason behind our agreement," Siraj replied.
"They almost failed."
Lavyaa shook her head.
"But they didn't."
"I am safe."
"He protected me."
Siraj sighed.
"Even so..."
"You should return."
"We can set everything right."
Lavyaa frowned.
"What exactly needs to be set right?"
Siraj hesitated.
Then he told her everything.
About Raaya.
About the hostage exchange.
About her disappearance.
By the time he finished...
Lavyaa remained silent for several moments.
Finally she spoke.
"We should never have done that."
Her voice was filled with regret.
"She wasn't an object to be exchanged."
"She is a woman."
"A princess."
"And part of the family our kingdom is now united with."
"No matter how we look at it..."
"It was wrong."
She slowly looked toward Siraj.
"Does my husband know..."
"...about Princess Raaya's disappearance?"