Dancing to Only Your Tune {Kanya of Kanyakubja}
The night market
Abha
Lock that wretch in her room, so she can learn her lesson.
Vatsala, injured from the punishment she received for speaking out of turn to the queen, was dragged by the guards to her room.
Abha was the first wife of Ida, Vatsala's father and the 12th ruler of Kanyak
As the daughter of a concubine who had captured her husband's heart, Vatsala bore the brunt of Abha's resentment.
Vatsala's traumatic childhood, scarred by years of abuse, had driven her to master the dark arts of poison and medicine, to escape the brink of death when Abha or her son Akala's cruelty pushed her to the edge.
In the kingdom ruled by her tyrannical stepbrother Akala, the enchanting Princess Vatsala of Kanyak lived a life shrouded in fear and resilience.
???
How should we help the beautiful lady here? hmmm..
the men smirked as they cornered Vatsala who had sneaked into the "Night market of Kanyak"
"Vibhavari"- the Market know for selling those substances that ruin minds of a man and blind him with pleasure of art and woman.
The streets that shine bright under red light, but walls painted with disgrace and pain.
Vatsala's heart racing, she felt trapped and helpless, her eyes fixed on the men closing in around her. Their faces, once human, now seemed like monstrous shadows, driven by a hunger that made her skin crawl. The alley, once a pathway, had become a nightmare.
He screamed.. Startled by the voice the men took their step back
Chirayu
Oh my goodness! Here you are! I've been searching everywhere for you. How could you vanish when you're up next to perform?
Desperate Gratitude
Chirayu rushed to Vatsala's side with a sense of urgency, his long strides devouring the distance between them.
As he reached her, he gently grasped her arm, his fingers wrapping warmly around her slender wrist. With a subtle yet firm tug, he pulled her close, drawing her into the safety of his presence.
As he shielded her from the lustful gazes of the men, his body angled protectively in front of hers, creating a barrier between her and the potential danger.
His broad shoulders and chest formed a formidable wall, blocking the men's prying eyes and lewd grins.
Vatsala's eyes, wide with fear and uncertainty, locked onto Chirayu's, searching for reassurance. His gaze, calm and steady, met hers, conveying a sense of safety and security.
As she felt his warmth and protection envelop her, her tense body began to relax, her breathing slowing.
Chirayu turned towards the men, a serene smile spreading across his face.
Chirayu
No, no, sir, she's a "Nartas", one of our finest courtesans
If you're interested, why not come to our stall? I guarantee it'll be worth your spend
They knew the price of a private performance with a Narta was steep, and their wallets weren't willing to take the hit.
The men, their faces twisted in disappointment and frustration, took a step back, with a collective snarl, they turned and slunk away, vanishing into the crowded market.
Chirayu
What could have driven a noblewoman like you to venture into this seedy, red-light district, where ur safety and reputation are at risk?
he said as he released his gentle grip on Vatsala's waist, his hands falling to his sides as he respectfully created some space between them.
Vatsala
Mandrake root.. I've heard that it is available for purchase in the night market
Mandrake roots were used as a soporific (sleep inducing) and pain-killing plant
Chirayu
Miss, do you intend to harm yourself?
Chirayu's concern deepened as he thought about the mandrake root's notorious properties. While it was indeed used as a painkiller, its darker reputation as a potent narcotic, emetic, sedative, and hallucinogen loomed larger. In the wrong hands, it was a poison that could easily take a life
Vatsala
Thank you so much for your help today, sir. I don't know how I can repay you. I'd be forever grateful if you could tell me where to find the stall that sells the mandrake roots.
Chirayu's expression gentled as he heard the desperation trembling beneath Vatsala's words of gratitude.
NARTAS- courtesans famed for their skills in the arts. They were professional entertainers, particularly dancers and singers, who were highly trained in the arts.
They were known for their beauty, grace, and intelligence, and could even be influential figures in society.
Treatment
???
Oh my lord! Chirayu!! customers are waiting for--
The woman's eyes widened in shock as she opened the back door of the brothel for Chirayu.
He stood before her, his gentle face a contrast to his athletic build, with Vatsala cradled in his arms.
Vatsala's arms were wrapped around his neck, and she gazed calmly at the woman.
Chirayu
The lady needs medical attention
Chirayu said firmly, brushing past the woman into the brothel.
He gently made Vatsal sit on the chair in his second-floor room, which appeared to be part of the brothel's residence.
He stepped back, making space for the curious-eyed woman who had followed him from the back door into his room.
Chirayu
The second drawer of my table has mandrake root. Give her enough to ease the pain while you stitch up her wound.
Vatsala lifted her garment, exposing the gruesome injuries on her legs. The couch muscles on both legs were torn and ragged, requiring immediate stitches.
The woman's eyes widened in horror as she took in the extent of the damage, a stark reminder of the brutal punishment Vatsala had endured that day.
Vatsala
I stopped the bleeding before coming here to purchase mandrake roots to help with the pain before stitching up
Chirayu
Fortunately I found her.
Chirayu's voice softened with a hint of sympathy as he spoke.
???
Chirayu, you should attend to the customers waiting for you in the hall. We can't risk tarnishing the brothel's reputation, can we?
Chirayu's gaze met Vatsala's for a fleeting instant, a silent understanding passing between them.
He swiftly turned and rushed down the stairs, leaving Vatsala sitting calmly behind
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