Once upon a time, amidst the golden hills & sapphire rivers of the magnificent kingdom of Chandrapur, there lived a princess unlike any other-- Princess Kanika. Her beauty was the subject of ballads sung across all seven states, but it was her spirit that truly set her apart. She was kind, fierce & fearless, carrying a confidence so radiant that even seasoned warriors paused in awe. She rode like the wind, spoke like a diplomat, and held her sword like destiny itself had placed it in her hand. She was the only child of King Adityaveer Singh, the revered ruler of Chandrapur-- a man as noble in love as he was in war. Known across the lands for his wisdom & unmatched sense of justice, Adityaveer's heart, however, belonged to only one woman-- his late queen, Queen Ridhima. Their love was the kind that legends date not attempt to exaggerate. But fate, cruel & unrelenting, tore her away too soon. She left the world the moment she gave life to Kanika. Years passed, but King Adityaveer never looked upon another woman with affection. In his eyes, Queen Ridhima lived on in their daughter-- her. Smile, her Grace, her stubbornness. He raised Kanika with both the strength of a warrior & the tenderness of a poet, never allowing her to feel the absence of a mother. Yet, as time flowed on, the weight of the crown pressed heavier on his aging shoulders. He knew that to preserve the future of Chandrapur, the kingdom needed a second heir--someone who could one day stand beside Kanika, not just in battle, but in legacy.

And so, he made a decision--not of necessity, but of love.

He would not remarry.

Instead, he would adopt a boy--not just any child, but one chosen with care & foresight. A boy who would be raised not as a servant to the crown, but as a son of it. A protector to Kanika, a brother by bond, & perhaps, the one who would one day carry forward the legacy of Chandrapur with the same fire that once burned in Queen Ridhima's heart

The golden sun filtered through tall canopies of ancient trees, casting a gentle glow upon the forest floor. Birds chirped melodious tunes, & the soft rustling of leaves created a lullaby that calmed every soul that wandered here.

Princess Kanika sat beneath a Banyan tree, her fingers gentle brushing the velvety ears of a white rabbit curled peacefully in her lap. Around her, the air was fragrant with the scent of jasmine & wild roses. She smiled to herself, eyes closed, as a butterfly danced near her nose.

"Isn't it perfect, Maya?" she whispered.

Maya, her maid & best friend, sat beside her, braiding a flower crown. "It is, my princess. No palace garden could ever match this magic."

Before Maya could respond, hurried footsteps approached. "Your Highness!" a guard called, breathless.

Maya stood, startled. "What is it?"

"There are reports--some thieves were spotted near the southern ridge of the jungle", the guard said, bowing. "It may not be safe to linger".

Maya quickly turned to Kanika, concerned. "We should go, Kanika. Just for now. Let's return later."

Kanika nodded reluctantly, stroking the rabbit's soft fur one last time. "Alright, little one. I'll bring you sweet leaves tomorrow ".

But in the very next heartbeat-- whoosh.

A sharp silver blade pierced through the still air.

The rabbit in Kanika's arms shuddered...and fell limp.

Blood stained her fingers.

Maya screamed in horror, stumbling back...

Kanika's body froze for a moment, but her expression remained calm—her grip still cradling the now lifeless creature.

From behind the trees came a familiar voice, dripping with amusement.

"Well, that's one less rabbit to steal your attention, sister."

Aarav stepped into view, a confident smirk on his face & his sword lazily resting on his shoulder.

"God, the look on your faces! Maya nearly turned into a ghost", he laughed.

Kanika's eyes turned to steal. She gently laid the rabbit down on the grass, then stood—every inch a princess.

"Aarav", She said sharply.

The laughter died in his throat.

"I told you once. I don't care how skilled you are with a sword—you are not to harm innocent creatures of the wild"

He shrugged, trying to play it off. "It's just a rabbit. I was practicing."

Kanika stepped closer, voice low but firm. "You're going to be a king one day. A crown doesn't make a man noble—his choices do. If your sword is meant to protect, don't let it became a weapon of pride."

Aarav's jaw clenched.

She continued, softer now. "I brought you here to show you peace, Aarav. To teach you what our father believes—that strength without compassion is destruction."

He looked away, guilty flickering briefly in his eyes. "I... didn't mean to upset you."

Kanika turned & knelt by the rabbit once more, whispering a silent apology.

"You didn't upset me," she said quietly.

"You disappointed me."

The forest fell quite. Even the wind skilled, as if listening.

Maya stood beside her, her hand on Kanika's shoulder. "Let's bury it, princess."

As they began to dig a small grave, Aarav remained frozen—sword still in hand, but a war now raging inside his heart.

A soft rustling broke the heavy silence. Birds scattered from the trees as if warning of something approaching. Kanika's eyes lifted.

"Aarav," She said firmly. "Take the guards & circle the area. I sence we're not alone."

He hesitated. "You think it's the thieves?"

Kanika nodded. "If they're bold enough to enter Chandrapur's forests, they won't stop at stealing herbs."

She turned to Maya. "We must return. Father's condition won't wait."

Without another word, she mounted the chariot with Maya. Aarav now serious, took the other path with guards, eyes scanning for movement in the trees.

(Inside the moving chariot)

The wheels creaked softly as the chariot moved through the dense path. Kanika leaned against the side, looking out as sunbeams flickered through the canopy above.

Maya broke the silence. "My princess... why did you come yourself to fetch the herbs? Couldn't someone else have gone? You left the king alone when he's already unwell."

Kanika sighed, folding her hands in her lap. "If I had sent Aarav, the herbs would still be resting in the healer's basket by now."

Maya blinked. "But he cares—"

"Yes," Kanika cut in softly, "but his mind is scattered. He's brave, Maya, but not yet responsible. He doesn't remember details. And this herb was crucial. I couldn't risk it... not with Father's fever rising."

Maya gave a small smile. "You're more like the king than you think."

Kanika returned a faint one. "I only wish I could heal him the way he's healed this kingdom."

Just then, a violent jolt rocked the chariot.

The horses neighed loudly & reared. The wheels skidded slightly in the dirt.

The chariot has stopped.

Kanika straightened. "What happened?"

Maya peeked out the flap cautiously. "I'll check. Stay inside."

"Maya—"

"I'll just see what's wrong. It's probably a stone or a broken wheel."

Reluctantly, Kanika nodded. "Be careful."

Maya stepped down & approached the front. Her breath caught in her throat.

The reins lay dangling.

The driver was slumped forward on the seat, unmoving.

Blood...

"Maharani's mercy..." She whispered, eyes wide. "He's—he's dead."