Once upon a time there was an Island named Pushpadweep. The island was divided into eight big kingdoms, Chitrakila, Jambhgar, Anaika, Ambakila, Mandaara, Chimaargar, Neelasagar and Vilastha.

The kingdoms of Chitrakila, Chimaargar, and Neelsagar were under Ambakila kingdom and makes a big Empire called Vijaya.

The kingdoms of Mandaara, Jambhgar and Vilastha were under the rule of Anaika. The Empire is called Saraya.

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Ambakila, where men and women were considered equal, was located in the eastern part of the island. It was also the imperial capital of Vijaya.

The Emperor and Empress had four children, three princes and one princess.

By the book the eldest child should inherit the throne. Maitri was the eldest child so she was crowned as Crown princess of Vijaya.

From the very beginning her only objective was to be a great and benevolent ruler like her father Harshvardhan.

When she was only six years old the Emperor died due to an illness and along with him died the dream of Maitri.

After the demise of the king, the Empress, Surupa, started administering the Empire.

The title of the ‘Crown Princess’ was being coerced on the little princess and in due time it became the thing she abhorred the most.

How ironic, the title that she had liked and was proud of in the past now she doesn't even want to mention it.

It's human nature to hate the things they are being forced on.

Maitri used to be a cheerful and kind girl but now she has completely changed. She's not cheerful anymore. Her bubbly personality has seemed to be lost somewhere amidst the turmoils of the palace. Her heart of gold had turned into a stone.

These changes were come into notice when she was sixteen years old.

Before that she used to smile and laugh with her friends , but now she is very distant from them, like a stranger.

People say that the Princess and the Empress have sort out all the misunderstandings between them.

It's a lie.

The relationship between queen and the princess was not a normal mother-daughter relationship but a relationship between a puppet and its master.

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Next week is your birthday.'’ Stated the Empress.

She was wearing a ruby coloured lehenga. Her long, thick, jet-black hair was flowing on her back and on top of her head rested a golden crown that was «jaded» with many precious stones. She was jewelled from her head to toe.

A crown, forehead jewelry hangs from her hairline and rests on the forehead, nose ring, earrings, necklaces, rings on her every finger, arm band, waist band, anklets, and finally toe rings.

She doesn't look like a mother of four grown up childeren. If she stand with them she will look more like a sister.

She was sitting on her golden throne in an empty meeting hall. Many precious stons were engraved on the throne. Except of her only Crown Princess Maitri was present there.

'’You'll soon turn twenty.'’

A petite figure can be seen standing before the Empress. Her chest nut hair was reaching her hips. She was wearing a brown blouse and a dhoti and a dupatta around her torso. Her beautiful face was devoid with emotions. Her lightless dark almond eyes were staring on the ground.

Crown Princess, Maitri, nods in response.

'’I have arranged your marriage with the Crown Prince of Saraya'’

That was unexpected.

She widened her eyes and looked at the Empress.

'’Why?'’ This was the only thing that escape from her rosy lips..

The Empress' expressions changed. She tilted her head and raised her left brow.

'’Are you saying ‘No’ to me.'’

Princess averted her gaze to the other side.

'’I mean the Saraya Empire has always prioritised boys over girls. It's so different from our kingdom.'’ Reasoned Maitri.

'’Moreover, it's capital, Anaika, is the west most part of Pushpadweep, so far from Ambakila.'’

Empress's siren brown eyes were fixed on Maitri.

She listened her word and then said.

'’Ambakila and Anaika have always been in turmoil and thus the relationships between the two Empires have never been on the line.'’

Empress stopped for a while then continued.

'’so I converse this subject with the Emperor of Saraya and arranged an marriage alliance.'’

'’There are other solutions too'’ She gritted her teeths.

Empress Surupa chuckled.

'’Indeed there are, but I choose this one.'’

She showed a sly smile and crossed her legs.

Princess was irritated with this behaviour of the Empress.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath then said.

'’There are eight kingdoms in Pushpadweep. Chitrakila, Chimaargar and Neelasagar are under Ambakila and other threes are under Anaika.'’

'’So..'’ She twitched her brows.

'’Everyone knows that Emperor Daksha always had his eyes set on Chitrakila and that's the main reason for our enmity.'’ Princess said with a disdainful look.

'’The marriage alliance can end this years of enmity.'’ she said this sentence as if it's nothing.

Maitri sigh deeply.

'’What if this ‘marriage alliance’ is their plan to get ahold of Chitrakila.'’

She tries to explain.

'’What is more important for you?'’ the Empress asked.

'’Huh!'’

'’If this marriage didn't happen then the war is inevitable. Many people will lose their lives'’

It was more like a warning.

'’So is the peace and lives of your people are more important or Chitakila, Crown Princess.'’

She said in the most manipulative way possible and emphasized the word 'Crown Princess.'

Princess was silent for a while. She was in deep thoughts. She knows that the Empress surupa is no good. She is not trustworthy. She doesn't deserve the respect people gave her. How can she shake hands with our enemies and put the safety of our people on stake.

'’Queen Surupa, my father had always protected Chitrakila.'’ She stated. '’He had always put Chitrakila above to any other thing.'’

'’And if they want a war then so be it. I believe we can and we will give them a good taste of defeate'’ her voice was sweet but it hold power and confidence.

Empress's expressions turned ugly.

She knows that for Maitri the peace of her people is above all and because of that she talked about war and the after consequences. But she really underestimated her.

How can she forget that Maitri had always been a war genius. From a very young age she had been invencible like her father.

'’I know him better than you, he was my husband.'’ she said in rage.

'’Then why are you making an alliance with them? You know that father would never have agreed to it. If__'’

'’Enough!'’ She shout.

She quickly composed herself. The edges of her lips turned upward.

She stood from her throne and went near Maitri. The sound if her anklets were echoing in the wall of the empty meeting mall

'’I think you are forgetting something, princess.'’ She whispered in her ears.

Maitri widened her eyes that were red due to anger. Her dark eyes stared deep into her brown eyes. Her nerves become visible due to anger.

The queen smiled and went back to her throne and sit with full arrogant elegance.

She clenched her fist and stare deep onto the floor.

'’So, do you agree with me.'’ Surupa asked calmly.

Princess took a deep breath to calm herself. She raised her almond eyes and looked directly into her siren eyes.

'’Yes.'’ Her voice was hoarse due to anger.

'’Great!'’

She stand up from her throne and walk some steps towards Maitri. She looked at her desperate eyes that was looking on the ground and smirked at her helpless figure.

So what if she is like her father. Invincible. She is also a fool like her father who can die for those, for whome she care. This generosity is really her weakness.

She patted her shoulder and whisper in her ears.

'’Don't forget that now you are my puppet. If you ever forget it then you know the consequences, hmm..'’

This made her more livid.

She nods her head.

'’I need words.'’ She said sternly.

Princess forced herself to bring words from her heavy throat.

'’Yes.'’ She said in a husky voice.

She smirked and start leaving the meeting hall. The ear piercing sound of anklets followed her.

Maitri turned to see her disappearing figure with pure contempt.

The sound of anklets become fainter and fainter and eventually disappeared.

Crown Princess Maitri let out a scary chuckle.

'’This puppet will not be controlled for so long.'’ her rosy lips curved in a dangerous smile.

'’This puppet will break free from every control. Soon.'’

×××

The news of marriage alliance between Vijaya and Saraya spread in the whole Empire like a wildfire. The people had mixed emotions. They don't want to keep any relationships with the empire of Saraya but at the same time they don't want to go against the decision of their ‘kind-hearted’ queen who whatever does, that's always for the kingdom's well-being'.

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'’What do you think, big brother, will she agree to the marriage?'’ asked the second prince of Ambakila, Viraj.

The three princes and the youngest princess were gethered in the royal garden to enjoy the beautiful scenery. They wete sitting on a wooden bench under a big mango tree

'’How would i know?'’ Replied the eldest prince and the twin brother of Maitri, Manvik.

His brown fox like eyes were admiring the beaty of a little lily flowere that was in his hands. His jet-black hair reaches his nape. On his forehead was a headband.

Although he and Maitri are twins but they don't show any resemblance. They are very different from each other.

'’Aren't you two twins?'’ The third prince, Ankul, joined the conversation. He asked this question in a playful manner.

He was a handsome man, handsome of all her brothers. He is seventeen but his refined features make him look mature than his actual age.

His siren brown eyes were looking at his big brother. His dark hair was same length as Manvik. Strands of his hair were covering his forehead and only a white ruby of his headband was visible.

Viraj asked pondiring. ''Does that means that being twins gives you ability to read each other's mind!'' He was shocked with his non-existence discovery.

He is not as handsome as his brothers but his personality makes him loveable. He had siren brown-coloured eyes and chest nut hair of short length.

''Why i didn't know this until now?''

''Just shut up and stop using this useless brain of yours.'' Ankul said in annoyance.

The eldest brother took a deep breath.

The third prince was waiting for him to speak but when he didn't, he continued with a sigh.

'’Well, she had changed. No one knows what's on her mind or what she will do, nothing.'’ his lips showed a sad smile.

'’ofcourse, she is no more our sister Trisha but the Crown princess Maitri.'’ Prince Viraj added.

He is a little immature but sometimes his words show the aura of that a mature man.

''So you can talk like this too, it doesn't match your personality'' teased Ankul.

'’You are right.'’ Manvik said to Viraj. '’My sister Trisha was dead on the very day when Princess Maitri tried to harm Charuvati out of jealousy.'’ His fox-like eyes looked at the beautiful lily flower and in the next moment it was crushed in his hands.

His tone was engry but some residues of sadness were also visible, faintly.

Charuvati, the youngest princess, who was silently listening now joins.

Her appealing figure makes her look delicate. Her brown hair flow down to her waist. Her big doe eyes were shining and her rosy lips that parts slightly, making her look alluring.

'’But she was trying to save me__'’ Her voice was soft and delicate.

'’Enough Charuvati.'’ Manvik stopped her in middle sentence.

'’You don't have to explain for her. You are very simple minded so you don't understand her schemes.'’

He closed his eyes and massaged the area between his eyebrows to calm himself down.

He sigh lightly.

'’Don't you remember what Mother had said, she was jelouse of you the day we adopted you and always wanted to hurt you and that's why Mother never allowed us to let you meet her or even talk about her. You know, right?'’

'’I remember every word but that day in the garden her intensions were to protect me. When we were falling she had put her hands under my head to save my head from that sharp rock.'’

she pointed at the rock.

It's still a surpise that this rock is still there.

'’She even got injury on her hand.'’

her voice was low almost like a whisper.

Her eyes lowered in guilt.

Although her mother had said that she was trying to hurt her and her injury is entirely her fault.

But she just can't accept that.

Even though she was too young back then, she still remember that incident like that happened just yesyerday.

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Maitri was only seven then and she was four. She was alone in the garden when Maitri approached her from behind. She was startled with her sudden approach.

That time she didn't even know that she also had an elder sister!

Maitri grinned at her and introduced herself as her elder sister. She was also introducing herself when she got scared of a rabbit that jumped at her from behind.

She was falling. Her eyes was closed. But Maitri was was fast enough to catch but wasn't strong enough to hold she also got the pull and fall with her.

Her hand was on the back of her head to prevent her head from any fetal injury but she got injured instead.

The Empress and the princes just came at time but they only helped their new younger sister completely ignoring the elder sister.

Maitri's hand was bleeding.

When she said evryone that Princess Maitri had saved her the queen's manipulative words make them believe that this was just an illusion and she in real had just wanted to hurt her.

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'’But if she had wanted to hurt me then why she save me and got hurt instead?

Why?'’

Charuvati always repeat this thought in her mind whenever she saw her.

After that incident she had never saw her smile that happily in the palace only a fake smile. She was always with her friends outside, barely in the palace.

Maitri never talked to any of her siblings again.

No one knows if that incident is reason or something else that they didn't know.

Charuvati was snapped back by the voice of her elder brother.

'’Her intentions were never to save you.'’ he said with disdain and left from the secene.

Ankul, the third prince, sigh.

'’I agree with big brother. She was, she is and will always be same. Heartless and affectionless. Always jealous of others happiness.'’

With that he also left.

'’She is really so bad. I don't know why is she my sister.'’

The second prince looked at Charuvati and give her a warm smile and left.

Charuvati sighs and took some steps to get closer to a plant of jasmine flower. Her white lehenga was hiding the anklets that were singing with her every step.

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Beside the four siblings someone else was also present there, listening to every word of there conversation.

'’These fools. They still folow that woman blindly. I really pity them.'’

Said the crown princess with fake concern and a smirk, then left.

Maitri was going to the garden for some fresh air to ease her bothered mind but unexpectedly she ran into those fools.

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The crown princess of Vijaya was all ready to set off on her journey to Saraya. Her attendent, Chanda with some other maids and general Bhumaya with few hundred soldiers were to accompany her on this journey.

As she has expected, from the royal family only Empress was present there to see her off.

She looked at Maitri with victorious gaze and a mocking smile.

She sat in her carriage and start her journey. Chanda along with other maids was walking beside the princess’ carriage and the some of the soldiers were following from the behind while some were guiding the way from the front.

Some carts, carring essential necessities, were ahead of her carriage and some were behind her.

Some soldiers were on horses while some were walking and sometimes running to keep the pace with princess’ carriage.

General who was behind the carriage speed up his black horse to walk along it and then in front of it.

He was in his guards for any danger from any side.

General bhumaya is a middle-aged looking man. He had start serving his land from a very young age. He is the second master of Maitri after her father.

××××

Now they were very far away from the royal palace. They were passing by the woods.

'’Stop the carriage.'’ The princess commanded and the carriage stopped.

Commander came near the carriage to know what's going on.

'’What happened, your royal highness, everything's okey.'’ Asked Bhumaya.

'’I am not feeling well and want to take a stroll.'’ Her voice was commanding.

'’As you wish.'’

'’I want to go alone.'’

He hesitate for a while. It was the matter of the safety of the crown princess but he still agreed.

'’Alright, crown princess, as you want.'’ He was a little reluctant.

He knows that the princess is cabable and can save herself but still….

She stepped down the carriage and make her way toward the forest.

When realised that now she is far away from the royal entourage she sat down under a big mango tree. She then picks up a small and not so thin stick and starts drawing something on soil.

While drawing a memory of the past hit her.

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She was six. Just the day after her father, the king Harshvardhan died.

In a big corridor she approached her twin brother.

'’Brother, i want to tell you something.'’ Her voice was shaky, maybe because she was rattled.

'’Yes, I am all ears.'’ Replied Manvik.

'’That i want to tell…'’ she seemed to unable to find words.

'’Why are you so nervous just say it.'’

'’Do you trust me?'’

'’What type of question is this? Of Course i do.'’

She took a deep breath and said.

'’Yesterday morning, in the royal kitchen i saw mother's attendant mix something in father's medicine.'’ she was stuttering.

'’That might be some kind of medicine.'’ he replied.

'’But I also heard my mother talking to her. She said that it's the last dose and after he take it he will be permanently eliminated from their way.'’ this time she was confident.

'’I didn't expected this from you.'’ His expressions turned dark.

'’What do you mean?'’ Her voice was husky with a heavy throat.

'’Mother had told me everything.'’

She twitched her brows in confusion.

'’Just because she scolded you, you are slandering her with such ridiculous lies.'’

Scold, Slandering, Ridiculous lies.

He doesn't believe me. He was just testing. How can he do this?

'’Manvik, that woman is manipulating you, why can't you understand? Why don't you trust me?'’ She was weeping hard.

'’Stop it Maitri, you are just six but still you are so scheming.'’

'’How am I scheming? I am telling the truth, That woman had killed our father.'’

'’What that woman, she is our mother and she didn't kill our father. Stop with this lie.'’ he yelled at her.

'’She is not my mother anymore. Just because of her lies you are yelling at me and you…'’ she was a crying mess.

She took a breath and continued.

'’You called me Maitri not Trisha.'’ She said with her unsettled heart.

'’Yes because Trisha is my that sister, who is very kindhearted and simpleminded not like Maitri who's head is full of tricks.'’

She was on the verge of breakdown.

'’Our father had died just yesterday and today you are messing around with your lies. Don't you have any shame?'’

With these hurtfull words he left leaving Maitri completely in despair.

'’He said he trust me and i believed. I was a fool.'’

she sat on a corner while weeping. She was in the flood of tears. The little princess' tiny heart wasn't ready for this.

Firstly her father and now her dearest brother.

'’I will avenge you, father. '’

'’I will expose your true colour, my father's killer.'’

Her mind was full of disdain thoughts.

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A gentle breeze brings her back to reality.

With the same vengeance she looked at the masterpiece she had drawn.

A woman in a simple yet beautiful attire giving a laddu to a little girl.

It's normal.

But what wasn't normal was her head of snake curled in C-shape and just few inches above the girls head. The snake's enormous mouth was wide open, ready to devour the girl in any moment.

She then sigh heavily and erase the drawing.

'’Time to leave.'’

She went back to the royal Entourage and sit inside the carriage.

The journey continued.

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Six days passed.

Today was the day when Maitri was born.

It was the twenty-seventh day of sixth month.

She used to be waiting for her birthdays for months so that she can get so many presents.

The most lavish present for her was her father's gift. He used to give her paitings, one on every birthday for six years then he died, was murdered, as she says.

He used to say that she will understand the hidden meaning once she grew up.

''I have turned twenty today. Am i still haven't grown up yet.''

She was in her thoughts when someone slide the crimson curtain of her carriage window. It was Chanda, her attendant.

'’Greetings, princess.'’

She nods her head.

'’Many many returns of the day, my lady.'’

Chanda never forgets to wish her. Her cheerful nature and bubbly personality reminds her of her own past.

How she used to be.

With a straight face, the princess replied.

'’Okey.'’

She was expecting a thank you with a smile. Well nevermind. Years changed but her answer is still same.

With mixed emotions she loosened the grip on curtains allowing them to flow down, again.

The last birthday she had celebrated was four years ago, her sixteenth birthday.

Since then she stopped celebrating it.

No one even bothered to wish her except Chanda and….

Ofcourse everyone was busy, celebrating her twin's birth anniversary.

She can imagine how the palace would be dazzling today. The flashy decoration that always pierce her eyes.

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In the Imperial Palace of Anaika, the imperial members were hustling here and there.

The whole palace was decorated as a bride.

''Happy, happy birthday, my dear brother.'' Chaaruvati wished Manvik.

''Thank you, my dear sister.'' he embraced his little sister.

All the members of family were present in his room.

The Empress was holding a puja ki thali.

''Okay, okay now move aside let me do my work.

Chaaruvati steps aside.

Empress start doing Artie. After that she put vermilion on his forehead between his brows.

''May you live a long, long life and always be this happy.'' Empress handed the puja ki thali to a maid and embrace Manvik in a lovely hug.

''Happy birthday big brother.'' second and third prince said in unison.

The imperial family was very happy. Someone wouldn't even notice that a family member is not present.

The whole Anaika was celebrating their prince's birthday. But they were more enthusiastic for their Crown Princess' birthday.

So what if her family members doesn't care about her. She don't care, she had many more people who care for her and admire her, who love her.

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'’Everyone stop and set up the camps.'’

Commander ordered

'’We will rest for an hour here.'’

Caravan was stopped.

The soldiers were resting after eating.

Princess was sitting under a tree seperate from others.

Her attendent, Chanda was continuesly trying to talk to her but she remained silent, completly ingnoring her.

Commander approached the princess.

'’Greeting, crown princess.'’ He bowed in greeting.

She nods.

Bhumaya looked at Chanda indicating her to leave.

She was slow-witted but quickle understand.

'’Give me permission, your grace.'’

She courtesies and then left quickly.

Maitri moved her gaze in the direction of the Commander.

'’Crown princess, i would dare to ask…'’ his voice was hesistant.

'’I know what you want to ask.'’

She averted her gaze to other direction.

'’I will handle it, don't worry.'’

her eyes met with his and smiled warmly.

The smile that only a few lucky people can get.

He sigh inwardly and looked into another direction.

'’Alright then, if you say so..'’ With that he left.

Commander Bhumaya was the only one now whome Maitri can relay on and trust. He was like a shadow of father above her.

Commander Bhumaya, once, when the former Emperor was still alive took an oath to always be loyal to the throne, to show his loyalty. But now this loyalty oath has backfired.

He also knows the Empress' true color but due to his oath he can't do anything except for protecting and supporting the crown princess.

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