CROWN OF HEARTS...

Intro+ Ch:-1

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...