Crossing the Border; Reaching Vilastha

In the room Maitri after taking a bath was sitting by the window.

The interiors of the room were of different colours. 

All the colours Maitri had seen and even those she had never heard of.

Chitrakila is really colourful, not just walls but their lives too.

Chanda enters the room and informs her that Crown princess Samriddhi wants to meet her.

''Let her in.'' 

The crown princess of Chitrakila enters.

''Your highness.'' Samriddhi courtesies.

''It's almost dinner time. It was a long journey so you must be hungry. I would like to escort you to the dining room.''

''You don't have to be so polite Crown princess and guide the way please.'' Said Maitri with a smile. 

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In the dining room every member of the royal family was present. 

Queen, Crown princess, second princess, Aradhya and Prince, Mahaveer.

Maitri takes her seat beside the Queen. 

She moves her gaze to every person. Everyone was happy while eating with their family members. 

It's been a long time since she had a family dinner or lunch or even breakfast with her family.

She can't even think about that. 

Maids came and served the food. 

Everyone was waiting for Maitri to dig in first.

''You are the eldest here, so you should start first.'' Maitri said with full humbleness to the Queen.

''How can I....'' She was hesitant.

She is a mere Queen of a small kingdom but Maitri is the Crown Princess of the Empire. Her position is far inferior to Maitri.

''Please, I am hungry.'' She gestures at her to eat.

Queen was flustered at her words and took her first bite.

Followed by her, others also start enjoying their meal.

Whenever Maitri was in any other kingdom there usually a political conversation took place and she had expected the same here but to her surprise they were just normally talking and joking, sharing their everyday life experiences, while eating.

It's so nice here. Of all kingdoms she liked it here the most.

She remembers her last meal with her family.

The family that had cared for her.

The family that had loved her.

And

The family that had trusted her.

But, that woman destroyed everything.

She destroyed her family, her everything.

Her angry misty eyes were reflecting the need of vengeance. 

She quickly composed herself and didn't let anyone notice her emotions.

After dinner everyone greeted each other with a simple but warm good night and went to their respective rooms. 

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Maitri in her room was unable to sleep and was turning sides on her bed. Maybe because of the new place or the thoughts that were relentlessly running in her mind. After struggling with sleep for some time she jumped out of her bed and took fewer steps to reach the window. 

The sound of crickets was piercing the silence of the dark night under the inky sky that was being jeweled with the blanket of the twinkling stars. The lonely looking moon was shining at the centre minding its own business.

Who knows how many pairs of eyes are admiring its beauty at this time and it looks like all those admiring gazes and those praises had made it arrogant.

But whatever looking at its arrogant, calm and bright face is all that an unsettled heart and a grumpy brain can ask.

Maith sighed deeply and went back to sleep. 

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The next day with the first light, after saying goodbye to everyone, the journey continues.

With the rise of the moon the royal entourage had crossed the border that separates the two Empires.

The General of Vilastha was there to receive them. Vilastha is one of the three kingdoms under Anaika and the nearest to the border. From the border to Vilastha it is a two day journey and more than thirteen days to reach the imperial city, their destination. 

''We wholeheartedly welcome the 'Crown princess' of Vijaya in our Empire.'' The General welcomed them in a not-so-welcoming manner.

He said the word 'Crown princess' with a little too much force to show his disgust.

Saraya had always given priority to males. Females are just things to satisfy their lust and also for the 'so-called political marriages' to curry the favour of other powerful nobilities.

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After bearing the General for two days they finally reach the kingdom of Vilastha. The King of Vilastha, Veeranjan, had specially come to receive the Crown Princess of Vijaya. Accompanying him was the Commander of Vilastha and some soldiers.

''Welcome Crown Princess, welcome the great Commander of Vijaya and welcome everyone accompanying them, in our humble Kingdom.'' The King welcomed them with a humble smile. 

''Thank you, your majesty, for all these formalities.'' The Princess slightly curved her lips.

Her dark eyes were staring deep into his brown eyes, perhaps seeing through his thoughts.

He averted his gaze, a little nervous under her deadly stares. 

He quickly composed himself and thought in his mind. ''So what if she is looking dangerous she is just a little girl who can't be compared to the males of our Empire.'' 

After that the royal entourage was escorted to the royal palace of Vilastha.

Now she had to be carefull. She is in enemy's territory.

After entering the palace the Queen welcomed them. Beside her was the second Prince and the Princess.

Jaiva, the second prince, is the same age as Maitri. He was not bad looking. 

He sized Maitri up and down and smirked, thinking that his actions were very secretive.

Maitri noticed his actions with disgust and rolled her eyes.

She hasn't even been here a week and she's already feeling uncomfortable with these superior males of Saraya.

The Crown Princess was busy being disgusted by the dirty gaze of prince Jaiva when she felt another strange gaze.

She had always been sensitive to those gazes.

Even if someone is looking at her from a mile away, only for a few seconds her high keen sense has always done its magic.

Maitri looked around and saw that the princess of Vilastha, Jaianika, was staring at her with strange expressions. 

She is, maybe, some years younger than her. Maybe eighteen. 

She is a pretty lady. Her brown hairs were reaching her waist. She was wearing beautiful attire with jewellery.

Her beautiful grey eyes were staring at her with unreadable expressions but her rosy lips were showing an attractive smile.

Her mind was thinking something else and her face was showing something else.

This is the special ability of all women of Saraya.

To gain the favour of noblemen they have to hide their displeasure. Of Course if they show any displeasure or disapproval with men they will be considered ‘evil women’ by the so-called ‘society’.

After receiving the not-so-welcoming welcome from the royal family the Crown princess was escorted to her given chamber.

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