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3) Is Maya like her mother?

"Maya, Queen Vanshika summons you."

Queen's maid, Rukmini, stood at the balcony entrance.

Maya's thoughts scrambled.

"What task could the queen have for me?"

She descended from the balcony, her emotions in turmoil.

As she walked to the queen's chambers, Maya's mind whirled.

Would the queen finally acknowledge her?

Or was this just another menial task?

Maya entered the queen's chambers, her head bowed.

"Mother..." she began, using the title out of habit.

Queen Vanshika's expression was stern.

"Maya, I need you to assist with the swayamvar preparations. And it's Queen for you, dont forget. You are just an attendee of this palace. Don't make connection."

Maya's heart sank.

Another task, another reminder of her inferior status.

But then, the queen's words sparked a glimmer of hope.

"Ensure the visiting kings and princes are entertained."

Maya's eyes locked onto the queen's.

"Perhaps," she mocked herself, "I am the piece of entertainment. Alright. Go and dance infront of them like a monkey."

Queen Vanshika's fairness and justice were renowned, but when it came to Maya, a deep-seated resentment simmered.

King Shantanu's infidelity had wounded Vanshika, and Maya's existence served as a constant reminder.

Despite her own strength, Vanshika struggled to overcome the hurt.

Her actions toward Maya were guided by a mix of anger and pain.

Maya's inferior treatment was a reflection of Vanshika's unresolved emotions.

Vanshika's voice was firm as she instructed Maya.

"Ensure the guests are entertained, but do not overstep your boundaries. Don't try to allure those kings like your runaway mother did with my husband. "

Maya's eyes dropped, her heart stinging.

"YES, Queen," she replied, using the title with a tinge of bitterness.

Vanshika's gaze lingered on Maya, her expression unreadable.

For a moment, guilt flickered within her.

Was she being unfair to Maya?

But the memory of Shantanu's betrayal rekindled her resentment.

Maya departed, leaving Vanshika lost in thought.

Suhasini entered, sensing her mother's turmoil.

"Mother, what troubles you?"

Vanshika's mask of composure slipped.

"Maya... she's a reminder of your father's deceit."

Suhasini's expression softened.

"Mother, Maya's innocent. She didn't choose her birth."

Vanshika's eyes filled with tears.

"I know, beta. But forgiveness doesn't come easily."

Vanshika's voice took on a serious tone.

"Suhasini, remember, men are prone to weakness. They'll cheat, and we must be strong enough to forgive."

Suhasini's brow furrowed.

"But, Mother, our kingdom values equality. Why should women always forgive?"

Vanshika's expression turned bitter.

"Equality is a facade, beta. Men's nature doesn't change. Our kingdom's progressiveness doesn't immune us from timeless truths."

Suhasini listened intently.

"Be cautious of Maya," Vanshika warned.

"Her jealousy and resentment simmer beneath the surface."

Suhasini's eyes widened.

"But, Mother, Maya's harmless. She's just—"

Vanshika's grip on Suhasini's hands tightened.

"Don't be fooled, beta. Maya's inherited her mother's cunning. She'll snatch everything from you."

Suhasini's thoughts whirled.

Could Maya truly be capable of such deceit?

Vanshika's voice dropped to a whisper.

"Stay away from Maya, Suhasini. Protect your future, your throne."

As Suhasini nodded, a determined glint formed in her eyes.

She would heed her mother's warning.

But little did she know, Maya's eyes watched from the shadows.

Listening, calculating.

.....

'Don't be fooled, beta. Maya's inherited her mother's cunning. She'll snatch everything from you' The word of Queen echoed in Maya's ear. Could it be possible that she could steal her part of happiness.

'No, no, no Maya. Your name is Maya but you aren't any Maya that you will think such bad for your own sister who is so kind for you.'

Maya's thoughts whirled as she gazed up at stranger when she collided again.

Huff. It's a daily ritual that she crash with some man. And as soon as she saw in his eyes, his piercing black eyes locked onto hers.

She put her hand on her chest, she couldn't hear her own breath. Was he her dream prince, flesh and blood.

As she stumbled, his strong hands grasped her bare waist.

Maya's dupatta slipped, exposing her shoulders.

She felt a flutter in her chest.

No man had ever touched her so intimately.

The stranger's , no, not stranger but the king she escorted previous day, warm fingers sent shivers down her spine.

"Steady?" he asked, his deep voice sending tremors.

Maya's cheeks flushed.

His gaze held hers, and for a moment, time stood still.

"Y-yes," she stuttered.

As he steadied her, Maya's thoughts reeled.

Why was she colliding and having such intense encounter with King AdityaRaj.  It's wrong. Her own sister Suhasini was dreaming about him for marriage. How could she be allure by the kings.

Yes. Yes. He was a King. A handsome and young King. Any girl could fall for him and she is just a mere servant of this palace. She could have a mere crush. Every maid of the palace had a crush on her step brother Kartik. It doesn't mean Prince Kartik will marry them.

'Yes. It is just a mere crush. Be in your limits Maya. Don't fall in the Maya. You can't snatch your sister happiness like your mother snatch Queen happiness. You are not a home breaker. Okie.'
And why did his touch make her feel alive?

Her thoughts broke when she heard
"By the gods, you're breathtaking,"
Her cheeks ignited.

No man had ever spoken to her with such candor. But Maya be alert. Don't fall for him. He isn't for you.

"Y-you're too kind, Prince AdityaRaj," she stammered.

AdityaRaj's gaze lingered, making Maya's heart race.

"Why aren't you the one whose swayamvar I am attending?" he teased.

Maya's eyes dropped.

"I-I'm not... eligible," she murmured.

AdityaRaj's chuckle sent shivers down her spine.

"I think you're more than eligible," he whispered.

Maya's face burned.

She grabbed her dupatta and hastily covered herself.

"King, I-I need to go," she stammered.

AdityaRaj's smile hinted at mischief.

"Until later, Princess."

Maya fled, her breath heavy.

No man had ever affected her thus.

Could he be her dream king?

Reality struck, dousing her fantasies.

He's here for Suhasini. That's the truth.

...

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