Princess Nandini's POV

WHOOSH~

The dagger pierced the tree and stuck there. I threw another and like that few daggers stuck on the skin of the tree. I don't have a way to vent my anger. This is so frustrating. The earlier conversation in the hall flashed in my mind. Those witches.... I couldn't help but clench my fist.

"Yesterday was the most terrific day. The happy ceremony suddenly turned into deadly one. I never expected such turning situation" Queen Mrinal uttered with a sad look. "But I am glad at the end the situation was handled and no one was badly injured"

"It was pre made plan. They were targeting Gurnoor and they would have succeeded in their plan of Nandini didn't jump in middle" King Heman sighed. He turned to father who was slightly frowning, "Omkar, I didn't knew you even trained your daughter to be the perfect fighter. Your mindset is really impressive"

Father coughed slightly, "actually, I didn't" he said honestly. "Even I myself didn't knew about her this skill. I guess she did it by herself" he turned to look at me.

"Princess Nandini it's really appreciated that you learnt such moves and saved Gurnoor's life twice. I don't know how to show my gratitude" King Heman smiled.

"Your majesty, please don't say such thing. As for saving Gurnoor it's nothing but a humanity. She is like a sister to me, and I couldn't stand and watch her fell in trouble when I can help her out" I replied.

Suddenly King Heman laughed, "Omkar, you really know to give birth to such a priceless daughter. Her contribution to the Minnagara will always known by everyone"

Father smiled with a nod. He looked proud as he looked at King Hemang. After the incident he didn't try to ask me anything which I am glad. I don't have any explanation right now and I wanted to stay away from the inquires.

"Princess Nandini, Gurnoor is closed to you. That girl always stayed away from others. Other than her brother and few friends she always disliked to get close to strangers. But with you, she behaves like a child. I was surprised to see her changed behaviour but then I am glad she is close to you. There's so many things she needed to learn and with you around, it will be easier for her" Queen Mrinal smiled at me.

"Your highness, you have praised me highly. I am just an ordinary girl like her" I replied.

"You are generous my dear and such attitude is really charming" I just smiled at her without any reply.

"Elder sister is always like this" suddenly I heard Soma's voice. I turned to look at her. She was smiling at me. "Elder sister, yesterday you were so courageous and as your younger sister I really admire you. Mother has always asked me to follow your lead, and today I understand why she said as such. With your ability and skills, you can win anything you want. Just like you won Princess Gurnoor's heart. I believe if you try harder you can win other person's heart too"

Her words were directed to another way and everyone in the hall frowned at her. I know what she was trying to say. She was trying to mix me with my past attitude and display my character as a ruined one. This woman is just like her mother, vicious and too arrogant. But I am always ready for the counter attack she wants.

I smiled at her "I don't know what you mean Soma. Your words are so confusing. I saved  Gurnoor because I could. Your words are giving the indication like I have some ulterior motives. Is this what you want to say dear sister?"

Soma pursed her lips and I could see she is angry. Queen beside her let out a small chuckle, "Princess, what are you saying? Soma was just a curious and didn't mean it. She is your younger sister, how can you say such thing?"

"Your highness, it's not my intention, but what can I do when the question is raised I had to put it in light" I smiled at her. But before she could reply I continued with my words again. "I am glad she don't mean anything or else, everyone would think we are enemies"

"Let's drop this matter" father said and glanced at the Queen. It was like a silent warming.

"Please excuse me, I need some fresh air" I got up and bowed to the king and queen before walking out of the hall. 

"Princess do you need another?"

"No, it's fine" I looked at the tree which was pierced by the daggers I shot earlier.

"Shall we go back?" Hanna asked again.

"Hmm..." I looked at tree and couldn't remove my gaze from it. That Queen and her daughters are really eye piercing. I couldn't endure their presence. If we weren't in Minnagara, I would have avoided meeting them.

"Princess Nandini" I frowned when a male voice echoed in my ear. I turned around to see Prince Harish was standing at side with his hands behind his back. What is he doing here?

"Finally I have found you" he flashed a smile, "I have been looking for you"

"I have no acknowledge what kind of pleasurable things I have done for you to look for me" I said without any expression.

"You shouldn't say such thing Princess Nandini" he shook his head. "your action yesterday was really appreciated. I never had any idea you could use weapon effortlessly"

It sounds more like he is pleased with my action. But that was not the result I wanted.

"There are things that you don't know about me your highness, so please don't get surprised by it. I have things to do. If you please excuse me" I smiled and turned around to leave.

"You learned weapon for me?" His question stopped me suddenly. What did he say? I turned around to look at him. There was a smile on his face.

"What?" I frowned.

"You learnt it for me didn't you?" He stepped closer. He looked at me right into the eyes as he continued, "I never imagined your admiration will be this high. You even went on learning such skill which other princess are scared of. Why didn't you mentioned it before?" At the end he frowned.

If it was before, I would have overjoyed because he finally took the attention I needed from him. Yes, it is true, I learnt this skill for him. To impress him and to make him like me. But he never gave the chance to express it. He always went on throwing the cold shoulder and moved on refusing to have any conversation. Now thinking about it, I feel my heart being cold as ice.

I smiled at him, "Prince Harish why do you always put such idea that whatever I do will always be for you? Have you set your mind to think I will lose all my sanity and will run after you all the time? How and why I learnt such skill, I don't find it any need to give anyone am explanation. It's my personal thing and no one has the right to question me. But since you have asked me, I will answer you. No, I didn't learnt it to impress you but I learnt it for myself. I hope this is enough"

He frowned, "you have changed, before you wouldn't use such words to speak. Why are you being like this? Is it because I turned you down on the engagement day?"

"I should be thankful towards you. If you hadn't shown me my place that night, how would I find myself after that?" I smiled at him. "I haven't changed, it's just my perspective which I found for myself"

Prince Harish let out a sigh, "I am aware you are hurt by the sudden engagement between me and Princess Shaila. But that was not something I could change. Princess Shaila is honourable and understanding. She is trained to be the next queen and she knows how to handle royal politics and could advise me when it's needed. This engagement was the plan for the future of Lothal. And as a Prince of Lothal, I had to aggree to it"

"Prince Harish, I don't find there's any need for you to give such explanation. Whatever we had was the past and I think it would be better to let it go and forget so that we can live in present and build the new future. You are now Princes Shaila's fiance, and has responsibilities towards her. You need to take care on that side. I don't need you nor your help for anything" I told him.

"What did you say? Let the past go and move on?" He frowned.

I nodded, "yes, it would be better for us. And also Prince Harish shouldn't come to talk to me like this. If Princess Shaila sees us, she would misunderstand our conversation to something else. My reputation had already been tainted, and I don't want to make it darker with another title. So please refrain yourself in the future. It s late, I should return" I said and turned around leaving him there.

"Princess why does Prince Harish always comes after you like this? He looked like Hale has some motives in his heart" Hanna said once we are in the room.

"He think he has seen something which pleasured his heart so he could take any chance"

"Huh?" Hana tilted her head looking confused. Her expression was so adorable.

I laughed, "you don't have to think too much. Now go and prepare my bath water. I want to relax my body"

"Ah...yes" she immediately went away.

I looked at the book on the bed and picked it up. As I opened it I saw a maid walked in holding something in her hand.

"Your highness" she bowed.

"What happened?" I frowned at her.

"Your highness, this is a gift for you" she forwarded a box towards me.

I glanced at the box then to her, "since you brought it, I would like to know the name who sent it. I couldn't accept anything without any knowledge of the intention" 

"Princess there's a letter in the box which will give you answers. I was not asked to reply and only to ensure to deliver this in the right hand. Please don't make it hard for me, please accept it" she almost pleased.

Who could it be? Frowning I got up and took the box from her. She bowed and left hurriedly. I checked the box, and it was made from wood but there was flowers crafted in it beautifully with a golden pattern. I walk towards the bed and sat down before placing the box on the bed. There's no one I am close with except Gurnoor. But why will she sent this? She could have just come. Looking at the box my hands were itching to open it. After few more moments I couldn't endure the curiousity and opened the lid only to gasp.

There was a beautiful golden dagger. The crafting on the dagger looks so beautiful. I took the dagger out and opened its lid. The shining silver tip glared at me. My lips hooked up as I looked at the beautiful figure. There was also a golden design on the silver surface. I touched the dagger and felt it's smooth texture. It's really beautiful. I covered the dagger with lid again and looked at the box. There was a small red scroll placed at the corner. I picked it up and opened it.

Appreciated

I stared at the word blankly. What does this mean? There was only one word written on the paper. That maid said my answer will be given in the latter but this was not what I was expecting at all. I put the scroll down and touched the dagger again. Even though it wasn't named bt so could take a wild guess. It's only him who would write this kind of gift.

Later after the lunch meal I went to the garden area to walk around. I don't like sitting after eating.

"Princess, the queen looked happy today. Isn't it too weird?" Hanna asked.

"She must be thinking something which will put her in top pride"

"Huh? What could it be?"

I glanced at her, "why are you asking to me,? I don't live in her mind, how would I know what she was thinking?_

"I was just Litt curious"

"She is just-"

"Princess Nandini" I turned to look at the third person who decided to enter into the conversation.

"Princess Shaila?" I frowned.

She walked to me with an unreadable expression, "I am glad I could meet you here"

"You were looking for me?" I asked her.

"Maybe" she sighed, "I have heard many things about you and at first I couldn't believe it. Though I still don't believe such rumours but when things happens infront of eyes, it's hard not to notice it. I always believe in my eyes and this is the reason I found it is needed for us to have this conversation"

I couldn't understand her words. What is she talking about?

"Princess Shaila please enlighten me with the reason, I believe I couldn't understand your words clearly"

"Princess Nandini, you are smart and understanding. I guess you will understand my words. I know you and Prince Harish has known each other for years before he engaged to me. I am not against your friendship term but you need to remember that he is now an engaged man. And we are going to marry soon as decided by the elders. So if you have any motive or intention please remove it. As a girl you also know that sharing husband is out of discussion. I don't want you to go after him like you used to. I would be glad if you understand this point" she said.

"If that's what you are fearing then I can assure you Princess Shaila. I have no intention towards your future husband nor I have any desire to have him. Since you have gotten the idea of the past, then let me tell you, Prince Harish was the one who rejected me harshly and got engaged to you though I pleaded him not to. He told me you are the perfect choice of bride for him and Lothal ego can manage the title and the people well. He even said I have nothing like you, so with such words he already determined your position in his life. You really don't have to worry about him choosing me because that point is out of date"

I can see her expression relaxed a little, "if that the case then I am assured. But I still want you to stay away from him. If you two are seen publically most of the time, other people would think of some else. I don't want his reputation to be tainted with you. I hope you understand me well"

"Tainted with me?" I chuckled, "Princess Shaila your words are really hilarious. You presented the situation as I am curse who would go anywhere tainting everyone? And you wanted your future husband to be clean"

"You have taken my words wrongly. I have seen you two in the garden before talking so closely and it would seem intimate which is why I wanted to say-"

"I know well what you wanted to say. As I said I have no interest in your husband which mean I don't like him. If you are so scared of losing him then why don't you tie him with you, so that he will always stick to you whenever you go. My patience are running out with you and your Prince Harish. To control your fear, suggest him not to come to me at all, I have no desire to see his face. But this way you and me could love peacefully. Since your are marrying him it's your duty to give him better suggestions isn't it?" I smiled and turned around leaving her there.

This Shaila and Harish are seriously a headache. I guess I need to leave Minnagara soon or I will become crazy because of these people around me.

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! Happy Tuesday !

What do you think about the latter? 😂

Hmm.... Who sent such weird latter? 🤔