Recap :- " Maa , whatever we did , it was for you.  Besides a year ago you were the one who was complaining about me for not finding my bride ." He said. 

" That was an year ago ." She said with some hurt flashing in her eyes.  I knew what she was talking about.  Its been a year since princess Maya's died . But I am guessing that she does not know what happened to her daughter.  She is just like the maids  who are oblivious to what happened . Otherwise her eyes would be spitting with hate towards me the second she saw me .

Suddenly a guard came into announce Samrat Ashok's Arrival to the chambers.  He came in and greeted his mother and His brother. 
" What are you doing here Ashok ?" She asked him .
"I came to Meet you andbhratashree ."
" What is it ?"
" Maa , AacharyaRadhagupta said he wanted to meet all the members of the family right now.  He had a some vision of our kingdom being in danger ." He said and I could see  Rajmata's body being tensed . 
" Then let's go . Sushim be at the throne room with your wife ." She said looking at me and Sushim. 
" Ashok , where is your wife ?" She asked looking at him. 
He was silent for a while and said ," she is in her chambers ."
" Then inform  Her also to be there at the throne room.  She is part of the family too.  Also inform Sulekha and chitra ." With that she was out of the door.  Samrat also followed her.  I liked her.  She said kaurwaki was part of the family too.  I smiled. 
" If you are done smiling can we go ?" My husband's voice interrupt my thoughts.  I blessed and nodded at him.  He lead the way . I followed him close behind......

Kaurwaki pov ......
I was not sleepy at all.  Sleep never came to me for no reason maybe shouldn't have slept during afternoon . Suddenly the door opened and a silhouette of a man entered . The room was not lit so I couldn't see who it was , I stood up alert.  This was probably someone who is here to attacks me . I quickly started looking around in the dark to find something to defend myself from the intruder . My gaze fell on the frait basket.  There was a small knife.  This would do . I quickly grabbed it . In no time he was in front of me and I lunged the knife forward as an attempt to stab the man but he anticipated my move . He grabbed my hand and turned me around.  My back hit his chest and he held the knife near my neck.  I could feel his hot breath near my neck . His hand wrapped around my bare waist and a gasp left my mouth at his touch . His touch sent shivers to my body. 
" Who are you ?" I whispered as his sensual touch was effecting me .
" It's been only a few hours and you already forget me . " He whispered back in my years.  I showered.  The voice belonged to none other than my husband. 
" Let go me ." I said wiggling out of his hold.  He let me go and moved as far as I can from him.  Turned around to face him.  He was lighting the candle in the room as it was dark .
" I was told that you will not be coming tonight ." I said in confused 
" I was and uam . I came here to call you.  Get ready.  You are wanted in the throne room ."
" Why ?" I asked. 
" I said get ready . No questions ." Re roared at me and I shuddered back.  I quickly nodded my head feeling scared.  I went to the mirror and braided my messy hair to one side and adjusted my shawl properly.  I turned around and he gave me a weird I look .
" Let's go ." He announced and I followed him .
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We entered the throne room and some familiar as well as unfamiliar faces were present there.  I went to Ahankara's side . She smiled seeing me.  Two people from the opposite side were glaring at me.  They were none other than Rani sulekha and Rajkumari chitra . Rajkumar Sushim stood beside Ahankara . My husband went and stood next to a woman in her forties . This must be Rajmata Dharma mother of my husband .
" What happening here ?" I asked Ahankara. 
She shook her head indicating she doesn't know.  Suddenly Aacharya Radhagupta entered.  We all greeted him. 
" Pranam Aacharya . Ashok  told me you wanted our presence here ." 
Rajmata asked .
" Yes , Last night I had visions of the kingdom suffering through a hunger ."  he said and everyone became tensed.
" What should we do to avoid it Aacharya ?" She asked him .
" I have never had visions like these and I got them as Soon as the arrival of the two daughter - in - law of this palace.  So I think the solution also lies in there hand ." He said looking at me and Ahankara.  For the first time the Rajmata's gaxe fell on me.  She looked at me for a minute and turned away facing the Aacharya again and asked " what should they do ?"
" Since it is a famine , they should performa Pooja at the Devi maa temple at the top of srinithi hill . They have to climb the hill in bare foot that too fasting for a whole day.  They can break that fast only after  they complete the Pooja . And then they both have to arrange a free meal to the people . They both have  make it with there own hands ." He said and I didn't like where this was heading . But people were people.  Be it Kallinga or pataliputra . They should not suffer because of my selfishness.  So I was ready to do anything. 
" Is that all?  they will do it . " She said. 
" Well then Rajmata , I shall take my leave now.  I will inform you about the things that need for Pooja tommorow morning. " As soon as he left , Rani Sulekha said ," He's been only a day since these two filthy princess of Kallinga entered and we are already facing problem . "
I cleaned my shawl tightly.  I wanted to tell her that the only  filthy present here was her but I restrained myself. 
"Rani Sulekha they are my daughter - in - law . Be careful with what you saying about them . Next time I won't be tolerating it.  " Rajmata voiced and I wanted to hug her.  I really liked her.  She is not like her son . She is so sweet.
" But Dharma , they ------- " Rani sulekha was cut off by Rajmata .
" Chirta child , take your mother to her . " She ordered and Chitra along with her mother retreated from there . Rajmata started walking towards me eyeing me from top to bottom. 
" Ashok ." She called out to him .
" Hi maa ." He answered .
" Introduced your wife to me ." She ordered looking at me.  With in no time my husband was by my side ,
" Maa , this is Rajmata Kaurwaki of Kalinga . " I did my courtesy but she shook her head at me . Confusion was writing on my face .  Ahankara who was standing beside me held my hand tightky assuring that she was there .
" What you said is wrong ? "
Did she didn't like me ? Was my appearance too bad ?
" Maa , what are you saying ?" This time it was Rajkumar Sushim who asked the question .
" She is samragi of Magadh wife of Chakravartin Samrat . From now on ." She said looking at me with pride and then I let go the breath that I have been holding . But what she said made me think for a while. Am I capable of being the Samgrai of Magadh ?

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