The colossal hall is embellished with marigold garlands at the entrance, while the interiors are decked with sky-blue curtains between the pillars. There are servants at every door, welcoming the guests– Father's friends and allies from all around the world. The sparkling glass chandelier that hangs up against the ceiling reflects images of the people down in the hall.

I turn away from the breathtaking scene. I didn't know Father would go to such an extent to showcase my powers. To declare that his daughter had finally unleashed her true potential.

I lick my lips as I pace back and forth. Can I do this? I ask myself.

In front of all these people... Just thinking it that way makes me nervously twist one of the many rings that adorn my fingers. A cloud of fear looms over my head as I think about the numerous ways things can go wrong. If I mess up even one thing, it will surely lead to embarrassment to not only me but to my father– the Maharaj– and to the whole Nivaan kingdom.

What if I couldn't–

Stop. Parin orders, halting my anxious thoughts.

'I'm scared.' I say, truthfully.

You've practiced many times. It won't go wrong.

'I only practiced it like twenty times. If only I could do it one more time...'

You're worried for nothing, my dear. Remember that I'm there and I can take over whenever you want.

I nod my head consciously. "Yes, you're there." A sense of relief washes over me as I realize that someone has my back. Apart from Guruji, I had no one who assured me this way. I had no one to go to. Surely, Guruji is there– but not always.

Now that I have Parin, I can talk to her anytime, anywhere.

'Thank you.' I told Parin. I shred off all the anxiety behind me as I walk towards my room.

No thanks, dear. You're like my other half and I would never abandon you. Like your father does.

I frown. 'My father hasn't abandoned me.'

But he only came around when you got me. When you unlocked me. Does the daughter have to give something in order to get her father's love?

Parin's bitterly true words place a heavy stone on my heart. But I ignore it. 'It doesn't matter. He's still my father nonetheless.'

"Princess?" I turn around at the voice that interrupts our conversation and see Kavita. "Everyone's waiting for you."

I take a deep breath. "I'm not sure if I'm ready. And this saree?" I look at myself.

This is the first time I've worn a saree and it's too heavy. The sea blue silk is embellished with beads and small gems at the borders, like the sediments that border the river Amrit. I fix the tight blouse once more only for me to be able to breathe a little more properly. 

In all honesty, to wear and handle a saree is something only a few can master.

"You look gorgeous, Princess. Don't worry, you will do your best." Kavita sends an encouraging smile and I return it by hugging her.

"If someone sees a Princess hugging her maid, they will fire me," Kavita warns in a not-so-serious tone.

After my mother passed away at the time of my birth, Kavita was the one who raised me. I never had a mother's love, never had the chance to feel the warmth of a mother's touch. And whenever Kavita hugs me and takes care of me–even if she does because of her job– I can't help but cherish the motherly feeling she radiates.

"I feel good hugging you," I mumble before breaking the hug.

Giving a wide smile as I hold my chin up in confidence, I say, "I'm ready."

As I descend downstairs, I get a clearer picture of the number of people who are present. There are not many but not less either. There are people of different colors, ethnicities, and races that come from different kingdoms and continents. Father had told me to memorize each one of the kingdoms and at least one special thing about that place. And now as I walk down the stairway, I can pinpoint who is from which kingdom.

With all eyes on me, I can feel myself trembling inside. But no, I won't show my vulnerability to them.

They will only see how strong I am.

How strong I can be.

I see Father on his throne in his crimson tunic– his favorite one– as the shining crown sits on his head proudly.

I walk up to him and we exchange quick smiles before I kneel and touch my forehead against his feet. I feel my Father's hands on my head.

"Bless you, my child." I hear him say. I raise myself and bow before going inside the brown circle.

Moderately sized, the circle is drawn from the Dhulaj soil. Its soil holds magical powers and one of them is being resistant to water.

Besides Father, Guruji is seated. We stare at each other. I can read his eyes cheering for me silently. I look ahead and stare back at all the eyes that stare at me. I fold my clammy hands behind my back as I paint an optimistic smile on my face.

"I– Arasi Nair– the Crown Princess of Nivaan would like to announce that I have finally unlocked my second soul, and will inherit the throne to the kingdom when I turn 21."

A round of applause thunders the hall as I finally heave a sigh of relief. Sometimes talking– especially in front of so many people– can be a daunting task. I finally bring my hands ahead and close my eyes.

I'm there with you, okay? I hear Parin's voice, and my body slowly relaxes.

Parin's words, that hug I shared with Kavita and of course, remembering the joy my father expressed when he knew I unlocked my second soul lit up a new confidence inside me.

I can do this.

I feel the energy run in my veins like water that flows swiftly down the falls. I don't believe in myself at all. But now, no matter what, I had to keep faith in myself. The flow of energy reverberates throughout my body. Out of nowhere, I hear the sound of gushing water. When I hear a gasp, I open my eyes and it almost bulges out of my sockets.

What I see is a huge tornado formed around me. It didn't surpass the circle but it became so tall that it almost touched the tip of the chandelier. The water encircles me in a circular motion with so much force that someone could drown in it. Yet, it appears to be a thin layer through which I can view the appalled faces of the guests.

I'd to only project a small portion of water in my palms, as proof. This... this is not what I had to do. Nor this is something expected from a newbie like me who just unlocked her powers.

When a droplet of water falls on just under my eyes, I lose my concentration and the water falls down and vanishes instead of wetting the floor. I snap my head back to look at Guruji, who is as stunned as I am.

'How did I do this?' I ask Parin.

I told you, your powers are greater than you think. Parin answers with a hint of smugness in her tone.

I turn around to face the Maharaj, who stands up with a proud face and claps. Others, the guests, clap along with him.

I don't care about the guests. I don't care if they liked me or not.

But I do care what my father thinks. And at the end of the day, seeing that pride on his face because of me leaves me grinning like a toddler.

—

"Yes, of course, Queen..." No way did I forget her name so easily. I stare with an awkward smile at the white couple in front of me.

The whole evening I only had to talk, talk, and talk to the different royal families. And oh goddess, it's one of the most boring things I have ever done. Apart from inviting each other to balls and parties or discussing which tea is best in the world, there's nothing new. On top of that, remembering each of their names is like remembering the names of every predecessor of Nivaan. I need to eat more almonds every day.

I try again. "Yes, of course, Queen... Marie! I will certainly be honored to come to the Christmas Ball."

"We'll be delighted, Princess Arasi." She smiles and walks away with her hand locked with her husband, the King of Lastrington.

When the feast opened, I could finally relax and walk away for a while from the hall. It is suffocating to be inside with so many people and know that their center of attention is only you. I walk out in the garden and the smell of freshly watered grass reaches my nose. I stretch my arms and look up at the crescent moon, resting among the sparkling stars.

I feel like the moon today. The center of attention of all the stars in the sky.

I wonder how it feels to be a common star among other common stars. People don't expect much from them, do they?

"You like the moon, Princess?" I hear a high-pitched voice making me flinch and put my hands right back beside me.

My eyes flicker at the voice's owner who stands against a Neem tree. Her big silver jhumkas stand out in the dark. When she approaches me, I realize one of her jhumka is missing but she tries to hide that fact by covering it with her wavy hair. She's wearing a saree, a deep maroon georgette saree. I notice a nose stud gleaming against the rays of the moonlight. There is also a circular barbell lip ring that is pierced into her bottom lip and two barbells on her left brow. From under her pallu, her navel piercing peeks at me. She takes my breath away for a minute as she's too...

"Beautiful?" The girl completes my thoughts.

I come out of my trance and frown. "Huh?"

"You were staring so I thought you were admiring my beauty." An enigmatic smile spreads across her full lips.

I cough to clear the awkwardness in the air–that seems only for me– and cross my arms. "N-no. I was just-just admiring the... tree behind."

Me and Stuttering? Wow, I'm really tired, I guess.

The girl chortles and steps a little closer, giving me a clear view of her beauti– no just face. Her skin is a shade lighter than me. Like the skin people have from the Kingdom in the North– like the Kingdom of Dilaksheel and Marhali.

"Ok, fine. I accept you don't have the capability of seeing real beauty."

I snort. "You think too highly of yourself, don't you?"

She laughs again. "And you get offended easily, don't you, Princess?"

"I think you need to learn how to talk to a Princess first."

She makes a face and bows down, so much that her forehead touches her knees. "Like this?"

I stifle a laugh. Who is this girl?

I clear my throat and make my voice firmer. "If you're trying to ridicule me, there'll certainly be consequences," I say, thinking it will frighten her.

But she looks up with an unbothered face. However, the very next second, her face cringes as she points at my shoulder. "There's a big spider on your–"

Before she can continue, I'm already jumping in my place, frantically dusting off my shoulder. An embarrassing scream leaves my lips before I realize how hard the girl is laughing.

I freeze and look at the girl, who is holding her stomach because of her continuous laughter. "Y-you're afraid of spiders?– Oh god, you get frightened so easily!"

My jaw drops. Oh no, how could I– ugh!

My face probably resembles a red potato. I don't think standing here and conversing with this girl would do me any good. So I again, clear my throat and walk back to the palace. "I think I'm needed inside."

"Hey, are you angry? Hey!" She asks as I stride-walk towards the palace doors.

Oh Water Goddess, I hope I never cross paths with this girl again.

—

The talk continues. This time Father is introducing me to some of his close friends.

An old lady, whose back is hunched and has crumpled paper-like skin, converses with my father. I have seen her before. She is a physician and a retired apothecary who now does some social work. It's said that she is the best physician on the continent and travels around various kingdoms to help treat epidemics and various disease outbreaks. Father has made various such connections to make sure that he has enough help if any catastrophe descends upon Nivaan.

"How long are you going to stay, chechi?" Father asks. It is out of respect–or his duty to impress her– that he addresses her as his big sister.

"Maybe a few more weeks. My granddaughter wants to see around a little."

"Granddaughter? Chechi, you never spoke about her."

I remember her name. Sheena Pillai.

Her lips form a thin line at the mention of her granddaughter. She looks up at Father, almost with a glare. "You wouldn't want to talk about my grandchildren now, would you?" She asks in a tone that flicks something in Father's eyes. He looks away and immediately changes the topic. 

I'm curious at first but then a big yawn makes its way to me. I control it so that I'm not deemed as disrespectful. The whole day was hard to go through but the only good thing that happened was showcasing my powers in front of the most important people in the world. I could envision the future and how our ties would now get strengthened and more kingdoms will be eager to be associated with us.

Because when people get to know that there is a strong heir in line, they will definitely snatch the best opportunity to be on that side.

"You're fantastic, Arasi!" Sheena's voice pulls me out of my head. "To be honest, I didn't expect you to have so much control over your powers at such an early stage."

I smile at her politely while Father speaks on my behalf. "Now we know why she was two years late."

"And it was for the best." Sheena completes and I nod my head earnestly.

"Also, Arasi, I want a small favor from you."

Before I could answer, Father beat me to it. "Yeah, chechi, just ask it away. She'll do anything, right Arasi?"

I only nod.

"You know that my granddaughter has been here for quite a few days. And as Bhaskar suggested that we should live here, I would be delighted if you could show her around."

"Oh."

"It's her first time here and she's all alone..."

It's not like I have much of an option so I agree with the sweetest smile I could muster. "No problem at all. I'll be more than happy to show her around."

"Oh, you're such a helpful girl." She pats my shoulder.

"Speaking of your granddaughter, where is she?" Father asks and looks around.

"Oh she–" Sheena looks around and frowns. "Let me warn you that she's quite mischievous and doesn't stay in one place for more than a minute. And she's two years older than Arasi."

Father almost scowls as he snickers. "She will get married soon. Shouldn't she be more responsible?"

Sheena doesn't respond and keeps looking for her granddaughter. Suddenly, she points at someone behind my back. "Oh, there's she!"

I turn around and freeze, catching Sheena's granddaughter. She's holding a bowl of payasam and instead of using the spoon, she sips it whole.

What the heck? It's the same girl from the garden...

"Divya, come here," Sheena calls her out.

When she turns, her gaze isn't on her grandmother but on me. I lock eyes with her as I notice a playful smile blossoming on her wet lips.

You have really bad luck. Parin says and I completely agree with her.

Divya runs towards us after wiping her lips. She stops exactly in front of me.

"We meet again, princess."

"Unfortunately, yes," I grumble to myself.

"So you both met already? That's good then!" Father exclaims.

"Then please take care of her for the next two-three weeks Arasi, can you?" Sheena asks and I stifle a groan, masking it with a forced smile.

"Firstly," Divya interrupts. "I don't need a babysitter. And secondly," she looks at me with a broad smile. "It's better for us to be friends, right?"

I just know we can never be.

***