Ananya stood there glaring at the two figure standing not far from her. Her eyes trailed down towards the arm that were holding the faminine figure strongly. The two figure were looking at eachother intensely. She clenched her jaw and marched towards them before clearing her throat to gain their attention.

Digvijay snapped his head towards the person who appeared out of nowhere and immediately helped the other person in his arm to stand properly. He looked at Ananya who was shooting daggers through her eyes before forcing a kind of smile that made her look like she is evil born.

"I didn't know that would be crown prince is so romantic that he couldn't hold himself to show off his romanticism" that words fell like a mockery and even criticizing the other two person being shameless at the same time.

Princess Soniya who were blushing because of the situation before suddenly frowned. She looked at the other girl and said, "His highness was saving me from falling. It's his kindness. Why are you saying like that? How could you insult him saying such thing?"

Ananya turned towards her, "it's already a great favour that I didn't say anything to you" she looked at the her from top to bottom, "when you don't know how to maintain your weight with your legs then why bother to go out? It would make other think that you couldn't even walk and need other people to support you. Don't make people mistake you as a disabled one"

Princess Soniya gasped. Such an insult just slapped her face so hard. She don't know who it was that came so suddenly interrupting her moment with the prince and even insulting her to this point. She got so angry that she couldn't help but point her finger to her.

"How dare you talk to me like that? Do you know who I am?" Soniya yelled angrily.

Ananya looked at her finger before grabbing it and twisting it making Soniya yelp in pain. "Don't you dare to point your finger at me" she hissed.

"Stop it, that's enought" Digvijay hold Ananya's arm and pulled her towards him. "What are you doing? Don't forget that you are a princess" he whispered to her.

Ananya glared at him before removed his hand from her, "don't touch me. Your hand is already dirty" she huffed then glared at Soniya before leaving angrily.

Digvijay sighed shaking his head. Princess Soniya made a crying face before turning to him. She lowered her voice and let out a sob.

"Your highness, I don't know what kind of mistake I did for me to be insulted like this"

Digvijay turned to her and sighed, "Princess Soniya please don't mind her. She is short temper. You should also go and rest" he said and started to walk forward but stopped and glanced at her, "but do one thing, don't appear infront of her again. She is kind of crazy and would do things that you won't like"

Princess Soniya watched him leaving. She clenched her fist and felt her heart was burning in anger. She couldn't help but feel irritated. Her mother personally told her that marrying the crown prince of Samrat will benefit her kingdom and also she fell in love with the prince already.

"Hmph. The crown prince will be mine" Soniya uttered before leaving.

On the other hand Digvijay looked around as he walked and found a figure sitting under the shade in the garden. He frowned and quickly went there. He stood straight and narrowed his eyes, "what kind of behaviour was that? What were you trying to do?" He asked.

Ananya looked up calmly, "what? I don't understand what are you talking about?" She placed an innocent face.

Digvijay frowned, "don't try to shoulder your deeds on others" he shook his head, "how come you have become this rude? What will Princess Soniya would be thinking about you?"

"You seemed to be concerned about her so much" Ananya smiled, "why? Did you fell for her?"

"What?" Digvijay was shocked.

"Your behaviour towards her says so" Ananya replied with a cold tone. "it's also good anyway. I heard her highness is planning to find a wife for you in the ceremony. She also wanted you to find someone you like. It seems that this Princess Soniya has grabbed the string of your heart. Shall I help you in informing her highness about it?" She tilted her head at side and smiled, "I believe she will be happy and arrange a good marriage for you"

Digvijay rolled his eyes, "don't sprout nonsense. When did I say I like her?"

"Do you need to say it loudly?" She got up, "Princess Soniya were fighting for you earlier. She is kind of hurt because your were insulted. What a kindness! It made my heart ache"

Digvijay huffed, "you have become mad. I was just crossing path but I didn't know how she appeared so suddenly. She fell and I had to catch her or we would have fallen together"

"You are the would be crown prince, why are you explaining things to me?" Ananya asked, "besides Princess Soniya is beautiful and looked like fallen for you. She must be hurt because of me. Shouldn't you go and comfort her?"

"Why would I go to her? Did you came to mock me like this?" Digvijay frowned. He could really win against his uncle or other people in argument. There are only three people he couldn't beat in verbal argument. His parents and this woman infront of him.

"You think I came here for you?" Ananya narrowed her eyes on her, "hmph, it was her highness that sent the invitation to us. Because I respect her so much I couldn't find any reason to deny her. How come you have put such idea that I came here for you? Please don't relate your thoughts with me. Now please excuse me, I have someone to welcome" she walked pass him ignoring his presence.

Digvijay caught her wrist stopping her, "who is that?"

Ananya turned to look at him, "why are you bothering with my matter. You are not my parents to give you any information. Besides you should care more about Princess Soniya and let me mind my own business" she removed his grip from her, "now please excuse me" then she left with her maids leaving Digvijay standing there looking at her back.

•••••••••••••••

"What are you thinking?" Nandini turned to look at her husband who just came inside the room.

"Your majesty" she got up and walked to him, "how was the preparation?"

Manik smiled, "everything is fine, most of the guests has already arrived. There are only few days left before the ceremony. I wanted to make it grand and special"

"It's not only about the crowning ceremony but also choosing the next Queen of Samrat. I believe Digvijay will definitely live up the glory of Samrat as his father"

Manik laughed, "he will be better than me" then he put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer, "but of course he need a partner like you in his life too who could help him in difficult situations and enlighten him with solutions" his arm around her tightened

"Your majesty don't forget our son has reached the marriageable age" Nandini warned.

Manik smiled playfully, "so what? It doesn't mean I shouldn't love my wife"

"What it means you are becoming old" Nandini pushed him and ran away.

"You dare to say that woman" Manik huffed and chased after her, "this old body still has the same energy as before. Do you want to test it dear wife?"

"Your majesty you should think of how to play with your grandchildren" Nandini teased as she stood behind the couch.

Manik smirked, "Digvijay is still young my dear. Besides we still have few more years to celebrate the entrance of the old age. We shall enjoy our time at this moment"

"Such words doesn't suit you anymore your majesty" Nandini replied and tried to run at other side but Manik was faster and caught her in his arm.

"Looks like you are caged" he laughed. "I would like to see where will you go now?"

"Your majesty what are you doing. Your son is Already 20 years old. You should think about him and his future. But look at you, still behaving like we are just married" Nandini shook her head.

"Your reasons are not valuable enough wife. It won't work on me" saying this he picked her up making her squeal.

"You are still beautiful as before and everytime I see you, I couldn't help myself" he looked at her lovingly.

"I am sorry, I couldn't fulfil your dream of having children" Nandini suddenly said making the playful atmosphere to drop down.

Manik frowned, "why this topic again? How many times I had to remind you? Digvijay is the glory of Samrat and he is enough. Besides if you want to fulfill the dream of children then you need to find a good wife for Digvijay who will give birth to a beautiful children in future"

Nandini laughed, "your majesty you are interested in that topic?"

Manik smiled, "I am more interested in you" he walked towards the bed.

•••••••••••••••••

Next day Nandini was drinking tea with Antara  and Ananya. Heena was also with them. Ageratina served tea which was executing mild sweet smell.

"Umm... The smell of the tea itself relaxing. Where did you get such tea?" Antara asked.

"It's not me. Ageratina prepared it herself. If you want to know it then you must ask her" Nandini said sipping on her tea.

Antara nodded and turned to Ageratina. "it's true, I really liked it" she took a sip of tea, "and the flavour just melted in my mouth but taste is still lingering. Ageratina tell me the truth where did you found such good tea"

Ageratina smiled, "your highness, it's a tea that I brought from the market. But I have added few more herbs. If you want some I will send a pouchful tea herbs later"

"It would be great" Antara nodded immediately.

Nandini glanced at Ananya who seemed quiet today, "what happened Princess Ananya? You looked disturbed today"

"I am fine your highness, I was just thinking something" Ananya was snapped out of her thoughts.

"Princess Ananya there are many other princesses in the palace. Why do you try to talk to them?Maybe you can make some friends" Henna asked.

"They seemed to engaged with something which is not in my liking your highness" Ananya smiled."But it also fine, I am not really bothered with it"

"You are really understanding Ananya" Nandini nodded, "why don't you help me to find a good match for Digvijay. You know him closely. It with you helping me I think I can pick the best one in no time"

Ananya's breath stuck in her chest. To help find a bride for Digvijay? She couldn't help but felt sour taste in her mouth. Now she was regretting why did she came to join the ceremony. Ananya bit her lips.

"Ananya what happened?" Antara frowned.

"No, I was thinking that there will be many talented princesses and I am not experienced in such thing" Ananya gave an embarrassing look.

Antara and Heena laughed while Nandini smiled. Ananya sighed but from the corner of her eyes she saw Princess Soniya was walking towards them. She frowned slightly.

What she is doing here?