The King's eyes rested on Mahamantri for a brief yet measured moment before shifting toward Sundar and Kaya, the two maids who had served him with unwavering loyalty. Silence lingered in the air as his thoughts weighed heavy, but when he finally spoke, his voice was steady, carrying a quiet authority.
"It will be their decision-entirely their own, free of any pressure or persuasion. If they choose not to, you will abandon this notion of finding a concubine to satisfy me. Is that understood?"
Mahamantri bowed his head, a smile of satisfaction tugging at his lips. He knew, in his heart, that Sundar and Kaya would never refuse such an honor. To them, this was no mere opportunity-it was a gift that would eclipse anything they had ever dared to dream of.
"Perfectly clear, Ranasa," Mahamantri
replied, his voice tinged with certainty.
"Sundar and Kaya have stood by your side for more than a decade, their loyalty as steadfast as the stars in the night sky. Your discerning eyes can see through any falsehood, any flicker of deceit. You would notice instantly if their devotion faltered, even for a fleeting second. And should anyone dare to approach them with bribes or threats, you would uncover it with ease. When the moment arrives, I am confident that Your Majesty will know exactly how to handle it, as you always do."
The King said nothing in response, but his piercing gaze softened as he turned back toward Sundar and Kaya. The unspoken bond between him and the two women-a bond forged by years of trust and shared trials-remained as steadfast as ever.
Though it was rare, history whispered tales of maids being taken as concubines by the ancestors of the royal family. But times had changed. The current era placed immense value on rank and status, so much so that such an act was now considered unthinkable-a mark of foolishness, poor judgment, and the degradation of one's position and dignity.
The King remained silent, his expression unreadable as he continued his breakfast. His mind, however, was focused elsewhere as he listened to Mahamantri deliver his report on the Kingdom's state. With each word, the King's gaze remained fixed, his demeanor calm but commanding.
Once he had finished his meal and Mahamantri concluded his update, the King rose from his seat. His movements were deliberate, each step carrying the weight of authority as he approached Sundar and Kaya, his two personal maids who had stood quietly nearby.
"Sundar, Kaya, have you completed your work?" the King asked, his voice steady yet gentle, his piercing eyes meeting theirs.
" Ji Ranasa," they answered in unison, their voices unwavering as they held his gaze. Sundar stood to the left, her posture elegant yet composed, while Kaya stood to the right, her expression as calm as a still lake. Both shared striking similarities-long, dark hair that cascaded down their backs, slender figures, and unassuming features that mirrored the simplicity of the common folk in the Kingdom.
More than their appearances, it was their bond that stood out. Sundar and Kaya were cousins by blood but sisters in spirit, their lives intertwined since birth. They had always been together, their shared past shaping the unbreakable loyalty and trust they now offered to the King.
The King sat in contemplation, his mind carefully weighing how to phrase his next words. After a brief pause, he looked up at Sundar and Kaya with his usual calm demeanor and asked, "Will you be my concubines?"
Without hesitation, both women responded almost in unison, their voices filled with respect and duty. "We will do what the Ranasa command us." They had grown accustomed to his way of addressing them both as one, and there was no need to question who he was addressing-they were always in perfect harmony.
The King sighed, a heavy sound that lingered in the air. He chose his words carefully, rephrasing his request with a softened tone. "Let me put it differently. Do you want to be my concubines?"
Sundar and Kaya were momentarily struck speechless by the unexpected question. Their hearts raced as their thoughts whirled, but they quickly composed themselves, their gazes fixed upon him. Before they could respond, the King spoke again, his voice steady and deliberate.
"Think carefully before you answer," he said. "If you choose this path, you will gain access to all the privileges that the other concubines in the Kingdom enjoy. Your status will rise, and you will receive the same respect and treatment as they do. But all of this will be outside this Palace. Here, within these walls, you will continue to serve me as you always have-no different than before."
The King's voice softened, though his words carried a weight of finality. "There is one thing you will do for me that is different from your usual duties. You will warm my bed. No other man will touch you. And you will not live in the Palace reserved for the concubines. You will remain here, with me."
His gaze held a quiet intensity as he awaited their response, knowing that the decision before them was as complex as it was profound.
Both Sundar and Kaya nodded in silence, their hearts heavy with the weight of the King's words. He continued, his voice steady and unyielding, "I will not form any emotional attachments to you, so you must expect nothing of that kind from me. You will not indulge in the petty feelings of jealousy, envy, or hatred towards each other, nor towards my future wife, regardless of who she may be. If I sense even the slightest trace of such emotions, you will both be cast out." He paused, his gaze piercing through them as if he were searching for the smallest sign of resistance.
"Above all, you will not bear a child for me. This is an order, and I trust you both understand the consequences should you defy it." His voice grew more resolute with each word, "You have the time to consider this. Think carefully, and I want your answers by tonight, before I sleep. The answers must be yours, without any force or coercion. You are free to refuse. But if you do not come to my chambers or if you are late, I will take that as a refusal."
It was a little past 8 AM now, and with only a little over 12 hours left to make a decision, the weight of the King's demands pressed down on them. The room was thick with silence as Sundar and Kaya exchanged uncertain glances, trying to process everything he had said.
"You may go now. You have no other duties for today," the King added, his voice softer but still firm. "Go back and think carefully. Be sure that you will not regret your decision."
Sundar and Kaya remained still for a moment, the tension in the air palpable. They had been given a choice, a heavy one, and now, with time to reflect, they had to decide the course of their futures.
Mahamatri who had been watching from the shadows, felt the weight of the moment as well. He knew the King's nature-unyielding, just, yet often misunderstood-and wondered how Sundar and Kaya would respond. Would they accept his terms, or would they walk away from this life of privilege, choosing their own paths?
With a final, measured glance, the King turned away. "Think carefully," he said once more, as if reminding them that their lives, their futures, were in their hands now.
"Ji Hukum. We will leave now," Sundar and Kaya spoke in perfect harmony, their voices gentle yet filled with unspoken resolve.
As the two women departed, Mahamantri, who had quietly observed the entire exchange, stood motionless, his heart gripped by an overwhelming sense of shock. He had never imagined that the King would impose such an unforgiving rule-one that forbade Sundar and Kaya from bearing his child. The depth of this command was beyond his comprehension. With a confused and heavy heart, he finally dared to ask, "Your Majesty, why would you issue such an order? Why forbid them from fulfilling this duty?"
The King's eyes, cold and distant, met his, and a silence enveloped the room. His voice broke through like a steel blade, sharp and unyielding. "Do you question my decision, Mahamatri ji ?"
"No, Ranasa," Mahamatri answered quickly, his voice almost trembling in the wake of the King's intensity. As he turned to leave, his mind raced, struggling to understand the King's reasoning. He had seen the darkness that thrived in the Royal Family-how jealousy, envy, and hatred simmered beneath every smile, how siblings, born of different blood, waged silent wars for power and recognition. It was a deadly game they all played, a game that often ended in betrayal or bloodshed.
Yet, as he walked away, a deeper understanding began to form in his heart. Though he had not fully grasped the King's reasoning, Mahamatri knew, with a quiet certainty, that the King was not a man to make decisions lightly. He was no stranger to the viciousness that plagued their world, the poisonous emotions that infected every corner of the palace. He had seen it all-how those feelings festered and poisoned even the purest of souls.
The King, however, had seen through it all. He understood the danger of allowing such corruption to seep into the lives of Sundar and Kaya. His command was not an act of cruelty, but of protection. He knew that, in the heart of the Royal Palace, even the slightest spark of jealousy could set a soul ablaze with destruction. And so, he took the harshest measure to shield the women he cared for from that fate.
Mahamantri did not fully understand, but he trusted the King. He trusted that, beneath the severity of the order, there was a wisdom that only the King could possess. For all the questions that lingered, one truth remained clear: the King always acted for the greater good, even when the path was dark and fraught with pain.
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In Sundar & KKaya's Quarter
The door to their shared room closed softly behind them, and Sundar leaned against the wooden frame, her hand pressed to her forehead as she let out a shaky breath. The heavy silence of the room weighed down on her like a suffocating blanket, her heart racing with the weight of what had just transpired.
Kaya sat down on the edge of the bed, her gaze distant, her expression unreadable. She folded her hands in her lap, fingers interlaced, as though trying to keep her composure in the face of the storm of emotions inside her.
Sundar finally spoke, her voice trembling as she broke the silence. "Kaya... did you hear him? Hukum asked us... to be his concubines. How do we even... begin to understand that?"
Kaya remained quiet for a long while, staring down at her hands. Her mind was racing, but she was hesitant to give voice to the swirl of emotions inside her. She had never imagined that such a moment would come-never imagined that their loyalty to the King, their years of faithful service, would lead to this crossroads.
The memories of their childhood, the brutal war, and the sudden tragedy that changed everything began to surface, unbidden. Both women had been orphans after the war that had shattered their world. Their fathers, two of the strongest warriors in Rajgardh, had died in the brutal conflict, leaving their families broken and devastated.
Sundar's father had been the Army Chief, a revered leader, while Kaya's father was also a powerful Warrior, a steadfast protector. Together, they had fought many battles for Rana Surya Veer, their strength and unity a symbol of the might of Rajgardh.
But after their deaths, the two women were left adrift, no longer knowing what to do with their lives. Their mothers were shattered, and the trauma of losing their husbands had broken them. Kaya's mother had died soon after, crushed by the weight of her grief. And in a cruel twist of fate, after giving birth to Sundar's younger brother, he too passed away.
And so, once again, Sundar and Kaya were left orphaned.
But Rajgardh had not abandoned them. Rana Surya Veer, understanding the loss they had endured, took responsibility for them and provided them with shelter in Rajgardh, offering them a new life amidst the palace walls. From the age of eight, they had done small chores, becoming maids within the Palace. They had worked with quiet diligence, never complaining, always grateful for the safety the King had given them.
As months passed, their skill and proficiency did not go unnoticed. One day, Mrityunjaya's mother, seeing the two women's unwavering dedication, had ordered that they be assigned to Mrityunjaya personally-becoming his personal maids, to serve him in every way. And they had accepted without hesitation, seeing it as another step in their deepening bond with Rajgardh.
They had grown so attached to this place, to the King, that they had begun to believe that Mrityunjaya himself was a sort of god to them-a protector, a savior, the one who had given them a place in this world again after the cruel fate had left them with nothing.
And now, the King was offering them something they never expected-something that would forever change their lives.
"I don't know, Sundar," Kaya whispered, her voice trembling as she tried to grasp the gravity of their situation. "It feels as though we've been living for Rajgardh, for Hukum. We owe him everything. But this... this is more than just loyalty. This feels like a turning point."
Sundar's gaze softened as she listened to Kaya, her mind equally tangled. "We were just children when we came here, Kaya. All we had was Rajgardh, and the King took us in when we had nothing. We became his maids, yes, but we became a part of this Palace too. And now, Hukum asks us to become his concubines, to be something more."
Kaya looked up, her eyes brimming with confusion and uncertainty. "But Sundar... What happens to us if we refuse? Will he cast us aside, or worse, will we lose everything we've built here?"
Sundar's heart tightened at the thought, her chest heavy with fear. "I don't know. But if we accept, what does that mean for us? Can we still be the women we were? Will we lose ourselves in this position?"
Kaya reached for Sundar's hand, her grip strong despite the tremor in her voice. "I don't want to lose who we are, Sundar. But I don't want to lose Rajgardh, either. I don't want to lose the Hukum's protection, his shelter. He gave us everything."
Sundar's heart ached as she looked at Kaya, remembering the years they had spent in this palace, the years that had shaped their bond and their lives. They were no longer the innocent children who had first arrived at Rajgardh. They were women now, with choices to make-choices that could change everything.
"We have to decide carefully," Sundar said, her voice firm with resolve. "But we will make this decision together. We always have, Kaya."
Kaya nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Together, always."
The two girls sat in silence for a long moment, the weight of their decision pressing on them. But one thing remained clear: no matter what path they chose, they would face it together, as they had always done. Their bond, forged through the trials of life and the loss of everything they once knew, was stronger than any decision that lay before them.
●•■●•■•●■•●
Later that evening, the clock neared 10:30 PM, casting a quiet stillness over the chamber. Mrityunjaya sat at his study table, his eyes fixed on the papers spread before him. A pair of brushes rested beside an ink container, the faint scent of the ink filling the air. A stack of parchment, neatly arranged, sat alongside the Royal Seal of the Third Prince, intricately designed, each curve and swirl speaking of power and legacy. The hourglass on the table was half-emptied, its sands slipping slowly from one glass to the other, marking the passage of time in the otherwise silent room.
The door knocked softly, breaking his concentration. Mrityunjaya stood and crossed the room, his movements steady and purposeful. As he opened the door, he leaned against the doorframe, his gaze calm yet intense as it fell on the two maids standing before him.
"So? What is your answer?" His voice, though firm, held a trace of quiet anticipation.
Sundar spoke first, her voice rushed, almost as if she had been holding her breath. "Yes, Hukum, it is a yes."
Mrityunjaya turned his attention to Kaya, who stood beside Sundar, her posture more reserved. He asked, his tone unyielding yet gentle, "And you, Kaya? What is your answer?"
With a quiet resolve, Kaya replied in a soft, almost hesitant tone, "It is a yes, Hukum."
He took a moment, letting the silence settle between them. His gaze lingered on the two girls, both of whom had served him faithfully, and he could see the uncertainty in their eyes. "Are you both certain? Is this truly what you want?" he asked, his voice lowering, touched with a weight that only those who had walked through the same paths of life could understand.
"Yes, Hukum," they both replied in unison, their voices now steady and resolute, a newfound confidence marking their words.
Mrityunjaya nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Very well. The room at the farthest corner on the left is yours. You will share the space from now on; there will be no separate rooms for either of you. Tomorrow, bring your belongings from the servant dormitory and settle in. For tonight, go and rest."
Sundar, her eyes flicking nervously to the open door, hesitated before speaking. "Hukum, do we not...?" Her words trailed off, the question lingering in the air between them.
Mrityunjaya's brow arched, a brief, wry smile tugging at his lips. "Do you wish to warm my bed? So soon?" His tone was quiet, almost amused, yet there was an underlying seriousness in his words.
He sighed then, a deep, measured sound that seemed to carry the weight of unspoken things. "You do not need to force yourselves into anything. Let me know when you're ready. I will not rush you. But, one more thing..."
He paused, his gaze shifting from one girl to the other, his words lowering to a near whisper. "When the time comes, you will both warm my bed... together."
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