The Princess Strikes
Naganandini was too irritated for words, with the whole world. And she was furious especially with her brother. Marthanda Bhupathi had warned her to stay away from their guest, Prince Vijayendra Chozhan. Well, he had a valid reason for it and she could accept that.
“The prince is here to seek Chamundeswari’s hand in marriage. You well know that, Naga. How can you flirt with him the way you have been doing?” asked Bhupathi, a stony expression on his face as he glared at his sister.
“If you do not want me to flirt with the prince, why do you not allow Adityan to spend more time at the palace? Who asked you to stop him from joining us at the dining table?” Naganandini glowered at her brother, her temper simmering.
“That Adityan is a warrior in the Chozha army. And…”
“He is also related to Chamundi on her mother’s side. Does that not make him an important guest?” The queen gave her brother a shrewd glance, confident that she had outwitted him.
“That does not really matter, does it? Right now, we are entertaining Prince Vijayendra Chozhan, who is way more important than Chamundeswari’s relative. I am sure you must agree?” he asked sarcastically.
The queen was thoroughly vexed and did not respond to his question.
“And moreover, you know our plan is to get Chamundeswari to marry the Chozha prince. We do not want her to spend too much time with another young and attractive man who might prove too much of a temptation and turn the princess’s head. Do you agree with me on this?”
“Tch! You should be able to see my view point if that could be a problem. I can keep Adityan at my side, distracting him from showing too much interest in Chamundi. I will actually be helping your cause. Can you not see that?” she asked. Naganandini was really good at twisting every situation to her advantage. Just now, she craved Adityan and it was Adityan she wanted to have for her partner in bed. She did not care for the idea of her brother keeping them apart for whatever reasons.
Marthanda Bhupathi threw up his hands in frustration. “It is not about Adityan showing interest in our princess. That really does not matter, does it? After all, he is a non-entity. But what I am trying to stop here is Chamundeswari taking an interest in him.” He wanted to knock his sister’s head against a stone pillar if it would help her see sense. But he was not too sure it will help or he might have actually done the deed.
Naganandini sniffed, realising that she could not win this argument with her brother. After all, he was too damn logical. And selfishly, she was not at all keen that Adityan spend time with Chamundeswari. There was only one way to deal with the situation, she thought, smiling to herself.
She waited for Bhupathi to leave her chamber before going to the connecting door between her bedchamber and the one allotted to Adityan. Pushing the bolt slowly, she opened the door noiselessly to check if it was unlocked from the other side. Yes! She could open it.
I will meet him tonight, in his bedchamber, decided the queen, unaware that her quarry was spending his wedding night with the princess of the kingdom in her bedchamber.
Naganandini waited for her maids to leave her chamber after wrapping her in a loose silk robe. Loosely tying the matching silk sash around her waist, she walked silently on bare feet to push open the connecting door once again. She waited, listening for any sound. Finding none, she stepped inside to see that a single lamp was lit next to the bed.
Where was Adityan?
She shrugged to herself. He probably went to bed late. With a smug smile on her face, she went to lie down on the bed which used to belong to her husband, the late King Someshwara Thevar. No, the queen had no qualms about making love to a stranger on the same bed. Why would she? She had never loved the ruler of Kongunadu; only his kingdom.
It was not long before the queen was fast asleep with an expectant smile on her face.
As for Adityan, he woke up just before sunrise to turn around and look at his sleeping wife. She was even more beautiful than she had appeared last night, her cheeks flushed even as her chest rose and fell while she slept peacefully. He was so tempted to wake her up and make love to her all over again. But no! It was too soon after she had lost her maidenhead and chances were high that she might be sore. It was best that she rested. He would love her again, tonight. Leaning forward to brush his lips to her cheek, he slid out of her bed to quickly wrap his veshti around his waist before pulling the tunic over his head. Giving a quick look to check if he had left anything behind, he stepped out of the chamber to see Vishnurayan sitting on the floor, snoring away softly as he leaned back on a pillar.
Adityan walked down the corridor silently, crossed the main staircase that led to the throne room and reached the east wing where his chamber was. Pushing the door open silently, he stepped inside the living area, before walking towards the back. Just as he put a foot inside his bedchamber, his glance fell on the bed. It was lucky that the rising sun’s rays were gently falling inside the room through the tall windows, giving enough light for him to see clearly. Or I might have not noticed her, he thought, shaking his head in disbelief. Queen Naganandini was lying there, fast asleep, her soft snores the only sound in the room.
What the hell was this woman doing in his bedchamber? Adityan did an about turn and walked out of the suite, before going down the stone staircase at the back. It was a good thing Muthu, the manservant, was about to walk up the same set of stairs. “Good morning, My Lord! You are up early. May I get you something?” asked the servant politely, his head bowed.
“Good morning to you, Muthu. Yes, you can supply me with some dry towels and a set of clothes. Bring them over to the bathing hut, will you?” requested Vijayendran.
“Yes, My Lord!” Muthu raced up the stairs to follow the guest’s orders.
Vijayendran had a leisurely bath, a smile on his lips as he thought of the way his wife had responded to his lovemaking. She was a wonderful partner in bed. And he wished it was already night, as he counted the hours before loving her again.
Chamundeswari opened her eyes in a slit, trying to understand where she was. Her whole body was one delicious ache and a smile broke out on her face as she recalled the reason why. Adityan had loved every part of her, taking his time as he caressed her delicately with his calloused hands. And she had equally enjoyed exploring his body that was so different from hers. She had even tried counting the scars on his muscular body while he laughed at her effort.
Turning her head, she saw that the other half of the bed was empty while the dent on the pillow affirmed the fact that her husband had spent the night with her. The princess sighed, wondering if she would get to meet him during the day. While maintaining the secrecy was exciting—especially because of the fact that she was having an opportunity to outwit her Chinnamma and Maama—it was also irritating as she could not spend all her time with her husband.
The next two nights were absolute bliss as the newly wedded couple spent them making love thoroughly; Adityan amazed at how responsive his innocent bride was, enjoying every moment in her arms.
On the other hand, Naganandini was disappointed when she woke up on the morning after the secret wedding to find herself alone in Adityan’s bedchamber. She gazed at the empty side of the bed to find that it had not been slept on.
What could it mean?
That he had not come to his bedchamber during the night? Or he had not slept in the bed because she was there?
Naganandini was totally frustrated, her body clamouring for a virile man. Should she try to catch Adityan during the day?
But that just was not possible as the whole palace was busy entertaining their royal guest from Chozha Nadu. Prince Vijayendra Chozhan was extremely demanding, not just for exotic food and wine, but also keen on having everyone dance to his tunes.
What did it matter to her if he was the commander-in-chief’s son or the real prince himself? Right now, she would take any man to her bed, as long as he satiated her craving. She gazed wistfully at him even as her brother cleared his throat to draw her attention towards himself.
She turned to look at Marthanda Bhupathi, a shapely eyebrow up in query as she mouthed, “What?”
Bhupathi smiled before turning to the prince. “Your Highness! Only yesterday you were asking about our princess, Chamundeswari.”
Chamundeswari sat up straight in her chair. What now? Why was her name being dragged into the conversation? She looked from the chief minister to her stepmother and then back to the prince, not letting on that she was puzzled by the turn of the conversation.
“That is right,” said Paranthaman, who was in the guise of the Chozha prince, giving the princess a leery smile. “My dear Princess Chamundeswari! As I was telling Bhupathi only last night; I have been travelling to many neighbouring kingdoms and even some across the ocean. But I have never come across a beauty such as you.” He measured her with his eyes, his gaze slowly travelling over her body, stopping now and then to pay extra attention to her luscious curves.
Unlike other timid women, Chamundeswari was not one to squirm as she met his gaze head on, fire sparking in her own. “Is that so?” she asked, one corner of her lips curling in disgust.
“Absolutely, yes. And you will be amazed at how especially lovely the women from the Yavana Kingdom are. But no one can hold a candle to you, Chamundeswari,” declared Paranthaman on a passionate note.
Naganandini’s face turned pale while she fumed with jealousy at the Chozha prince flirting openly with the young princess. Her hands clenched into fists, she gritted her teeth, unable to do much about the situation as it was actually all going according to her brother’s plan.
Chamundeswari bowed her head regally, acknowledging his compliment. But her spine was erect while there was no answering smile on her face when she looked back at him stonily. If it was only possible, she would have thrust her dagger straight into the man’s heart. Until yesterday, she had been an innocent. But today, she knew all about what happened between a man and a woman. How dare this man eye her with such lust in his eyes? As if she already belonged to him. I am a princess, damnit! Do I not deserve to be respected?
She eyed her stepmother and the chief minister to see if they also believed their guest’s behaviour to be abnormal or if it was only Chamundeswari, who thought so. But it was obvious that the other two did not find the prince’s words weird, not at all. She returned her gaze to the prince, studying him from the top of his well-oiled locks to his feet encased in leather boots which were heavily embroidered, a deep scowl on her face which she refused to hide.
Sparks flew from Marthanda Bhupathi’s gaze as he glared at the princess, trying his best to give her a silent message that she must treat their guest with the respect due to him.
Shrugging a shoulder, the princess turned her gaze away from the chief minister to look down at the floor.
“So! Princess Chamundeswari! May I have the honour of making you my wife?” asked Paranthaman, just as his father had taught him. Just now, all he wanted to do was grab her in his arms and have his way with her; especially because of the manner in which she looked at him, with so much anger. He so wanted to tap into all that passion, making her scream in rapture as he took her. And he did not really care if he had her consent or not. But then, all that would have to wait. He had to make the princess of Kongunadu his wife first.
Chamundeswari gave the man a startled glance. Was this the reason the prince was here? To seek her hand in marriage? She bent her head, biting her lip to stop the sudden smile that sprang to her face. What a lucky escape she had had?! To have married the man she loved just at the nick of the moment? She could not wait to share the joke with her husband.
Wiping the smile from her face, she looked up at the visiting prince. “Thank you for honouring me with you offer, Your Highness! But you must admit that this is totally unexpected. Could you please give me some time to think about your proposal?” she asked, pretending to a politeness she did not feel, not one little bit.
“How long?” It was Marthanda Bhupathi who asked the question in an angry voice.
The princess turned to look at the chief minister. Did he plan to browbeat her into tying the knot with the prince? What a fool! She had never been afraid of him, not when he shouted at her; nor when he branded her with the iron rod. She had always only been biding her time. Which was now! Looking him in the eye, the princess said, “That would be between the prince and I, Maama. I think you should take it easy.”
She thoroughly relished watching Marthanda Bhupathi’s face turning red before darkening to a deep crimson as he was on the verge of suffering an apoplexy. Serve him right!
“The princess is right,” declared Paranthaman, as he also enjoyed the chief minister squirm in indignation. “Shall we go for a walk, Princess?” he asked, getting up to stand.
“Why not?” said Chamundeswari, getting up from her chair to stand as well. Ignoring the arm he offered for her to hold, giving him the impression that she had not noticed it, she walked ahead of him to the entrance of the palace. Once outside, she gave a shrill whistle, startling the man walking beside her.
“What was that?” asked Paranthaman, a deep frown on his face. His head hurt on hearing the sharp sound, all because he had imbibed too much liquor, as always.
“I was only calling to Manu. My pet likes to accompany me on my walk, you see.” She pointed to her tiger which came gambolling across the garden to reach her side before butting his head against her leg. Laughing with joy, she bent down to caress Manu’s head. “Come along, my dear. Let us go for a walk with the prince.”
Paranthaman and the tiger gazed at one another for a long moment, both of them taking an instant and thorough dislike to each other. While Manu growled, Paranthaman protested, “I do not like tigers, Princess. Send it away,” he commanded.
Adityan, who had been strolling in the garden along with Manu, walked over to them. “Is something the problem, Your Highness?” He addressed Chamundeswari, ignoring the pseudo prince.
“Aditya! I am so glad you are here,” she said, her eyes eating him up even as they lit up in pleasure. “His Highness and I were just going for a walk. I wanted to take Manu with us. But it looks like the prince is afraid of tigers. I…”
“Not at all, Princess, not at all,” objected Paranthaman, red in the face. He was angry for two reasons. One was that the other man, Adityan, was way younger and handsomer than himself; he could not help the feeling of envy that hit him hard. The second was that the princess had just declared that he was afraid of tigers. Damn! “I told you that I do not like tigers. It is not that I am afraid of them.”
Manu prowled closer to look up at the pseudo prince with unblinking eyes, soft growls emanating from his throat.
Paranthaman shivered in his shoes, the colour draining out of his face as he tried to outstare the tiger and failed miserably.
Taking pity on the pseudo prince, Adityan snapped his fingers at the tiger. “Manu, come along. I will take you for a walk. Do not trouble your mistress. She has a guest to entertain.”
Oh really! Chamundeswari looked at her husband, her gaze promising to have her back at him, and soon.
Adityan’s gaze gave her the response she sought: I cannot wait!
Her face turning red with the silent promise her husband made, Chamundeswari turned to the trembling man next to her. “Shall we go, Your Highness? Or do you want to go back inside to sit for a while?” It was an effort to keep the sarcasm from her voice, but she somehow managed it. What an idiot! If Manu enjoyed eating a man’s flesh, he would have already taken a bite out of the prince, right? Her pet had kept his distance, only growling his dislike. And she could not exactly blame Manu for not liking the prince. After all, her pet was a lot like her.
Paranthaman weighed his options as he glared in the direction of Adityan walking along with the tiger, the princess’s pet butting against his legs alternately, time and again. Who was this Adityan? Did he not fear the fully grown tiger? Refusing to appear foolish in front of the princess—not aware that she was already convinced of his stupidity—the pseudo prince said, “I am alright. Let us go.” This time, instead of offering her his arm, he took her hand in his, convinced that the tremor that shook her body was shyness instead of the revulsion that the princess felt at his touch.
She walked with him for a few steps, her eyes on her husband and pet as she drew strength from them. Suddenly stopping midstride, she pulled her hand from the guest’s hold to step closer to a climber with plump jasmine buds waiting to burst open after sundown. She pulled a branch close to her face to draw in a deep breath, finding solace in the wonderful aroma.
Checking to the left and to the right to see if anyone was around, Paranthaman reached across with both his hands to clasp her bare waist to pull her close against his body. The next instant, he screamed loudly, letting go of her as if burned. Wondering at the sharp pain in his right leg, he looked down in horror to see a dagger stuck into his thigh. Seeing the blood spurting freely, Paranthaman screamed some more.
With a look of cold fury on her face, the princess reached over to pull the dagger calmly out of his thigh and held it away, his blood was dripping from it. “I hope you do not expect me to apologise for my action, Your Highness,” she told him. “After all, I have not yet agreed to marry you. How did you even imagine you could touch me?”
Paranthaman screamed some more, this time in abject frustration before he fell down in a dead faint.
By now, Adityan and Manu had come rushing to their side. Immediately understanding the situation, he removed the angavastram on his shoulder to tie it tightly above the wound on the pseudo prince’s thigh. While he worked with his hands, his gaze was on the princess. “Are you alright, my love?” he asked softly, resisting the urge to gather her in his arms.
She nodded, giving him an evil grin. “He dared to touch me. That was the least he should have expected.”
“My rebel princess,” said Adityan, his voice a whisper when he saw several men, servants and guards, running towards them.
The princess turned to look at everyone. “The prince is hurt, but it is not a fatal wound. Call for the vaithiyar.” She quickly walked away from the scene, not bothering to explain what had happened. After all, did not a woman have the right to defend herself from the unwanted attentions of a man whom she did not even like?
