Previous Summary:
Aryan returned to his capital after dealing with the threat of Warlord Chatura. His ministers gathered in the throne room to report the latest developments. Aryan listened, gave orders, and shared laughter with his close companions. The capital was calm, but Aryan knew that peace never lasted too long.
The sun rose warmly over Kaligarh, painting the city in gold. Merchants were already busy shouting prices, children ran through the streets, and the royal banners fluttered proudly from the palace towers. Aryan sat in the royal garden, sipping morning tea, enjoying a rare moment of peace.
Mother Queen Meera smiled softly at him.
Meera: "My son, you have been carrying the weight of a kingdom. But don't forget—you are still young. Take joy in these quiet mornings."
Aryan chuckled.
Aryan: "You always remind me, Mother. Without you, I would forget to breathe between wars."
After finishing his tea, Aryan walked into the throne hall. His ministers and generals were waiting. The great chamber echoed with respect as they bowed.
Minister Govind stepped forward with scrolls.
Govind: "Your Majesty, reports from Sumatra. The new governors have already begun organizing farmland and trade. They request funds to build harbors."
Aryan: "Approved. Harbors will strengthen trade routes. Remind them: prosperity is as important as defense."
Then General Rudra stepped in.
Rudra: "Your Majesty, spies say some enemy warlords are stirring again. Not open war yet, but they are restless."
Aryan leaned back on the throne, eyes sharp.
Aryan: "Let them stir. The restless often destroy themselves. But we will prepare quietly. Double the watch on our borders."
The ministers nodded.
Suddenly, Cousin Rajiv entered the hall with his usual grin.
Rajiv: "Your Majesty, all this talk of harbors, spies, and wars… but when will we talk about the palace kitchen? The cook burned the rice again yesterday! If the enemy doesn't kill us, the food surely will."
The hall erupted in laughter. Even Aryan's serious face broke into a smile.
Aryan: "Rajiv, if you dislike the food so much, perhaps I should make you official royal cook."
Rajiv: "No, no, no! Spare the kingdom such disaster. If I cooked, even the dogs would rebel!"
The ministers laughed again, and the heavy atmosphere lightened.
Later that afternoon, Aryan walked with Kaamaya, Meena, and Reva through the palace gardens. The three girls chatted and teased him as usual.
Kaamaya: "Our great king spends more time with scrolls than with us."
Meena: "I agree! One day, we'll hide all his scrolls and force him to rest."
Reva: "Or force him to join us on the river for a boat ride. He cannot escape forever."
Aryan sighed, pretending to be annoyed.
Aryan: "I see… my ministers torment me by day, and my companions torment me by night. Where can a king find peace?"
The girls giggled, and even Aryan laughed with them. For a moment, the burdens of rule melted away.
The day ended with music and dancing in the palace courtyard. Aryan sat watching, content. The kingdom was stable, his people smiled, and his closest ones were near.
But deep down, Aryan knew this peace was temporary. His enemies would not stay silent for long.
End of Chapter 65