Something Changed.
She was the first wife. Bound to a political marriage where love and affection were the last thing she can expect from her husband. She had everything a woman can ask for. Riches, comfort, silk, jewellery, but all brought by servants. Never by her husband.
The title of Queen but…..love? The most important and sacred feeling and part of a marriage, the thing that a wife can never live without and won’t have to ask for as her husband should give it to her willingly. But for her, love was the luxury that she can not afford even with all the wealth she have.
Abhiraj, the King of Hind with 5 wives. Netra and he were betrothed at the age of sixteen. Bound by politics and marriage forced on them by their parents.
Yet, he can have everything she is forbidden to. Multiple marriages, Love of other spouses, power, comfort. He built a life without her. Even if she exists in that life, she is like a ghost in shadows.
He married four girls barely out of childhood. All of them younger and beautiful than her. Each wife a dagger to her heart and pride. As if her husband is mocking her by replacing her repeatedly over the years.
Every time she asked him why he don’t love her like other wives, his answer was same, straight and devoid of any warmth.
“Our marriage is just a political arrangement. Do not expect love in it as it was not a part of our marriage contract.”
Although Netra always ignored the burning sensation in her heart every time her husband brought a new woman to palace, showered them with gifts and affection, shared their chambers and bed, something he never did with her. She always suppressed her feelings, saying these marriages are important for kingdom and alliance.
But today, something broke inside her. Something so silent and fragile that it was barely held by a weak thread. But that thread is broken now. Does she want to be in such an arrangement? A loveless marriage? What’s her role in this marriage apart from sitting on throne beside him where he doesn’t even glance at her?
The palace was bustling with the news of at border threat. Their kingdom is under attack. Villages near borders are getting raid. Someone had to be there to guid the army, to handle the situation, to fight against enemies. Someone strong and smart, someone with warrior background and she stepped forward.
Her father was general. She has learned combat, fencing, horse riding. She is a warrior’s daughter. A true warrior.
The decree was signed immediately. Queen Netra is going to war. To fight against enemies, to fight along with her soldiers and guid them.
News reached every chamber of the palace, every house in kingdom.
The wives who thrived in their King’s affection and attention, watched curiously and excitedly. Queen is leaving. That means she will not return soon or not at all. The position of Queen will be empty soon. And one of these wives whom King love and favour, who gave him heirs, will fill the position.
Courtyard bustled with activities and soldiers and servants preparing for war.
But in King’s chamber, something changed. The man who married five women. Who kept his first wife at arm’s length even when she begged for his attention, affection and touch more than anything. The man who always saw his first wife as a political pawn and signed the decree of sending her to war….. is silent now. Not because he don’t care. But because….. maybe he finally care.
He stood at the balcony, watching servants loading carriages with resources and preparing horses to leave for border. Even in such chaos and activities, King’s chamber was silent.
The sudden knock on his door shifted his attention. He sighed, thinking one of his advisors is here to inform him about reports and departure of army.
But as he turned to look at the person standing at door, his breath hitched. His first wife, Netra, who always wore silk robe and expensive jewellery with silent grace, is now standing Infront of him clad in armour.
Where once rested heavy waist chains, now rests her sword in its sheath. Her long hairs tied in a heavy bun. Her uniform hugging her figure, highlighting the curves he ignored dismissively for years.
She looks every bit of the true soldier he forced her to become because of his neglect. But when this soldier is ready to show her worth, ready to fight the war, something tightened in his chest.
“Queen…..” he whispered, words dying in his throat.
