The royal court of Svarṇapatha was a realm unto itself. It was here that the power of the emperor and the grace of the royal family intersected, where politics and personal ambition danced on the same floor. The court was alive with a hum of voices, each one vying for attention—nobles, advisors, generals, scholars, and priests—all gathered beneath the high arches of the palace.
Today, however, the atmosphere was different. A tension lingered in the air, palpable as the heavy curtains of the court hall. The emperor had called a meeting, and the subject of the day was no less than the future of the kingdom itself.
Revati entered the hall with quiet dignity, her steps measured and graceful. Her gaze swept the room, taking in the familiar faces of her family and the nobles who circled the emperor like bees to a hive. Her father sat at the centre, his regal form draped in gold and crimson, his presence commanding as always. Her brothers flanked him—Rudra Pratap on the right, Subhakaran on the left. The emperor's gaze softened as it met hers, a look that spoke of love, trust, and the unspoken bond they shared.
Revati took her place beside her father, her back straight, her face serene. She could feel the weight of all those in the room upon her, but she did not let it show. She had been raised for this—raised to carry the responsibility of the throne with grace and intelligence. This was her kingdom, and her family was the heartbeat of it. But what was her role in the larger picture? What was her place in the story of this world?
The emperor began, his voice steady and commanding. "My lords and ladies, today we discuss a matter of great importance. It has come to our attention that the celestial kingdom seeks an alliance with us—an alliance that would be sealed with marriage."
At the mention of the marriage, a murmur spread through the court. Eyes turned to Revati, who sat with her head held high. Her brothers' faces were unreadable, though she could sense the unease that rippled beneath their calm exteriors. The celestial kingdom was a powerful force, and such a proposal was not to be taken lightly.
The emperor's gaze flicked toward her. "Princess Revati, as my most trusted advisor and the heart of this kingdom, you are the one most suited to answer this call. The celestial kingdom's prince, Shen Liwei, has expressed interest in you as his bride."
Revati's heart did not skip a beat. She had heard the name before, of course. Shen Liwei was the fifth son of the dragon emperor—a prince known for his strategic mind and icy demeanour. He was a figure of both reverence and fear in the north, a man whose presence was both an honour and a challenge. She glanced briefly at her brothers, noting their reactions—Rudra Pratap's stoic face, Subhakaran's thoughtful expression. Both had their reservations, she knew. But the decision was not theirs to make. It was hers.
"I will consider it, father," Revati said, her voice steady, though her heart raced. She could already feel the weight of the decision upon her shoulders.