---
Just then, the soft chime of golden anklets echoed through the corridor.
Trishanvita.
She approached slowly—gentleness in her eyes, clad in blue velvet adorned with ornaments, a crown set with glowing blue gems.
Seeing the brutal scene, the princess gasped— her breath hitched, fingers clutching the edge of her embroidered clothes as her eyes widened in horror, unable to look away from the violence unfolding before her.
The guards froze, heads lowered.
Trishanvita (her voice trembling with concern):
"Commander, what are you doing?"
Bharadwaj replied,
"Princess, we are merely following orders. Emperor Kayotran commanded that any disobedient slave be punished."
Slaves? Trishanvita thought.
Those who fought to their last drop of blood, who were captured with honor—how can they be slaves?
Her gaze lingered on the prince and his general. Their helpless state pained her deeply.
Trishanvita pleaded softly,
"Commander, please do not strike them like this in front of me. You know I am afraid of the sight of blood."
At her gentle plea, the air in the corridor seemed to loosen slightly.
But at that very moment, a sharp, venomous taunt escaped Prince Ritupriyon's lips—
"Afraid of blood, Princess? For you, the blood of these prisoners is nothing but entertainment—a childish game. Your blue velvet finery and jeweled crown are a farce, a mockery. These prisoners are your slaves, your sexual playthings. And you stand behind them, imagining yourself a powerful princess!"
Trishanvita's eyes widened. Disbelief trembled in her voice.
"What are you saying?"
Ritupriyon's voice dripped with contempt and scorn.
"What royal right do you have over us? We are imprisoned here because of your mad brother—turned into your sexual slaves. These chains and wounds exist because of you. You and your vile brother are both mentally corrupt!"
The soldiers instantly flared with rage. Their eyes burned as they shouted one after another—
"This slave dares to speak like this! He is a prisoner, yet he insults His Majesty the Emperor and the Princess!"
Commander Bharadwaj erupted in fury,
"Silence, you dog! One more word and I'll tear your head from your shoulders!"
A flash of unexpected sorrow crossed Trishanvita's eyes. She had believed she could protect them. But now she understood—the hatred ran deeper, darker, more merciless. The corridor's light seemed to dull, turning gray, as loneliness throbbed painfully in her chest.
Trishanvita (anxiously):
"No… please don't hurt them. I beg you—don't harm them."
The soldiers roared together—
"He should be executed right here!"
"This prince is lower than an animal!"
Bharadwaj sneered,
"Princess, do you see now? Their blood is poisoned. There is no reason to spare these arrogant princes and their dog-like commanders. Step aside. Let us finish this."
No matter how softly Trishanvita tried to speak, unrest had already spread throughout the corridor. Her gaze remained fixed on Prince Ritupriyon's bloodstained body—his eyes blazing with hatred. Her eyes were gentle; his were unyielding.
She was about to speak again when Ritupriyon jerked his neck violently, the chains rattling loudly as he spat—
"Of course the Princess has come to show mercy… pretending to be kind, playing her role… to spice up the game."
Mockery filled his voice, hatred burned in his eyes.
"Your performance won't fool me. We are not slaves—we are men, warriors, bearers of dignity earned through blood. And you?"
A sharp laugh curled his lips.
"Perhaps you're here to choose your next… toy? In the kingdom of Kayotran, men are turned into sexual slaves too, aren't they? What kind of princess are you? How many men do you lie with every night, you debauched woman?!"
He ended in a full-throated scream.
Poison in his voice. Fire in his eyes.
An icy silence fell instantly. The soldiers froze; some inhaled sharply. In Bharadwaj's eyes, shock flared alongside murderous rage.
Trishanvita stood stunned.
Her lips trembled, her eyes wide. She could not believe such humiliation had been hurled at her—before guards, prisoners, soldiers alike.
After a moment of silence, someone shouted—
"Such language toward the Princess?!"
"Cut out his tongue!"
"Where does this dog get such audacity?"
"This time, smash his face in!"
Bharadwaj stepped forward slowly and said,
"Princess, give the order. I will dye this corridor with their blood. Such an insult cannot be tolerated."
Trishanvita slowly turned her face away. Tears glistened in her eyes, but her expression hardened. She spoke quietly—
"Their punishment…"
Everyone stared at her, waiting for her verdict. The soldiers' hands twitched, eager to strike Ritupriyon—awaiting only her command.
Hatred filled Ritupriyon's face, but fear did not touch him.
The Princess said,
"There is no need to punish them. Take them to the physicians. Their condition is critical."
Shock rippled through everyone—Ritupriyon included. He could not believe his own ears.
The soldiers were clearly displeased.
Bharadwaj quickly protested,
"Princess, the Emperor has forbidden sending them to the infirmary. And they insulted you in open view. They must be punished."
He signaled the soldiers to strike Ritupriyon.
At his gesture, the soldiers behind Ritupriyon raised light iron whips, tipped with small hooked spikes, ready to lash—
When suddenly the Princess screamed,
"Stop!"
The entire chamber fell silent.
She stood tall, raised her index finger, and declared—
"If anyone touches these men, I will stand before the royal court and have that soldier's hand severed. If the Emperor questions it, I will answer him myself."
Complete silence.
Bharadwaj had not anticipated such defiance. He halted, then said gravely,
"You do not rule this kingdom, Princess. You live among flowers. Politics runs on blood."
Trishanvita did not reply immediately. She stepped closer, standing directly before him. Shadows darkened her eyes; her lips hardened with fierce resolve.
"This corridor is mine. What happens here is by my will. Do not forget—I am Emperor Kayotran's sister. But I am not his shadow."
The soldiers lowered their heads and stepped back.
Bharadwaj had never seen such courage in the Princess. Perhaps the Emperor's absence emboldened her.
Trishanvita stood alone in the middle of the corridor—before eighteen prisoners—alone, yet filled with an unyielding strength.
She issued her final command—
"Take them to the infirmary. Treat them. Restore them to health."
---
To be continued…