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🌙 Where the Sky Fades Away
Chapter 1
Durgaavati—
a powerful kingdom ruled by the mighty Lion Dynasty.
Today marked a turning point in its history.
King Bimalendu, having fulfilled his duties, was preparing to renounce the throne and depart for Vanaprastha. In his place, Crown Prince Shekharendu was to be crowned the next king.
The entire palace was alive with grand preparations.
Queen Mother Dhriti, the wife of King Bimalendu, oversaw every arrangement with a strict and watchful eye. Though Bimalendu still sat on the throne, it was Dhriti who truly held the reins of power. And even after Shekharendu's coronation, nothing would change—everything would still remain under her control.
Inside the royal temple, Rijuma—the wife of Shekharendu—and Raktima—the wife of Prince Amalendu—were busy with ceremonial duties. The two were sisters, daughters of the Parashra royal lineage, married into the Lion Dynasty by Dhriti herself.
Today was Rijuma's day—
the day her husband would become king.
"Rijuma… Raktima."
Dhriti's voice echoed through the temple.
Both women immediately stood up.
"Yes, Rajmata…" Rijuma spoke softly.
Dhriti said firmly,
"The auspicious moment will begin shortly. Finish everything at once. The royal priests will arrive soon, along with their wives. You will accompany them to Amritpuri."
Raktima nodded lightly.
"As soon as Didi finishes, we will come."
Dhriti's eyes sharpened instantly.
"Raktima…"
Startled, Raktima lowered her head.
"You will attend to the guests. Stop following your sister everywhere."
Without another word, Raktima left the temple.
Dhriti's discipline was ruthless—both inside the palace and across the kingdom. Everything functioned under her strict authority.
Kings from distant lands, great sages, and revered saints had all gathered for the grand coronation.
Soon, the ceremony began.
The crown of the Lion Dynasty was placed upon Shekharendu's head.
But not everyone was pleased.
Prince Amalendu had secretly wished to sit on that throne himself. Yet fate had chosen otherwise.
Raktima held Rijuma's hand tightly and whispered,
"Didi… from today, you are the Maharani."
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According to the sacred tradition of the Lion Dynasty, the woman who would be crowned queen had to prove her worth.
She must climb the Champakut Mountain, reach its peak, and bring back a Champa flower—offering it at the king's feet.
Only then would she be acknowledged as the Maharani.
Carrying the sacred royal lamp in her hands, Rijuma began her ascent.
She wore heavy garments studded with diamonds and jewels. Her ornaments weighed her down. Barefoot and fasting, every step felt like a burden.
The sky darkened with clouds.
Her body trembled with exhaustion.
Still, she whispered prayers and moved forward.
At last—
she reached the flower.
Her trembling fingers touched it.
And the next moment—
everything went black.
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When Rijuma regained consciousness, the first thing she saw was Dhriti's burning gaze.
She had failed.
She could not offer the flower at her husband's feet.
Her punishment was immediate.
"For one month," Dhriti declared coldly,
"you will not enter the Maharaja's chamber… nor remain near him."
With that, she turned and left.
Rijuma broke down in tears.
Raktima held her tightly.
"Don't cry, Didi… mothers do anything for their children."
"I couldn't even do this for my husband…" Rijuma whispered helplessly.
"Please don't cry…"
"I feel so alone… I couldn't even stay beside him."
Raktima sighed softly.
"For women… suffering is inevitable."
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Far away, in the hermitage of Sage Soutrik in Urbana…
Prince Advitiya—the son of King Shekharendu—was undergoing rigorous training.
Sharp-minded, powerful, and strikingly handsome, he possessed an extraordinary presence.
Beside him stood Prince Riddhim, the son of Amalendu.
Riddhim tossed an apple into the air.
In a flash—
Advitiya released an arrow.
The arrow pierced straight through the apple—splitting the letter "A" carved into it.
Riddhim clapped in amazement.
"Incredible, brother! You've become a master archer."
Advitiya replied calmly,
"I still have much to learn."
He paused, then asked,
"Where is Swarnendu?"
Riddhim smiled.
"He went into the forest with Acharya."
Just then, Malini—the sage's wife—approached.
"Princes…"
Both bowed respectfully.
"The Acharya has gone to search for Swarnapatri," she said.
"For what purpose?" Advitiya asked.
"It is needed for medicine. Acharya's sister, Namrata, is suffering from a severe fever. The herb must be brought before sunset."
Advitiya's expression grew serious.
"He should not have gone alone."
"We don't have time," Malini replied.
Advitiya turned to Riddhim.
"Let's go."
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Deep inside the forest, they searched for the rare herb.
Riddhim asked,
"But where will we find it?"
Advitiya replied,
"Do you remember its description?"
"Yes. Knee-high plants… golden like paddy… with hair-like flowers—called Swarnakeshi."
Advitiya nodded.
"I've heard they grow near the foothills of Dhumravati Mountain."
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Meanwhile…
A crystal-clear lake shimmered under the sunlight.
As a maiden stepped into its waters, gentle ripples spread across the surface.
Her skin glowed like gold.
Her hair flowed like the evening sky.
Adorned with silver anklets, she descended into the water.
This was Princess Swapnili—
the royal daughter of the Amravarta lineage of Sumetra Kingdom.
As she bathed, she suddenly heard the sound of approaching horses.
"Someone is coming," she said calmly.
"Cover the lake. Stop them."
Her maids quickly surrounded the area with cloth screens.
Advitiya and Riddhim approached but were stopped by guards.
"You cannot pass. The princess is bathing here."
"We must go," Riddhim insisted.
"It's urgent," Advitiya added.
From behind the veil, a soft voice spoke—
"You may pass."
Advitiya paused.
Through the thin curtain, he saw only a silhouette—
yet something about her presence felt… enchanting.
"Your request is granted because it is important," she said.
"Otherwise, no one is allowed near this lake during my bath."
"Thank you, Princess," Riddhim said.
As Advitiya walked past, he glanced once more at that mysterious shadow.
And for some reason—
he couldn't look away.
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Later, standing before a waterfall, Advitiya said,
"We must climb that mountain."
"How?" Riddhim asked.
"Watch."
Within moments, Advitiya crafted a bow and arrow from a tree. Using vines, he created a rope, tied it to the arrow, and shot it toward the peak.
They climbed swiftly.
At the top, golden plants spread across the land.
"We found it," Riddhim said in awe.
"Quickly. Gather them," Advitiya replied.
"We must return before sunset."
They descended rapidly.
As water from the waterfall splashed against him, Advitiya paused for a moment.
In that shimmering blue mist—
he saw her again.
That mysterious girl.
That enchanting presence.
And unknowingly…
something had already begun to change inside him.
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To be continued… ✨
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