Ch:-2

Kanika's body froze for a moment, but her expression remained calm—her grip still cradling the now lifeless creature.

From behind the trees came a familiar voice, dripping with amusement.

"Well, that's one less rabbit to steal your attention, sister."

Aarav stepped into view, a confident smirk on his face & his sword lazily resting on his shoulder.

"God, the look on your faces! Maya nearly turned into a ghost", he laughed.

Kanika's eyes turned to steal. She gently laid the rabbit down on the grass, then stood—every inch a princess.

"Aarav", She said sharply.

The laughter died in his throat.

"I told you once. I don't care how skilled you are with a sword—you are not to harm innocent creatures of the wild"

He shrugged, trying to play it off. "It's just a rabbit. I was practicing."

Kanika stepped closer, voice low but firm. "You're going to be a king one day. A crown doesn't make a man noble—his choices do. If your sword is meant to protect, don't let it became a weapon of pride."

Aarav's jaw clenched.

She continued, softer now. "I brought you here to show you peace, Aarav. To teach you what our father believes—that strength without compassion is destruction."

He looked away, guilty flickering briefly in his eyes. "I... didn't mean to upset you."

Kanika turned & knelt by the rabbit once more, whispering a silent apology.

"You didn't upset me," she said quietly.

"You disappointed me."

The forest fell quite. Even the wind skilled, as if listening.

Maya stood beside her, her hand on Kanika's shoulder. "Let's bury it, princess."

As they began to dig a small grave, Aarav remained frozen—sword still in hand, but a war now raging inside his heart.

A soft rustling broke the heavy silence. Birds scattered from the trees as if warning of something approaching. Kanika's eyes lifted.

"Aarav," She said firmly. "Take the guards & circle the area. I sence we're not alone."

He hesitated. "You think it's the thieves?"

Kanika nodded. "If they're bold enough to enter Chandrapur's forests, they won't stop at stealing herbs."

She turned to Maya. "We must return. Father's condition won't wait."

Without another word, she mounted the chariot with Maya. Aarav now serious, took the other path with guards, eyes scanning for movement in the trees.

(Inside the moving chariot)

The wheels creaked softly as the chariot moved through the dense path. Kanika leaned against the side, looking out as sunbeams flickered through the canopy above.

Maya broke the silence. "My princess... why did you come yourself to fetch the herbs? Couldn't someone else have gone? You left the king alone when he's already unwell."

Kanika sighed, folding her hands in her lap. "If I had sent Aarav, the herbs would still be resting in the healer's basket by now."

Maya blinked. "But he cares—"

"Yes," Kanika cut in softly, "but his mind is scattered. He's brave, Maya, but not yet responsible. He doesn't remember details. And this herb was crucial. I couldn't risk it... not with Father's fever rising."

Maya gave a small smile. "You're more like the king than you think."

Kanika returned a faint one. "I only wish I could heal him the way he's healed this kingdom."

Just then, a violent jolt rocked the chariot.

The horses neighed loudly & reared. The wheels skidded slightly in the dirt.

The chariot has stopped.

Kanika straightened. "What happened?"

Maya peeked out the flap cautiously. "I'll check. Stay inside."

"Maya—"

"I'll just see what's wrong. It's probably a stone or a broken wheel."

Reluctantly, Kanika nodded. "Be careful."

Maya stepped down & approached the front. Her breath caught in her throat.

The reins lay dangling.