Chapter 4

The Ashwamedha Yajna was over and the arena was cleared to entertain all the guests who had arrived. A big tent was set up one one side of the arena with enough food and wine to last a month, and various entertainers to showcase their talent. Another tent was set up for the individuals who were rather interested in the game of dice, as numerous kings lazed around and put up precious gems and jewels at stake while their respective queens kept them on stern hold. A game of dice could be destructive, especially when wine was involved, and it was up to the queens to keep their husbands on check and make sure their kingdom and humility were not being put on stake. The center of the arena was bustling with the prince and princesses of various kingdoms who were trying their hands in games like archery, polo, and even wrestling. There were prizes in store for the individual who would win at least three rounds of one of the many games and Princess Swarnalata and Prince Devadatt were at the center of attention. Prince Devadatt had already won eight consecutive rounds of archery games while Princess Swarnalata was currently winning her third round of kabaddi against the Prince of Paliwal. Cheers emerged amongst onlookers as Swarnalata tackled the Prince of Paliwal onto the ground and jumped on his back while he punched the ground numerous times, indicating his loss.

"And the Princess of Karusha has won against the Prince of Paliwal once again!", said the guard who was tasked with announcing and keeping points during the game. The crowd roared and cheered for Swarnalata as she got up from the ground and lent her hand to help the Prince of Paliwal back on his feet.

"How is it that you are younger and smaller than me, but you still managed to defeat me in every single round?," asked the Prince of Paliwal as he took Swarnalata's hand and jumped back on his feet.

"You are only two years older than me, thats not a lot. Drink milk from tomorrow, and it will help you grow taller and stronger so someday you might have the slightest chance of beating someone. Until then get used to defeat.", said Swarnalata as she dusted of her garments.

"Swarnalata, did you win?", asked Revati as she ran towards her. Revati was Swarnalata's best friend of the same age. She had entered the palace about three years ago with her mother who was a maid. As close as they were, Swarnalata never let the difference in their status get to her and neither did her mother or father forbid her from meeting Revati. However, society wouldn't be able to digest such a friendship so in order to keep her daughter from being humiliated, Revati's mother would stop her from getting close to Swarnalata in public, but Revati just couldn't keep away from her best friend.

"Now who are you and how dare you take the Princess's name so casually in public.", said the Prince of Paliwal.

"She is my friend, Rajkumar. She has permission to address me like any dear one would.", replied Swarnalata.

"The Princess's name should not be taken like so in public,or else what difference would it make between you and a simple civilian. And your friend is a maid! Her status is much lower than that of yours, she should be punished! ", said the Prince of Paliwal

"I don't differentiate between status, caste, or creed, Rajkumar, I wasn't taught to do so. If I can call her by her name, it is only acceptable that she does the same, being a close friend of mine. I am afraid that it is your disgusting mentality towards people that makes you weak and fickle minded.", said Swarnalata as she grabbed Revati's hand and dragged her away from the fuming Prince of Paliwal.

"Wow Swarnalata, how could you stand up to someone like that? He is older than you and a Prince!", said Revati.

"Prince or pauper, it doesn't matter. If someone is disrespecting someone based on their status, caste, creed, or even gender, then they aren't on the right path. Gurudev has taught me to treat everyone equally and to stand up to injustice, so that's all I did. Come now, let's look for Brother!", said Swarnalata as she didn't miss the slight blush on Revati's cheeks. She knew all to well about the crush her friend had on her brother and would often tease her about it while Revati would shy away.

"Brother!", yelled Swarnalata as she spotted Devadatt near the archery games and waved at him.

"Did you win a lot today?", asked Swarnalata as Revati stood near and looked at Devadatt in awe.

"Of course I did. In fact I have been tired of winning continuously for so long. Why don't you give it a try?", said Devadatt. He finally caught sight of Revati who was trying to shift behind Swarnalata.

"Revati, when did you come? Do you want to play any games?", asked Devadatt as he smirked when he saw Revati's face grow red.

"No, no, no, Rajkumar! I don't dare! I am not good in games. I just came to support Swarnalata and... and you.", said Revati coyly.

"I want to try my hands at archery. Revati, will you wait here for me with brother? After I finish winning three rounds, we can all go and get something to eat.", said Swarnalata.

"Let us join you then.", said a voice as it approached the group of three.

"What is this Rajkumar, won't you introduce us to these lovely girls keeping you company," said the stranger to Devadatt as he was followed by two other boys, all around their early teens.

Devadatt looked sternly at the stranger before he replied, " No funny business here. This is my sister, the Rajkumari of Karusha, and that is her friend Revati. I am protective of them both, so don't you dare try something weird, Agni.", said Devadatt.

"Relax my friend! No reason to be so stern! I only wanted to get to know who these two were and hopefully be friends with them. I am the Prince of Kampilya, Agni. These two guys behind me are the Princes of Nagarpal and Mithila", said Prince Agni as he pointed to the boys to his left and then to his right.

Swarnalata eyed the boys up and down and decided that she didn't like them while Devadatt stood closer to Swarnalata and Revati guarding them protectively.

"I heard that Rajkumari is a good archer, so I would like for us to compete in the next round," said the Prince of Nagarpal confidently.

"Why not, but I am afraid the next round may be your first and last round Rajkumar.", said Swarnalata as she smiled smugly.

Both of them were announced as they took up their respective positions and held up their bows and arrows. Swarnalata focused on the bulls eye in front of her as she let go of the arrow, and it traveled to the middle of the target and hit bulls eye. She once again held her bow and arrow in position and zoned in on her target and hit bulls eye again. She hit her target three times in a row, and finally looked over at the Prince of Nagarpal's target, whose arrows were near the center but not on it.

"Let me help you with that Rajkumar.", said Swarnalata as she took aim and hit the bulls eye on the Prince of Nagarpal's target and grinned. The Prince of Nagarpal looked down at his feet embarrassed, and left the arena amongst the cheering crowd and the smiles on Devadatt and Revati's face.

" Once again the Rajkumari has proved her talent! She has beat the Prince of Nagarpal, three times in a row. Is there anybody who would like to challenge the Rajkumari?," said the announcer.

Everyone looked at each other as no prince or princess stepped up, in fear of defeat and getting embarrassed.

"It seems there isn't anyone brave enough to go against our Rajakumari! Then we shall-"

"I would like to challenge the Rajkumari.", said a voice coming from the crowd.

"Who are you? Please come forward and introduce yourself.", said the announcer.

A young boy in his teens stepped forward. He was lean yet muscular and his skin was tanned from the sun, but there was no denying that the boy was insanely handsome even when he was dressed in silk and had minimal jewels adorning his body.

"I am the Prince of Magadh, and I would like to challenge the Rajkumari to an archery battle.", said the Prince as he looked over at Swarnalata.

The crown erupted in hushed whispers, as they talked about the notorious prince and his kingdom. There wasn't a single soul that didn't know about the accomplishments of Magadh and how the Prince of Magadh was extremely skilled at his age. He was not only well versed in the Vedas but he was also a skilled fighter, equivalent to many great warriors older than him

Swarnalata studied the prince before her. He was definitely taller and stronger than many of the princes present in the arena. In fact he could even be compared to Devadatt who was one of the greatest and strongest individuals warriors in the arena. Swarnalata was glad that someone capable of fighting her had come forward but she decided to judge him after seeing his skills.

Both of them took their positions in front of their respective targets and held their bows up to aim. As soon as the announcer counted to one they both released their arrow and hit bulls eye. Both of them kept on hitting the center of their targets for the next two rounds. The crowd gathered around them in excitement as they finally saw two strong contenders fight it out on the arena.

"It seems this game is too easy for my sister and the prince. Why don't we take it up a notch by providing them with horses, so they have to hit their target in motion?", said Devadatt.

Two horses were brought from the stable and numerous target were spread around the arena as Swarnalata and the Prince of Magadh got on top of their horses and were ready for the next round. The start of the game was announced as both Swarnalata and the prince sped around the arena in their horse, taking aim at targets. Swarnalata's horse approached a target as she zoned in and took aim and hit the center.

"Rajkumari has hit one target", announced the guard.

The Prince of Magadh soon followed as he hit the center of his target as well.

"The Prince of Magadh has one target as well."

Swarnalata soon approached another target as she brought up her bow and arrow to take aim, only for her target to be taken by the arrow of the Prince of Magadh.

"The Prince has gotten another target.", yelled the guard.

Swarnalata sighed in annoyance as she glared at the Prince of Magadh while he simply chuckled.

The game continued for a while as both of them hit their targets, and the game finally came to an end with Swarnalata winning with four targets against three.

She got of her horse as the guard announced her victory and the crowd erupted in cheers for her.

"You did great Swarnalata! Now let us go and get some food!", said Revati as she took Swarnalata's hands in her own.

"Congratulations on the win sister, but your competitor was just as good.", said Devadatt.

Swarnalatta nodded as she continued to walk ahead. It was true, never had she met someone who could challenge her in archery other than her brother! In fact a part of her felt as if the prince may have let her win intentionally when he stalled on getting the last target, before Swarnalata took aim and hit her target.

"It was a good game Rajkumari.", called a voice behind Swarnalata. She turned around to see the Prince of Magadh who was walking towards her.

"You are definitely a tough one to beat, but your skills shine through.", said the Prince of Magadh.

Swarnalata nodded as she said, "You were a great challenger yourself Rajkumar. In fact, I can't help but feel that you may have let me win. Next time we are to fight, let's do it fair and square.", said Swarnalata.

The Prince smiled as he said, " I haven't gotten your name, Rajkumari. I would surely like to know the name of the person who has won against me in an archery battle.", said the Prince.

"I am afraid that won't be appropriate Rajkumar. My sister doesn't know you well, especially to be known on a first name basis. However, you are also our guest so I would like to invite you to have food. Our chef makes some of the best food available in the country.", said Devadatt.

"I will take your invitation Rajkumar. Well if we would like to get to know each other, we must start from somewhere, so let that be our names.", said the Prince of Magadh.

Devadatt led Swarnalatta and Revati towards the banquet leaving behind the Prince of Magadh.

"I look forward to our next fight ,Rajkumari! But I would like to extend a hand of friendship. My name is-", but Swarnalata had already walked ahead, out of range from the Prince and his words.

"-Suryakant", whispered the Prince of Magadh as he smiled at the retreating figure of the princess who had won against him.