The Kingdom in Ruins
Arjun stumbled out of the throne room, still reeling from the surreal nature of his transformation.
He needed answers, and the only place to find them was the royal chambers.
The palace corridors were lined with tapestries of past kings, heroes, and battles.
The deeper Arjun walked into the palace, the more confused he became.
Was this some sort of elaborate dream? Or perhaps some mystical force had pulled him into the past?
His thoughts were interrupted by a loud voice echoing down the corridor.
"Your Majesty! You must attend the council immediately. There are pressing matters of the kingdom to discuss."
Arjun turned around to see a woman approaching him—a regal figure, her attire simple yet elegant.
She had dark, sharp eyes and carried the air of someone who had seen much.
She looked concerned, but there was a firmness to her presence that suggested a deep loyalty.
"Who are you?" Arjun asked, trying to steady his voice.
"I am Rajkumari Prakriti, your sister, Majesty. I've been waiting for you to regain your senses."
She raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing in slight suspicion.
"I am not sure what troubles you, but you must understand that the kingdom is on the brink of collapse."
Arjun's mind raced. Sister? Was she really his sister, or just a woman playing her part in this strange world?
He had to trust the situation and figure out what was going on.
"Collapse? What do you mean?" Arjun asked, walking alongside her as she led him to a large chamber, filled with advisors and generals.
"The treasury is nearly empty, Your Majesty," she began, her voice softening. "There is unrest in the provinces.
We've had multiple skirmishes with neighboring Rajapura, and our enemies grow bolder every day.
The people are growing discontent, and there are whispers of rebellion in the air."
Arjun's eyes widened. "What am I supposed to do about it?"
Prakriti gave him a sharp look. "You are the king, Vikramaditya.
You must lead us. You must restore the strength of our kingdom. We are counting on you."