iv.

" Greetings father, greetings mother. " Mrityunjay folded his hands, and stood in front of his father, his mother seated right beside him.

" Your answer? " Lekha smirked at her son.

He royally ignored her, and looked at Geetanjali, who's timidly standing at the threshold of the court room.

Isn't she going to say anything? Is she already giving him up?

" There's no need to look at Geetanjali. Her response has already arrived; now it's your turn. " he clenched his fist, closing his eyes.

No, he can't do this!

Even if his wife gave her affirmation to this stupid second marriage, he just couldn't bring himself to marry another woman.

" My decision- "

" I've objection to this, Your Majesty. " three pairs of eyes snapped to her way, as Geetanjali walked up to where Mrityunjay is.

" But you- " Adhiraj raised his hand, motioning Lekha to stop whatever she's going to say.

" As far as I know, I'm the King here, not you. " that made her shut up, " What's your objection Princess?"

" Prince's second marriage." she side-eyed her husband, who had a poker face on.

" Do you understand the implications? "

" Yes, I understand. And I'm well aware of the responsibilities that come with it. "

" But I have an objection here, Your Majesty- " Lekha couldn't stop herself from marching towards her daughter-in-law, " -I will never accept Geetanjali as the queen because I don't see the necessary qualities in her. And this is the law of Gauravgarh. Only the current king and queen have the right to choose their successor. "

Geetanjali bit her lips, lowering her gaze, when she felt a callous hand wrapping around hers, squeezing it a little. Her husband burned holes in her mother-in-law's head.

" But, mother, she's a princess and moreover, my wife- "

" Do you think that's enough to make her queen? Geetanjali didn't attend the royal school. She never learned martial arts or economics. Does she even know what being present in royal court feels like? " she laughed mockingly, " Has she ever stepped foot in the courtroom? "

She turned towards Geetanjali, " Do you know the problems of the people, their expectations from the king and queen?" Geetanjali shook her head.

" So, you also don't know how to play chess? " she again shook her head, ashamed, " Every princess should know this, but our Geetanjali? She's just hopeless. " Lekha scowled at the said girl.

Mrityunjay clenched and unclenched his jaw, while Adhiraj looked at Geetanjali with pity, feeling bad for how his wife was degrading her.

But, Lekha was right in a way, these are the basic parameters for being a queen, and Geetanjali had none. Though, he knew that she'll be one of the kindest queen of Gauravgarh, if given chance, but he can't take risk. He's the king, and he would've to think about his empire first.

" Now, tell me Your Majesty. Would you like a queen like her to rule your kingdom. Would you like an illiterate woman- "

" Mother, you're crossing the line- "

" Truth is always bitter, Mrityunjay. "

" I never knew you had so much venom in your words mother, to inflict this much pain to other people. Now I do. " his mother just rolled her eyes at her son's words, " You think Geetanjali can never become queen?"

" There's no doubt about it." she raised an eyebrow nonchalantly.

" Very well then. I challenge you, Your Highness. Geetanjali will become the queen, and the most deserving one at that. And I'll make sure you accept it. " Mrityunjay voiced out determined.

" And if she can't? "

" Then I'll marry the girl you choose. " Geetanjali widened her tear filled eyes at him, shocked at what her husband had just stated.

" Challenge accepted, Jay. " Lekha smirked viciously.

" So, the decision is made. When Mrityunjay's coronation takes place, the successor to the queen's throne will also be announced, and that declaration will be final. " nodding at Adhiraj, both the mother and son looked at each other, challengingly, no one ready to back down.

" Let's go Geetanjali, we should get going for your training session. " Lekha looked at Mrityunjay, dragging her away from there.

No matter what, she ain't going to give her decision in their favor!