The prince helped her into the carriage, and Chitrangada climbed up accordingly, no small feat, given the heavy saari and pieces of jewellery she had to arrange on her. It was here, unfortunately, that her thoughts began to drift to the hollow and forlorn emptiness which she felt in her heart.

Once they finished seating themselves, the carriage was off, jostling merrily out of the courtyard at a modest pace. The grinding of the wheels served to camouflage her turmoil.

"Yes, we shouldn't keep your people waiting," she echoed distractedly, not quite listening to what he was saying as she gazed listlessly out into the courtyard.

She felt his hand curl around her arm, drawing her close - mindful of all the layers of silk and gold.

"Are you still mad at me?" He whispered.

She shrugged her arm away, "don't talk to me."

He laughed, as he leaned back and made himself comfortable. An easy action, considering the plush and velvety seat that cushioned them.

The heavy wheels were soon not the only source of the noise.

The distant cry of the crowds could be made out, plus the professional noise-makers. As soon as they emerged from the castle, they began their job in earnest, and loud brass and heavy drumming echoed into the sky.

A full bevvy of the Chevaliers rode with them too, protecting the royal couple by horse and steel.

"What do they know about me?" she asked, having to raise her voice to be heard above the din.

"Very little." He spoke into her ear, instead of competing with the music. "Except that, I was enamoured enough to steal you away."

He grinned at the thought as if finding it infinitely amusing. "Touching, isn't it?"

She glared at him. The din of the city hit first and it was a wonder that the road was not blocked, but the King seemed to have accounted for that in advance: more guards lined the streets so that the carriages had a clear path forward.

The trumpeting fanfare at the forefront was soon joined in by the myriad cries, her new city was captivating, in its way.

The first flower to reach their chariot struck her squarely on the nose. Several other buds struck ground shy of the carriage wheels, others bouncing off the armour of their escorts, some fell in her lap.

Chitra lifted the daisy off her saari and looked at it tucking it behind her ear as a show of her acceptance of their gifts. No later than that did the head of a rose land upon her lap, other petals eventually fluttering their way over her hair.

As for herself, she did not allow a single crack in her airs of decorum and grace. Even if on the inside, she was closer to crying and whining and rolling about on the bottom of the carriage in tears.

As expected, the feast was an extravagant affair in the great ballroom.

The inside of the building was huge to fit in the three hundred especial guests that were privileged enough to have tables on the ground floor. Hundreds more, lesser nobles, could peer out from the balcony seats if they so desired.

Later in the court, she was formally coronated as the Crown Princess. It felt weird sitting on a throne next to Shivaditya while he felt like a stranger.

Chitra was no stranger to affluence, but this was extravagant even for royalty. She wasn't surprised anymore. The King, her father in law, seemed to enjoy his affluence. But she was too distracted and angry to sample all these delicacies.

As they dined their way through the array of courses, she opted to listen more than she spoke. Those at the table were his closest family, honoured to be seated with them.

Kamakshi continued to be amiable toward her, as Shivaditya had to attend and talk to about 100s of nobles. Chitrangda was glad, she was avoiding Shiv anyway.

"Your highness, out of curiosity, I heard a very fascinating tale about your wedding. You were getting married to another prince, but our prince stole you away." Intoned a noblewoman, now seated next to her.

She smiled thinly. "You certainly had no dearth of suitors."

Chitrangada smiled, pleased with herself for displaying no sign of insult or discomfort whatsoever. The palace gossip travelled quickly.

"Yes, it was rather unusual but some things are predestined."

The lady gave unconvincing smile.

"Oh darling, you needn't be evasive," she said. "I meant no offence, of course. Is it such a curious question? After all, men like to claim whatever they want. I also heard, that you were living with the crown prince, before...you know marriage" she added conspiratorily.

She placed her hand briefly over the younger woman's, as if in a show of solidarity.

" Our prince was smitten with you, so should I except the news of the heir soon?"

Chitrangda nearly choked on her drink! The audacity of this woman!

Chitra peered at her for a moment thinking of a clever retort.

"Well, it was high time he got married anyway, considering his first marriage ended rather tragically," the woman continued ranting which made Chitra tighten her grip on her goblet.

"Mrignayani was so beautiful, poor girl died too soon. His Highness was so devastated..."

That was it, Chitra could take it no more, and she was about to say a retort.

Shivaditya arrived, next to her. He'd been preoccupied with a conversation with some other lords, but he appeared to have overheard the gist of Chitra's conversation.

"Yes, I did steal away my princess, you know why? Because I fell in love with her the moment I saw her."

The comment was casual, but he said it forcefully

"I was merely....."

"Now you must be wondering where I saw her?"

said the prince, interrupting again, with little rudeness. He set down a filled goblet for Chitra, his smirk rather conspiratorial.

"She was unfortunate enough to get attacked by some ruffians, as your prince and man of honour don't you think it was my duty to save a hapless girl ?"

The lady looked like she had come across a vaguely unsavoury scent, and merely sniffed and muttered," of course, your highness."

"And do you think your crown prince has such low morals that he would take advantage of a woman he saved?" He remarked.

The Noblewoman looked like she wanted to run away. "I assure Your Highness that I didnt mean that.... "

"Good, now if you please excuse me, your crown princess hasn't been quite well, and needs rest."

The entire table had quieted.

The woman stared at him. Comprehension had dawned on her that this was a dismissal, and a look of utmost indignation was now painted on her face. But Shiv's smile looked dangerous, and she was not fooling enough to challenge him.

"May the Gods bless your marriage," she said, stiffly.

Rising from her chair, she obediently departed, in a rustle of silk and gold. Chitra started at the departing figure and said," that was unnecessary, I had it under control."

Slowly, the conversation resumed again.

"Not that you weren't holding on your own just fine, but I would not have my bride dominated by some random women with gossip, the palace gossip spreads fast and I will not stand anyone questioning your reputation." He said casually.

After a moment of hesitation, she said, "Thank you."

The wedding feast lasted well into the night and Chitra was glad when she was bundled up into her carriage and sent back to her chambers, but the scene there startled her to the core.

The huge king's size bed was decorated with flowers, several burning lamps were kept tastefully in different corners.

Her handmaidens greeted her with a bow.

"Your highness, we have been ordered to get you prepared for your wedding night." They said with a giggle.

A cold dread filled her heart. She could not do this. Not until she had her answers.