A week later Raja Kiritveer placed his royal seal on the execution order of Vikram.

He looked heartbroken while doing so. Vikram was his best friend's son after all. He had always considered him like his son but his crimes were too grave to be pardoned.

He sighed as Mansingh took away the royal letter. He folded his hands resting his elbows on the table deep in thoughts.

"Your Majesty," Devburman's booming voice was heard.

Kirtiveer turned towards the door. He had never met Dev before but he knew who he was.

"Please come in. "

Kiritveer said while standing from his seat which took a great deal of effort as he had not yet recovered.

"You need to rest your majesty. Please don't leave your seat." Dev said as he entered.

Kiritveer smiled and sank back in his chair.

"We have never met before I am Devburman, Shivaditya's brother."

"Pleased to meet you. Thanks for your help in saving my people" Kiritveer said.

"We just did our duty, I will be leaving for Patan soon. Before that, I have a request. I would like to marry my betrothed Poonam. I want to take her with me. I know this is not the right time. But just a simple wedding would do so that she can accompany me as my wife."

"Of course. This can be arranged. I will personally see to it."

"Another thing. Would you please do her Kanyadaan? She has lost her parents and it would mean a lot to her."

"Poonam has been like my daughter. Her late father was one of my army generals. I would be blessed to give her away."

Dev gave a satisfied smile.

*****

The next morning brought varied emotions for Chitra. Vikram was going to be executed. She wasn't going to witness the execution, it would be too much to bear.

Despite his wrongdoings, he was her childhood friend. Her most trusted companion. She stifled a sob.

The room suddenly seemed suffocating so she fled towards her favourite corner in the garden. She lifted her Saari and immersed her feet into the cool pond.

Koi fishes swam around haphazardly as she splashed her feet in the water. A gentle breeze played with her hair. She felt better.

"Chitra" a familiar voice called out to her.

She turned around to see Shiv standing among the trees gazing at her.

"It's done," he said with a grim expression.

She knew what he meant. Vikram had been executed. Tears rolled from her eyes.

Shiv was immediately by her side placing his arm around her. She rested her head on his chest crying.

"It's ok Chitra, you have nothing to fear now." He said softly.

"Why did he do this Shiv? He was my good friend. I trusted him." She cried.

"Some people are not worthy of your love and loyalty Chitra, I am just glad that we didn't get him married to Kamakshi. Her life would have been destroyed. I would have never forgiven myself."

Chitra sat up straight. A horrified look on her face.

"Oh no! I forgot about Kamakshi. She will be heartbroken."

"I have already sent a letter to my father explaining the situation. She will be fine. She is a strong girl."

He rubbed her arm with his palm trying to calm her.

*******

Poonam was dressed up in her bridal finery. Chitra fixed her bridal veil then admired her.

"You look beautiful Poonam." Chitra smiled at her.

Dev and Poonam were getting wedded in a simple ceremony in a temple. King Kirtiveer was giving her away.

"I wish my parents could see this" Poonam said her eyes moist.

Chitra placed her hand under Poonam's chin.

"They would be blessing you from wherever they are Poonam. You have a bigger role to fill now. You are going to become a princess."

"I am nervous," Poonam said.

"Don't be, everything is going to be fine now."

Poonam was led into the wedding mandap. Chitra smiled at Shiv as they watched Dev and Poonam become husband and wife.

*****

Dev and Poonam left for Patan the next day while Shiv and Chitra worked on restoring Navsarika.

Vasantsena Vikram's grandmother died of a heart attack when she heard of his execution. The Gurjar-Pratihar dynasty ended. Chalukya empire now extended from west to the entire south of the subcontinent.

Poonam looked at the imposing castle from her chariot. She had been to Patan before but not as a Princess, she was just a staff of Chitrangda then.

"Your highness how long are we expected to stay here?" She asked her husband Dev.

"A couple of months maybe. Perhaps longer it all depends on how easily the provinces cooperate."

She was ignorant about the administration. She was never educated on it. She worried, how would she be of any help to Dev.

The first thing they had to do was arrange the state funeral of Vasantsena and Vikram. Even though executed he was still a former king hence he deserved a state funeral.

Poonam had seen enough funerals in the last few days to last an entire lifetime. She just hoped never to encounter another one for a long long time.

She was escorted into the Queen's palace which was now occupied by Chalukya soldiers and staff.

"Your highness these are the former attendants and family members of the previous royal family. We need your order what to do with them." Her guard asked.

She looked at the crowd of people stating in a huge hall. Some of them looked fearful.

Usually, the former family was banished from the palace, given some land, and pension.

They continued living a normal life.

"I will talk to his highness about it. Meanwhile, they can continue staying here. The staff can also continue working however our guards, cooks, and the attendants will be from Badami."

Poonam spotted Indu among the crowd and her eyes flared with anger.

"Bring that woman to me." She commanded her guard. A shivering Indu was brought before her.

"Hello, Indu how have you been?" Poonam asked.

"I... I am sorry your highness," Indu said.

"For what? I haven't even put any charges on you yet!"

Indu didn't reply. She knew her time was up. Vikram was never in her control and after his death, she had no one to protect her.

"You betrayed Princess Chitrangada and the King. You know it well."

"But it all turned out in Princess's favour isn't it?" Indu replied.

" That must have made you disappointed isn't it?" Poonam asked sarcastically.

Indu looked uncomfortable.

"Your intentions were always nasty Indu I know it. You have always hated the princess I wonder why? She has always been good to you and everyone."

"I don't want anyone's pity nor am I a social climber who uses the princess's favour to nab a prince."

Indu smirked.

Poonam glared at her. She was trying to mock her.

"But you are fine with becoming a whore and get into the bed with anyone for power. You have not changed at all Indu."

"We are all trying to survive....." Indu said.

"Silence!" Poonam said loudly. Probably the first time using her authority.

"You have charges of treason Indu. Ideally, you should be beheaded but I will grant a favour. You will be banished! You have 24 hours to leave the kingdom."

For the first time, Poonam had used her royal status and it felt good.

Poonam nodded at her guards who led Indu away.

To be continued...