The next morning started like any other ordinary morning but for the residents of the kamyaka forest, it held different importance. From this morning a new phase of their responsibilities will start. Everyone's responsibility is shuffled according to the dire need of time.

The queen is also not free from this. The brave men are left with the troops for the collection of food and behind them, the responsibilities of security and households lie on the women. Everyone is fine with this arrangement. Men are sure that women of their community are capable enough to hold this responsibility. The queen is also present to see off the troops with encouraging words. After they left Hidimba took charge to address the peoples left behind to motivate them for all these.

"Our brave men are left to fulfill their responsibility leaving us behind. They are not worried because they are fully aware that behind them we are fully capable to look after and protect ourselves. Unlike the cultured and royal civilizations of humans here we don't depend on men to protect us. Every woman is fully trained to look after them and turning their enemies into ashes. This jungle taught us equality and provides us with equal opportunities. So I would only say that do whatever it takes to live and those who disrespect you burn them into your rage. Our goddess Prakriti always nourishes their children with love but at the same time, she also destroyed those who turn into a threat. We are her daughters we have the same fire inside. Don't hold yourself thinking you can't.Lose yourselves, set your spirit free to emerge" she finished her speech smiling confidently.

All those present there felt a strong sense of inspiration and confidence. This is the quality of their queen which they always love and appreciate. She never left the chance to make them proud. Her strength, courage, and valor are always admired by her subjects. Till she is present no harm can befall on them was their supreme belief. After all, she is their forest maiden the blessed daughter of Kamyaka.

After dispersing the crowd, she left for home to help her little one thinking a way to escape from her question on her past. When she reached she was welcomed by the aroma of freshly cooked vegetables and rice along with the warm smile of her little one. No matter whatever she is feeling this smile of her always melts her heart filling her with a sense of protectiveness.

"Come grandma I was waiting for your arrival for breakfast. What took you so long?" she asked trying to sound cheerful.

"Big position comes with big responsibilities. I think it's time you should start taking part in these affairs. You are going take over the crown soon and you should prepare yourself for it" she replied seriously.

"I am not ready for the crown and I don't want it. Plus subjects of kamyaka forest just witnessed their regal queen taking charges again so why don't let them rejoice this" replied she casually.

"People can put entire mankind on stake for a crown and here my little one doesn't want it" Hidimba replied chuckling humorlessly.

"Oho grandmother we are a special kind now leave all these come have your breakfast and then we will go to collect corns remember our deal."

Hidimba sighs dejectedly she was hoping that she should have forgotten about it till now but looks like she is determined.

"I know grandma you are running out of this but I won't let you drown in your pain," she thought looking at her affectionately.

"Grandma I took some fruits and water with us. We are heading for east I heard that we will get good corns there. So now tell me how your journey started?"

"I was born in this forest as the younger child of my parent, the king of Kamyaka. My parents used to love me a lot. They used to believe that I am the daughter of the kamyaka forest gifted them by their deity Mother Prakriti. I got the freedom to choose anything since childhood. My elder brother used to pamper me a lot. He trained me in warfare and different types of weapons. For the outer world, it is a cursed forest but for me, everything present here is a part of me. These trees, leaves, peeking rays of sun and moonlight, the fragrant wildflowers even the insects and wild creatures all are connected with my soul like my own. We aren't demons we are the tribal people lives in this cursed forest and humans from the outside world start thinking as demons.

One fine morning I was just wandering humming ,picking ripe gooseberries to eat ,primroses to adorn my hairs and blue wild lilies for prayers unaware of the upcoming storm. When I reach back at our tree house, i saw the forest burning.I heard that we are attacked. Our houses are completely destroyed. Amidst this chaos I got the news of my parent's demise. I was informed that they are killed by humans who are also the prime reason for this destruction filling everyone with hate and fear both.

But somehow I knew this is not the whole truth there is more to it. The look on my brother's face portrayed immense pain but I knew him better. His face can hold the masked expression but his eyes always gave up the secrets. I can smell something fishy in this making me sure that there is a different side of the story too. But I was very young then and I don't have any proof so I wasn't able to do anything other than accepting it. After the demise of our parents, the responsibility of the throne came on my brother's shoulder. The power and position brought arrogance and cruelty along with it. My brother became ruthless. Day by day his rules start getting strict and torturous. We started hunting people for food." Sighed Hidimba dejected.

Now you should take a little rest under this tree you must be tired by all these walking.

"Grandma I learned strength from you. I won't fall weak and get tired ever trust me. But yes we should stay a little to catch our breaths" replied the young girl earnestly.

"So grandma, it wasn't the humans who caused all this? Why didn't you stop your brother from doing all this? You are the princess and his sister too. As much as I have known you are the soul of this forest since ever. If you have opposed him no doubt everyone would have supported you."

She smiled at the young girl's curiosity and replied mildly, "Yes dear humans started this but they weren't alone and completely responsible. Something was missing. And about taking step it wasn't the right time.

My father has taught me the basics of royal politics and diplomacy and he always used to say 'A right step on the wrong time is more dangerous than not taking any step at all.'

You are going to be a queen so remember this little one speaking against a powerful leader at the wrong time only lessens your chance at victory. Plus it would expose your intentions making you an easy target to your enemy and your efforts would end up futile blocking your chances of striking back again. Attack at the right time with the right weapon eventually leads you to victory. So always wait patiently for the right moment for your final blow."

Ok grandma I would remember this lesson. Now continue your story. I can't hold myself I want to listen whole now she started clapping her hands.

"Ok so with each passing day my brother's darkness started taking over his light bit by bit. He stopped caring about people including me. My words stopped affecting him in any manner. I realized then that somewhere my parents saw his darkness so they started distancing me from him. They used to tell I will take up the crown which I failed to understand then but now it all started making sense. I realized this decision was the major reason behind their deaths.

But again I met with a dead-end not getting anything to support my theory. Once my brother realized this he showed me his true colors. I was turned as a bait to lure humans towards him and he ends up eating them. I also started caring less about it. My illusionary beauty used to draw humans like a fly is drawn into the web of a spider, leading them to their deaths.

He was happy with the process but I was scarred with the stains of blood on my hands. Due to this adjustment, he started showering me with affection. Removing all the restrictions from me he allowed me to take any step, do anything except falling in love. I was banned from having any affection towards anyone let too fall in love.

He threatened me that if he found me attracted to anyone then he will eat him. I became cautious and caged my heart-stopping it to fall for anyone. As a young girl, I too had a lot of dreams and fantasies about love, marriage, having a family and children but I don't want anyone to lose his life because of my stupid desires so I restricted myself and abandoned my heartiest desires.

But all these efforts turned futile the day my eyes landed on 'him'.

**"So this is the beginning of her journey. Hope you all will like it. It maybe a little boring."**

"**Do vote, share and comment make me aware of your opinion on it.**"