DIRECTIONLESS (1)

Twenty years after the war, The only heir to Yamaya's Throne who was just a year old during the bloodshed of Anta, Prince Anugraha had turned twenty . The Prince was well loved by the commoners for his carefree demeanor and lack of care for his royal status. The prince often recieved praises from the old for being sociable and goggles from young maidens, why would he not? Anugraha's tan skin, glistening under the light made him look like a bronze statue fallen from the divine realms. The gold jewellery he wore, emphasized his god like appearance even more. His Hazel eyes had flecks of gold, and his features had slight hint of feminity. His dark hair went down till his shoulders and he wore a cresent moon vermilion on his forehead. His Attire consisted of dhoti salwar made out of expensive fabrics and he wore a dupatta over his shoulders, mostly golden. He was a beauty to behold.

Today Anugraha was again dodging his responsibilities and wandering around the streets of Mudita, the capital city of Yamaya. Mudita was a lively and cheerful city. It's street we're filled with street vendors and and markets always crowded with people. As Anugraha was walking aimlessly through the road, he received countless greetings. "Yuvraj, have some carambola!" Called out an old Street vendor, selling fresh carambolas. "How are you doing, granny? I haven't seen you since days, were you sick?" Anugraha asked, familiar with the old woman. "Thank god, I wasn't sick. My son just had a beautiful daughter so I decided to take a break" old lady.

"Really!? Congratulations! I shall bring a gift tomorrow, do not take a leave"

As Anugraha was chatting ideally with the street vendors a few royal guards came searching for him.

"Your highness, his majesty has summoned you to the palace" spoke one of the guards

"What for!? Don't tell me Siyaansh complaint to father about me skipping the training? It's not like that right?"

King Prajya wasn't fond of the prince's carefree antics and lack of realisation of his position which resulted in Anugraha often recieving his scoldings.

"We're not aware, your highness but it seemed an urgent matter" the guard answered

Anugraha sighed and made his way towards the palace, he cannot defy the king even if he was his own father. Throughout the way he was preparing himself for a scolding.

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The palace was beautiful and vibrant, just as one steps inside through the grand gate is met the Royal court infront of which is bright green and well kept lawn in middle of which is a wide stone pavement. Entering the Court room, Anugraha saw the king sitting on his throne , Siyaansh standing beside him and an unfamiliar woman of probably the same age as him talking to the king.

The woman wore a blood red colour Saree, draped like pants probably to move around freely. She wore a waist belt and Armlets made out of gold, her neck was dazzling with gold jewellery too. At her waist was a black coloured swords sheath with red accents. Her skin was the colour of caramel, her eyes as dark as the night sky. Her dark hair were tied in a braid, reaching just above her hips. One would describe such Beauty as the celestial nymph straight from heaven. Anugraha for a second thought that his father was setting him up for a marriage.

"Hurry, will you?" Siyaansh spoke, as Anugraha hurried, "you called for me, father?"

"This is Abhitha, she's from the Advaya sect of Raktapadma. You probably are too ignorant to know that but they're a powerful sect among the spiritual world. She shall be your personal gaurd starting tomorrow" King Prajya announced.

Abhitha gave a bow to Anugraha but he was too disturbed by this to notice.

"What!? A woman!? Father, do you not care about my reputation at all? You want a woman protecting me? How would that look?" Anugraha protested.

"What reputation?" Siyaansh sneered, recieving a glare from Anugraha. Siyaansh tried his best not to laugh.

"Like I said, you're too ignorant to know. She's an excellent swordswoman and her spiritual powers are on par with many high level spiritualists, she'll protect you and this has already been decided so I won't be listening to any protest" the king gave no option to argue any further.

Anugraha realised that the king had already made his mind and their was no way he could defy him. His face had a defeated expression and Siyaansh's teasing wasn't exactly helping.

"You can leave now Anugraha. Abhitha you go with the servants and get comfortable with your room"

Abhitha gave her farewell and followed the servant out of the Royal court. Anugraha was followed by Siyaansh.

"She's better than you at everything, you know? Stop acting like you're some well renowned swordsman" Siyaansh

"She's better than you too, your point is?" Anugraha

"Never said otherwise, she uses spiritual powers so obviously " Siyaansh.

Siyaansh was the son of General Arinanda, who played a big role in the bloodshed of Anta.He was of the same age as Anugraha , both of them grew up together and King Prajya never made it seem like he was an outsider. He was fairly handsome, his skin was the colour of wheat and his hair went down his shoulder which were often tied in a half up bun. His eye shape resembled that of of felines, with dark brown orbs. He had his fair share of admirers. King Prajya always compared Anugraha to Siyaansh for being responsible and hard working but he never gave it much thought.