3

BAHLIKA KINGDOM

INDIA

MANIKARNIKA POV

Am definitely not going to marry Arnav, one thing am sure about is that Queen Adhira will never agree.

But someone out there is trying to kill me, I really do need his help. No....yes?

Such a hard decision to make and he gave me just little time to think and his coronation is tomorrow.

Wait think about what? Am not accepting, I can take care of myself.

I need to stop thinking about his stupid proposal and practice in order to actually protect myself.

Shooting arrows always calms me down.

I have defeated everyone who competed against me, though few. Am still very good at archery.

My late mother, Queen Pohti, was my mentor, she taught me archery and am so good at it. She would be so proud to see me today as am going to hit a difficult target, an apple sitting on a branch from a tree in the royal garden through my balcony.

It's quite a distance but I have very sharp eyes that sees far.

I aimed steadily as I drew my bowstring with the arrow and then fired.

Yes. It hit the target, the apple is now impaled by my arrow.

"Nice shot"

I was shocked, not expecting anyone in my court as nobody was announced but I recognize that voice.

"Always like entering my court with out being announced." I replied sarcastically and ignoring his compliment.

"That's no way to respect your future king."

Arnav said. He always loved entering my court especially my bed chamber with out being announced.

"If nobody's going to be announced, then why are there guards outside my court?"

Am beginning to get irritated by this behavior.

"The announcer will announce anyone who likes to enter your court but am not just anyone and I can enter your chamber when I like it." He sounded cool and calm, he was in one of his playful moods again.

There's nothing I can do with this stupid prince.

"Go find someone else to annoy."

I said finally turning back to look at him.

A smirk creeped up his face, his Amber brown eyes had a little glow in them, if both of us weren't enemies, I would have loved looking at those eyes. It's so mesmerizing and adorable.

"So.... You think practicing more on your skill is going to protect you?"

He said while walking towards me after few minutes of silence.

"Yes, so?"

"Just accept my help."

"No!"

"Why?"

"You're asking me that?"

"This is the only way I can help."

"Look for another."

"There's none." He threw his hands up.

"Then forget it. Am curious even. Why do you want to help me? Cause we are practically enemies."

I said turning my back at him, now looking at my target in the far end of the royal garden.

I admired my arrow, it flew passed many trees and went straight to it's target.

"Actually you are the only one who treated me as an enemy."

I turned back at him, forgetting my victory. Am confused and it can be clearly seen on my face.

"Think, did I ever do anything bad to you?"

Actually, No.

"No. I never really thought of you as a rival for father's attention and I never fought for it. I let you have it."

He was smiling and slowly walking towards me again.

"Whatever, your mother is a traitor."

He's right but I till don't trust him and he can't be right and am wrong. No it can't.

"And you just don't like me because am the son of a traitor."

He said amusingly.

"So what's your point?"

I snapped, it was more than I intended.

"My point is that, yes we don't get along, you don't like me nor my mother but you have no reason not to trust me. This is your only chance, if am coronated and you till refused," he paused then sighed "then there's nothing I can do for you. You will be sent to exile by my mother as she has always planned."

Why am I not surprised, She never liked me from day one.

"I can't marry you, just leave!"

I yelled, I can't marry him and that's it.

"Why is it always hard to convince you?"

"Actually you can't convince me."

"Someone else is trying to kill you as well. Nevermind, you'll soon realize you need my help and you won't need convincing then."

With that said, he left.

No, I can't marry him.

Why can't he just order that I can remain in the palace, when he's the king, Queen Adhira's opinion doesn't matter.

But till I know, I won't get the full diligency from my Entourage and guards as I don't have any personal relationship with the royal family anymore.

But the little protection they will give be enough as I will protect myself as well.

Now why is it so difficult for the crown prince to do.

Am done thinking because I already have a headache.

I need to step out in the garden for some fresh air but without my guards.

"Am going to the garden and I don't want anyone to follow me there."

I said out loud as I wanted to pass through my balcony.

"Yes your highness."

They chorused.

Am extremely shock but why am I, this is expected.

You must be confused as to why am shocked when I wanted to be left alone, well

Normally they would go out of their way to disagree and follow me but now....

The crown prince is right but I can protect myself on my own, I don't need anybody.

Sigh.

Ok, am leaving for the garden for some fresh air, I need a breather.

******

I've been out in the royal garden for barely five minutes before I heard my name being yelled out like I was running away after commiting a sin.

'MANIKARNIKA'

'MANIKARNIKA'

'MANIKARNIKA'

I couldn't bear it anymore, how dare the him or her, whoever it is, yell my name like that.

I rushed back to my chamber through the balcony and I was face to face with Queen Adhira.

I became irritated immediately,

Can't I get a break from this family drama? Am sick of both of them.

"Why were you yelling my name?"

I glared at her.

"Shut up. You should know your place and respect me."

I guess my prayer will not be answered any time soon.

Sarcastically I said, "Queen..., sorry, your majesty, why do you Grace me with your gracious presence."

"You want to be immature, carefree, disrespectful, stubborn, well this is your chance."

"What do you mean?"

Am clearly confused.

"Your only relation to the royal family is dead and you didn't have the courtesy to attend his burial, I have had enough of you." She said I one breath.

The cold air of realisation rush through me as I answered the question I asked myself. No she can't.

"Get out."

____