Shama alighted from her carriage and walked towards the royal palace.
The royal palace was a sight to behold. Towering spires pierced the azure sky, their golden tips gleaming in the sunlight. The white marble walls were adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes of myth and legend. A grand fountain graced the courtyard, its waters cascading into a pool of shimmering lapis lazuli. The maids and servants working in the garden paused to stare at her for a moment, then resumed their tasks.
Shama startled.
"Can't they see their princess standing right in front of them?" she muttered a little embarassed.
"I've returned after so long. They should show their concern towards me like, 'Oh, my princess, are you alright? Where have you been all this time?' Or atleast show me some respect?"
Perhaps they simply hadn't noticed her.
"Ahem, ahem."
She coughed loudly to get their attention. Again, the servants looked at her briefly, then went back to work. Crying internally and cursing her sick fate, Shama walked inside the palace.
Her heart skipped a beat at the equisitive and luxurious sight in front of her.
The palace interior was even more opulent. The floors were paved with mosaics of precious stones, and the walls were hung with tapestries woven with threads of gold and silver. The ceilings were painted with murals depicting the history of the royal family, and the chandeliers were made of crystal and precious metals.
The palace was home to a vast treasure trove of art and artifacts. There were galleries filled with paintings by the greatest masters, sculptures by the most renowned artists, and artifacts from all over the world.
Shama's gaze was filled with awe as she surveyed the massive hall and staircase of the palace. Not knowing where her room was, she felt lost in the labyrinthine structure.
At that moment, the royal butler approached her with a scroll in hand. Adjusting his glasses, he read from the parchment: "Your Highness, there is a ball tonight. Although I instructed the staff to decline the invitation, I thought you might like to attend, as Prince Rehan will also be present. Therefore, I have informed you of this event."
The butler spoke in a casual tone, which Shama found insulting. She was a powerful princess and a potential queen, and she deserved better treatment.
"Who gave you the authority to make decisions on my behalf?" she asked in a cold, commanding voice.
The butler bowed quickly, terrified of the sudden change in her demeanor.
"I apologize, Your Highness. But you have never expressed interest in attending social gatherings or paying attention to the servants in this palace. Your only concern has been pursuing Prince Rehan. You have severed all ties with the royal family, and we have been forced to act on your behalf."
Shama inhaled deeply, maintaining her composure.
"Call all the palace staff, everyone who works and lives here, to the gathering hall. We need to have a serious discussion. If anyone is absent, they will be fired."
She issued the order in an authoritative tone, massaging her temples as she did so.
"Lead me to my room," she commanded.
The butler nodded frantically and obeyed.
Shama face palmed herself mentally.
"How could I forget that the original Shanaya was an irresponsible girl who always slacked off from her duties as a princess?" she thought. "Why did I have to end up in this body out of all."
"But somehow, I feel a little bit sorry for her. She didn't deserve this. Poor, naive girl." Shama murmered with a sigh.
"But now that I'm here, I'll make everything right," She decided, her eyes sparkling with determination.
She halted before her room, gaping at the sight.
Her room was spacious and opulently furnished, with a four-poster bed draped in silk canopies, a dressing table with a crystal mirror, and a chaise longue upholstered in velvet. The walls were hung with tapestries and paintings, and the floor was covered in a thick carpet.
The room had a large window that overlooked the palace gardens. On one side of the room was a desk where she could work on her correspondence or study for her royal duties. On the other side of the room was a walk-in wardrobe filled with beautiful gowns and dresses.
The butler withdrew, leaving Shama to herself in her room. At the sound of the bell, a throng of maids rushed in.
"Prepare a warm bath for me. I am exhausted," Shama said in a gentle tone.
The maids, sensing the sudden change in her demeanor, widened their eyes in surprise as they got to work.
.
.
.
Shama sat in the mahogany chair before the dressing table, admiring her reflection in the mirror. Her maids assisted her with her jewelry, hairstyle, and makeup.
"Shanaya is so beautiful," she thought. "Any man would be smitten with her. Why did she waste her time on that punk, Rehan?"
Shama sighed, taking note of everything that needed to be corrected. As the male lead of the story, Rehan had been a good choice, but he was the worst choice for Shanaya. He had never understood her, and because of him, she had been ruined.
No person is born evil. It is time and circumstance that can corrupt a soul, and Shanaya is a living testament to this truth.In this world, six powerful vampire clans ruled the world in harmony with humans. Shanaya, born into royalty as princess of the most powerful clan, possessed the power of both destruction and creation.She blossomed into a beautiful and charming girl, her life filled with joy. Her brother, Raghav, was her protector, and her parents indulged her every desire. She was showered with love and care.But this bliss was fleeting. At the age of eight, her parents were framed as traitors to the vampire clan and murdered before her very eyes. Her father's brother orchestrated the plot to seize the throne.Shanaya was traumatized by this event. Her brother was the only one she had left. He kept her safe and raised her under his watchful eye, managing to retain control of the family's name and the royal palace. He adored her.Because of the unfortunate event, everyone outsi
Shama walked towards the hall, wondering if everyone would be there and if they would ignore her command again. She doubted it, though; she had already threatened them with their jobs. She reached the hall and felt a little better to see everyone gathered. They were all chatting with each other, not noticing her arrival. "Why has the princess summoned us here?" One servant scratched his head in puzzlement. "She must have another scheme to trap his majesty. What else do you think could be the reason" Another servant replied in a haughty tone. "Surely, she must be thinking of seeking our assistance." Another maid joined the conversation. An elderly maid stepped forward and sighed. "Alas, when will our princess learn her responsibilities? She holds such a prestigious position, yet she continues to frivolously associate with other men. It is simply unacceptable." Shama's fists clenched, her body trembling with fury. She took a deep breath, her lungs burning with the effort to calm
Shama stood up and said, "Be quite, please. I have one thing to make clear to all of you: I have no romantic relationship with Prince Rehan. I know that in the past, I used to pursue him, but I have realized that this was foolish. Naina is like my sister, and I regret harming her in the past. I have repented for all the wrong I have done to you all. But, I am going to start a new life as a responsible princess who will help my people prosper. I hope that you all understand and support me in this."She spoke confidently and assertively."Let's leave the past and create a beautiful future together. After all we are one family."All of the servants looked at her in awe. She stood before them like a goddess, her eyes holding determination and power. Everyone was shocked to see such a drastic change in her."Our princess has grown up," one of them said, wiping away her tears."This is all a bit dramatic, I think," Shanaya thought to herself, observing their expressions.Everyone bowed down
Shama prepared for the ball. The carriage was loaded with gifts, and she donned a regal gown. Maids applied light makeup to her face and braided her hair. As she arrived at the ball, the butler extended his hands to help her disembark. She stepped out of the carriage gracefully and walked towards the entrance."Her Highness, Princess Shanaya, is entering the royal ball. We all humbly pay our respects and welcome her."The gatekeepers announced in a loud voice, bowing to her. Shama entered the gate, and all eyes were drawn to her.The beautiful pearls on her gown glistened, and the diamond set she wore perfectly complemented her outfit. The royal blue color of the gown exuded her royalty and elegance. A sparkling bracelet adorned her wrist, and a blue sapphire ring on her finger shone brightly in the light. Her eyes resembled those of a deer, with sharp corners like a knife. The dark kajal on her eyelids was like an arrow piercing everyone's hearts. Her eyes were deeper than an ocean, d
Naina and Rehan bowed their heads to the Emperor, then took their seats beside Shama. Shama's eyes welled up with tears, her body reacting involuntarily."Why am I crying?" she thought to herself. "Is it the body's reaction to Shanaya's past again?"She wiped away her tears and forced a smile.The celebration began, with musicians playing and dancers twirling in joy for the Emperor's birthday. Shama watched the show, but her mind was elsewhere. She felt a chill down her spine as if someone was watching her. She glanced around, but everyone seemed engrossed in the festivities."It must be my imagination," she thought. But as she turned her attention back to the stage, she felt the chill again. It was stronger this time, and she could have sworn she saw a pair of eyes gleaming in the darkness. Shrugging the ominous feeling off, she focused on the celebration. After the show, it was time for dinner. Shama's eyes widened as she saw the array of delicious food spread out before her. She q
Shama sipped her wine, savoring the rich flavor as she scanned the ballroom. Her eyes met Ekansh's, who flashed her a mischievous grin. She rolled her eyes, amused by his antics. "Dork" she muttered.Just then, she spotted Naina slipping away from the ball. Shama smiled to herself. This was her chance.She excused herself from the crowd and followed Naina to the backyard. Naina was standing beneath a tree, gazing at the moon. Shama approached her silently, admiring the way the moonlight caressed Naina's innocent face, giving her an ethereal appearance."What are you doing here all alone? Aren't you afraid someone might harm you?" Shama asked, her voice soft.Naina scoffed and looked up at the moon. "Harm me? This is the safest place I could find in this palace. All the people back at the ball were staring at me, their faces disguised with gentle smiles while they waited for the chance to take me down. It makes me feel sick."Naina's eyes were empty, and Shama saw a side of her friend
Shama sat beneath the moonlit sky, the cool breeze caressing her skin. She gazed up at the full moon, its silvery glow illuminating the vast expanse of the night sky. Myriad stars twinkled around it, like diamonds scattered on black velvet. Shama wondered which celestial body she most resembled: the lone moon, shining brightly in the darkness, or the countless unknown stars, twinkling beside it, their light unseen by most.The clear water in front of her reflected the moon's ethereal beauty. Suddenly, a firefly landed on her nose. Shama held her breath, captivated by its delicate beauty. The tiny creature emitted a faint glow, illuminating her features with its otherworldly light. Shama reached out to touch it, but it fluttered away, leaving behind a trail of shimmering sparks.Shama rose to her feet and chased after the firefly. As she stepped on the long grasses, a swarm of fireflies rose from the ground, like a magical cloud of light. Shama giggled with delight and ran through the f
Shama changed into her nightgown."That brat must want death."Shama murmured in anger. She went to her study table. The account books and letters were kept there."I have to take a look at these too."She murmured and sat down on the chair. She put on her spectacles and read the account book."Hmm...Everything is fine here."She said after some time when she finished reading the account book."Ah, I have to read and reply to these letters too."She said yawning.After some time Shama completed reading all the things."What the hell do they think the Royal Palace is? Some kind of delivery shop or what? None of them is important matters. Every letter is a piece of trash."Shama said throwing off the letters."Ugh, how could I forget? Tomorrow is my self-defence classes. I haven't slept till now.”Shama said jumping on the bed."Ah so comfortable."Shama said taking a p