Strings Attached ✨

33. Queens & Kings

As the room was emptied, I was met with her regal glare.
Nevertheless, I stood facing it.

She began with a dense air around her.

" I had always anticipated about the person that'll be Agastya's bride. However, more than that I had wondered whether they would be a good successor to my throne,..." She looked down once before looking back and establishing a stronger eye-contact. "......the Queen's throne."
The words were expressed sternly.

" Notwithstanding, I'm obliged to give you a chance since no one can stand against my son's obstinacy, not even me. "

I listened attentively.

" This, however, shouldn't be perceived as a weakness. If it's not me, it'll be someone else. Infact, the throne itself eliminates the people who are not worthy of it."

She exuded authority, and was warning me indirectly.

" I will prove myself worthy. " ......were the only words I said.

I don't know how that had impacted her, but our exchange came to a halt when there was a knock at the door.

" Come in. " ....the queen said as her eyes never left me.

Aksh peeked in through the door.

" Your highness, the ceremony shall start right about now. The crowd demands the presence of the entire family. " ....he said as he briefly glanced at me.

She nodded at him.

" We shall be there soon." ......she finished, and Aksh went on his way.

She looked at me for the last time.

" The Queen's throne is not a matter of simplicity. For the Malik's, it had been held high in it's position since the time the empire was founded. A single wrong step, and you taint that reputation. Remember that. "

She turned around. As I was about to proceed behind her, she stopped.

" Follow me as I walk. Your steps should be light, don't invite unwanted attention by heavy steps. Keep your hands either by your side or neatly folded at the level of your stomach. Don't touch your hair or attire frequently infront of the people. Lastly, sit with your legs joined at the ankle and keep your hands on your lap. " .............

The instructions were uttered rather quickly and while I struggled to catch all of them, I knew that the central point was to exude grace like she did at every step.
Infact, I noticed right after that her posture and stance were always impeccable and there was something about her body language that exuded confidence.
I understood that it was a part of representing the throne, and she expected the same from me.

I followed in her footsteps and tried to mimic her movements till the time we reached the main terrace where the announcement was supposed to take place. It was a part of the King's palace. It overlooked a huge courtyard where people gathered for ceremonies and announcements.

I spotted Agastya and the king, or now as is his title-the King Father.
They were waiting at the doorway of the terrace.
He smiled when he spotted me, and I bowed slightly to the king Father.

" Has it started ?" .....the Queen Mother inquired as she was close to them.

" Not yet, we're waiting for you. Let's begin." ......Agastya said, as he looked at me again.
As the Queen Mother and King Father went ahead, Agastya matched his steps with me behind them.

" You're beautiful." .....he said in a whisper beside me.

" All thanks to your mother." ....I remarked.