Enemy's Woman

Chapter 4 - The abduction

She crept out of her chambers and walked through the secret passageway.

"Come on Poonam" Chitrangada urged as she rushed towards the stables.

"Your Highness! Don't you think we should stay back? Her Majesty would be furious "Poonam said nervously.

"Relax! it's not the first time we are going hunting on our own. Mother must be used to it by now, " She chuckled.

"It looks cloudy your Highness what if we get caught in a thunderstorm?"

"That's even better I won't be getting tanned in the sun, hence mother won't get angry" Chitra laughed.

As the wedding day was approaching the restrictions around Chitrangda had increased. She was forbidden from leaving the palace grounds. There were tutors and nannies giving her lessons on Royal etiquettes all day.

Like a bird trapped in a cage, free-spirited Chitrangda longed to feel the air on her face as she rushed through the fields.

About a month before the wedding she had enough and decided to creep out through a secret passageway. She had accidentally come upon this during her explorations. It was probably built by one of her ancestors which was forgotten over time.

There was a secret door in the stables which led outside the Palace boundaries through a tunnel. It was probably used for transporting war material during a seize. However, it was neglected and abandoned until Chitra stumbled upon it.

She often used this to go out without her bodyguards. It was unsafe, but she hated being escorted like a child everywhere.

She mounted her favorite horse Chetak and Poonam took another horse.

"Don't worry we'll be back soon. No one will find out" Chitra assured Poonam who was still nervous.

Soon they were riding towards the Dandak Forests. It was a cloudy day with rain clouds forming huge giant shapes in the sky. Chitra wanted to savor every bit of freedom she could have before being sent off to Patan.

As a future queen, her life was going to be regulated. Vikram's grandmother The Empress dowager was an extremely strict lady. She openly disproved of Chitrangda's rather reckless nature and carefree upbringing.

With a tinge of sadness about her impending fate, Chitra rode quicker. Lost in her thoughts, she did not realize she was already quite deep into the forest.

"YOUR HIGHNESS!" Poonam called out.

Chitra slowed and turned back. Poonam was gesturing her to stop. She pulled the reins and stood waiting as Poonam caught up.

"Your highness we have been riding for hours, let's go back."

"We have just reached here Poonam; Let's hunt something first."

Poonam looked around nervously. They were surrounded by tall intimidating trees.

"I don't feel good, it looks dangerous here. We should leave."

"What nonsense! I command you to stay quiet, and follow me" Chitra said.

Poonam meekly followed her as Chitra rode slowly ahead admiring the scenery. A rustling sound alerted them and Chitra stopped in her track. She looked around unsheathing her sword.

"Well well!! Look what we have here" A booming voice said.

There were 10 of them, probably more in the hiding. They were dressed in black, their faces covered by black clothes. Only their menacing eyes could be seen.

Poonam screamed and came close to Chitrangda.

"Bandits!" Chitra thought.

She shivered under their menacing gaze. Her skin crawled as they appraised her top to bottom.