The Silence Before the Banishment
The palace of Devgarh moved like a dream that week — golden, surreal, and cruel.
Siyamika's room had been emptied of her favorite things.
No poetry scrolls. No temple bells. No mango pickle her mother once hid in silver boxes for her.
Only silence, silk, and strangers.
"This is your bridal saree," the royal maid said as she laid out the crimson and gold fabric.
"He prefers Mughal styles. High collars. No bangles that make too much sound."
Siya didn't respond.
She stared at the saree like it was a weapon.
She hadn't spoken much since the news was made official.
Not to Meera. Not to her mother. Not even to herself.
The days became blurred.
Priests chanted verses. Jewelers pressed rubies to her neck.
She was bathed in milk and rose petals like a sacrifice, not a bride.
Women came to teach her the rules of Fatehbad's court. How to bow. When to speak. What not to say.
"He is not like our kings," one whispered. "He doesn't tolerate questioning. Or softness."
"Don't anger him," another warned. "Just be still. Be quiet. Be obedient."
And still no one spoke his name aloud.
Zayyan.
As if the name itself burned.
---
One evening, Siyamika sat beside her small temple — the one in her room.
She lit a diya with trembling fingers.
"Why must I go?" she whispered to her gods. "Why me?"
The flames danced, then fell silent.
"He doesn't want me. He doesn't even know me. Why am I being punished for a war I didn't start?"
She was still just a girl.
Eighteen. A daughter. A poet.
And now… a treaty.
---
Later that night, she overheard her father laughing in the darbar.
"He agreed. Peace in writing. No troops. No blood. A marriage is cheaper than war."
"And the girl?" someone asked.
"She'll adjust. That's what daughters are for."
The words sliced deeper than any blade.
She didn't cry.
Not that night. Not anymore.
She simply sat by the window, watching the moonlight wash the palace silver.
Knowing this might be the last time she'd see it.
Knowing that soon, she would belong to a palace colder than marble — and a man known only for cruelty.
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