The Commoner Consort: The Country's Respected Empress

Maya takes a deep breath and decides to go. She will see what has changed and what has not. It's been a decade after all. Everything must have changed for good.

She sees the man waiting for her patiently and walks ahead. The Magical chariot was waiting for her too. She looks back before climbing inside. Her eyes are fixed on the darkness as if searching for something. 

Even though it hurt her that no one came for her, she couldn't stop her heart from expecting something to happen.

She suddenly frowns and stands immediately seeing something in the dark forest.

She gasps peering "Those eyes..." and creases her eyebrows as she is still clueless "Did he come to send me off?".

Seeing nothing, she sighs in disappointment and sits mumbling "No... He wouldn't though... He must be sleeping and probably never heard me… "

———

Present.

Maya wakes up from her sleep. Instead of waking up with a start, she woke up peacefully. She blinks her eyes slowly and a smile appears subconsciously. 

She feels this weird and frowns 'T-That... is a strange dream. What was that?'

She sees Bhommi still sleeping next to her and finds it's already the next day. She has to leave in a few hours. There is a hearing in the Royal Court this afternoon regarding the wars. 

She must be there as The Crown Prince must justify his actions regarding these brutal wars and get the Pavilion from Imperial Court's possession as per her wish that she asked after winning The Wish Ride Contest. 

Robin mentioned that they should be there to attend as Maya asked the Pavilion after winning the Wish Ride Contest. She should start her travel now so that she could reach The Palace early.

But Maya decides to stay. Because she gave Bhommi her words that she will stay with her till she wakes up.

She looks around carefully as Bhommi's words make her check her surroundings often. 

'That shadow… What is it up to? Why is there no move? Is it plotting something? I must remain cautious'.

She recalls her dream and smiles broadly without knowing. She doesn't know why that strange dream made her feel so free. She doesn't even care that she could cause problems if she arrives at The Court late.

------

After a few hours.

The Royal Palace.

Maya's carriage reaches the Royal Palace hastily. 

"You look much more relaxed than expected, Sister Maya".

Maya's smile broadens, making Bhommi gasp in surprise. Bhommi laughs pointing at Maya "Are you happy to meet that Rude Husband of yours?"

Maya's face turns ugly in disbelief 'Why would I be happy to see him?! Does this girl turn crazy after being completely exhausted?!'

Bhommi pouts but smiles widely "But I appreciate leaving that girl behind".

Maya is tired of telling Bhommi to stop this and just ignores her. She notices they reached the Court and mumbles "Just let this day end peacefully. I need to return to The Pavilion to check the new changes made by them. I didn't even get to see the newly made river…"

Maya gets down from the carriage clumsily. She curses under her breath when she feels the dress dragging her whole body down.

'Sarah, you better don't come after me to make me wear that huge overcoat. I should not let her find me easily ah!-'.

Robin gets startled hearing Maya's surprised yelp while she steps down hurriedly. He watches her startled and grabs her hand hurriedly to save her from falling "Your Highness!".

Maya chuckles grabbing Robin's hand at the last moment before she falls "Ha! You saved my face, Robin. I would have been embarrassed in front of everyone".

She grabs her gown and walks ahead stomping her foot. 

'Sarah... I thought I left you behind... But this gown... Ah! I feel like falling-'

Maya stops in her steps as she watches something in front of her in a murderous glint. The highest stairs she has seen so far. 

'Just why would they build so many stairs?!'

"Madam Maya?"

Maya turns back and is surprised to see Victor "Sir?".

"May I have the honour, Your Highness?"

Maya tilts her head confused seeing him bowing before forwarding his hand.

Victor smiles softly and explains "I request your consent to lead you the stairs in front of us".

Maya is happily surprised and smiles brightly 'Isn't this wonderful?'

She grabs Victor's hand immediately and nods "Thank you, Sir".

Victor smiles confusedly.

Maya smiles meaningfully while standing next to him and speaks innocently "I know you are here after seeing me struggling. Since you are nice to me I will be grateful".

Victor smiles and his eyes looking her with tenderness. He guides her ahead carefully. 

Keeping her face worriedly, Maya speaks "I might make your trip too, Sir. Please forgive me if I embarrass you here".

Victor laughs lightly as he heard Maya's words and speaks leading her towards the stairs "Let's fall gracefully then, Your Highness".

Maya blushes and whispers secretly "I am not used to doing things very gracefully, Sir".

He nods without turning his head "You looked very graceful when you sulked and threw a fit just before". 

Maya looks at him bewildered "I didn't!".

She smiles seeing him holding her hands. She recalls her father and her smile vanishes.

'Father... Why didn't you just stay with me? Why did you leave me?'

She recalls being so cheerful with her father.

When Maya was young...

Maya shouts pointing at a big mango "There it is, Father!".

She watches her father plucking and squeals in happiness.

Her father laughs and asks "Is this enough? I don't think you need just one".

She giggles and points to the other mango "That one too!".

Her father just laughed and did whatever she asked for.

He didn't let Maya climb the tree as he is afraid she might get hurt.

Maya gets out from her memories and purses her lips. 

'Why did you abandon me after giving me so much?'