The Commoner Consort: The Country's Respected Empress

Xavier opens the chamber and finds Madam Mary standing outside.

She asks worriedly "Did I disturb you, Xav?".

Xavier asks in alert "What is it, Mother?".

She asks holding his hand eagerly "Are you attending the gathering tomorrow?".

Xavier smiles seeing her curiosity and nods "I am. How would I not be there? I should be there with Xander. But why do you look bothered?".

She manages "I was just asking. I thought you might be busy tomorrow and came to remind you".

Xavier frowns sensing something odd and smiles "I would never forget such an important event, Mother. You know me. I didn't even forget tonight's dinner-".

Madam Mary interrupts "Fine! Now go to sleep! You might have to wake up early tomorrow. Good night!".

Seeing her leaving hurriedly, Xavier shrugs carelessly and smiles "Does she think me as a child yet?".

He shakes his head and recalls Maya's request to attend the dinner. He looks back at the door of Maya's chamber and sighs.

'I have fulfilled your request by almost flying back from The Southern Country! Look at you! You have to be taught a lesson!'.

He lies on his bed and closes his eyes with a faint smile.

-----

Next day.

The Imperial Court.

Maya is walking towards the doorway of the Imperial Court and taking deep breaths repeatedly. The reason for her anxiety is none other than Sarah. She has been instructing her, the rules and regulations of the Imperial Court ever since she woke up this morning.

Maya didn't have time to even think about calling Bhommi for her help. Sarah was repeating the same rules again and again so that Maya could remember everything well. Poor girl! She did get to know about Maya's temperament very well in short period of time.

Sarah whispers behind Maya "Do you need to know anything else?"

Maya throws a fake sarcastic smile "Yes! When will you stop speaking? My ears are sore!".

Sarah purses her lips embarrassed.

'I just want her not to get into any trouble! For God's sake! She would be in the presence of Crown Prince! How can I be careless?!'.

----

Xavier's Chamber.

Xavier is searching for something in his room.

"The Crown Prince has arrived!"

Xavier smiles and looks back at the doorway "What is Our Crown Prince doing here when the Royal representatives are waiting for his presence in the Imperial Court?".

Kalki walks inside languidly and wonders "What would I be doing there without my advisor?"

Xavier chuckles shaking his head "You win number of wars just in few days, Xander. Why would you need me for this simple gathering?".

Kalki nods slowly hearing him as if mocking himself and asks "How about this? Let's forget about the dam and go for a hunt! It's been a year since we went to hunt in the Western forest".

Xavier raises his eyebrows in surprise and wonders "What does Our Crown Prince want me to tell now? Does he like to hear my advice?"

Kalki asks simply "Are you ready?"

Xavier nods curtly as if they both understand that it's the right time to go.

Both walks towards the Imperial Court, the sight of them walking together would make any lady to gasp in astonishment. They smirk seeing the Royal representatives who are assigned to construct the dam and the other Royal people gasping and whispering in wonder.

They couldn't help as it was a sight to be held. It's a rare sight of seeing both the Princes in the Court. Ever since the Emperor fell sick and the wars broke in different regions, Kalki has been out of the country for months not to mention he disappeared last time in his 'wedding night'.

So, many people almost fail to recognize his face now. If Kalki walks in middle of the streets now, it won't be surprise anymore if people didn't recognize him. But everyone could feel his domineering aura around him.

While in Xavier's case, he has an opposite situation here. For months he has been discharging the Royal functions single-handedly. Even though he had been roaming around with his disguised identity, all the higher officials could easily find and recognize him.

Both sat in their respective thrones and an announcement caught Xavier's attention.

"The Queen has arrived!"

….

Maya was previously feeling sick as she is so scared to enter the place again.

'I wish I could change time and go back to my country again!'

"You can't!"

Maya "…" Here she is! She fulfils all of my wishes but this single wish could change everything and here she says…I can't!.

Bhommi shrugs "I am just stating the truth, Sister Maya".

Maya looks at the door seriously anticipating her announcement 'Shall I pretend being sick and avoid-'.

Bhommi laughs "Then they will make you stay here forever! Go on! What are you waiting for? I didn't think you would be so timid-".

Maya humps in anger 'I am not!'.

Bhommi scoffs in a mocking tone "Would you at least speak in front of that man?"

Maya creases her eyebrows and remains silent.

Bhommi giggles "How could you?! You just spoke two words in front of him ever since you came here! 'What truth?!'… You should have seen your face!".

HA HAA!!

Maya gets angry and clutches her fist staring at Bhommi in murder intent.

Bhommi "…" Why is she looking me as if she would kill me right now?!

She smiles sheepishly "Sister Maya… Calm down.. I was just saying the truth, wasn't I?! You literally didn't speak any other words in front of him-".

Maya looks at her darkly.

"The Queen has arrived!!"

Maya already shivered hearing the loud announcement.

HE..HEEE

Bhommi laughs "Already?! How could you get scared of a mere announcement, Sister Maya?!".

Maya smiles faintly  thinking about something and walks ahead.

Bhommi frowns "Why can't I hear your mind voice? What did you think? And why are you smiling suddenly?"

Maya smirks looking around the Court 'What could he do to me in front of these whole people?'.

Bhommi ".." Was she only afraid of being with him alone?!