Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 176: Birthday Went Wrong

Bengal Kingdom, Bakhtiyarpur, morning of 2nd April, 1557.

After more than a month of travel, Queen Raamya and her entourage of 4,000 soldiers arrived in the Bengal Kingdom. They had reached the fiefdom of Bakhtiyarpur and were set to remain there for a few days to replenish their supplies and rest.

The morning sun streamed through the large open windows of the royal quarters, casting a warm glow across the room.

Princess Amira slowly awoke to find Maya, a 14-year-old girl she had rescued and who now served as her maid, sitting at the corner of her bed. Maya’s face lit up with a smile as she saw the princess stir awake.

She found herself staring at Maya, the fourteen-year-old girl who had been rescued by Queen Raamya from the brutal practice of sati pratha. Maya now served as Amira’s personal maid, her eyes full of curiosity as she sat cross-legged on the corner of the bed.

With a beaming smile, Maya rose and bowed deeply. "This maid extends her heartfelt greetings and wishes Your Highness a joyful day on her seventeenth birthday."

Amira sat up, her expression one of pleasant surprise. "Good morning, Maya. Today’s my birthday?"

Maya nodded eagerly. "Yes, Your Highness. Her Majesty informed me that today is your birthday and instructed me to help you prepare."

Amira let out a soft yawn and then face-palmed, a sheepish smile spreading across her face. "Silly me! I forgot my own birthday. Let’s get going."

A few days ago, the entourage had taken over the mansion of Ravi Shastri, the newly appointed Nayak of Bakhtiyarpur. Eager to impress Queen Raamya, Ravi had vacated the mansion for her use, while he occupied a modest guest room. Raamya had agreed to this arrangement for security reasons, considering the importance of her female attendants.

During their stay, Raamya had ordered the filling of supplies and sent a pigeon post to Bikrampur to announce their arrival. With Amira’s birthday coinciding with their visit, Raamya had attended a local temple in her usual saree to offer prayers for Amira’s health and arranged a small feast for the villagers in the fort’s open courtyard.

As Raamya prepared to return from the temple, she was approached by Ravi Shastri, the province lord, who was eager to please.

"Greetings, Your Majesty. Why all this trouble? You could have asked me, and I would have arranged the puja for you," he said, gesturing to his maids to assist Raamya, who was holding a thali of offerings.

Raamya, knowing the Nayak was somewhat wary of her, raised an eyebrow and halted her maids. "What kind of trouble? Can’t a devotee worship her god of faith? Besides, we won’t be here long. Once we leave, you can have your mansion back."

Ravi Shastri clicked his tongue as he followed her. "Majesty, you misunderstand. It’s not about the mansion. This humble servant wishes only to serve Your Majesty in every way possible."

Raamya paused, a sweet smile playing on her lips. "Here," she said, handing him a thali of sweets. "I forgot to give. It’s for my little guest’s birthday." Her tone turned slightly stern. "I don’t doubt your loyalty and service, but remember that value exists only when it is needed; otherwise, it can become a nuisance."

Ravi’s heart fluttered at Raamya’s smile, but he quickly masked his emotions. "Understood, Your Majesty," he said, bowing deeply.

Raamya, not wishing to displease her seemingly loyal retainer, asked," How is the progress of feast going?"

As Raamya and Ravi discussed the feast preparations, Amira and Maya joined them. Amira, dressed in a vibrant salwar kameez, approached with a playful grin. "What’s the commotion? I suppose the poor nayak is complaining since we’ve taken over his house."

Ravi’s gaze lingered slightly on Amira, admiring her beauty. He managed a smile, with a mix of embarrassment. "No, Your Highness. It’s a blessing to serve. I merely suggested to Her Majesty that she could use me as she sees fit."

Amira teased, "Really? Then can I use you too?"

Raamya stepped in, playfully holding Amira’s ears. "I told you not to tease my subjects."

Feigning innocence, Amira asked, "Okay, okay. What’s that?" She pointed to the thali of sweets.

Raamya explained with a warm smile. "I did a puja for you and wished you a happy birthday." She offered her the sweet, "Consider it a small gesture from your didi."

Amira’s face fell slightly. Her religion forbade participation in idol worship, but she was reluctant to refuse the offering outright. Ravi, aware of the religious sensitivities, interjected. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but participating in our worship or any rituals are not permitted in Islam."

Raamya quickly understood the predicament.

"No need to view it as prasad. Accept it as a sweet gift from me."

Amira’s face brightened as she took the sweet. "I’m not leaving with just these small sweets. I demand the bigger ones at least this size!" she said, gesturing her hand.

Raamya giggled, pinching Amira’s cheeks. "You’re becoming quite bold these days."

Ravi, puzzled by their playful interaction, smiled awkwardly, wondering what kind of sweets could be that big. He was about to take his leave when Amira mentioned her desire to visit the mosque for prayer.

His expression fell, knowing the old mosque in the courtyard hadn’t been repaired, as he had prioritized constructing the temple instead. He got worried as this revelation could harm his image.

With quick thinking, he suggested, "There’s a popular mosque, the Bakhtiyar Masjid, just outside the fort but still within my province. Shall I arrange escorts?"

Amira’s eyes brightened at the suggestion. "Brilliant! That would be a great help."

Soon, with an escort of 200 cavalry, they made their way to Bakhtiyar Masjid, which was bustling with worshippers. Raamya, wanting to accompany Amira inside, was gently but firmly requested by the Maulvi to stay outside, as women of other faiths were not permitted within.

Amira, understanding the custom, entered with a Muslim maid as her guard, an arrangement Ravi had knowingly arranged beforehand.

As they returned, they noticed a long line of villagers forming outside the mansion, near temporary tents in the open courtyard, heavily guarded by soldiers.

Amira, intrigued, gestured toward the villagers. "What’s happening there, Ravi? I saw the long line of people. Are they here to meet someone?"

Ravi bowed slightly before answering. "Your Highness, it’s a feast arranged by Her Majesty for the villagers nearby. A way to celebrate and share our abundance."

Amira’s face lit up with delight. "That’s wonderful! I was actually thinking of asking for a favor to help me with charity today, but this makes it so much easier. I’ll serve them food myself."

Raamya, puzzled by the request, raised an eyebrow. "Why would you do that, Amira? We have servants for such tasks. You can still receive their blessings from afar."

Amira smiled warmly and explained, "In our religion, doing charitable deeds on one’s birthday is considered a holy act. My abbu always says that it brings us closer to our destiny and spreads the message of peace. I’ve shared coins before, but today, I want to serve food personally. It would be my honor."

Raamya thought for a moment before nodding in approval. "Nayak Ravi, contact Commander Vikram and coordinate the arrangements. Ensure everything goes smoothly."

Ravi hesitated, his brow furrowing with concern. "But, Your Majesty, there will be people from all castes, many of unknown backgrounds. Is it truly wise to get so close?"

Raamya’s expression softened but remained resolute. "It’s alright, Ravi. We will share the food once they’re seated. Announce it beforehand and make sure everything is prepared properly."

Reluctantly, Ravi agreed and hurried off to make the arrangements.

Within the hour, the villagers were seated on mats, eagerly awaiting their meal. Under the watchful eyes of the guards, Amira gracefully moved through the lines, serving food with her own hands, while maids helped her.

Raamya stood outside, oversaw the scene with vigilance. The villagers were astonished to be served by nobility, and many offered blessings, praising the kindness of the princess.

Just as the last of the food was being served and Amira prepared to return with her maids, a sudden commotion broke out. From the branches of a tree overhead, a snake dropped down, striking quickly before anyone could react. Amira cried out as the snake bit her hand, and panic spread through the crowd like wildfire.

Raamya rushed forward, her voice steady but urgent. "Call for the physician immediately! Ensure no one else gets too close."

Ravi, frozen for a brief second, snapped into action, shouting orders. "Guards, clear the area! We need the medic now!"

Amira, pale and shaking, clutched her arm as her maid tried to support her. "I-I’m fine," she whispered, but her voice betrayed the fear creeping in.

Raamya knelt beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You’ll be alright, Amira. Stay calm. We’ll take care of this."

The villagers watched in stunned silence as the guards created a protective circle and the commotion continued as the medic was hurriedly brought forward.

However, the situation turned grim when he examined the bite and revealed, with a grave expression, that it was beyond his treatment as the snake was Phoorsa (saw-scaled viper).