Chapter 101 - Pride of just being a commoner!

The Countryside Pavilion. 

Maya is standing in front of a lake which was man made exclusively for the Consorts' private usage. Even though she felt bad for Sarah while hearing her condition and also really wanted to help her, Maya is helpless right now. She is a headstrong person and couldn't be persuaded easily unless she wants to do something herself.

She is that kind of a person where she has to decide whether to live or die. No matter in what situation she is. But..The fear for Kalki is the only exception. She just couldn't think of oppposing him even verbally. 

'I wonder how I am going to ask him to let me go from here...'.

Back to the current situation. 

Maya is gradually exploring the luxury of the abandoned Countryside Pavilion.

She has noticed many things in this week which surprised her. She knows that this place is a mere abandoned pavilion for the Royal people to dump their unwanted wives here.

'But why do I feel this place is well protected than the Royal Palace?'

'I am seeing more number of guards than the palace here. It's not only in this week. I noticed ever since I came hear. Is that because it is far from the Imperial City?'.

Maya couldn't help wonder audibly "Why is it so important to protect this place if it's meant for the abandoned Consorts? They could have just let them without any protection!"

"Our Kings never like their women going out from their hands".

Maya turns hearing Celina.

Celina comes trotting slightly as she is still recovering from her sprain in the ankle.

Maya gets suspicious about her statement and asks "Why would they care about their abandoned wife? Anyway they don't like them. It is justifying if they let them go. Why would they protect them too?".

Celina smiles "Would you let your property to leave from your hands to others?".

Maya rolls her eyes at her question "The Consorts are not any objects or possessions. They have every freedom to leave if they want to leave".

Celina asks sheepishly "Why didn't you leave then?".

Maya ".."

'I did try.. But situations did not allow me to leave.. First the woman warrior sent me back here through a secret path. Then I had to save the woman and her children as I gave my words but I could only save the children. Before thinking of a way to leave this place, I was summoned by the Emperor to the dinner. I even had to managae those Imperial Court Officials to protect those children from them! Finally, now I have an important purpose to stay here. I mean I will stay somewhere in the country but not in this Pavilion. I would not leave this place till I close the Cold Prison permanently!'.

Celina shrugs seeing Maya thinking something seriously "I don't know why you are here still. But I have some important information for you".

Maya asks tilting her head "What?".

Celina states "Never fall for Our Crown Prince".

Maya ".." What?! Why would I ever fall for that man?!.

Celina looked disappointed for some reason which Maya had already noticed but chose to ignore as she is interested in Celina's informations.

'Knowledge is wisdom! More the knowledge. . More you can be powerful!'.

Celina speaks calmly "Our Royal people can never tolerate their woman being with some other men. Even though they formally divorced, they just can't bear to see their once married wife with others. And also...no one of the divorced Consorts is alive now".

Maya gets stunned at the newly found 'fact' and herself felt her body getting goosebumps slightly. Is it the starting stage of fear?

This single statement shook Maya's confidence slightly.

Maya asks without expressing her shock "What are you saying?!".

Celina nods and speaks sadly "I heard your conversation with Sarah. I understood that.. You are not intended to be a Queen or Our Crown Prince's wife. But I want you to beware of these untold rituals of this Royal people. If you fail to know this, you might... end up ..in grave. Like those divorced Consorts".

Maya's mind snorted 'I would never allow them to kill me. I will obviously kill them with my powers but why would they kill them if they really don't want their wives?! Atrocious!'.

Even though her mond boosted her with some confidence, she still felt the situation dire. 

'If not for the powers... I could have died many times in this place...'.

Maya wonders "So... your Crown Prince has ..married some other girl before me?".

Celina smiles and shakes her head "No. It didn't happen yet in The Emperor's family but it had been happening even before Emperor's rule. Even after the strict rule, this ritual always finds a leeway. It stopped appearing obviously but.. It still happens.. in shadows. I am just telling about the recent incidents happened in the Royal family. I always wondered the reason behind the divorced Consorts 'accidental' deaths. I didn't ever talk about this with anyone. I also fear I might be wrong and end up in prison for slandering the Royal. After hearing you.. I thought. .you should be careful while taking the decision. I..I don't know if you will stay here as Our Queen... But I want you to be ..fine..whenever  you go..I..I don't want you to die".

(Author : Awwww!)

Maya's heart could only melt at Celina's  words. They are not too overwhelmingly emotional like Sarah's but still it somewhat managed to impress Maya.

Maya smirks "Why? Is that because I saved you from Sarah?".

Celina blushes "It's because...I ..".

Maya frowns seeing Celina blushing hard as if she is facing some handsome man.

Celina speaks "I see only you as Our Queen. Even if a Princess marries our Crown Prince in future,  I can't see other woman in your place... No one can replace... A Commoner's Consort! You gave common people a new hope and pride of just being a commoner".