Amidst the cheers and heartfelt blessings of the Vaeryan Empire's people, the crown prince - Prince Dharmavedhan led his stallion in a gentle trot towards the recently built pavilion in the center of the Capital.
Just a step behind him - the Captain of the Royal guard also trotted along with two rows of Royal guard flanking the crown prince; their hawk-like eyes sweeping across the present civilians in vigilance.
Unlike the smiling crown prince adorned with a golden robe and exquisite jewels who made the people feel like a gentle breeze brushing against their heart; the guards who followed right behind him in heavy armor with a long sword strapped to their waist cut an imposing figure as they made way towards the pavilion. Even if they just wanted to take a single step closer to take a good look at their usually reclusive crown prince - none of them dared to for fear of getting cut by the swords.
It was an auspicious day for their empire. All of those who have gathered here are all people who wished for their empire to flourish - to allow them to live a life full of prosperity and abundance.
How could they possibly sabotage their own lives at this juncture?
Soon, the crown prince's entourage reached the few steps that will lead them to the pavilion where a group of exquisitely dressed people patiently waited.
"Your Highness," an elderly man greeted; his lips hidden behind overgrown facial hair stretching in a long smile as he gave a bow in respect.
Crown Prince Dharmavedhan who had just got down from his stallion; leisurely placed his hand on the arm of the man as he pulled him up and gave them all a smile.
"No need for such formalities between us, Father. After all, we're all going to become a family,"
His polite and respectful demeanor - carrying none of the arrogance of a crown prince immediately made the few family members feel at ease. It was their family's daughter's fortune that her fate had matched with such a kind, considerate prince as her future husband.
"Your Highness," a white robed young man soon came down the pavilion and called before offering a bow with his palms pressed together before straightening himself up.
"Priest Inderan sent me to bring you over for the ceremony,"
Although the young priest's tone carried not a hint of impatience and still had the decorum of speaking to the crown prince of the empire; everybody present still tensed up by the sudden reminder.
"Right, the auspicious time of the wedding is indeed slipping away. Your Highness, our family's Bhairav will be the one accompanying you during the next stage of ceremony. If there's anything, instruct the child and he'll know what to do...,"
Crown Prince Dharmavedhan nodded; agreeing with the man's polite instructions before he followed behind the young priest while the young Bhairav and the important members of the bride's family who played a crucial role in the wedding ceremony walked a step behind him.
As soon as the crown prince reached the pavilion, his gaze immediately fell upon the pyre.
He could feel the heat from that blazing fire licking at his exposed skin despite the distance between them.
"Your Highness," Bhairav, who was still standing beside him called out with utmost caution.
The crown prince, nodding in acknowledgement promptly went closer to the pyre and took his seat on the soft cushion especially prepared for him.
Priest Inderan sitting on the left side didn't bother greeting the crown prince with etiquette. His entire focus was on pouring spoonful after spoonful of butter into the pyre to maintain the flame from being extinguished. His mouth constantly spouting mantras that both the crown prince and Bhairav could not understand.
All they could focus on was to complete the series of actions instructed by the solemn faced Priest before both of their parents were called upon the pavilion to exchange gifts and participate another set of ceremonies.
Despite the fact that they were in the presence of the Emperor and Empress of the Vaeryan Empire; the bride's family had managed to hold their own and participate in all necessary engagements which gained Priest Inderan's approval.
"The first phase of the ceremony has successfully completed," Priest Inderan said, gaining the attention of the Emperor and Empress.
Currently, all three of them were standing aside to a corner of the pavilion - quietly discussing among themselves.
The Empress, released a gentle sigh of relief - the tension carried upon her shoulder alleviating a little. "Good. As long as everything's going well, our Vaeryan Empire could definitely be saved,"
However, her husband standing by her right didn't utter a word, his thick eyebrows furrowed deeply.
No matter how seamlessly every rituals are being carried out - the faint sense of unease growing in his heart had not been alleviated at all.
The emperor shook his head; hoping that the sense of unease is nothing but his own mind and heart playing tricks before leading his empress towards the specially prepared throne behind the pavilion to witness their son's special moment.
Soon, it was time to call the bride to the pavilion. Priest Inderan signaled a few maidservants to prepare for the next set of the rituals while the bride and her future sister-in-law were carried towards the pavilion in an intricately designed golden carriage pulled by eight stallions.
When the bride, first set her foot down from the carriage - the collective witnessing crowed drew in a sharp breath; their eyes couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of a celestial maiden.
Half of her long tresses were pulled up in an up do; as jasmine garland adorned her hair; while the other half was neatly braided as small pearls and golden pins were woven into her hair.
From head to toe, each and every piece of accessories adorning her enhanced the bride's celestial beauty that it left the spectators speechless.
Even Prince Dharmavedhan could not escape the fate of being stunned as he watched his bride walk up the steps towards him.
"Your Highness.... Your Highness," it was only after Priest Inderan's repeated calls did Prince Dharmavedhan broke out of his daydream.
The young prince's face heated up when he noticed the teasing glances from the people surrounding him.
By the time he managed to compose himself, his bride had already found her seat by his left; their two accompanying brother and sister quickly leaving to stand aside to watch the rest of the ceremony unfold.
Both the prince and his bride followed every instructions given by the priest meticulously as they chanted mantras under their breath.
Gradually the heat of the sun burning their skin faded while cool breeze began to brush against their skin; leaving everyone present refreshed.
Priest Inderan after successfully completing the series of rituals required for the wedding ceremony looked up; his gaze taking in the gradually darkening sky.
Now; at this moment is their only chance to turn the tide of their nation's fate.
He quickly signaled his young assistant to pick up the tray where a blessed yellow string was placed on top of a shelled coconut.
All Prince Dharmavedhan had to do is to tie this piece of string around his bride's neck.
As Priest Inderan offered the tray to the prince, silently ordering him to pick up the string and proceed to carry out the next part of the ritual - everyone including the emperor and empress watched with batted breath as they clenched the flower petals and yellow rice in their hands.
However, the moment Prince Dharmavedhan's hand holding onto the yellow string reached the bride who never once lifted her head through the entire ceremony; a distinct cry of terror tore through the excited crowd; followed by a dull thud that was quickly swallowed by another burst of cries among the spectators.
Panic and fear surged through the crowd as they pushed and pulled at each other- trying their best to steer away from the vicinity where a headless body lay; the fresh blood from its corpse dying the surrounding cobbled path red.
Several armored guards rushed up to the scene, wanting to investigate but before they could apprehend the culprit - another bout of scream erupted quite faraway from where they were standing.
"Asurans! The Asurans have infiltrated us!"
The emperor though seated faraway from the commotion, heard the panic stricken scream among the civilians and nobles who had came to bless the crown prince whole heartedly. He tightened his grip on the throne's arm rest as he stood up, his spirited face scrunching up with worry as he immediately mobilized his entire army to attack the infiltrated Asurans.
Priest Inderan however quickly focused back to chanting mantras aloud as he poured spoonful after spoonful of butter into the burning pyre. He signaled Prince Dharmavedhan to complete the ceremony before all of their efforts turn vain.
Prince Dharmavedhan's heart resisted the idea of having to marry his bride when his people were being slaughtered like sheep in front of him. He wanted to be down there with his sword; protecting his people and ending the detestable creatures lives himself.
However, he also understood the reason behind Priest Inderan's urgency.
Clearly, this was a ploy to negate all the preparations they have done so far to prevent their empire's fall.
"Your Highness," the soft melodious call of his bride pulled him away from his rapidly swirling thoughts; his gaze coincidentally connecting with his bride's eyes - brimming with unshed tears and fear.
The young prince couldn't help but soften when he looked at her; the war brewing between his heart and mind as he struggled to make a decision ceasing momentarily.
No young ladies will wish to have their most significant moment in life to occur with such tragedy unfolding before them.
After all, they still have plenty of time to do another ritual. If it's not today - there will certainly be another auspicious day in the future. Driving out these despicable creatures and protecting the people is what's important.
Prince Dharmavedhan decisively put back the sacred yellow string back on the tray before swiftly standing up from the pavilion; his back ramrod straight as he ordered his guard to bring his sword.
"Your Highness, you mustn't!" Priest Inderan's voice raised; though Prince Dharmavedhan didn't heed his advice. Swiftly as a hunting horse, the prince quietly whispered a few parting words to his bride before running down the pavilion's steps with his few trusted guards by his side.
Watching from behind, the emperor's clear eyes redden in extreme anger. "What the hell is he doing?!"
As soon as he stepped his foot on the cobbled stone path; Prince Dharmavedhan dodged the clawed hand reaching for his face before slashing at the neck of the Asuran that suddenly popped up out of no where. "Second Battalion, evacuate everyone to the eastern palace hall and arrange medical personals to treat those who still can be saved. First and Third Battalion - provide back up and kill any Asurans on sight!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
The Generals and soldiers alike whom had already entered the battlefield felt themselves reinvigorated; their fighting spirit and passion growing exponentially as they began to counter attack the human skin donned Asurans.
Amidst the chaos nobody noticed a single person adorn in black robe with a hood on slip through the panicking crowd; seamlessly mingling as they entered through the Palace gates.
********************************************************************************************
The royals of Vaeryan Empire and the bride along with her family were already escorted back to the western palace by the Second Battalion under Prince Dharmavedhan's orders before he officially joined the battle.
Although the emperor did resist leaving the fight entirely for his son to handle - he knew in his heart that his advanced age will only pose a threat and distract Prince Dharmavedhan from giving it his all.
Now, standing in the middle of his throne room with Priest Inderan and other ministers - the emperor began to pace back and forth; his mind running at great speed to figure out a plan on how to overcome this sudden crisis that befallen their empire at this crucial juncture.
"The appearance of Asurans now at this inopportune time... Your Majesty, this humble servant fears that there might be a hidden mole hiding among us whom have betrayed our great empire!" a balding man who stood at the corner said solemnly; his palm clenching tightly by his side. "I implore Your Majesty to let me personally handle the investigation. I'll ensure the instigator was brought to justice and severely punished!"
After his passionate words, the Minister of Criminal and Justice bowed deeply to the emperor- offering his sincerity.
But before the emperor could reply - the Minister of Rites who was also present shook his head and said, "Not necessarily,"
Despite everybody's gazes falling upon him; Minister of Rites did not falter in offering an explanation. "Asurans will only succumb to strength and naturally us, humans who appear frailer and weaker doesn't have what it takes to make them submit,"
"No matter who harbored thoughts of harming Vaeryan Empire... internally or externally, it's practically impossible for them to mobilize Asurans in such a scale as we've seen today,"
Everybody present felt a chill rushing down their spine when the full implication of what the Minister of Rites mentioned registered in their mind.
If it wasn't a human behind this massacre... there is only one explanation that could explain the dire situation they faced today.
The Asuran King has awakened much earlier than their estimation.
"Your Majesty.... we have to protect the bride and her family," at this moment, Priest Inderan interjected; his prior indifferent face falling off to reveal an expression of worry.
The emperor quickly dispatched a few soldiers of the Second Battalion whom had remained with them to an adjacent palace where all important guests and the bride's family were sent to rest.
As for the bride, the emperor personally led his own personal guards.
When the emperor and his entourage had reached the corridor where the royals resided, a piercing scream cut through the otherwise silent space.
Almost instantly, the emperor's calm facade broke into a million pieces as he rushed to locate the sound.
That was his empress's voice; a woman known for her composure and steady temperament even while facing unprecedented difficulties...
For her to scream like this -
The emperor's steps quickened as he rushed through the dimly lit corridor; his personal guards and Priest Inderan following closely.
As soon as he arrived, the sight that had greeted him left his blood running cold.
His empress lay crumpled on the floor in her own pool of blood; her eyes wide open though the vibrant life in it had long disappeared.
By her lifeless form stood the bride; struggling for her life at the hand of a black robed stranger.
"Capture him!" Priest Inderan ordered the guards; knowing the emperor's predicament.
The sudden ambush of people distracted the person in black robe; their strength in squeezing the bride's neck also waning.
Their momentary hesitation to make a decision was enough for the guards to capture them; their covered face fully exposed to all who have appeared in the room.
"Rudrakshi..." The emperor staggered behind; his once angry expression twisting into one of fear- his body trembling as he stared at the familiar face. "You.. you're alive... How.. how are you alive...?"
"No....no, it's impossible... Impossible!" the red-eyed emperor glared viciously at the impassive person before him.
"Your Majesty! The palace... the palace has already been infiltrated!"
When a severely injured guard brought this piece of news, the emperor didn't feel any of the anxiousness and dread that haunted him for the past few minutes.
There was only a sense of calmness that comes after acceptance. His heart and mind settling into a strange kind of peace.
The fall of Vaeryan Empire today is an inevitable event.
He understood this the moment he saw Rudrakshi, a supposed dead person standing in front of him like a statue that had come alive... noticed the black, vine like strings run rampant under that pale skin visible to the naked eye.
Rudrakshi, once a valiant and feared General of the Vaeryan Empire is now the newly minted Asura King.
And her reign of bloodshed had just begun.