2) Chapter

Ancient sandstone temples of Badami was glowing under the amber lights of countless lamps. The air which carring the scent of flowers now has started to mingling with the low hum of prayers as devotees gathered to honor Mahashivaratri.

Amoung the thousands worshippers near temple, a young girl moves gracefully,her basket was full of fresh lotus. Her lovely face was downcasted as she offered garland to the crowd.

She was a vision of beauty cloaked in innocence  but there was something unmistakably powerful in her quiet steps.

Then suddenly a man with black beard start to move towards her. He's eyes were peircing towards her. She met his gaze with calm and nodded.

With a practiced grace she steped out of the crowd. then the  man followed closely and start whispering to her ears.

"This place.... it's packed. Hundreds of eyes, every one of them hiding behind devotion. Are you certain we can move without being noticed, Your Highness?"

The flowergirl smirk bitterly.

"Yes. It's the perfect cover. No one will suspect us here, on a holy night like this. Any news about younger prince's parade?

"Still nothing.. According to our people there's no sign of the parade yet. This prince has the reputation of a ghost , never where we expect him."

"Are you scared of ghosts... Bhaskar?"flower girl asked with a light smile.

"Me.. ghost no no devi.  Anyway Your Highness, you make quite the enchanting flower girl. I'm half-tempted to buy a garland myself, though I assume it doesn't come with a discount?" The man whos called as Bhaskar asked.

"For you? Twice the price, considering as a well famed warrior. Besides, you're clearly here for my stunning arrangements, aren't you? She asked with a smirk.

"Oh, yes. That's exactly why I'm here my lady. Not because you've roped us all into a mad plan to destroy royalty on a holy night."he chuckled lightly.

"Mad plan? I thought you all adored my unforgettble plan. Or has age finally dulled your taste for adventure sir... " she asked.

"Not today devi. But if that any of those royals doesn't fall for those lovely eyes and innocent smiles, I'm officially blaming you for the bad disguise." Bhaskar said.

"Then you'd best play your part well or I'll start charging you extra for each whisper."

As they shared a quiet laugh, their amusement was cut shortly by the sound of armoured footsteps and sharp called of royal gurads.

"hey chase that man" they all screamed.

The flower girl clenched her jaw, masking her reaction with a composed expression as she looked to the old man.

"Tell me that's not one of ours. I thought we agreed no one would be reckless enough to blow our cover." she gulped.

"Well, it seems one of us missed that little detail. I'll have a word with him—if he survives."Bhaskar rattled.

"If he keeps this up, he'll definetly lead them straight to us. We don't wanna run around badmi in shackles?. Flower girl whispers bresthlessly.

"Ah, again. fine. I'll make myself useful. Distract the gurads for a moment, will you, Your Highness? Perhaps with one of those 'stunning arrangements' of yours." Bhaskar said while letting out a resigned sigh.

"Oh, don't worry. They won't suspect an innocent young girl sir.." She spelled.

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ChronicleKeeper 😉