When the lady entered the king's office the junior officials bowed low, the Chief Advisor and the Senapoti respectfully stood up, and the king rushed to her. She gave the king a courteous bow, and the king returned the courtesy but then he pulled her into a hug and after holding her for some moments, he affectionately kissed her forehead. The lady bowed low to the old men and nodded to the officials, then sat down beside the king. 'What brings you here?' the king sounded both surprised and pleased. 'I have been summoned by the princess' she smiled softly. As the audience looked puzzled, she pressed a jewel on her bracelet and a part clicked open revealing a small cove. She pulled out a neatly folded parchment and neatly unfolding it she showed it to the king and his face lit up in a smile. She showed the parchment to the old men and they softly chuckled; the parchment had a childish drawing of a woman with a long braid and the words 'come see the queen' in childish handwriting. After chatting for a while, she got up and said 'I better be going. But don't feel relieved, I have business with you too, but I will allow you a good night's sleep' She smiled pleasantly, bowed and nodded to the audience, and gracefully walked out.
'You have deceived me, love' the voice startled everyone. 'Choto-ma', Labonno screamed and jumped into her lap. After putting her down, she pulled the governess into a hug and kissed her forehead 'Life is a mess without you' she said to her. 'You aren't as beautiful as the drawing, dear' she said to Suborna with a wicked smile, then she showed her the parchment and Suborna gave a hearty chuckle. But Suborna was still puzzled and she stole a glance at the governess, 'She is the...' the governess began to introduce, but the lady stopped her with a wave. 'Oh, don't burden her with all those titles' she said heartily, then continued, 'I'm Hasi (laughter), the governor of Nisorgo (nature), the other port city.' Suborna started to devour her with her eyes, she had such a wonderful blend of sternness and kindness. Her tight bun, her piercing gaze, her sharp features, and her measured speech spoke of a person not to be messed with. Yet, the twinkles in her eyes, the mirth of her voice, the lushness of her features, and the purity of her smiles spoke of a person who can love in abundance. But it was her smiles which were truly captivating. They didn't make any sounds and her lips curled little, but her eyes and face would glow like the morning Sun.
'You didn't stay the entire monsoon with us this year' Labonno complained in a sad voice. 'Let me make amends, my love' Hasi said in an adoring tone, 'Let me take all of you to Nisorgo'. 'Really!' Labonno's cry was piercing, 'I haven't been there in ages'. 'You had been there last winter' the governess corrected her. 'But that's so long ago' Labonno was insistent. 'You must be freaking bored here' Hasi addressed Suborna, Suborna just smiled. 'Why don't you steal a horse and run away' Hasi suggested, 'I heard Subornorekha is glorious during this time of the year'. 'You have Subornorekha in your land?' Suborna's eyes were wide in excitement and awe. 'It's beyond our land' Hasi explained, 'But we can get close enough for a good look. But it's a three to four days journey to get there.' She could sense that the wild soul has started to wonder towards the mountains of her dreams. She enjoyed the pensive, dreamy look on her face. 'You know, the king has actually been there' Hasi said after a while. Suborna snapped back into reality and looked a bit disoriented. 'And he has written a script about it too' Hasi informed.
'Our northern lands are mostly unpopulated, but we need those lands for our people to grow'. Hasi finished. The king, the advisor, and the senapoti looked worried. Their western neighbour is in a mess, it's been like that for a while now. The past king wasn't very smart and active but was reasonable and dedicated. But the rot was already setting in; soldiers, officials, traders, and landlords started thievery and thuggery. The king and his council were too naive and too selfish to predict that those random rats if ignored, will plunder the entire granary in future. Only his general felt anxious and he was left running all across the country to keep the roughs in check. The king admired and appreciated his dedication and diligence, but most of his council and officials considered the general a menace and a doomsayer. The present king is dedicated, to his palace and pleasures; and things worsened rapidly. As his pleasures cost a fortune, there was less and less money in the treasury to pay the soldiers and officials let alone do any development and charity. The thievery and thuggery became frequent across the country. The general kept fighting, but his ranks now thinned as soldiers deserted or simply became brigands and scores of those who remained were lazy, worthless, or demotivated. He and his battalion were fighting a losing war.
'The brigands won't dare bother us again after the spanking they got from our commander' Hasi was saying. 'But this safety has started to attract those who don't have it, and hopeless, desperate people are more numerous than the brigands.' The senapoti smiled, 'I feel you already have a plan in mind.' Hasi smiled too, then she elaborated on her plan; it was sensitive, but simple and sound. The council sat in silence for some moments. 'When are we going to talk to him' the king referred to his counterpart. 'He should be at Nisorgo within a week, but I have posted scouts to update us regarding his progress' Hasi informed. After a pause, and she added to the seniors 'I feel bad that you have to travel at your age, but your presence would be really helpful'. The advisor and the senapoti wave dismissively; 'The old bones are still good enough for the occasional travels' the advisor said, 'It would be nice to see my favorite ruffian in his own backyard' the senapoti added. Hasi smiled and bowed slightly in appreciation. 'By the way' she added as an afterthought 'I have invited both the princesses as well'. Two days later the king's entourage started for Nisorgo. The advisor and the senapoti rode an elephant while the king, Hasi, and the governess rode a horse carriage. 'It would be so cruel if we keep you caged the whole way' Hasi said to Suborna, then she waved and a soldier bought a glorious red stallion, Hasi handed the reigns to Suborna. 'Baba, can I ride with rani-ma, please' Labonno pleaded. The king smiled a little and nodded.
Their progress was unhurried. Not only they had to consider the comfort and convenience of the entourage, but they would also stop to talk with the villagers on the way. By the evening of the second day they were at the gate of the palace. The commander and a group of soldiers and officials were at the gate to receive the royal visitors. The welcome was courteous and warm and the attachment between the senapoti and the commander was noticeable. A troop of young girls stood at the first-floor hallway, 'Don't be too hard on them, they are young and still learning' Hasi whispered to the governess. The girls led the members of the entourage to their respective rooms. One girl remained. 'Have you provided hot water for baths?' the governess asked, 'Yes, mam' the girl timidly answered. 'When will you serve dinner?' the governess asked again. 'As soon as you finish bathing' came the same timid reply. 'Hmm' the governess was satisfied, but she didn't express that, 'I will inspect the palace tomorrow' she informed. She was about to dismiss her when she added, The new princess doesn't like to be helped, tell the girl attending her just to be there in case she asks for something.'
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