
"Put on your back a little bit, and move your hand, relax your fingers don't get too stiff" said Meina, an elderly woman who is paid specifically to teach dancers. She is a senior dancer who has traveled around south Asia.
Movement after movement of Gayatri try to follow the result is very bad. His body was stiff, as stiff as his facial expression.
"The old days when we learned to dance, teachers could break our bones with wood. Now try, everything must look perfect at the coronation later" said Meina styled sharp Gayatri.
Gayatri is not allowed to eat or bathe. He was only allowed to look at the water. Gayatri was forced to repeat the same movements and dance sequences until her breath was cut off.
Gunjana has been transferred back to the women's ward. Gayatri was without servants, no one in Odisa could be merciful to her.
"How's it going?" jhanvi asked Rishi.
"Fatigue" Rishi replied briefly.
Jhanvi smiled as she stroked her stomach. That was the reward for the woman who dared to test him. Gayatri had to feel that for her to know her position. Jhanvi did not want to directly hit the woman because her tongue was as sharp as a sword, her eyes lowered Jhanvi as if saying that Jhanvi was her husband's usurper. It was enough that two of their encounters Gayatri gave lowly glances at him. Jhanvi hates it, she hates everything Gayatri has.
Jhanvi sorted out the clothes that fit her at the ceremony later. A red dress is too ordinary. What about the white dress? ah, sure enough, this isn't my funeral. Blue dress? too old-fashioned. Aha how about a soft light purple dress interspersed with gem grains from Agra.
"Add jewel embroidery on this dress" said Jhanvi.
"Madam, why don't that red and golden color be the color of Agra's flag" Rishi asked worriedly.
Jhanvi arranged Rishi while thinking. Then she decided to wear a red dress decorated with golden stitches on the end of her back dress. Although Jhanvi was a little disappointed but took the heart of the people of Astapura was his main goal.
"Don't forget to wear a face mask" Rishi said again.
"The whole Hindustan has recognized my face! why do I have to cover my face?" Jhanvi is getting upset. His emotions are easily provoked by small things.
"It's a tradition, lady. Even if the world already knows your beauty, when crowned you must cover part of the face first until the prince announces the coronation of the queen" Rishi tried to explain.
No problem, one more step I will go to victory and Gayatri will bow down under my feet inward Jhanvi.
Meanwhile Gayatri was allowed to rest at 03:00 in the morning and had to get up at 05:00 in the morning. Gayatri looks exhausted. Milk, butter, and bread were unable to arouse his spirit and fatigue. Gayatri strengthened her heart, she had gone through a longer journey that was more exhausting than this, she could definitely go through this ordeal.
"Wear your clothes and get ready!" meina's orders.
All the dancers, numbering 100, were lined up in the large hall at half a cubit distance so as not to nudge each other while dancing.
"Wear your jewelry"
The dancers help each other wear accessories in the form of bracelets, earrings, and most importantly small bell-studded anklets. Wherever they step the bells will ring.
The drumsticks began to be played followed by the sound of trumpets, flutes, and other instruments enlivening the dance.
"Round make sure your dress expands" said Meina glanced at Gayatri who was in the front row.
"Remember, whoever made a mistake you all have to repeat the movement from the beginning" Meina yelled again as she went around ensuring the harmony of the movement.
"bugh" the stick that Meina was holding hit Gayatri's back.
"Stop the music!"
"Listen to me, all of you will be dealing with the guests present. No matter they are nobles or commoners, your duty is to entertain. Bend your head and lower your back, salute everyone present!"
Dancers around Gayatri glanced at him annoyed at one of them chattering "isn't this a basic move? we just started and we have to repeat it from the beginning"
Gayatri's face was red. His back, which had not healed from the pain, had doubled. They started dancing again from the beginning.
Meina climbed onto the balcony in the hall, looking over the unequal movements. His views were always watching over Gayatri, his dancing ability was below average. But better than yesterday he has started to adjust his movements to the beat of music. They trained until evening.
"Enough" Meina ordered.
"Let's rest, tomorrow we'll have to exercise early. You have to prepare for the party the next day. Eat a lot, go to bed early.
Fine food is served to them. The food was Meina's request to the queen mother because her dancers looked tired and malnourished. Likewise, their rest hours are extended so that on the day of the coronation they can perform optimally.
"Suri's mother made the right decision, Madam. They will save Astapura's face if their performance is good" said Rishi pacified Jhanvi who looked upset.
"Am I overreacting?" jhanvi asked realizing her anger had no reasonable basis.
"Maybe because this is your pregnancy so you are more irritable and anxious than usual. We lost the graceful princess Jhanvi" Rishi said.
Jhanvi. His attitude has gone too far. She should return to being the graceful Jhanvi and keep smiling, just one day.
"Where is Siddarth" asked Jhanvi when she realized Siddarth had not visited her today.
"At the port, today the schedule of incoming goods from the archipelago and Mr. Bansheer seemed unable to attend. What I hear, the income there is a lot, can not be left alone"
Bansheers? ah, the man who was always next to Siddarth, the war strategist. Jhanvi entrusted the man from the beginning, but the longer it felt like there was nothing to fear from the man. The two of them, Siddarth and Bansheer are very similar, the way they negotiate and make decisions. Jhanvi will not forget Bansheer's judgmental attitude when she is always near Siddarth. The man is the only one who keeps reminding Siddarth that he needs Gayatri's approval before marrying Jhanvi.
"All right, no problem. The presence of Bansheer will not bring any influence in this coronation" said Jhanvi.
"Tomorrow, don't let anyone see me until the day of the coronation. I need to prepare myself. Ask the ladies to prepare for the care of my body and hair. Make sure I have the best ingredients. Don't forget my clothes should be slippery, shiny, and fragrant"
Rishi panted without much talk. She immediately informed Jhanvi's orders on her ladies. They will be busy for the next two days.
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