- ----------------------------------------Neha P.O.V-----------------------------------------------------------------

Neha gently took the baby into her arms as the queen instructed, marveling at his tiny form with fair skin and blue eyes. Holding him felt like a profound and rare privilege, as if she were the only woman in the universe who had ever cradled her own husband in her hands. She found herself unable to tear her gaze away from those captivating blue orbs, as if they held the secrets of the entire universe within them.

"We will arrange the marriage when Neha turns 19, which will be thirteen years from now," the queen declared. "But as a mother, not as a queen, I want to ensure the best future for my child. I wish to enroll Barfi in the prestigious Highberry Academy."

As Neha heard the queen's words regarding her future, she couldn't help but wonder about the true intentions behind it all. Highberry Academy was an exclusive institution, admitting only two students from the entire Devan Kingdom. Typically, royal successors received priority in enrollment, regardless of their talents. Neha struggled to comprehend the queen's plans. Was she doing all of this for Neha's sake? Had she misunderstood the queen all along?

"I have also brought amruth pearls," the queen added, reclaiming the boy from Neha's arms and placing a pearl in his mouth. Amruth pearls were a special product of Highberry Academy, given to students before their enrollment. These pearls enabled the academy to track the students' locations for sixteen years. It was mandatory for every student to swallow the pearl before entering the academy.

Before Emily, the child's mother, could react, the queen snatched the baby away from Neha and inserted the pearl into his mouth. Witnessing this, Emily burst into tears. It was clear that her tears were not of happiness. Neha couldn't help but wonder why Emily was contemplating escaping the kingdom with her children. Could it be because of their marriage? Neha was left with a sense of confusion and concern.

"I don't want to disturb you any longer. I shall take my leave then," the queen announced, her voice carrying a finality that brooked no argument. Without waiting for a response from anyone, she began to make her way toward the exit. However, before she could depart completely, Maruna spoke up, a hint of hesitation in her voice.

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"My queen, if you don't mind, I and Neha would like to stay here a little longer," Maruna requested.

The queen paused, considering Maruna request. After a brief moment, she replied, "Very well. It is up to you." With those words, the queen turned and left, leaving behind a sense of uncertainty in the room. Neha observed as the queen's departure drew near, then she, too, decided to take her leave.

Maruna, aware that her time in the room was drawing to a close, requested a final moment to offer her prayers. She asked Neha to hold the baby once again, and Knave carefully passed the little one back into Neha's arms. Neha cradled the child as Maruna had instructed, preparing herself for the prayer that was about to unfold.

Maruna began to chant in an unfamiliar language, her words resonating with a deep sense of reverence and purpose. The room grew hushed as everyone watched, uncertain of what was happening. Time seemed to stretch as the chant continued, and then, in a sudden burst of brilliance, a vibrant blue light emerged in a circle on the floor, encompassing Neha and the baby.

Startled by this inexplicable phenomenon, everyone in the room gasped in awe. Yet, amidst the wonder, they noticed that blood was flowing from Maruna's mouth. Concern washed over Emily, her anger momentarily forgotten, as she demanded an explanation for what Maruna had done to her child.

With a calm demeanor, Maruna met Emily's intense gaze and clarified that she had merely prayed to the gods of Olympus, seeking their blessings of good health for the baby and Neha. Though the scene appeared far from ordinary, the onlookers trusted in Maruna's integrity and understood that her intentions were pure. Relieved by this assurance, no further questions were raised regarding Maruna's actions.

Sensing the shift in the room's atmosphere, Maruna bid her well-wishes to the baby and announced that it was time for them to take their leave. The room was filled with a mix of curiosity, gratitude, and a lingering sense of mystique as Maruna and Neha prepared to depart, leaving behind a remarkable occurrence that would be etched in their memories for years to come

Before leaving, Neha approached Emily's bedside. Emily, still overwhelmed with tears, noticed Neha's presence and met her gaze. Locking eyes with her, Neha spoke softly, "I will protect both of your children." She bowed once again to her future mother-in-law before exiting the room. Neha couldn't fathom why those words had escaped her lips. She wasn't even certain if she would survive past the age of fifteen, with no support from any faction. The future seemed bleak, and doubts flooded her mind. How could she fulfill her promise to protect them?