Chapter 2 The Wise King and Beloved Queen

In the heart of the kingdom of Sri Lanka, a grand palace stood as a beacon of regal splendor. Its towering spires and ornate archways welcomed visitors from far and wide, reflecting the power and majesty of the kingdom's ruler.

King Raja Singha, a wise and just monarch, sat upon his majestic throne. His eyes, as deep and all-knowing as the ancient forests, reflected the wisdom he had acquired over the years. His strong presence commanded respect, while his compassionate heart endeared him to his subjects.

Beside the king stood his beloved queen, Devi. Her grace and elegance were unmatched, and her gentle smile brought solace to all who sought her counsel. Queen Devi's compassion knew no bounds, and she dedicated herself to the welfare of the kingdom's people, tending to their needs with unwavering dedication.

Together, King Raja Singha and Queen Devi ruled with fairness and justice, their hearts brimming with love for their people. Under their wise leadership, the kingdom flourished, and prosperity touched every corner. The lands yielded bountiful harvests, trade routes thrived, and the arts and sciences flourished under their patronage.

Within the palace walls, the royal couple's love for each other radiated warmth throughout the kingdom. Theirs was a love that had blossomed from a childhood friendship, nurtured by shared dreams and aspirations. Their union had not only solidified the bond between their families but also united the kingdom, bringing peace and harmony to its people.

The king and queen shared a profound understanding of their responsibilities as rulers. They knew that the kingdom's true wealth lay not in gold or jewels, but in the well-being and happiness of their subjects. They made it their priority to listen to the voices of the people, ensuring that their needs were met and their grievances heard.

King Raja Singha's wisdom extended beyond matters of state. He was a man of deep knowledge, well-versed in the scriptures and ancient texts. He would often retreat to his private study, poring over volumes of history and philosophy, seeking guidance and inspiration. His intellect shone through his actions, as he ruled with both his heart and his mind.

Queen Devi, on the other hand, possessed a keen intuition and a nurturing spirit. She had a remarkable ability to understand the hopes and dreams of the people, as if she could see into their souls. Her presence brought comfort to those in need, and her wise counsel guided the kingdom through times of hardship.

In the evenings, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the palace gardens, King Raja Singha and Queen Devi would stroll hand in hand. They would share stories, their laughter mingling with the gentle breeze. Their love was a beacon of hope, inspiring all who witnessed it.

"Ugh..." A sigh was released unknowingly by the fairy-like silhouette standing by a gorgeous emerald wine cascading down a carefully designed golden arch on the west side of the palace garden on one such evening. The sturdy, handsome royalty moved close to her with sharp but cautious steps and reached, gently embracing her.

"Devi, my queen. what's bothering you?" he asked, not as a question. But as a statement to ensure that he is always there with her. Sometimes Queen Devi wondered how a simple utterance of this king could envelop her with an enormous sense of safety. For the umpteenth time in her life, she felt once again how blessed she is to have this beloved king by her side in her life, like an eternal existence.

His presence in her life is not overwhelming, not below expectations, but just right. She has no idea to whom he should be grateful: to the god, to the destiny or to her beloved. Yet, she is overly thankful to whoever it needs to be.

"My king, you know the only thing which can disturb my evening thoughts, don't you?" she smiled, whispering as a breeze.

The king brushed a small lock of hair that swayed in the feather-light wind glowing from the golden, evening sun rays. he cherished her so much. how could he not know her concerns?

"We are still young. our love is yet to bloom. so, why worry, my love? we will have strong, talented successors. no worries. we promised eternal love. Gods bless us!" he said, comforting his beloved. The queen let out a breath she hadn't even realised she was holding.

"Hey, trust your husband. he is still strong enough." With a mysterious glint in his dark eyes, he teased, whispering to her ears, while she was a little distracted. The queen blushed hard and nudged him with a slight mockery. Most of their evenings were filled with love and care. both shared a tacit understanding towards themselves.

But today, a strong phenomenon was occurring around them unknowingly. At this moment, an invisible glint of light was circling them, which could only be seen by the people with highly cultivated minds. Stars appeared, giving out clues of a royal birth.

The king and queen had long dreamed of extending their lineage, of welcoming a child into their loving embrace. Their prayers were answered this fateful night, as the stars aligned and a gentle breeze carried the whispers of destiny. Queen Devi discovered that she was with child, their joy overflowing like a river bursting its banks.

The news of the queen's pregnancy spread throughout the kingdom like wildfire. The people rejoiced, for they knew that a new era was about to dawn. The anticipation of a future heir brought renewed hope and excitement to every household, as the kingdom eagerly awaited the arrival of their prince or princess.

As the months passed, the queen's belly swelled with life, and the palace bustled with preparations. The royal chambers were adorned with the finest silks and golden trinkets, while the palace staff worked tirelessly to create a nursery fit for a prince or princess. Every detail was attended to with utmost care, ensuring that the little one would be surrounded by love and beauty from the moment they entered the world.

The kingdom held its breath as the day of the royal birth approached. The palace was filled with an air of anticipation, as the king and queen prepared to welcome their child into the world. The prayers of the people echoed through the halls, their hopes and dreams entwined with the future of the kingdom.

And so, within the grand palace walls, the wise king and beloved queen awaited the arrival of their precious child. Their love and devotion would shape the destiny of the kingdom, laying the foundation for a future filled with hope, compassion, and the enduring legacy of a royal lineage.