Chapter 10: The Challenge

Arjun was at it again. Today, instead of horse stance, he made me spar in the ring. The ground was packed earth, dust swirling. Soldiers gathered, eager for a show. The clang of steel, the scent of sweat, the crackle of anticipation—it felt like a mela, and I was the main act.

He called over a burly man, three times my size. The man towered, muscles rippling. I swallowed, reminding myself appearances could deceive.

In the capital, girls learned horse riding and archery, never hand-to-hand combat. I ached for my bow, but here, it was useless.

Could the women here really spar with men? I wondered. “Don’t worry, Ration Officer. Here, it’s just for show—no one gets hurt.” Arjun thought my silence was fear. I just told him to start.

Arjun warned, “Don’t run away at the last minute.” I stood my ground. Let’s see who runs.

Arjun called for the match. But after a while, his man hadn’t moved. The soldier saluted, nervous. “Major Arjun, this soldier… doesn’t dare.”

Arjun looked as if he’d swallowed a chilli. “What do you mean, you don’t dare? We’re all the same—two eyes, one mouth. Why can’t you fight?” Another soldier whispered, “Bhai, ghar jaana hai shaam ko, not hospital!” Laughter rippled.

“But she’s Her Highness…”

“You—”

I watched, amused. Arjun thought everyone was as fearless as he. Aside from him, everyone else treated me with respect.

“I’ll do it.” The man refused, so Arjun stepped in himself, annoyed. He hated this princess from the capital, and the officials behind me, too.

“Wait.” I stopped him. Arjun would go all out—I wasn’t stupid. I forced a smile. “I’m not ready today. Let’s do it tomorrow.”

The soldiers laughed, the tension broken. Arjun glared, not fooled, but I turned away, heart pounding, determined to outsmart him yet again. But as I left, Arjun’s voice followed—soft, almost gentle: “Tomorrow, Rajkumari. Let’s see what you’re really made of.”