1 Prologue

Nantara, A small independent nation which was situated in between the two great Empires, Shinara and Shanaria , was overjoyed with their crown prince Rudra's marriage preparations.

The Shrine where the marriage was going to happen , was decorated with various flowers and the lamps. The shrine was situated in the border of three nations and served as main temple for three nations. The deity was a Goddess , known as Devi Kali , was commonly worshiped by all the people of three nations. Though her face enriched with kindness, She terrified everyone with various weapons on her hands and a garland of skulls on her neck. People believed that She was the supreme god who supports the good and destroys the evil.

People believed that fire was a form of their Goddess, and they always took fire and moon as a witness to their marriage. A huge pit was created and filled with firewood.

As the moon rises, the priest requested the presence of Crown Prince Rudra and his consort to the pavilion to start the ritual.

Rakshak, The young Emperor of Shinara, smiled as his friend Rudra's smiling face.

"I wish Goddess Kali would bless you with happy life, Rudra."Rakshak thought.

"General Nischay, Please sit here." A maid guided the general of Shanaria to his allocated place.

Hearing the name of Nischay, Rakshak face turned dark unlike his usual expressionless face.

Without knowing the murderous intent of Rakshak, General Nischay looked at the groom and bride.

"I hope you should be leading a happy life, Amra."Nischay thought about Amra, Shanaria Princess, who was betrothed to Crown Prince Rudra. Exactly two years before, Rudra should have married Amra in this same shrine if she didn't run away on her marriage day. Though rumors claimed that she fell in love with a sailor and ran away ,nothing was clarified so far.

The bride and groom came in front of the pit of fire and bowed to it then to their parents lastly to each other.

"I hereby announce Crown prince Rudra and Lady Banu as husband and wife..."Just then the Priest announced, an arrow flew across in between the couples. Suddenly black clothed assassins broke into the shrine with weapons in their hand. Shinara officials surrounded their emperor and safeguarded him meanwhile Nischay signed his officials to help Nantara soldiers.

"I am hereby to collect Rudra's head. Others will be spared if they don't come in our way." A figure, which seemed to leading the attack announced.

After hearing the voice , Both Rakshak and Nischay was paused at their place for a moment. Taking the challenge of the assassin, Rudra took his sword and marched towards the assassin.

"This voice... I heard before "Nischay thought about the familiarity of the voice. Emperor Rakshak marched towards the assassin head while Rudra and assassin head indulged in sword fight. Assassin head broke Rudra's sword and pointed her sword at his neck. Before the assassin head could slit Rudra's throat, Rakshak held her hand tightly and looked at the eyes which bore completely hatred for Rudra.

"It's really you!!!"Rakshak mumbled as he could identify the person . It would be really a joke if he couldn't identify those eyes. While holding her wrist tightly in his hand, he removed the mask while the remaining assassins marched towards them to save their head person.

"Amra??"Nischay mumbled in shock.

"Protect the Princess!!"Nischay ordered his soldiers who joined along with the assassins.

"Protect your Empress!!" Rakshak ordered his soldiers whose made a safeguarded ring around Amra and Rakshak but Nischay and his soldiers broke into the circle.

Amra, the head assassin, swiftly looked around to analyze her situation. Without any further delay, She kicked Rakshak on his broad chest and raised her sword against Rudra. Using the time he got , Rudra took his broken sword and stabbed Amra in her stomach.

Nischay kicked Rudra and he fell and rolled towards the pit . Though he could stop himself , his face was exposed to fire and the fire burnt his face partially in a moment.

"Aah!"Rudra yelled in pain and his wife Bani ran towards him for his aid. Amra felt exhausted all of sudden and losing her stability she started to fall. Nischay held her in hands and the sat on the ground holding her on his lap while his soldiers safeguarded them. A physician who accompanied Nischay on his travel , examined Amra wounds.

Physician nodded his head negatively.

"Amra!!"Nischay cried while Rakshak crawled towards Amra fast then held her hands.

"I won't let you die..."Rakshak shouted like a crazy man.

"You can't tie me anymore with you, Rakshak. My father will make you and ..."Amra paused and looked for Rudra. Seeing Rudra's partially burnt face, her lips curved and let out a creepy smile.

"...Rudra pay for the sins you both committed."Amra said while clutching her stomach. The deep pain made her bit her lips from yelling in pain.

"I will even pay with my life but do not leave me."Rakshak pleased. Unlike any other day, his face expressed his agony for losing the lady.

Nischay looked at the shrine which turned into a battle ground and saw that the people who accompanied Amra , were killing each and every Nantara soldiers and people with their might.

Nischay scooped Amra in his hand and signed his soldiers to pave the way.

"You can't take her away from me."Rakshak yelled while trying to snatch Amra from Nischay's hands.

"Let me go, Rakshak. I am exhausted. "Amra said gathering all her might.

Nischay looked at the lady in his hands.

"Nischay" Amra spelled the name .

"Isn't it time for cherry blossom in our palace? I want to see the cherry blossoms."Amra expressed her wish.

"I will take you there, Amra. I will..."Nischay said and walked forward with her in his hands.

Shinnar's soldiers were getting ready to stop Nischay and his men from taking their empress.

"Let them go!"Rakshak ordered and his eyes fixed at the retreating figure of Nischay along with Amra.

Rakshak turned and his eyes locked at Rudra, who was trying to control the pain. His grip on his sword tightened that his each cell in his blood wanted to avenge for his loss. But he closed his eyes tightly to control himself and then he looked at the half burnt face of Rudra again.

"From today, there won't be any relations between Nantara and Shinara."Rakshak announced and walked away from the shrine along with his soldiers.

"How could you?"Rudra mumbled . The pain in his heart because of Rakshak words overthrew the pain due to the burns. Everyone thought that destruction was over but no one knew that the destruction was only started.