Chapter 3: Courtroom Chaos and Early Escapes

The next morning at durbar, I sat upright on the peacock throne in the Diwan-e-Khas,

The sunlight poured in through the jaali windows, and the heavy scent of incense hung in the air. Rows of courtiers, all clad in their best, fidgeted and whispered behind their hands. The marble beneath my feet was cool, but my heart was beating like a tabla.

listening to all the ministers and generals shouting "Long live the Maharaja!"

I yawned non-stop, almost dozing off right there.

My head bobbed like an old grandfather during afternoon TV. If Amma saw me now, she’d have twisted my ear. I could almost hear her scolding—“Beta, even a Maharaja needs to show some tameez!”

Court at five in the morning—are they trying to kill me or what?

Even back in hostel, I barely made it to 8:30 lectures. Here, five o'clock meant the crows hadn’t even started their morning racket. The only thing keeping me upright was the hope of hot chai after.

The Minister of Rituals, Uncle Sharma, stepped forward, holding his silver staff, about to make a report.

"Your Highness, the royal examination is approaching, you should—"

I slapped the marble desk. "Court dismissed!"

The echo rang out. A pigeon, startled from the rafters, flapped away. Ministers stared, mouths open. One old general nearly dropped his sword.

The entire court fell into chaos.

People started muttering, glancing around for instructions. A few exchanged nervous glances; others looked secretly relieved—maybe breakfast would be early today.

I grabbed the hem of my silk robe and ran straight out of the hall.

My slippers made an embarrassing squeak as I dashed past a row of wide-eyed guards. If there had been a 100-metre dash event in the next Kumbh Mela, I’d have won gold.

Behind me came a chorus of, "Your Highness, please wait!"

I ignored them completely, not even turning my head.

In my mind, I was already picturing the lavish breakfast spread: puris, halwa, maybe a little jalebi. Who cared about royal exams?

Are you kidding me? If I let you keep talking, how am I supposed to act like a foolish ruler?

This is India, bhai. If you don’t act quickly, the elders will tie you up in endless speeches about dharma and raj-neeti. I was not about to fall into that trap.