As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the gossamer curtain of the morning mist, a beautiful autumn morning dawned upon the world, announcing the advent of a new season.

The air was crisp and invigorating, filled with the gentle scent of fallen leaves that adorned the ground like a regal carpet. A chorus of birdsong resonated through the tranquil atmosphere, their melodies both melancholic and hopeful.

The premises of the palace were filled with neighs of horses being tied to the chariots and palanquins being readied.

"Come on now ! Tie the horses quickly !"

"Quick ! Put some more cushions in the palanquins !"

Pandavas along with Manvendra were looking over the workers as they did their job efficiently. They were about to leave for Nagasaharya soon. They were happy for taking their wives to their home for the first time, but also a sense of apprehension.

Soon Dhisana arrived with Draupadi and Kunti. The princess of Mlecchas and the princess of Panchal had beautiful smiles adorning their faces, for they were excited to meet their in-laws for the first time, especially Dhisana because it had been more than a year since she and Manvendra got married and still she had never seen his family.

Manvendra's looked at Dhisana after hearing her footsteps. Seeing her draped in a resplendent sari that embellished her slender form, he stood in awe as his eyes gently caressed her exquisitely adorned figure.

A cascade of cascading jasmine blossoms adorned her flowing ebony tresses, infusing the air with a captivating fragrance. Golden ornaments delicately clung to her earlobes, glimmering with every movement, while a majestic necklace graced her neck, bestowing her with an ethereal aura of regality.

Indeed she was looking like the wife of Yudh-jeevi, glorious and unwavering. A smile appeared on the face of Manvendra as he kept looking at her as she came and stood in front of him.

"How do I look ?" Dhisana asked with a grin.

"You reminded me of a saying." Manvendra said.

"What ?" She asked curiously.

"That Kaamdev is the eternal servant of women." He said.

"Oh please." Dhisana said gently hitting his chest. Her bashful face making him chuckle.

"You look regal, Dhisaney. It shall put a nice impression on your in-laws for the first time." Manvendra told.

"All thanks to Draupadi. She got me ready because I was so confused and nervous." Dhisana said.

"There is no need to worry Dhisaney." Manvendra said as he kept a finger under her chin, gently raising her face a little, "Just smile with your head high. You are the wife of Yudh-jeevi." He told.

"As you say, Yudh-jeevi." Dhisana said with a smile.

"Good. Now go to your palanquin, we don't want to be late." Manvendra said.

"Palanquin ?" Dhisana frowned, for she was always used to sit with her husband in any journey.

"There are some royal protocols which we must follow in the capital." He said.

"It will be a lonesome journey then." She said with a disappointed sigh.

"Don't worry. It will take us less than a prahar to reach Nagasaharya." Manvendra assured.

"Fine." Dhisana said.

Despite her sadness, she understood that maintaining the traditions and customs of the kingdom was paramount, especially when she was going to make her first appearance in the capital.

Accepting the situation, Dhisana went to her palanquin, it had ornately carved doors, with intricate designs adorning it all over. Pulling the curtain aside, she took her seat, it was rather comfortable. But it didn't offer her the comfort she got when she was beside her husband.

Although she understood the importance of following these customs, it did not dampen her desire to be by Manvendra's side during their journeys.

"Ride, Indrasen !" The voice of Yudhishthir reverberated through the air.

Dhisana felt her palanquin being picked up and moving ahead. A sigh escaped her lips as she leaned behind in the palanquin, it was going to be a long journey.

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A/N

*sighs* Ah Dhisana, it's only the beginning of royal protocols 🌝