Mythili smiled as the Annaprashana concluded . It sounded too absurd , Annaprashana for such a big girl but Mrignayani had insisted and Ashwarth had agreed to it . Now Mythili was surrounded by her family .

" It's good Mythili is here Maa atleast now I am saved from the daily talks of you getting a vadhu" , poked Ashok making Queen Mrignayani raise her brows as Mythili and Ashwarth controlled their laughter .

" What makes you think so Ashok ? I am still firm on my decision", said Mrignayani making Ashok pout as he looked at Ashwarth for help who shrugged his shoulders playfully .

"Putri why don't you come to the royal court today ? ", asked Ashwarth making Mythili stop eating. 

" Pitashree me ? ", hesitated Mythili as she turned towards Mrignayani who nodded softly making Mythili smile.

~

The royal court was set up in silence as the King took his seat . 

" Senapati Kavacha, begin with the issues of the Kingdom " , ordered Ashwarth , heart and soul focused on the scroll that was held by the Senapati . 

" The villagers have written this Maharaja . They say the market sellers have raised the prices on basic needs such as rice , wheat , lentils etc . Additionally they mix up pebbles in the food . They also find that the market sellers have come up  together for such an act and the people are finding it difficult for survival", finished the Senapati to see anger flashing in the King's eyes momentarily .

Ashwarth began discussing the issue with the expert ministers of his court and they landed up with the same opinion that all marketers shall be penalized for retailing basic items for a higher price.

Ashwarth too seemed satisfied with it , they could monopolize the market in basic items since the marketers are cheating with the praja as well the Kingdom since they pay the same tax thereby making excessive profit for themselves.

"In my opinion we must not reprimand those marketers", started Mythili softly making the court go silent .

"Put forth why you say so Rajkumari ", said Ashwarth , his eyes emitting assurance as Mrignayani nodded .

" I would like to begin that it would be wrong to punish the marketers. We must look more for the cause that made them do so . As far as I have heard the discussion so far there are no laws established by the Kingdom to control the prices set up on basic items needed for survival . So the marketers have taken liberty to increase the prices of the goods thus making life difficult for the citizens. My view is that the Kingdom must make a law stating that we would fix the maximum price for the basic goods and people who are not following it could be punished . This will benefit the kingdom and the citizens since we can always monitor the taxes ", completed Mythili with a firm voice , eyes fixed on the King .

The silence of the court was broken by a voice . " God bless you ! I have seen judgements from years but such a judgement in which even sinners are too changed by peace ...Maharaja not only you have been blessed but the Kingdom of Martanda is blessed " said Prithvi , the top minister of the Kingdom . All the minister's eyes flashed with immense respect for the princess while Guru Aditya had a happy smile on his face.

"I heartily agree with the decision proposed by Rajkumari . Begin all the arrangements for the law to be implemented" , declared Ashwarth rising up from the throne. His eyes shining in pride while looking at Mythili as she smiled softly. Economics and politics had been her personal favorite subjects which she kept reading about .

~

" Jyeshtha ! What had you been discussing so seriously with Pitashree ? ", asked Mythili as the two of them walked in the beautiful gardens of Martanda.

" Mythili I had to leave for my sword training the day we got you in our lives" , paused Ashok to give an affectionate glance to Mythili who smiled at the love she got as her mind grew serious with the talk .

" Training ? Jyeshtha you have already been well versed in sword . Is it not ? " asked Mythili as confusion flashed from her eyes .

" I have Mythili but I am going to get training from Dwarka so that I can expertise in it ", paused Ashok as his eyes got a soldier who approached the two .

Dwarka , the name put Mythili into trance !

To be continued...

A direct clue to the next chapter . I thank all the readers for being so supportive , do continue showering your love towards the book . Hope you enjoyed reading the chapter :)