Chapter 1: A Kingdom in Mourning

                                    

                                          

Chapter 1: A Kingdom in Mourning
The once vibrant kingdom of Amaravati was now a pale shadow of its former self. The royal palace, once a symbol of joy and prosperity, was draped in mourning black. The air was heavy with the scent of sorrow, as the people mourned the disappearance of their beloved Queen Vrinda.
King Vikram, his face etched with grief, paced through the empty halls of the palace. The absence of his queen was a gaping wound in his heart. He had searched tirelessly, scouring every corner of the kingdom, but there was no trace of her. The hope that had once sustained him was slowly dwindling.
His loyal advisors, their eyes filled with concern, tried to offer comfort. "Perhaps she has merely wandered off, Your Majesty," one suggested, his voice barely a whisper.
Vikram shook his head, his voice filled with despair. "No, my friend. Vrinda would never leave without a word. Something sinister has befallen her."
As days turned into weeks, the people of Amaravati grew restless. Rumours spread like wildfire, each more terrifying than the last. Some whispered of a powerful sorcerer who had cast a spell on the queen, while others spoke of a fearsome dragon that had carried her away.
Vikram, desperate for any information, sent messengers throughout the kingdom, offering a reward for any news of his missing queen. But all their efforts were in vain. Vrinda seemed to have vanished without a trace.
A heavy weight settled over the kingdom. The once joyous festivals were muted, and the laughter that had once filled the streets was replaced by a somber silence. The people of Amaravati, accustomed to the warmth and wisdom of their queen, felt lost and alone.
As darkness fell, Vikram stood on the balcony of the palace, gazing at the moonlit sky. He thought of Vrinda, her radiant smile, her gentle touch. A single tear escaped his eye, a silent tribute to the woman he loved more than life itself.