This is part two of The Throne series. If you have not read part one, "The Sun of Suryapali" , read it first. Maharani Priyambada parted the curtains of her palanquin slightly to catch a glimpse of the bustling streets; the people of Suryapali flocking on either side of the road to catch a glimpse of the entourage of Neelambargarh and, of course, their prince. The entourage was slowly approaching the fortified walls of the palace. The paths were narrower than those back home, and the houses lacked colour and paint. They were just bricks; most of them. Some of the streets smelled of burnt meat, flowers and vegetables. Perhaps the market was nearby, Priyambada inferred as she winced her nose a little at the smell. She suddenly realised how the first time she had entered the city, she was in a trance to miss these scenes. There was the familiar view of the temple of the Lord as she folded her hands to pray softly. The gates of Suryapali were decorated with colourful flags and we...