A Queen’s Fancy

Introduction

Long ago, an old king ruled over the land of Maniroop. Unfortunately, he had nobody in the world except for his small granddaughter named Mandaravallee.

The Rising Queen

As Mandaravallee grew up, the old king made her the ruler and decided to lead a retired life. However, he urged her, “Mandaravallee, get married soon, so that you can have children and our dynasty may not come to an end.”

Despite her grandfather’s insistence, Mandaravallee was not one to tolerate anyone exercising authority over her. She responded, “If it is a question of continuing the family line, then I will marry, but the choice of my husband is entirely mine.”

A Simple Choice

She deliberately chose a simpleton as her husband. Although he was married to a reigning queen, he held no position in the court. Mandaravallee never cared to share the administration with him, and he seemed too meek and mild to assert himself in any matter.

The Next Generation

A year later, the queen gave birth to a girl named Mala. Shortly after the birth of his great-granddaughter, the old king passed away. But before dying, he told Mandaravallee, “Do not neglect to look for a suitable husband for your daughter when the time comes.”

As Mala grew up, several princes from neighboring kingdoms offered to marry her, but the queen rejected all proposals. She even insulted some of the messengers who came with such offers. Mandaravallee had made up her mind to marry Mala off to an imbecile, ensuring her husband would never dominate her.

Enter the Prince

The prince of Madura, Makaranda, had heard of Mala’s beauty and wished to marry her. However, he learned of the queen’s plans. Disguised as an ordinary man, he arrived at the Maniroop palace and asked the guards to meet the queen. With her permission, he was presented before her.

A Unique Proposal

“What do you want?” the queen inquired. “I wish to marry your daughter, the princess,” replied Makaranda. “But who are you?” asked the queen. “I am a very ordinary man. Wherever I find shelter, that becomes my home,” he answered.

The prince was handsome and appeared quite innocent. The queen found nothing wrong with his proposal and replied, “I don’t mind marrying my daughter to you. However, I want to make one thing clear: my daughter will succeed me on the throne, not her husband. You must remain obedient to her for the rest of your life.”

The Hidden Truth

Makaranda expressed his acceptance of the condition, and they only needed to finalize the wedding date. Yet, Mala’s father secretly warned her, “My daughter, you are not like your mother.”

Unbeknownst to them, a tale of love, duty, and unforeseen challenges was about to unfold.