Sissy Princes and the Daring Princess (Part 1)

 Chapter One 

Anusha, The Daring Princess

Princess Anusha watched her brothers, Madhav and Manav, practising their swordplay in the yard below. The loud voice of their trainer, Hari Acharya, could be heard shouting at the boys to work harder, to put some effort behind their strokes.

Anusha looked down at her skirted lap and at the piece of embroidery she had been working on and felt like crying with frustration. Just because she was a girl, she was not allowed to participate in weapons training like her brothers. Anusha was dressed in a full skirted, red lehenga gown, with silken petticoats, wore a pearl necklace and earrings and her long hair in a bun, and had to dress like this every day whilst her brothers wore suits and breeches and were allowed to wear their hair short.

Madhav and Manav had far more freedom than Anusha did and got to do weapon training, horse riding and hawking whilst Anusha spent most of her time indoors with the ladies doing embroidery and listening to court gossip. Anusha longed to be outside, in a suit and breeches, riding, or hawking or engaged in swordplay.

Anusha knew that she was cleverer than both of her older brothers put together. She was better at reading and writing and .Whilst Anusha worked hard at her studies, her brothers were lazy. They preferred to be idle and to enjoy the pleasures of the court. Hari Acharya often complained that the boys were not only slow learners but had no enthusiasm for their military training.

Given the chance, Anusha would put every effort into the training she yearned to be allowed to do. But because she was a princess, she was expected merely to look pretty and do her embroidery like a good girl should.

Anusha threw her embroidery aside and stalked out of the room, to the surprise of the ladies with her. She would go outside and walk off her frustrations. Emerging into the palace courtyard, Anusha saw her brothers limply tapping the shield held by Hari Acharya, who was clearly frustrated by their weak efforts. Anusha exchanged a look with him as she walked past, her skirts gathered in her hands.

Suddenly, Anusha heard a cry and immediately identified the source. Raghu, Hari Acharya’s little boy, had reached out to try to touch a swan in the pond and had overextended himself and fallen in. Raghu was only three years old and could not swim. 

Madhav and Manav just stood there, while Hari threw down his shield and began to lumber towards his son, but he realized he would have to remove his armour first or he would sink to the bottom of the pond and be of no use to his son. He began to undo his armour, but it would take him several minutes to divest himself. He yelled at the princes, bidding them to help him.

Anusha, reacted more quickly than anyone and knew exactly what to do. She reached up to the back of her lehenga gown and undid it in a very quick movement and let it slip to the ground.

Anusha rapidly pulled off her petticoats, slipped out of her jewelled slippers.Unconcerned that she now stood clad only in her silk chemise, knickers and stockings, Anusha raced towards the pond and without hesitation dived in. Anusha quickly reached the little boy, grabbed him and swam a very short distance bearing his weight. Hari Acharya was standing by the pond edge and pulled his son to safety, hugging him and trying to calm the boy down before handing him over to his wife.

Anusha pulled herself out the pond, shivering and cold, but pleased that the boy was safe. She felt a pair of strong hands lifting her to her feet and suddenly Hari was looking at her with intensity. “That was a very brave act, my lady” he said with sincerity.

Anusha  shrugged “It’s only what anyone would have done. I’m just pleased your son is safe”.

Hari turned to glance briefly at the Princes, who were still just standing there watching, before turning back to Anusha  “You have my eternal gratitude, my lady, if you hadn’t been there as quick as you were, I dread to think what might have happened to my boy. I know I’m just a humble soldier and have little to offer you, but if there is anything I can do for you, you need only ask”. Hari turned away to attend to his son.

Anusha knew instantly what to claim as her reward. She asked Hari Acharya to give her training just like the two princes.

Chapter Two

 

The Princess Trains

Anusha crept out of her bedchamber, looking around in case anyone was about. Her ladies had put her to bed an hour ago and Anusha had to contain her impatience and wait an hour, for them to leave.

Anusha had “borrowed” a set of suits and breeches from Madhav, the nearest to her in age and size and they fitted her perfectly. Anusha silently crept downstairs and moved outside to behind the stables, where Hari Acharya was waiting for her.

“Good evening, my lady” he whispered, bowing his head slightly in deference to Anusha’s rank.

“Good evening, Hari Acharya” whispered Anusha in reply “look, Hari, can we please drop the courtesies when we are alone? Here, I am simply Anusha. Treat me just like any soldier. Shout at me if you have to, but I’m here to be a soldier, not a lady!”

Hari looked at her with respect “Very well…Anusha. Shall we begin?”

For the next two hours, Anusha felt like she was in heaven. Hari showed her how to block with a sword, how to dodge incoming blows and how to use a shield. This was just what she wanted. But, to her distress, the two hours expired quickly.

“That’s all for now, Anusha. I must be getting back for I have to teach your useless brothers tomorrow. I must say, Anusha, that you’re a natural warrior. Never have I seen anyone, man, boy or lady, with such natural rhythm and passion. I must confess, I had my doubts about teaching a girl swordplay, but I’m glad to have such a natural talent as a pupil”.

Anusha almost fainted with happiness! Hari, a veteran soldier, thought she had the makings of a warrior. “Thank you, Hari” she said, giving him a gentle kiss on his cheek. The old warrior blushed, much to Anusha’s amusement, and said his goodbyes.

Anusha had no difficulty creeping back to bed and went to sleep happier than she had ever been in her life.

Anusha and Hari met twice a week after dark. Anusha wanted to train every day, but Hari was firm. Any more frequently than two nights a week and someone would catch on. 

For almost six months, Anusha learned all she could from Hari. How to use a sword, shield and spear, how to wear armour, hand to hand combat, wrestling and military tactics. Anusha picked it all up with a speed and enthusiasm that impressed Hari, so much so that one night, having been disarmed in a duel by Anusha, he had to admit that he could teach her nothing more.

Anusha noticed that she was stronger and fitter than ever before. She had muscles and took care when she had to be the princess that she wore long sleeves to conceal them.

Hari presented her with her own sword and said “You’re a real soldier. Much better than those brothers of yours. Don’t know one end of a sword from another. God help us when one of them becomes King”. Hari went away, leaving a happy Anusha behind him.

Chapter Three 

Trouble in the Kingdom

Anusha continued her training in secret. Following one session, she had fallen into a particularly deep sleep and had to be awoken by her maid, Ambika.

“Come on sleepyhead!” Ambika muttered “The King wants to see you!”

The King? Anusha leapt out of bed and, with Ambika help, got dressed quickly. Clad in her gown and headdress, she was admitted to the royal presence.

King Harshavardhan, her father, lay within. He once had had a warrior’s physique and had been a famed soldier in his youth, but age and illness had seen his muscles turn to fat. The King still had a fine mind though.

Anusha lowered herself into a deep curtsey and kissed her father’s coronation ring. As etiquette required, she remained silent until her father saw fit to speak to her.

“Rise, daughter, and come sit” said the King in a frail voice. How rapidly he has aged, Anusha thought sadly. Anusha moved towards him, her petticoats rustling, and perched herself on the stool that the King had indicated.

Anusha noticed that for the first time that both of her brothers were present. Madhav was eating an apple and Manav was staring out of the window, bored.

“My beloved children, the kingdom is imperiled. Our enemies from the west are trying to invade us. We are not in a position to defend  a full fledged battle against them”

The King paused to allow his words to sink in. This is serious, Anusha thought.

“So” the King continued “rather than surrendering or fighting against impossible odds, I have proposed that the this battle will be settled by a single combat. King Aadithya has agreed to the proposal, but with one condition. He is sending his son, Arjun as his champion and has laid down the condition that our champion must be royally born and of equivalent rank”.

The King turned his head towards his sons “Madhav, Manav, one of you must fight Prince Arjun! I would fight the prince myself were I only twenty years younger and in better health, but in my present state I am unfit even to ride, much less fight such an opponent”.

Anusha was disappointed to see the look on her brothers’ faces. They were white and blanched and Madhav was so shocked that he dropped his apple.

As well they might be frightened. Anusha thought. Hari Acharya had told her of Prince Arjun. He was older and more experienced as a soldier than either of her brothers and had won many duels.

The King asked his two sons “Depart and decide between you who is to be our champion. The welfare of the kingdom depends upon you, my boys”. The boys, their faces still white, stumbled out of the room hurriedly. The King asked Anusha to stay.

“Daughter, stay with me a while. You are such a pretty girl and I like your company” said the King.

Anusha had to contain her temper. Pretty was the last thing she wanted to be right now. She knew instinctively that she would be a better representative than either of her brothers. Madhav and Manav just weren’t up to the job. The Kingdom was doomed.

Anusha was worried. The loss of possibly one of her brothers, could well kill her father. The shame and humiliation would be too much for him.

Chapter Four  

The New Ladies

Madhav and Manav were in their sleeping chamber, frightened out of their wits. One of them would have to go up against a veteran warrior. It was a virtual death sentence.

“You’re the eldest” said Manav “You’ll have to do it!”

“No way!” replied Madhav “ Arjun will kill me in a few seconds!”

“Well, I’m not doing it!” said Manav.

The two boys looked at each other and nodded “We’ll have to hide until all this ends. Aadithya can have our kingdom, for all I care” said Madhav .

“But where can we hide?” asked Manav “Not here, that’s for sure. This will be the first place they’ll look”.

“Obviously” said Madhav. “We’re in a real hole. We can’t leave the palace, there are guards everywhere and they’ll turn the palace inside out to find us once they realize we’ve gone!”.

“What about Ambika?” said Manav.

Madhav looked at his brother in puzzlement “What about Ambika?”.

“She might have an idea where to hide us” suggested Manav.

“You’re right. Let’s go and talk to her”.

The boys found Ambika in Anusha’s chamber, putting away their sister’s gowns.

“Ambika, you have to help us!” Madhav pleaded “Father has handed one of us a death sentence. We have to hide!”

“But, my lord, doesn’t the kingdom rely on one of you fighting this prince Arjun?”.

“We don’t care less about that” said Manav. Ambika looked shocked.

“You have to help us. There must be somewhere we can hide”.

Ambika was thinking “You can’t be disguised as servants, your faces are too well known”. Then her eyes lit up “Of course! I know exactly how to hide you!”

“Where?” asked Madhav.

“With the ladies, of course! Guards cannot search ladies”. Then Ambika smirked and said “Of course, for this to work, you will have to become ladies!’

Madhav and Manav looked at each other. Become ladies? “No, you will have to think of something else!” they replied, almost in unison.

But Ambika was firm “There is no other way. The ladies are the only courtiers immune from the guards. Of course, it’s up to you…” Ambika began to walk away.

“Wait!” Manav almost shouted “Alright, we’ll try it. We haven’t any choice”.

“Alright then, come along with me!”.

Madhav and Manav followed Ambika as she led them to unfamiliar territory, the wing of the palace reserved for the ladies of the court.

Ambika pushed open the door to a chamber and ushered the boys inside “Lady Aruna is absent from court. I think her clothes should fit you. Now strip, please!”

The boys shed their suits, breeches and underwear hurriedly. They stood in the chamber, naked and embarrassed.

Ambika looked them over “You haven’t much muscle and are quite small. I believe that this will work well and you will make pretty ladies!”

The boys blushed.

Ambika took a bottle of perfume and sprayed on the boys’ bodies. “Now you smell nice and feminine”.

Ambika took out silk panties and knickers and handed them to the boys.

“We don’t need to wear these things do we?”

“Yes, you do” said Ambika firmly “What if you tumble over and someone sees your underwear?”

Blushing, the boys slipped into the silky lingerie. They already looked cute and more feminine, Ambika decided with a smile.

Ambika produced pairs of silk petticoats and helped the boys put them on. The boys had great legs, legs any girl would be proud of.

The boys found that they could no longer see their feet, they felt their petticoats swish against their legs when they moved and heard them rustling as soon as they made any movement.

Ambika pulled out some gowns and lay them on the bed “Choose which gown you’d like to wear. Madhav , I think turquoise one would suit your complexion well. For you, I suggest red, Manav” said Ambika.

The boys reluctantly picked up the lehenga gowns that Ambika had suggested and Ambika helped the boys put them on and up and over their petticoats. Madhav’s gown, as well as being a very girly turquoise , was festooned with embroidery and frills. Manav’s gown was saucy red and had jewels sewn on the skirt that shimmered in the light.

The boys looked at each other in embarrassment, but this was better than getting killed.

“Sit on the bed please, boys”. The boys obeyed as best they could, encumbered as they were by their voluminous skirts. Ambika proceeded to put pearl necklaces around their throats and applied cosmetics to their faces. The boys’ faces and lips were now rouged and their eyes covered in makeup. Finally, Ambika produced elaborate headdresses that matched the gowns and fitted them to the boys’ heads. It felt very strange to the boys to have to wear such things. They had to turn their heads to see anything.

“You will have to put up your veils. Some of the ladies may recognize you otherwise”. Ambika attached their trailing veils to their heads and the boys looked out on the world behind a gauze veil, just like the women. Ambika was right though. This was the perfect disguise.

“You both look very pretty!” said Ambika “This will work. Now, names! Boys, pay attention. Madhav you are to be the  Madhu and Manav you are to be the Mala. You must remember your names and give them if anyone asks. Oh, and you’ll have to get used to being referred to as females”.

The boys nodded.

“One last thing. The curtsey. I will teach it to you. You must curtsey to anyone of higher rank than you”. Ambika showed them how to do that in a feminine manner.

“Now, ladies, follow me please and I’ll take to meet your new companions”.

“Can’t we stay here” asked Madhav “I don’t want anyone seeing me like this!”.

Ambika shook her head “No, your ladyship, you must be with the other ladies. You’ll be less obvious in numbers. Say as little as possible and don’t make yourself conspicuous and this will work”.

Ambika took them along a corridor. The boys found it hard to move about in their wide skirts, jeweled slippers and headdress but somehow managed it.

Ambika stopped outside a chamber. The door was open and the boys could see three ladies concentrating on their needlework. “Are you ready, ladies?” Ambika asked.

The boys reluctantly nodded. What if anyone gets to see them dressed like this!

Ambika marched into the room, curtsied to her superiors and announced “Your ladyships, we have been joined by two more ladies. Please welcome Madhu and Mala!”.

Ambika turned around “Come along please, ladies, don’t be shy!”

The boys moved slowly into the room. The ladies present rose and curtsied to them and the boys curtsied back. As Ambika was leaving the boys to their ladylike new existence, she heard Lady Maragdham say to the newcomers “Come sit with us, ladies and take up your embroidery. I must say, you are both fine looking girls!”

Madhu and Mala have started their life in hiding as the new women of the kingdom, Both of them are glancing at each other with a smile on their face. 

To be continued …