(Across the Eastern Seas)

Days had passed since their departure from the Goryeo Kingdom. King Tae-ha stood at the bow of the lead flagship, his hair wind-swept and dark eyes fixed intently on the horizon.

"How much longer till we reach Bharat Kingdom's shores, General?" Tae-ha asked, his voice steady against the rushing sea breeze.

General Yu-bin stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Your Majesty, scouts estimate three to four days, depending on the winds and currents."

King Tae-ha nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he pondered the journey ahead. "Inform our ambassadors to finalize diplomatic protocols and gifts for Bharat Kingdom's royal court."

Meanwhile, in Bharat Kingdom…

Princess Maitra slept in her private chambers, wrapped in delicate silks. Yet, her dreams were vivid and restless. In her sleep, she saw a realm far different from her own, a magnificent, stone-walled palace, rolling green mist, and a young man with piercing, sharp eyes. An inexplicable, pulling connection bridged the vast distance between them.

Princess Maitra woke up with a sharp start, her heart racing and her breath catching in her throat.

Later that afternoon, Princess Maitra sat amidst the lavish gold and draped curtains of her room, attempting to compose herself while chatting with her loyal attendants, Tara and Nadani.

"Your Highness, you've been distant lately," Tara observed softly. "Are those strange dreams still haunting you?"

Princess Maitra nodded slowly, resting her hands on her lap. "Yes, Tara... ever since childhood. Dreams of a different palace I've never seen with my own eyes. A man, tall, strong, with piercing eyes... calling to me across vast, unknown landscapes."

Nadani leaned in, her expression full of curiosity. "Landscapes unfamiliar to Bharat Kingdom, Your Highness? You've described distant mountains and dense forests unlike ours."

"Exactly, Nadani," Maitra replied, closing her eyes as the vivid images washed over her again. "And the man... his gaze and blurred face are etched into my memory. I've felt an inexplicable connection to him my entire life."

"Some believe such dreams foretell destiny, Your Highness," Tara murmured thoughtfully. "Could this man be... connected to your future?"

Flashback — Parallel Memory

Years ago, a young Princess Maitra had awoken in her grand Bharat quarters, startled and wide awake. Miles across the sea at the exact same moment, a young King Tae-ha had sat up in his Goryeo bedchambers, equally perplexed by a vision of a girl in golden robes.

"Maa!" young Maitra had gasped, clutching her chest.

"Abamamma(Father)!" young Tae-ha had called out into the quiet night.

Both had clutched their chest, catching their breath in the dark, wondering: Who is this person calling to me? What destiny connects us?

PRESENT DAY — BHARAT KINGDOM

Princess Maitra opened her eyes, returning to the warm ambient light of her chamber. "Could this dream man be real?" she whispered to herself. "I have never seen eyes like those..."

Tara gently interrupted her thoughts. "Your Highness, strange rumors circulate among travelers and traders at the border. A foreign kingdom's embassy might be heading towards us."

"Do you know which kingdom, Tara?" Nadani asked.

"Whispers speak of Goryeo Kingdom, from across the eastern seas," Tara answered. "The King will likely summon us soon."

Princess Maitra pondered the name carefully. "Goryeo Kingdom... I'll inform Father of my availability to attend any royal meetings regarding this embassy, especially alongside my mission which I've been planning for a week."

5 Days Later — At Sea

The Goryeo fleet cut through the coastal waters as Bharat’s distant shoreline finally materialized through the mist. King Tae-ha stood at the deck's edge, his gold-trimmed coat heavy in the ocean air.

General Yu-bin approached briskly. "Your Majesty, scouts confirm Bharat Kingdom's coastline is within sight. Preparation for diplomatic arrival should begin."

Tae-ha turned, his sharp gaze filled with resolve. "Ensure our ambassadors are fully briefed on Bharat Kingdom's protocols and customs. A successful alliance depends on respect and strategy."

"Your Majesty, all preparations will be flawless," Yu-bin affirmed with a respectful bow.

(Bharat Kingdom — Palace Gardens)

Beneath the warm sun, Princess Maitra walked alongside her trusted royal guard, Do-hyun, through the vibrant palace gardens.

"Do-hyun, updates on the bandit group terrorizing our villages?" Maitra asked, her tone shifting from royal grace to sharp determination. "We've been chasing them for months."

Do-hyun adjusted his armor, keeping pace beside her. "Yes, Your Highness. Intelligence suggests they'll raid nearby Village Kalindi today. Our scouts confirmed their route and numbers.”

Princess Maitra: (her expression turned determined) "Then today ends their reign of terror. What's the status of our plan and troops?"

Do-hyun: "All preparations complete, Your Highness. Archers in position, cavalry ready, and infantry awaiting your signal. Captain Jaipal has briefed everyone on the ambush near Kalindi's old ruins."

Princess Maitra: (nodded decisively) "Proceed with the plan as soon as I give the order. We'll bring these bandits to justice today. Inform Captain Jaipal to ready the royal guard, we'll move out soon."

Do-hyun: "Bow to Your Highness. Captain Jaipal awaits your command. Shall I alert the troops to ready for your signal?"

Princess Maitra: (smiles slightly) "Yes, Do-hyun. Let us bring peace back to our people. For me justice comes first."

Bharat Kingdom - Coastal Port

(King Tae-ha stepped off the ship onto Bharat Kingdom's soil, surrounded by General Yu-bin and guards.)

General Yu-bin: "Your Majesty, we have arrived in Bharat Kingdom. Local officials await our presence."

King Tae-ha: (He nodded, observing the bustling port) "Proceed with diplomatic protocols, General. We will meet Bharat Kingdom's King soon."

(Local officials bowed deeply)

Local Official: "Pranam (Greetings), King Tae-ha of Goryeo Kingdom. Our King awaits your embassy at the palace. Please follow us."

(King Tae-ha followed the officials towards elaborate carriages)

Local Official: "Your Majesty, we will take the main route to the palace. Estimated time, around 2 hours."

(King Tae-ha nodded, looking out at Bharat Kingdom's landscape)

King Tae-ha: "General, this land is fertile and prosperous. Alliance with Bharat Kingdom will benefit Goryeo greatly."

(Princess Maitra, disguised, sat inside a lavish palki carried by four servants (her guards in disguise). Do-hyun walked beside the palki.)

Princess Maitra: (veiled face, whispering to Do-hyun) "Do-hyun, Village Kalindi ahead. Bandits expected to strike soon. Confirm Captain Jaipal's archers are in position?"

Do-hyun: (bowing) "Yes, Princess Maitra. Archers hidden near old ruins. Captain Jaipal awaits your signal."

(King Tae-ha rode towards Village Kalindi with General Yu-bin and guards, accompanied by Local Official.)

Local Official: (in Korean) "Goryeo Majesty, welcome. Village Kalindi ahead. We take shortcut to palace via this route."

King Tae-ha: "Your Korean language skills surprise me. How common is Korean knowledge here?"

Local Official: (in Korean) "Rare, Your Majesty. My father traded with Goryeo merchants. I learned from them."

General Yu-bin: "Useful alliance indeed. Proceed, Local Official."

(As they approached Village Kalindi, commotion erupted —)

The lavish palki (chariot) of Princess Maitra proceeded down the village path, surrounded by guards dressed as servants. Suddenly, bandits emerged from hiding spots, attacking the guards and palki.

Bandit Leader: "Halt, noblewoman's procession! Surrender wealth and beauty!"

(Guards fought back valiantly, but bandits outnumbered them.)

(Meanwhile, at a distance... King Tae-ha, accompanied by the Local Official and Royal Translator, General Yu-bin, and guards, stopped their horses to observe the commotion.)

King Tae-ha: (in Korean) "What disturbance is this? Ask them what's happening."

Local Official/Royal Translator: (rising in his saddle to see better, then responding in Korean) "No concern, Your Majesty. Just royal soldiers arresting bandits. A minor inconvenience, please proceed."

(King Tae-ha nodded, but his curiosity lingered. He dismounted his horse, followed by General Yu-bin. As they walked closer, King Tae-ha saw guards clashing with bandits. Then, his eyes fixed on the figure of a girl. The girl emerged from beneath the palki's cloth, her sword flashing in sunlight. With swift precision, she tore the palki's cloth with her sword tip, and it continued upwards, piercing a bandit's chest and he crumpled dead.)

(As the cloth ripped apart, her face was partially revealed, Tae-ha 's eyes locked onto hers from afar, seeing only. Her piercing eyes, fringed with lush lashes. Tae-ha 's gaze held for an instant before. He closed his eyes abruptly, as if struck by lightning. Memories long buried surfaced dreams of a mysterious girl with identical eyes. In a flicker of a second, Tae-ha opened his eyes again, Maitra was fully visible now, dressed in noble attire yet moving with deadly grace, but he was not able to see her face. She cut down bandits with effortless sword strikes, her movements fluid like a dance. General Yu-bin whispered to Tae-ha .)

GENERAL YU-BIN:- “Your Majesty, these soldiers are exceptionally skilled... and that woman (But Yu-bin trailed off, noticing King Tae-ha 's entranced expression. Tae-ha 's eyes remained fixed on her, his first-ever captivating gaze at a woman. Suddenly, a bandit sneaked up behind them but Tae-ha drew his sword instinctively, cutting down the attacker.)

LOCAL OFFICIAL/ROYAL TRANSLATOR:(rushing towards them)"Forgive

the disturbance, Your Majesty! Allow me to escort you via alternative routes to avoid further inconvenience." (Tae-ha nodded slowly, reluctant to leave. He mounted his horse, trying to glance back, but Maitra was surrounded by her guards and villagers, her face obscured from view.)

her chest still heaving slightly from battle.)

(Maitra stood amidst the subdued bandits and grateful villagers)

Do-hyun : (bowing)" Rajkumari (Princess), mission accomplished. Bandits defeated, villagers safe."

Maitra:(nodding, sheathing her sword)"Good work, Do-hyun . Ensure captives face our King's justice. I must change attire and return to the palace immediately.

Do-hyun: "Yes, Princess. Your palki is ready and repaired from battle damage." Maitra"Proceed to the palace. Summon Captain Jaipal to my chambers for debriefing on this operation! (Villagers thanked her as she entered the palki, unaware of the brief presence of King Tae-ha and his group as they had already departed unnoticed. The palki curtains closed, and it began moving towards the palace. Maitra leaned back, eyes narrowing slightly in thought of the battle being won, but her mind felt... distracted.)