The Star-Touched Queen
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
In a series, but a complete stand-alone story.
Maya, because of her terrifying horoscope, is fated to never marry and be cursed by all her father's wives for any bad luck. Though her sister Gauri does love her and the tales she tells, of wonders like the Night Bazaar.
Then she learns that her father is arranging a swayamvara for her, at which she will pick her bridegroom from the princes fighting against them. And then she learns he actually has another plan, harder on her.
The story winds on from there. It involves her losing track of time seriously, her mother's necklace that she gave to Gauri, a horse that wants to take a bite -- or two -- out of her, a tapestry and danger to her kingdom, many references to legends and myths of India (though it's perfectly intelligible without knowing them), and more.
In a series, but a complete stand-alone story.
Maya, because of her terrifying horoscope, is fated to never marry and be cursed by all her father's wives for any bad luck. Though her sister Gauri does love her and the tales she tells, of wonders like the Night Bazaar.
Then she learns that her father is arranging a swayamvara for her, at which she will pick her bridegroom from the princes fighting against them. And then she learns he actually has another plan, harder on her.
The story winds on from there. It involves her losing track of time seriously, her mother's necklace that she gave to Gauri, a horse that wants to take a bite -- or two -- out of her, a tapestry and danger to her kingdom, many references to legends and myths of India (though it's perfectly intelligible without knowing them), and more.