The King's Shield

Chapter 10- The masked truth

Shiva stood gazing into his eyes. For the first time, she didn't feel alone. Throughout her life, she had to fight to survive. Love, friends, loyalty and trust were never in her consideration. The only person she had to trust was herself. And now her entire world had narrowed down to him.

He didn't know her nor did he know her motives. She knew what he thought of her. A tribal warrior, a brave and righteous one he'd said. But the truth was far more painful. What would happen if she told him the truth? Would he still trust her? The revenge she had garnered for all these years was going to end one day she'd believed. But what would it cost? What would she have to sacrifice to reach where she wanted to be? If she had to kill him for that would she do it? A bitter pain pinged her heart.

She averted her gaze and moved back from him. " It's quite late, you have to have your medicine. I will find someone to get you dinner."

" Shiva, do you like me?" He asked.
" Tell me the truth."

"You are a kind man and a good king," she said, which was the truth.

"You didn't answer me," he still looked at her.

There was a knock at the door.
Drishala entered, "My king, I have brought you dinner."

"Could you get some for her as well?" He said.

" Oh please no, I don't want to impose. Please." She said.

" Fine then. Thank you, Drishala. You may leave." He said.

Drishala looked at her and then left.

"At least sit with me, till I eat." He said.

"And watch you finish the entire plate like the other night in the tent." She smirked.

He laughed and opened the lid on the plate," Uh this is too much food."

"Eat, you need it." She coaxed.

He was about to break a piece of flatbread, " Can you tell if something is mixed in the food? The same way you smelled it on me yesterday." He asked.

" No, the spices would cover up the smell. But the traces of it are left on a metal plate or the glass in the form of discoloured hues of purple or red or even blue." She said.

" So I won't know if my food is poisoned until someone finds my plate tomorrow morning when I am dead."
He said raising his eyebrows.

"Uh no, don't eat that." She moved his plate away. " I will get something for you myself. Will you tell me where the kitchen is?"

"I will show you." He said.

"But then the person who is doing this will be suspicious." She frowned.

"No, I will just say that I didn't like the food that they served me and order to make me something else." He said and straightened up.

" So you are going to throw a tantrum, like a child?" She said cocking her head.

"Yes, I am the king. I can do anything." He snickered.

They went to the royal kitchen. There were tens of pots and pans. Different types of vegetables, fruits and grains were kept in large containers. Many women and men were busy preparing food for the hundreds of residents of the palace. A separate working station was reserved for the king and his family with separate chefs and station personnel. When they entered everyone stopped working and was bewildered to see them there. All of that food and smells were overwhelming for Shiva.

" Is something wrong my king? May I help you? The chef asked.

Adhiveer furrowed his brows and said "The food you sent today is not to my liking. I would like something else."