The King's Shield

Chapter 17- The Want and the Need

It had been five days since they arrived in Satjaya. There were many guests still pouring in from kingdoms near and far. The festivities at the palace were at full vigour. Adhiveer had met some of the guests a decade ago, his friends and kin, he was overjoyed to meet them after such a long time.

Shiva spent a lot of time with Reva and she befriended Princess Lavanya too. Lavanya had a keen interest in weapons and warfare. She had talked to Shiva about combat techniques and weaponry. Lavanya was very dear to Adhiveer. And now the thought that she was going to marry and move away from all of them saddened him, but he was happy that she had found a suitable companion for herself and he knew that she was going to be happy. She had met Trivikrama on an excursion when she had been to the northwestern borders to meet the border troops. Lavanya was very active, she had also joined the army. Adhiveer was very proud of her and believed that she would make a great queen just like her mother.

"Never did I imagine that my sweet Lavanya would be getting married before Adhiveer," commented King Harsha when all of them had gathered in the great hall after lunch for some leisure time.

" Indeed," said Queen Nirvi looking at Adhiveer. " I have lost the count of proposals that have been sent to him. Isn't it Father? She said to Bhairava.

" I don't remember receiving any of the proposals you sent," Adhiveer said smirking at Bhairava.

Bhairava glowered at him. " It's probably my age, I don't remember things." He said acting glum." But then again, I don't think he wants to marry at all. We should drop the thought of his marriage completely if he is not interested."

" I do want to get married." Said Adhiveer surprised by Bhairava's remark. He was waiting for the opportune moment to talk to Shiva. She looked distracted lately and that worried him.

" Then make haste, my king; the opportunity doesn't knock on one's door twice," Bhairava said, indicating to him. Adhiveer understood the meaning behind the words. Ever since she woke up from the accident, she avoided him. Although she had promised him that she would be with him he feared that if he didn't act now and delayed further, he might lose her.

Queen Nirvi suggested that he could choose a queen, among any of the beautiful princesses that had come from the different kingdoms for the wedding." I have my eye on Princess Ambika, she is beautiful and smart. Adhiveer, I can talk to her father for you, and we can arrange a meeting here at the palace. In the evening."

"Umm...maybe we should wait till the wedding is done." Said Adhiveer cautiously." I am not in a hurry..." He hoped that they would stop the discussion.

" Oh please Uncle Adhi, what's the harm in meeting her once? You can always say no if you don't like her." Said, Lavanya. Everyone nodded in agreement.

Bhairava looked suggestively at him. "You better act fast." He whispered to him.

A meeting had been arranged and Adhiveer had no choice but to oblige.
He decided that they should meet in the palace courtyard, he didn't want her to sit anywhere and talk so that the meeting would end faster because he was sure that princesses were not used to standing for too long.

When she walked towards him to the courtyard, one looked at her, and he knew how the conversation was going to be. She was clad from tip to toe in gold. And adorned a long flowing drape that made her look like she was floating above the ground when she walked. He started to regret that he agreed to meet.

" My king," she bowed to him. It didn't have the same ring to it he thought.

" Pleasant evening to you, princess. Shall we walk?" He asked, gesturing her towards the courtyard.