A storm was brewing and it was going to destroy everything in its wake. The weather of the city added to it, dark clouds hung above and sombre colours of grey and dark blue spread across the palace. The guards were stationed at the palace gates and no one was allowed in and out.
Adhiveer was conflicted with what the circumstances had brought before him. Too many questions unanswered, too many tangled thoughts. As the day proceeded the questions in his mind had piled up and the weight of it was too much to bear.
The merchant who had claimed about the assassin had requested to meet with the king. And they had set up the meeting in the court.
Adhiveer, Bhairava and Sidhraj were the only people present when the merchant was being brought to them. The courtroom was flooded with the dark reflected light, from the archway corridors beside it. The king sat on his throne and Sidhraj stood beside him. Bhairava sat on a chair a few steps below him to the right side. The silence was unbearable. Each of them looked lost in their thoughts and didn't say anything.
Before the merchant arrived Sidhraj said." We had a background check on the merchant, he has been confirmed to have only one ally, I have sent our men to find him."
"Very well. What about the merchant's character? What do you know about him? Is he trustworthy?" The king asked.
" It's a bit murky, my king, he trades in forest wood for furniture and articles. But it is speculative that he has another business which is under the guise of this one. We will be getting a lot more information about him soon." he said.
The merchant entered," Greetings, my king. It's an honour to be in your presence. I am so-"
Adhiveer raised his hand." What is your name? And where are you from?" He asked. He looked at the merchant carefully watching his mannerisms. He looked well-fed, with a protruding belly and bowed legs. His clothes showed his indulgence in the pretence of wealth and status and his love for flaunting his jewellery.
The merchant first raised his nose high and spoke," I am Shavara from the harbour region." Then he bowed down to him. " I never imagine-"
Adhiveer raised his hand again.
" Answer only to the questions that are being asked. How long have you been working as a merchant?" he asked.
The merchant visibly degenerated in his stance." I am the fourth generation of my family in this trade, my king." he said.
"What do you trade in?" He asked.
" I trade in the excellent quality of forest wood, my goods are traded across the sea as well. The best-"
Adhiveer," Enough, what is it that you wanted to tell me."
The merchant looked flustered but took a deep breath, " My king, I have seen a killer from the harbour city roam around freely in the palace. She is a very dangerous woman. " He said.
Adhiveer held the armrest of his throne." How can you be so sure that it's the same person?
" She has been known in the harbour city to have killed many respectable men. She is quite famous there." He said with a hint of smirk on his lips.
" Do you know the name or do you recognise her by face?" He asked.
" Both, my king." The man was grinning now.
"What is the name?" He asked.
" Shiva, your royal guard." He said tilting his head down in jest.
Adhiveer shot up from his seat and walked down to the merchant, who stumbled back with dread.
YOU ARE READING
The King's Shield
RomanceWhat would happen if you were appointed as a bodyguard for the person you were supposed to assassinate? Adhiveer is a beloved king. Loved and adored by everyone in his kingdom and beyond. Shiva, a professional assassin, gets easily appointed as hi...
