A warrior's heart

Part - 4

The next day, Hardik was summoned to the king's chambers. His heart pounded as he stepped inside, expecting to be questioned about the archer's mysterious death. Instead, the king handed him a rolled parchment.

"This arrived for you this morning," he said, his eyes searching Hardik's face for a reaction.

Surprised, Hardik took the letter, recognizing Krunal's seal. He broke it open and read the decoded message:

"I know of the shadows you speak of. Meet me in the dragon's lair at moonrise. We must speak of the plot and the specter's icy grip."

Relief washed over him. Krunal had understood.

"Is there something troubling you, Hardik?" the king asked, noticing his distraction.

"No, Your Highness," he lied smoothly. "Just eager to continue our preparations."

"Good," King Lokesh said, nodding. "We must be vigilant."

As he left the chamber, Hardik felt the weight of his secret pressing down on him.

Throughout the day, he was consumed by thoughts of the impending meeting. He could barely focus on his duties, his eyes constantly checking the position of the sun.

Finally, moonrise approached. He slipped away from his quarters, the cool night air sending shivers down his spine.

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Krunal was already there, when he arrived at the dragon's lair, a knowing smirk playing on his lips as he took in Hardik's flustered state.

"What's got you so worked up, little brother?" he teased, leaning against a stone pillar.

"Don't jest, Krunal," Hardik said seriously. "This is no time for games."

Krunal's expression sobered immediately. "You're right. Tell me everything."

Hardik recounted the events of the previous day, his voice shaking as he described the archer's death. "It was like nothing I've ever seen before," he finished, his eyes wide with the memory.

"Sorcery," Krunal murmured, his voice low and grim. "And you suspect a spy in the castle?"

Hardik nodded. "Someone had to have known where we'd be. And the way that man talked, it was like he knew something no one else should."

"We need to find out who this spy is," Krunal said, his hand tightening into a fist. "But we must tread carefully. If the wrong person finds out what we suspect..."

Hardik nodded, his thoughts racing. "We can't trust anyone but each other."

"And Mahi," Krunal added, patting the dragon's snout.

Mahi huffed in agreement, its eyes never leaving the brothers.

"So, what's this I hear about a certain prince?" Krunal asked, his tone lightening slightly. "Your cheeks are pinker than a dragon's egg."

Hardik rolled his eyes. "It's nothing," he mumbled, his cheeks growing even redder.

"Ah, so there is something," Krunal said, his grin widening. "Come on, out with it."

"I said it's nothing," Hardik protested, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Nothing, huh?" Krunal chuckled. "Well, if that's the case, I won't bother asking how you felt when you realized you had to save him from danger."

Mahi let out a snort, as if joining in on the teasing.

"I had a duty to protect him," Hardik said stiffly. "That's all."