Rewriting the War (Duryodhan)

Chapter 3 - Did he just blush?

It was only after four days of work, did I intend to ask Duryodhan for a favour. Not that I had anything of use to do in those days, anyway.

My bed was situated in the left corner of his room, which I have to admit was strange. And so far, even after the loud drum beats in the early morning, he had been the one to wake me up and not the other way around.

The rest of the chores on the list were a piece of cake because I had nothing to do except supervise.

The only thing which was toilsome was to deck him with jewellery. It required me to be near him and, that was fine if not for his unwavering gaze.

Even if I met his stare, he would hold it, never the one to turn away and like that, I would spend atleast five minutes a day holding a staring contest with him. To my utter dismay, he was the one to win every darn time.

And then, I would simply not see him until late at night. He would ask me about my day despite his exhaustion and I would keep my answer to it short such that he could sleep a little earlier.

While his busy life made him drowsy, my immense responsibility kept me awake. I missed my home. My family. My friends. My life back then.

I have even come to miss my bathroom.

Well, I did try my best to forget the void by chatting with the maids and discovering the palace, but it was still very much present.

A large gap and I felt it more at nights than during the days.

I heard the door open.

"Can I ask you for something?" I asked, hesitating as he sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for me to take off his heavy ornaments.

"Sure." He replied straight away, concern simmering in his eyes at my hesitation.

"Can I get a rock slate or copper plate?"

He rose, taking a step towards me and I stood my ground.

"May I know the purpose of this?" His scent enveloped me into a comforting cocoon and I resisted the urge to snuggle into his chest.

"I just wanted to tell a good old friend of mine about your kindness?" My tone was so sugary that even he caught hold of the sarcasm.

"Oh and who is that friend of yours." His fingers caressed my loose curls.

"He is a prince named Krishna." I let my words sink in and his expression to that was so comical that he took a step back to note whether I was serious or not.

"Lord Krishna is your friend!" There was disbelief all over his face.

"Once I wandered around Mathura, he was kind enough to notice my state and offer me some food." Lie flowed through me, but it was all for a better cause.

Duryodhan analysed me cynically for minutes before releasing an expatriated sigh.

"Guards." Two of them entered almost immediately.

"Bring me a slate of good condition." He ordered without glancing at them.

"I want something in return for it." He reclaimed his position.

"I don't have anything." I stated, not raising his bait.

"I want something." His voice was dangerously low that it made my toes involuntarily curl.

"I have nothing." I pretended to be confused by his words.

"I will ask for it one day." He said, still playing with my curls while I stood, counting the scars on his chest.

Despite my overwhelming curiosity to know how he had gotten them, it wasn't polite to ask intimate questions to a person I had only known for five days or so.

"Sir." The guard handed him a rock slate. "Should we call upon the scribe, Your Majesty?"

"No. Leave." Duryodhan strolled towards his desk, gesturing me forward.

"You are going to write?"

"Yes. Is that a problem?" He pursed his lips, daring me to voice against it.

"No. Definitely not." I smiled.

"Start but say it slowly. " He said, picking up a small and slim rod, and a tiny hammer.

I gave him a thumbs up and, to which, he looked at me like I had grown two horns. Habits die hard, I guess.

"I had a dream five nights ago." I paused. The sight of him carefully craving the letters stirred something in me. He had a long day, judging by how tired he looked but here he was, toiling away for a letter.

But I had to strengthened my heart. There wasn't room to be empathetic.

"Continue."

"When we both conversed about a war that I had no clue of."

Duryodhan eyes widened upon hearing, but he made no attempt to ask.

"I only remember you saying to reduce destruction."

"And then, I woke up in a beautiful palace which wasn't a dream."

"The Crown Prince of Hastinapur upon realising my state was kind enough to give me a job as his head maid" He stilled for a moment before continuing his work.

"And I hope you are well because I am still shocked by what has occurred."

"That will be all." I said, after voicing the content.

"This is unlike any letter I have written. Peculiar even." He stated, handing it to me, and I don't know how I was able to read it, despite the foreign language.

Upon reviewing the content, I noticed that instead of the Crown Prince, he had written, the eldest of the King, but I chose not to pry much on it.

"It's perfect. Thank you." I meant it as I handed the fragile plate back to him. "When will it reach my friend?"

"There would be no need to send this message." I narrowed my eyes.

"Lord Balaram and the princess are to arrive at Hastinapur for a meeting. You will give it to them, then." He added, hurriedly.

"Me?" I thought I was not supposed to go out his wing.

"Yes." He cleared his throat, pink blotches appearing on his cheeks.

"I thought it would be better if you would attend the gathering."

His face was unreadable and I was just stunned.