A warrior's heart

Part - 15

Rahul's heart hammered in his chest as he moved through the castle, his mind racing with fear and determination.

He had to find Hardik and tell him about the king's condition. Yet, he couldn't let his worry show. The kingdom was already on edge with the recent victory, and the last thing they needed was for their prince to appear weak or distraught.

He scanned the corridors, his eyes searching for any sign of the dragon rider. The echo of laughter and music from the grand hall taunted him, a stark contrast to the dire situation unfolding in the king's chamber.

Every step he took felt heavier than the last, the weight of his secret love and his father's health a crushing burden.

As he approached the dragon stables, he saw a flicker of light in the distance. His stomach clenched, hope and dread warring within him. What if the spy had already found Hardik? What if he was too late?

He quickened his pace, the sound of his boots on the cold stone floor a harsh reminder of the urgency of his mission. The stables grew closer, the smell of dragon's breath and hay growing stronger with each step. His eyes searched the shadows, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword.

Finally, he spotted a figure leaning against a post, Mahi curled around his legs like a giant, scaly cat. Relief flooded through him as he recognized the familiar outline of Hardik's shoulders. He took a deep breath, steeling himself before walking into the light.

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"Hardik," he called out, his voice firm despite the turmoil within.

The dragon rider looked up, his eyes wide with surprise. "Your Highness," he said, rising to his feet.

Mahi's head snapped up, its eyes watching Rahul with an intensity that made the prince feel exposed. The dragon knew something was wrong.

Rahul took a deep breath. "We need to talk," he said, his tone leaving no argument.

Hardik nodded, his eyes filled with worry. "Of course, Your Highness."

Rahul noticed that there was another figure with Hardik in the stables, a  man with a calm demeanor.

"Hardik, what is the meaning of this?" he demanded, his voice echoing in the cavernous space. "You're supposed to be on duty. How can you be so irresponsible?"

The dragon rider's eyes flashed with a mix of surprise and anger at the prince's accusation. "Your Highness, I assure you, I have not neglected my duties," he retorted. "Shami and I were just... discussing tactics for the next patrol."

"Tactics?" Rahul's tone was incredulous. "This is no time for games. The archer's warning still hangs over us like a storm cloud, and you dare to indulge in... pleasures?"

The words hung in the air, heavy with accusation. Hardik's cheeks flushed with color, his eyes flickering to the man beside him, who was trying to appear nonchalant despite the tension.

"I assure you, Your Highness," he said through gritted teeth, "I take my duties as a warrior and dragon rider very seriously."

Rahul stepped closer, his hand still on his sword. "You expect me to believe that, after what I just saw?"

Mahi let out a low growl, sensing the tension between the two men. The dragon's presence was a reminding the prince, not to mess with Hardik.

"Your Highness," Hardik's voice was firm, "I would never do anything to compromise the safety of the kingdom or our.........friendship."

Rahul knew Hardik was a man of honor, but the fear for his father's health made him see red.

"You will return to your post immediately," he ordered, his voice cold. "And I expect a full report on any suspicious activity by dawn."