The King's Shield

Chapter 39 - The Missing Heart

" We have already looked in that area before, my lord." Said one of the soldiers appointed to help Adhiveer.

" I don't care; look for him a thousand times through every nook and cranny of this town. I don't want a single man sitting idly." King Vishwa said, " My king, we are trying our best, I will leave no stone unturned. We will find Bal."

Adhiveer stared blankly at him. This was the fifth time, King Vishwa was assuring him of finding Bal. Something didn't fit right. He nodded and dismissed the king.

All of this seemed curated and staged to be so immaculate. Pieces falling perfectly into place. Odd, it was very odd.

When Bal had set the ship on fire, and abducted Shiva, they were only a few miles away from Shillary port. A trading port close to the capital city of King Vishwa.

One of his ships just happened to see their ship and just happened to rescue them on time. They recognised Adhiveer immediately and offered to take him to the king, who then offered support to find Bal and rescue Shiva. It all seemed too precise, deliberate.

Adhiveer changed into the clothes of a commoner and left the palace covertly to meet Varah and Bhumi. They were staying at an inn at the border of the city. Adhiveer purposely hid both of them from the king and the king's men.

" I don't trust him. He was too willing to help me. He didn't question at all that I was looking for Bal. He didn't even ask why our ship was on fire. Something's amiss." he said.

" Yes, it seems so. My king, my men are looking for her too. But have found nothing." Varah said.

" I doubt that she is in the city. What if they have kept her somewhere else?" Bhumi asked." We should send some men to look into the outskirts of the city."

A week had passed. There was no trace of her. Bal wouldn't risk taking her out of town. Not when all of King Vishwa's men are looking around for her. He won't take her far from the city. But it wouldn't hurt to look in nearby villages.

" Yes, let your men look for her in the nearby villages," he said. 'and I will look for her myself here,' he thought.
He knew that Shiva was brave and strong but he didn't trust Balesh. He would go to any means to get what he wants. The thought of him hurting Shiva angered Adhiveer. Rage shot up to his brain like a volcano.

Adhiveer had sent a message to Sidhraj, stating their condition. Sidhraj had suggested that this was the right time to attack and take over the capital.

" We can rescue Shiva once we have our army back. Bal would have no choice but to surrender." The message from Sidhraj stated.

But how could he? His heart was here; she was here. He had to know if she was unharmed and well.
He wished she had stayed back at Harbour City. Wished she had not come on this journey with him. He looked around the town for any trace of her. King Vishwa's men were incompetent and useless. Another day was spent in anguish.

He returned to the palace at night and changed into his usual clothes. He sat on a chair near his bed. And rested his head on his palms.

Visions of her cascaded in front of his eyes; her voice rang in his ears, and her touch was etched on his skin... Emptiness... desolation... anger danced a wicked dance in his mind.

What an unfortunate love he had, a cursed fate, a twisted game played by destiny. The moment he thought that he could see a future with her, dread had placed its unholy hands on their lives and moulded them into an unending cycle of turmoil and anguish.

There was a knock at the door. He pulled himself up from the chair. And stood in anticipation of some good news

" My king, Princess Ambika is asking for an audience." A maid said.