The King's Shield

Chapter 43 - The Way to war

One oath I take today, my love
This oath, so firm and mighty
That this day forth I stay strong
For us both
This day marks the beginning of a
Bond
So strong, that not even the
Gods can shatter
My heart is steady and my mind
Steadfast
When your hand is placed in mine
A love so strong, a love unaltered,
It will withstand any storm.
My love will move mountains
for you
It will cross the oceans,
For you my love it will
It knows no bounds, no fear,
No chains, no sorrow
As long as you are with me, my dear
Our love stays strong for eternity

“ It feels like years or more that I have you with me, I cannot believe that the night has passed already.  At this moment, I wish it would stay as it is. With you here, my life feels fulfilled,” Adhiveer whispered, echoed in the wind as he cradled her sleeping figure in his arms.

Fate had been cruel to them. Every day a new test, a new storm. He was tired of it all, tired of seeing her go through so much for him. It had to stop; it had to end. He had to end it. All of it.

He looked at her face over and over again. As if it would change, it felt like a cruel joke, a dream with malicious intent.  He took her hand in his. Held it, the same way he had held it so many times.  Each time, he promised that he wouldn't let go, but failed at it. Regret had pulled him down, made him weak.

He saw that her fingers looked stiff, as if they had been repaired from a recent injury. When he caressed them, she twitched in her sleep. She was injured, hurt by Bal. He drew in a long breath, and anger pulsated through him like a wave of fire. This anger he would not quell, never. It will stay till he sees Bal’s severed head. Till he gives him the same injuries, so painful, the same that she has endured till he begs him for mercy.
He kissed her fingers and held her closer.

He will pay, he will suffer. Adhiveer made a promise to himself. Bal dared to touch her, to hurt her, he will pay with his life for such deeds. A gruesome death.

The morning light spread across the horizon. He tried to wake her. Each time he called her name she smiled. Every time he shook her, she held him tighter.

He smiled. “ You have to wake up, my queen, it's morning, and we have to be on our way. “ He said, gently lifting her from the ground.

They had sat late till midnight, leaning on a rock at the bank of the river. She slept on his lap most of the time. He, on the other hand, had not even dared to doze for the fear of losing sight of her. He knew that she was there, with him,  but his mind refused to believe it.

Past events had made him jittery, restless so much so that he didn't want to take any chances at all.
She yawned and stretched. Realising where she was, she stiffened in his arms.

“ I wish the gods would bestow me with such beautiful mornings, for the rest of my life,” he said, smiling at her.
She blushed, “My king…”

“ Yes, my queen…”

“ Please put me down.” She insisted.

“ I dare say, I don't want to... I have been waiting for this moment. Don't take it away from me. “ he cradled her closer. “ I will put you down when we approach the camp. Now hold on to me, and don't let go.”

He walked with ease to the outskirts of the campsite, kissed her forehead and then put her down. He held her hand and walked her to her tent.
She was looking at him all the while they walked as if she were studying him. A smile was constant.