Myshka

Chapter 17: Queen

Emtilov could say that he had missed this city a lot since he was gone. Maybe, he had. On seeing the grand arch of the gateway, he wasn't filled with nostalgia but dread. He dreaded going back now that he was so close. On close introspection, he realised he even more dreaded bringing Myshka here. His wife should be given a home, not the damn zoo, after marriage. He almost ordered them to turn back. The words might even have come out, had not he seen the grand receiving for the grand Prince at the gateway. It looked like the entire realm had poured in to welcome him and his bride.

Emtilov took a deep breath, as all his insecurities, tied to his past memories flooded in. He wanted to be back in the battlefield, kill a few hundred men, till this feeling went away. The feeling of being good, but not good enough. Never enough. He steadied his horse and reminded himself of who he was now. No longer tied to the Kingdom, he had his own identity, one he had spent years to built. He thought of the priceless beauty he had managed to procure, beautiful and rare, sitting in the palanquin, and felt proud of himself. He marched forward.

The State Minister, Hakutho, stood at the front with flowers in his hand. Emtilov got down from his horse and made his way towards him. Instantly, he was greeted by a shower of flowers from all around and a chant. A chant of victory, said on battlefields. As if they even knew what kind of battles he had fought, could even imagine them. He raised his hands and the flowers stopped at once. He marvelled at the fact that if he had received this much respect before he had left home, he might not have left at all.

" Welcome back, Your Highness. The Kingdom has been withering away in your absence. We shall rejoice for weeks now, for our Prince is finally back." Hakutho bowed down and said.

"Come come Minister, bowing does not suit you. Make way for my entourage to pass." Emtilov spoke.

"Yes of course Sire. The Queen is anxious for you to return. " Hakutho smiled icily.

Thus, the people parted and allowed them to pass. The entourage entered with all the pomp and splendour fitting of a king. Emtilov sat at the head, leading it, being showered by rice and flowers.

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At the Palace, the Queen sat on her throne waiting for a message.

"Your Majesty, the Prince is at the gates. Hakutho is receiving him." Said a messenger, panting, having run as fast as he could.

The Queen smiled, picked up the plate full of things to welcome her son and made her way outside, her maid trailing after her.

"Call Megasthenes here at once. He must be present." She ordered.

The empty hall of the throne room, glittered with the reflecting sunlight. The throne though grand, looked sad and haunted. A king had not sat there in years.

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Emtilov made his way up the stairs. His entourage waited in the courtyard. Only the palanquin had been taken into the inner palace where his mother stood to receive him, wearing the brightest clothes she had and a smile on her face.

"My son!" She exclaimed and jumped towards him. Emtilov dodged her embrace and held her at hand's distance. All the palace officials were present, the guards and the maids. watching the exchange with hawk eyes.

The Queen acted like nothing happened and signalled for her plate to be brought forward. She proceeded to receive her son with all the traditions of their people. She sprinkled him with holy water, gave him the warmth of a flame, smeared some earth on his forehead, then blew a conch. The four elements were now satisfied. Emtilov bowed down in front of her, many emotions running through him at the same time. When the younger one bowed down to an elder, he must be blessed with gifts. The poor gave only their blessings while the rich gave gold,jewels, even houses. The Queen took some silver coins and almost threw it at him. She was growing impatient already.