The Warrior And His Emperors

A Decision

Eloy looked at his husbands. Both were lounging in the room. They seemed to have had a cordial talk earlier. Shikhar has not expected him to keep what they spoke about as a secret. Primarily because,there should be no secrets in a marriage.

"I spoke to apaa," said Eloy.

That got him both of their attention.

Eloy told them about what happened without leaving a word out.

Adharva's face was red with anger and betrayal.

"You shouldn't judge brother too harshly. At that age, we talk before we think," said Mithraos.

"I agree with His Highness," said Eloy.

"When do you not agree with him?" snapped Adharva.

There was silence after that.

Adharva just stormed out of the room. Eloy watched worried.

"He will calm down," said Mithraos placing his arm around Eloy who nodded.

Both were settled in the bed, awake and waiting. Adharva stepped in having calmed down. He laid down and lowered the flames.

"I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you both," said Adharva.

Eloy flushed when he felt Adharva's arm around him. Mithraos was closer as always now.

They just laid there and fell asleep. Adharva and Mithraos woke up first. They just looked at each other.

"Sleep, It is a weekend day. There are no obligations," said Adharva sitting up. He looked at Eloy who was gripping his arm. He moved the hand and walked out.

Mithraos laid back and slept bringing Eloy into his arms.

-------------

The emperors and Eloy went to the woods that day, with the former intended on hunting.

Eloy almost scowled at his attire. All three of them were in a chariot. Eloy sat on one of the chairs. Mithraos stood by Adharva's side as both keenly observed the surroundings.

There was movement. They aimed their arrows ready to take on the beast. However, it was let out a howl. Eloy jumped out in a moment and ran to the animal realsing that howl as a call for help. The emperors, shocked followed him.

Sure enough Eloy saw a wounded jackal. He was lying there, whimpering. Eloy reached him and grabbed a few plants on the way. He applied the medicinal plants on the wound. The jackal which was looking hostile till then was soon whimpering with relief.

Both the husbands exchanged a look and walked over, still poised for an attack.

"Of all the reckless things- started Mithraos.

"Hush, you are scaring him," said Eloy.

Mithraos looked at Adharva for support.

"It is an animal of the wild. Step back from him carefully," said Adharva.

"We need to wait till his pack get here," said Eloy, applying more medicines to the wound. It was a golden jackal and from the smell of feces and urine, it looks like the established territory of a group of jackals.

"They are opportunistic flesh eating animals," said Mithraos.

"It is still a life," said Eloy.

"Says the most decorated warrior of all time. Is it not hypocrisy?" asked Adharva irritated.

"I try to spare all lives possible," said Eloy looking wounded.

"Besides, we are not at war here, your highness," said Eloy firmly. And for once Adharva understood why Mithraos rarely argues with Eloy. He can be determined.