It was unexpected, really. Who would expect the emperor to be attacked on his way to the sun temple. It was not that Mithraos wanted to go. Eloy did. Adharva refuses to enter temples and thus Mithraos decided he will accompany their one third to the temple. Eloy had bowed down to touch the idol when an arrow struck Mithraos.
Mithraos stood firm as he threw his knife at the offender. The guards were clearing them out of the temple as others grabbed the attacker.
Eloy was panicking. He never panicked in war. But here, he was. He just looked at his emperor as they rushed back. The healers saw to his wounds.
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Adharva was going through royal scrolls when the guards rushed in.
"Your highness , Emperor Mithraos was attacked," said the guard.
Adharva felt anger thrum in his body as he rushed out. He saw Mithraos lying in the healer's table as Eloy stood motionless. He reached them and touched Eloy who turned and placed his hand gently on Adharva's chest.
"Your fury won't help us now. Emperor Mithraos ensured that the attacker was caught, he got the knife in his stomach. The healers are attending to the culprit in the lower berth," said Eloy.
Adharva nodded. He brushed a kiss to Eloy's forehead, unable to resist. He then looked at Mithraos whose eyes were closed and gently placed a hand on his before rushing out.
Adharva would have killed the culprit if it was not crucial to know who sent them. His will be the most painful death, but that will have to wait.
Mithraos was recovering and that was the only consolation. He knew he should have accompanied them. They were almost taken from him. He cannot loose them now, not after he grew attached to them in a way. He knew attachments were weakness. But he couldn't help it. They are important to him. And even if they weren't, no one would get away with an attack on his husbands.
Mithraos was awake when Adharva stepped into the healer's room again. All others left them alone. Eloy sat by his side but got up on his arrival.
There was absolute silence.
"How do I trust your people to not kill me while I live here, or even Eloy?" asked Mithraos.
Adharva did not have an answer to that at the moment. He had never felt so speechless.
"But you are allegedly the most powerful Emperor to walk earth. Did this happen with your knowledge?," asked Mithraos.
Eloy gasped and looked at Mithraos unbelievably. How can he even say something like that.
"Is it that you don't want either of us here? Or is it a ploy to eliminate me from the equation," asked Mithraos.
"Emperor Mithraos- started Eloy.
Adharva raised his hand and silence fell. He just turned and left. Eloy felt his eyes fill and he looked at Mithraos.
"That was cruel. Unnecessarily so. You did not see his face when he came running to the infirmary," said Eloy.
"He left without a reply. It shows he is accountable. I stand by what I said," said Mithraos and looked away. He did not really believe it. But deep down there was an insecurity that was acting up at the moment.
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Adharva stood looking at the mirror. He could see his reflection on it. The reflection of a failed emperor, a failed husband. In a way, Mithraos was right. He should be blamed for the attack. After all, it happened in his part of the land, under his nose. What sort of an emperor is he if he cannot protect his own partners? What if the arrow had hit Mithraos in the head?
He punched his hand on the mirror in fury. His hand bled. Eloy rushed in. He took Adharva's hand in his and cleaned the wound.
"How is he?" asked Adharva.
"He is in our chambers. Asleep. You know, he did not mean any of it your highness. Please don't take it to heart," said Eloy as he applied herbal medicine over the wound.
"He is right in a way. You were attacked in what was my part of the empire till recently," said Adharva.
"That doesn't make you responsible. If you will allow me, I would like to question the culprit," said Eloy.
"You may," said Adharva.
"Shall we move to our chambers now?," asked Eloy.
"You go and stay by his side," said Adharva. Eloy gave him water to drink before he left.
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It was night. Eloy looked at Mithraos who was staring out the window.
"Where is he?" he finally asked.
"In the other chamber. He was supposed to be here by now. Let me go and check on him," said Eloy and left.
Eloy found the chamber door open and Emperor Adharva was getting ready for bed.
"Your highness, are you not coming to our chambers," asked Eloy surprised.
"It is better that I stay here, Eloy. It wouldn't be fair to share a bed when I am a suspect. It wouldn't be fair to any of us. Sleep well and call me if there is an emergency," said Adharva as he slid into the bed. Eloy just looked at the emperor as he stepped in. He sat down by the emperor's side and looked at him.
"May I?" asked Eloy.
Adharva did not know what he was asking permission for but he gave a curt nod. Eloy pulled the blanket and covered the emperor and set the pillows on his side for the man to sleep comfortably.
"I trust you, your highness," said Eloy looking at him.
Adharva nodded.
"You only need to ring the bell if you need anything. I will be here," said Eloy.
Adharva nodded. Eloy left. He walked with a heavy heart to their chambers. He had been the one who was wary of the Malvan emperor. He still doesn't know the man well. But he does know that the man is no back stabber. He is truthful and the man honestly considered them a unit. There is respect in their relationship.
He did not realise that he reached the doors to their chambers. He stepped in and laid down after checking Mithraos' wound.
Mithraos looked at the door, then back at Eloy.
"Where is Adharva?" asked Mithraos.
"He said it would be unfair to all to share a bed when there is a lack of trust and doubt," said Eloy not looking at Mithraos as he helped the emperor lay down.
Mithraos should be happy that the man was keeping his distance. He was not. He sighed.
"Do you blame me?" asked Mithraos.
Eloy was silent.
"I was angry," said Mithraos.
"And insecure and as always refuses to let people into your safety circle," said Eloy.
Mithraos should have known that Eloy can read him like a book.
"You cannot say that he holds no blame," said Mithraos, childishly.
"He holds no blame, Emperor Mithraos," said Eloy.
There was silence.
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I still don't know how long these updates will continue. As far as it goes before a hiatus because work often does that to me.
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The Warrior And His Emperors
Fantasía#1 in Kings (Earlier) #1 in Threesome He was a warrior. He was meant to protect the King and the Kingdom. His name brought the fear for life in warriors across the world. What he never thought he would become was the High King of two Emperors. Their...
