Shikhar and Rishi breathed a sigh of relief only after seeing all three unharmed. Later,Shikhar retired to his chambers.
Rishi meanwhile enlisted the help of the rest of his family to set up a declaration. He wrote it down overnight and called an emergency court meeting the next day.
Shikhar was surprised to see a full court meeting the next day and looked at Rishi in surprise. The man simply looked back.
"His Highness Rishikesh Malvan has a declaration to make," announced Adharva.
Shikhar narrowed his eyes.
If Rishi was supporting the kids in something stupid, the man was going to be in for a nice long lecture from him-
"My people, as the family head of the ruling Malvans, I have never focussed on my personal life properly in the early period. I had wronged someone thus, with my callousness. It is no secret that I love Malvan Warrior in Chief Shikhar Vanshi. He owns my heart, my pride, my soul and everything there is. When my parents died, I was 15. Shikhar had brought them up when I was busy managing the politics. When I felt like stone, he has made me feel. However, I must admit that I am not a perfect man," Hrishikesh paused and looked at Shikhar.
"I am also susceptible to the follies of men, especially men like me- Pride and idiocy. I disrespected him with words and wounded him badly. I, with the people under the throne of Mahereyea-Mauraye Kingdom, this court, the emperors and the High King, our parents' soul and walls of this palace as witness, beg forgiveness. I want you to know that I love nothing more than I love you. The love I have for you push me forward, helps me navigate every day. I want this world to know that you Shikhar, is my one and only. I recognise that I may never be forgiven though I foolishly wish for it," said Rishi. He looked at Shikhar whose expression was unreadable.
Rishikesh closed the declaration. Then, when the man was about to step down, Shikhar got on his feet.
"Your Highness, I forgive you. I have forgiven you long ago. It is my fear that keeps us apart. I accept your declaration and demand that you court me the way the oldest prince should court his potential partner," said Shikhar.
Rishi looked up at that and his eyes lit up, and Shikhar knew the man might get too emotional.
The courtiers were trying to suppress a smile at the words as they witnessed the Malvan family heads declare their love for each other.
Adharva and Mithraos looked at Eloy who was smiling.
"You did this. You have my gratitude," said Adharva.
"It worked because they wanted to make it work. Or it wouldn't have. No matter any declarations," said Eloy slowly.
"And I know, my brother is law, Eloy, is the cleverest person in this empire," smiled Samarth approvingly. Dhruv was bouncing on his feet, all excited.
----------
Rishikesh looked at Shikhar as the man walked out of the court. If he couldn't hold back his smile, it was no one's fault but his.
Once the sitting was dismissed, a knowing smile from his family sans one, Rishi rushed to that one person who completes his family.
Shikhar sat there, in the garden, his favourite spot in the back yard. Rishi went and sat next to him. Shikhar shifted and rested his head against Rishi. They looked at each other.
Rishi noticed Shikhar had cried.
"Why did you cry?"
"You made a declaration for me," said Shikhar.
"I- I wanted you to believe my words. I realised belatedly, with the help of the kids, especially Eloy, that I need to put the things I feel into words, words that you will understand and be able to accept," said Rishi.
"I always understood just fine. There was always the niggling thought of that day. Of you not wanting anything to do with me. It - You proclaimed your utter devotion for me to the world. No man like you- of your stature or power would do that. That is what makes you different and I remember that you- your highness, you were a ball of emotions back then. I - I understand. I have known this and yet condemned you," said Shikhar.
"Because I deserved it. I don't hold it against you. I- I wanted to bring you my first courting gift. I have always known what it would be. It had always been in my possession," said Rishi.
Shikhar looked at him.
"I don't think you deserved pain, my highness," said Shikhar.
Rishi kissed him and Shikhar gave in, clutching his man tight as Rishi claimed his mouth and tongue.
Then once they broke off, Rishi took out a pin from his person. He extended it to Shikhar. Those are the pins with the royal emblem, something only the Malvans wore.
"It is a Malvan family heirloom and it is high time you wore it," said Rishi extending it.
Shikhar looked at Rishi.
"Can you wear me the pin, my lord," asked Shikhar.
Rishi took it from him and undid the pin that beheld the top robes and then used the Malvan pin.
Shikhar leaned back on Rishi who was only happy to oblige.
"Your highness"
"Tell me"
"I - Shikhar leaned in.
"That day, I was going to ask you to mate me. I- I had this - I saw people as families with kids and I wanted that with you. I- I just want you to understand that I was not being difficult on purpose these past years. I- was - It was like I was that boy orphaned and left at the mercy of others. It was like I had no one in this world, all of a sudden. I didn't want to feel that sort of security again to lose it. I- I have been in love with you since I understood what it means or maybe even longer than that," said Shikhar.
"And I you, my love. I know words are not enough. I am sorry for everything I put you through. Let me prove it you that I mean it,"said Rishi, his eyes filling up even as he said it.
-------
Adharva looked at Eloy who was assembling flowers from the woods with the help of guards to be the second courting gift. It's traditional, family members being the one to get it ready.
Mithraos watched amused. "Over years I have come to accept that he commands the soldiers and guards better than me," said Mithraos.
Adharva nodded.
Eloy turned and looked at them.
"Are you both going to just stay there and watch?" asked Eloy and walked away.
Samarth snorted from one side, collecting flowers himself. Dhruv had no qualms with laughing out loud as the emperors joined them.
-----------
I want suggestions for cast- Rishi, Shikhar, Dhruv and Samar!! Someone older than the existing cast, but well built and handsome for the older pair.
YOU ARE READING
The Warrior And His Emperors
Fantasy#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...
