Indian Queen Of Roman Crown (completed)

Chapter 27

After being caught by Aurelius in such an intimate position, Ritha and Augustus couldn't fathom what to do next. After quickly getting up from the bed Ritha turned around and started looking at the walls with keen interest in order to avoid eye contact with Aurelius. She mentally slapped herself for being careless. Firstly Marcus and now Aurelius saw her in such a way.

Augustus's frustration escalated after seeing Aurelius. He glared at Aurelius who himself was flushed. Augustus broke the awkward silence by questioning Aurelius, "What are you doing here? Don't you know how to knock? "

Aurelius who was beyond ashamed, apologized, "I beg your pardon, your Highness. I came to know through Highness Marcus that you were attacked and injured so I was worried for you so I came as fast as I can and I forgot to knock, I once again apologize for my recklessness. "

Augustus's lips twitched a bit upwards seeing so much concern in his friend's eyes for him but he didn't speak and masqueraded his smile quickly before Aurelius could see.

"Attacked? " came shocked Of Ritha from behind who instantly turned after hearing that Augustus was attacked. Then her eyes fell on her husband's hand which was wrapped by a white piece of cloth. She ate the distance between her and Augustus and took his hands in her hands and started examining it with an apprehensive look. " Cuts are deep , are you hurt anywhere else, show me please! "

                How come she didn't see it before. She is becoming irresponsible day by day ,thought Rithambra. Augustus smiled at her seeing her so worried about him. He held her hands and was about to kiss but his subconscious reminded him that Aurelius is still there so inspite of kissing,he assured her that he was not hurt anywhere else.

Aurelius turned towards Ritha and apologized once again, "I'm ashamed of my reckless act. Please forgive me. "

Rithambara chuckled in order to hide her nervousness. She fumbled a bit and spoke, "It is alright Aurelius. Actually, Prince Augustus had some.. something stuck in his l... eyes.. eyes so I was looking for it and suddenly he lost his balance and fell on the bed and I fell with him nothing *chuckling nervously * nothing happened. "

" he shiv ji! Mujhe kshama karein! Iss manushya ke Karen mujhe asatya ka marg lena pad raha hain." mumbled Rithambara under her breath. ( oh lord Shiva! Please forgive me, because of this person I have to tell a lie)

Aurelius raised his eyebrows while Augustus smirked at Rithambara at her lie. Aurelius spoke in order to tease a bit, "your highness, I feel like Prince has something stuck on his lips you can look after it also. " After speaking so, he bit his lips in order to stop his smile.

Ritha instantly looked at Augustus's lips and saw that artificial red colour which she applied on her lips was smudged on his lips. She was awkwardly blinking her eyes and looking anywhere but at Augustus and Aurelius. To divert everyone from this context, she pointed outside the window and spoke, "that painting is very beautiful. " she instantly bit her lips at her idioticity.

Even Augustus wiped his fingers over his lips instantly and some amount of colour printed on his fingers and he understood that he was teasing Ritha. He glared at Aurelius but inside , his heart was bubbling with happiness because after three years, things are turning normal and clouds of gloominess are separated by his sunshine. He is experiencing beauty of life after a long exile.

Rithambara turned her head towards both of them and smiled awkwardly after creating a mess.

"yeah, the painting is very beautiful. " added Aurelius sarcastically because there was no painting outside the window.

  Augustus cleared his throat in order to gain their attention and spoke in an authoritve tone, "well Aurelius, I want you to increase the security of this palace and keep a close eye on everything happening in the palace. There are some eagles flying here who need to be tamed. " Augustus's expressions were stoic.

"Eagles? What's that? " asked Aurelius in a confused tone.
 
     Before Augustus could explain Aurelius, Ritha who got alert after hearing the word eagles, directed her question to Augustus, "was there any message you found? As in a painting?"

  Augustus nodded reluctantly and asked back, " yes I did receive a painting of an eagle with the message beneath it but how do you know? "

"Because I also got the message with a painting of an eagle while I was practicing with my sword. There was an old lady according to Aquila ,she even ran behind her and got hurt." Augustus had his jaws clenched at the new piece of information. His wife was also in danger because of him.

    "Will anyone explain me what is happening over here? " asked Aurelius in a desperate tone.

  After taking a deep breath, Augustus and Ritha told the chain of incidents happening with them. Aurelius wasn't able to decipher what was happening in the palace. It felt like Florence has changed so much in a year that everything is out of their hand. After comparing both the paintings, all three were contemplating about the future.

  "Do you think that the attack by the arrow was also planned by these cowards? " asked Aurelius.

    "I'm sure, it was because they made painting of my eyes. They love paintings, I guess but who could they be? I'm not able to understand. Are they just a small group or spies or from another kingdom. If it is about rajgaddi, I mean throne then they must be planning something crucial. " commented Ritha.

Augustus hummed in the response and warned Ritha to always take Aquila with her and strode away with Aurelius for future discussions.

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   "I've to say, I'm impressed by your skills Aelia. Your skin has wrinkled but your mind and legs are still working nicely. You ran very fast for your age. " commented Stephano after gulping the remaining of his red wine.

"Anything for eagles. I don't want Augustus to win at any cost. I'm just waiting for the day when eagles will rule over Italia" replied Aelia in dreaming about that day though she was grasping for the air after running.

"You too did a great job Balbina, I'm proud of you." praised Stephano to Balbina who was dressing Luca's shoulder. She lifted her gaze towards Stephano and nodded curtly.

"Well, now the messages are delivered therefore it's time for us to create more havoc in the hell by our next move and that is to.. " he looked upwards and glanced at each and everyone of his members before completing his sentence, " kill king Atticus. "

       All the eagles smiled slyly at Stephano's word.