The Warrior And His Emperors

Meet the In-Laws

The in-law business is serious. Or so the emperors were told by Apaa. They are to be on their best behaviour.

They watched as Eloy's father spent all the time talking to him, the brothers never leaving the side. It was amusing and heartening in a way.

Later they could actually sense that they were assessing if the two of them were worthy of Eloy. Being Kings before becoming emperors they never had to face this sort of assesment. What made it more difficult is that both of them wanted Eloy's family to like them.

All three of them were chatting when the King's arrival was announced. Avdeyu Ilnaya is a great warrior, the best in Arthanava in his time. They felt as if he can see through them.

"Father," said Eloy. There was some hesitance, some worry. It was bound to happen anyway. He would grow used to the reality soon.

"Eloy, I came with an invite for your husbands," said Avdeyu. He did not say emperors. Eloy looked surprised.

"If you would be so kind as to join me for an early breakfast," said Avdeyu looking at the two of them.

Both emperors bowed their head a bit.

"We accept the invitation," said Adharva. Eloy was now amused by the whole thing. Once his father was out of the room, he broke into a laughter seeing the face of his emperors.

"Saddist," said Mithraos.

"You know you both could have denied the request if it makes you uncomfortable," said Eloy.

"He is our Father- in- law. Surely, we can do without alienating him," said Adharva. Eloy hugged both of them.

"You both will be fine. I think he already likes you," said Eloy.

"Doubt that," said Mithraos.
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They needn't have worried. The man genuinely seemed curious. They knew they had made a good impression when the man led them to the royal court. Another King or Emperors in this case is never invited to the court as a rule in Arthanava, unless you are family.

The conversations hushed as soon as their arrival was announced. They saw the rest of their family seated along with Karivaayi nobles and courtiers, except for Eloy. Then Eloy joined them at the entrance.

Avdeyu smiled at him and then all four of them stepped in. Eloy's brothers had the nearest chairs in the usual set up. However, honouring their position as emperors they had chairs on the same level now.

"You are all aware of my never ending search for my youngest. Now, he is here with his husbands. Courtiers of Karivaayi, meet His Highness High King Eloy," said the King. All courtiers who were now standing bowed. The murmuring and whispers began soon after that.

"The emperors need no introduction. However, they are here as my son in laws. Meet His Highness  Adharva Malvan and His Highness Mithraos Maharee," said Avdeyu.

The court bowed. All took their seats. The emperors observed the court proceedings. That was that.

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Samarth watched the birds fly from the river side. The river flows by not far from the palace. He had some Karivaayi guards accompanying him. But they were staying out of sight.

"The thiefs and Ujjvali guerillas are abundant. They can merge with the nature and you wouldn't see them till they are beside you," said a voice and Samarth turned.

The man, Ekalavya, was giving off a foreboding aura. And he did not have a smile on his face. In fact he looked a bit angry.

"Your Highness, Would that be how you sneaked upon me?" asked Samarth, amused after the initial surprise.

"Perhaps. I saw you from my chamber. It is not safe if you do not know the land," said Ekalavya firmly.

Samarth sighed. He looked at the prince.

"I will accompany you inside. We cannot afford for one of the Malvans to get injured here," said Ekalavya. Samarth followed the future King.

He saw the reverence with which the Karivaayis greeted him.

"You have the makings of a dictator," said Samarth looking away. He really did not mean it. Ekalavya seemed very stiff and he wanted to tease the man a bit.

Ekalavya seemed offended.

"How dare you suggest that?" asked Ekalavya, furious.

"Well, you did order me to follow you and not question your assessment of the situation," said Samarth levelling him with a look.

Ekalavya looked at Samarth as he walked in front then. He saw his warriors who were around protecting Samarth and heard the conversation look at him with newfound respect.

They will be leaving the next day to be back a week early for the coronation. They wanted at least Eloy to stay. However, he is the High King and therefore has many duties. They didn't raise the subject not wanting to impose.

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Rishi and Shikhar spoke about this and decided to talk to the emperors.

"You are right. He just got them and they need more time together," said Adharva.

"And we won't be staying away from Eloy," said Mithraos.

"Without a doubt," said Adharva, as if the subject was not even up for discussion.

"We are sure you both can handle the situation well. Let Dhruv stay though. He seems rather taken," said Adharva.

"You mean taken with Prince Yagni?" asked Mithraos amused.

"Don't be stupid. He is a child. I am sure he is interested in what Yagni can teach him," said Adharva, not really believing it himself.

Mithraos and Shikhar shared an exasperated look. Surely, over protectiveness does not affect the brain these days, does it?

Rishi was amused. He placed a hand around Shikhar and said "Well he is 26. That is not too young for a match," said Rishi.

Adharva seemed undecided.

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Eloy smiled as he fought his brother. They had swords out and the future King is a worthy warrior.

"The emperors has never tried knowing they will loose," smirked Samarth. Said emperors did not correct him because he was saying the truth. Neither of them thinks that they can out do the warrior that Eloy is.

"Good thing I am not looking to win but to know how good my brother is," said Ekalavya.

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Hahaha I know I introduced two ships.. I don't know about Yagni and Dhruv yet.. but I am set on Samarth and Ekalavya.