Love or Revenge?

Chapter 5

Translations-

Rajkumari- Princess

Rajkumar- Prince

Maharani- Queen

Maharaja- King

Rajya-Kingdom

Maa-Mom

Pitaashree- Father

Didi- Sister

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"Maharaja, Maharani they've declared war," Aditya says as he enters the throne room.

Just before Pitaashree can answer, I enter and stand behind Aditya causing him to abruptly stop speaking mid-sentence.

"Aisha dear, why don't you go wake up Arohi?" Maa interrupts and a fake smile forms on her face as she  gestures towards the door.

I frown and open my mouth to reply but Aditya intervenes, glancing over his shoulder to me.

"Rajkumari already knows, she snuck out this morning and found everything." He says sternly, not turning to face me.

I scowl. He doesn't have to tell them everything! Pitaashree looks towards me before taking the message. His caramel eyes meet with my sapphire ones. The normal tranquillity that lay in his eyes is gone.

Pitaashree takes a deep breath, clearly repressing his anger as he glances over to Maa. Worry present on their faces.

"They must have already prepared then. We too must be ready. Aditya, I want all the guards back on duty. I want you to especially keep an eye on Aisha, she should not leave your sight."

I frown, they are treating me as if I am a 10-year-old. I try to say," but Pita..."

"Aisha, this isn't up for discussion. To your room now." He snaps, furrowing his brows, deep in his thoughts.

My eyes soften looking at the worry that is expressed in his eyes. He lets out a small sigh, his stern expression falters as his eyes meet mine once again.

"Please Aisha, listen." He begins in a gentler tone but it sounds more like a plea to me.

I nod in defeat, looking over to Aditya.

"It isn't safe. Mauryan soldiers have already infiltrated inside the kingdom. Alert the people to be aware. Anything suspicious must be reported immediately." Pitaashree adds on to his statement.

Aditya nods and brings his hand to his chest as he bows, glancing over to the door he gestures for me to follow.

"Aisha, you promised not to leave the castle," Aditya whispers, a sigh leaving his mouth as we continue to walk down the corridor.

I don't respond, my gaze on the floor as he turns to face me.

"Did you see the intruders?" He asks, changing the subject. His eyes meet mine as I lift my gaze.

My mind wanders back to the incident. "They went through that small covered entrance, to the River Jhelum."

Immediately he stops walking, his eyes focus on the floor and he is deep in thought. "Were they just normal soldiers?"

I shake my head in disagreement as I say, "one wore the royal crest of the Mauryan Empire. He was Rajkumar Mahendra."

He nods, continuing to walk towards my room. "You could have got caught."

"I am fine Aditya. I'm perfectly capable of defending myself." I huff, narrowing my eyes at him.

"I'm not judging your skills with the sword, all I'm saying is that things could have gone another way."

"Clearly you think I'm no match for some soldiers. I appreciate that." I continue, rolling my eyes at his justification.

He sighs, massaging his forehead, "if that is what you think then fine."

We reach my room. I can hear light snoring from inside making me crack a smile. Looking over to Aditya, I can see a smile plastered on his face too.

"Remember, no leaving your room without permission, Rajkumari." He instructs watching as I step inside.

As I walk inside the room, I see Arohi sleeping deep in sleep. Her light snoring fills the room.

"Arohi." I chime sitting down, placing my hand on her shoulder.

She mumbles something incoherent under her breath, pushing my hand away.

"Arohi, time to get up." I chuckle, watching as she moves away from my touch.

"Few more minutes didi." She mutters under her breath and a quiet yawn escapes her mouth.

"If you wake up now, you can get a look around the castle."

I watch as she immediately opens her eyes. A cute smile appears on her face as she sits up. I chuckle as she nods her head in agreement.

"Yes please."

"Maybe not today. Your brother isn't in the best mood and won't let me go alone."

She pouts crossing her arms over her chest. "Please!" she pleads.

"Either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, Arohi." I smile, avoiding her glare.

"Fine but you promise."

"Yes, I promise. I will take you tomorrow or the day after tomorrow."

A smile replaces her frown as she brushes aside a few strands of her hair. Her plaits have come undone. Her curly hair is tangled meaning she won't have the best time combing it.

"Might want to get up and dress before Aditya comes or he'll scold you."

"What about you?" She asks, glancing down at my dress which is still covered in dust and mud.

"How come your dress is dirty?"

"Leave that, let's get you ready." I chuckle.

I finish tying Arohi's plaits with a lilac ribbon and give her one of my dresses to wear from when I was younger. I have kept nearly everything.

She is wearing a baby blue dress coming to her ankles decorated with dark blue gems scattered around the dress.

I hold a heart-shaped sapphire necklace in my hand and Arohi starts to grow impatient as I try to put the necklace on her. I have already changed into my normal attire to avoid questioning looks from the servants as well as from Arohi who yet is persistent to know why.

A loud knock comes at the door. "Come in." I smile, as I put the necklace on Arohi.

The door creaks open. I turn my head to see who it is and, "hello Mura." I greet, standing up from my bed.

A smile forms on her face as she walks in the room glancing over to Arohi.

"Aditya has sent me to tell you to come to the dining room for breakfast." She states.

"I thought Aditya was meant to keep a close eye on me" I respond, rolling my eyes.

"He... he is busy at the moment that is why Rajkumari." She sighs. "Now come along before Maharaja Kanishk wonders where you are."

I crack a grin, gesturing for Arohi to follow. She pouts standing up as she adjusts the dress fitted on her. My smile falters for a second, has something happened for Aditya to be 'busy'?