The second day of the war was equally ferocious. Adharva got furious as one of the warriors were determinedly attacking Shikhar. But before he could move, Rishi was there.
He turned and watched as soldiers collapsed on both sides. He sighed and took his sword and stepped down.
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Mithraos watched as the royal family defend the warrior head but kept that to himself. He was sure Eloy noticed too. That only meant that the rumours they have heard is true. It is said that only Rishikesh Malvan and Shikhar Vanshi have a say in the royal matters.
He saw the Malvan Emperor for the first time then and he had to admit the man oozed power. If he gave it more thought, he knew they were not different from each other.
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Eloy saw the Malvan Emperor and he saw the man fight. He was as outstanding as Mithraos. Eloy's attention was back in the battle field. He did not show mercy as he did his job. That evening too everyone retreated to their respective camps. They were on the campsites where tents were set up with full time guards.
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The Malvans have also set up tents to stay in, seeing that returning to palace every day was a tiresome process from the battle ground.
Rishi was careful. He did not want any of his brothers to get hurt. His eyes were everywhere.
"You must sleep, your highness," said Shikhar.
Rishi looked at him.
"I will be fine," said Rishi.
"A good night's rest is necessary to fight the next day, your highness," said Shikhar.
Rishi sighed.
Shikhar followed him to his tent. He looked at Rishi who climbed on the bed and laid down. He waited for the man to fall asleep and sat down on the side chair. He saw the man being restless and took the blanket from the side and placed it around him. Rishi looked at him but Shikhar was looking down.
"Sleep beside me," said Rishi.
Shikhar looked away but got up and slipped in and he felt Rishi's hand around him. For one night, he let it be. The man must sleep and so he stayed.
Minutes later Shikhar felt the man's breath ease and looked at the arm around him. He allowed himself to hold on for just one night.
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Adharva came in search for his brother and Shikhar. He opened the curtains and was about to step in when he saw the warrior's sword next to his brother's knife.
He looked at the bed and sure enough, Apaa's brunette hair was leaking out from Rishi's chest. They were wrapped around each other tightly. Adharva was almost thankful for the war at that moment and stepped out and closed the curtain and forbade anyone from making noise in the area and waking them up before it's time.
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Adharva decided to tour the forest as it was still early. He walked besides the pond and then he saw it, the person. Their long hair was flowing down their shoulder. They were wavy and the man looked ethereal as he sat there in the water playing with the swans. The moon light, gave them an otherworldly glow. He saw the man leave. Their body was that of a warrior's. There was no doubt that he was from the other side of the war.
Adharva followed him and he felt the man freeze even 500 yard away from him when Adharva moved. But then he looked at the deer who caught up to him and he looked like an angel flying as he played with the deer. He reached the end of the clearing and the moonlight fell on his face and Adharva was shocked as he learned who it was.
Warrior Eloy is the most beautiful thing he has ever laid his eyes on. He saw the warrior tie up the hair and it settled around him, the foreboding aura settling in. The transition was fascinating to watch and he was drawn to it like a moth to flame.
Adharva stopped himself. An emperor cannot be tempted by such physical and material matters. His primary concern should be towards his empire, his people and his small family. He turned and walked back after seeing Mithraos greet Eloy at the back entrance of the tents and the emperor did not look happy. He can understand why.
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Mithraos looked at Eloy who walked over and tried to maintain the anger he was feeling.
"I expect more responsible actions from a chief warrior, Eloy," said Mithraos.
"I was taking a bath," said Eloy, bowing.
"I am aware of your affinition to this place. However, we are not here on a vacation Eloy. The enemies could have attacked," said Mithraos.
"Whatever his faults, Emperor Adharva is always a man of his words. I don't think we have anything to fear about at night," said Eloy looking down.
"What about the thieves who reign these forests?" asked Mithraos.
Eloy fell silent.
Mithraos sighed.
"I want you to stay alive after this war too Warrior Eloy. If something happens to me at war, you are the only hope for our people," said Mithraos.
Eloy's head snapped up at that. Mithraos still looked furious.
"I am no ruler and I never will be, your highness," said Eloy.
Mithraos gave him a look.
"If the time and the future demands it, you will be Eloy," said Mithraos and walked inside.
"Your highness" called Eloy making Mithraos stop.
"I will be more careful," said Eloy.
Mithraos nodded and stormed in.
Eloy sighed. He did not want to worry or anger the emperor. But apparently he had.
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Adharva tried not to think about the beautiful warrior as he went through his morning rituals and barely succeeded.
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Rishi stirred. He looked at Shikhar who was fast asleep in his arms. Rishi ran a hand through Shikhar's hair. Shikhar stirred. He felt Rishi's heart beat and let himself stay and indulge in his selfish want for a moment.
He then opened his eyes and looked at Rishi who was looking at him.
"Your highness, I should leave," said Shikhar and sat up.
Rishi stopped him with a hand.
Shikhar looked at him.
Rishi pressed his lips to Shikhar's forehead.
Shikhar looked down and then turned and left.
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Having spent a night together after years, Rishi was emotionally exhausted as he reached the war front. Shikhar was in a similar state. But he was and had always been a stronger man than Rishi, a better man. Or atleast Rishi thought so. Rishi watched as Shikhar fought as hard as ever, if with more anger. His brother had smiled warmly at him in the morning, meaning, he saw them in bed together. He knew it was his fault that Shikhar was not a Malvan by name even now. If he had not been a fool, Shikhar would have been his and they would have had a horde of children too.Rishi looked away. That might never happen now. He had been a fool, utter fool. He sighed and looked at Adharva even as he fought the enemies who came his way. He saw his brother was observing Warrior Eloy and he can see why. That was talent in its own. However the look on Adharva's face was more than just admiration.He pondered over it.-------The sword brushed past Eloy and tore his skin a bit. Mithraos was red with
The clearing in the woods went silent. All were looking at the woman. "Who sent you?" asked Mithraos."Karivayis," said the woman and in that moment two warriors in the Mauraye side cut their own throat.All understood the seriousness of the situation."What was the plan of Karivayis?" asked Rishi.Karivayis are the darkest of the group in Arthanava. They are believed to be living like animals. They leave only bones and skeletons after a war. They are also said to be the most blood hungry ones."To poison the winner," said Viyahi, the woman, now in a choke hold."An army waits in the outskirts," said a guard who came running almost falling."We need a peace treaty. Now," said Samarth."Yes, we do, Prince Samarth is right," said Guardioni and looked at Mithraos who gave a curt nod."An eight level formation and we want a fortress of warriors," said Eloy and the guards moved to the frontiers."Artillery will guard the other frontiers of Mauryae and Maheraya," said Shikhar nodding to El
A union of three, was not unheard of. The men guarding the boundaries heard the sound of the conch before sunrise. It was blown thrice. It could only mean one thing, the war was called off or there was a winner. The enemy armies stood in attention, thousands listening in to understand what happened.The victory sound of carnyx was heard from both sides of the wood. The sound of drums were heard. Then the sound of lyres and flutes were heard from both sides and all warriors looked at each other in shock. That meant the announcement of a royal marriage.The hostile army retreated, slowly back into the woods, up the hills and were gone. And they were definitely not Karivayis.-------------------Eloy was in his tent soon. He just sat there on the floor. He had refused a bed because he didn't want any special consideration other soldiers did not get. He sat there wondering about his life as it is.Left at the door of the palace itself at the age of 1 or even before that, Guardioni had tak
The birds chirped as the early rays of sun touched the clearings in the woods. Eloy saw Shikar coming towards their tents. Mithraos also saw the man's arrival with guards. Mithraos got out of the tent. He had seen the way the royals had respected the man and the stories too. He gave a small bow to his soon to be brother- in- law who beamed as if Mithraos has not injured him the other day. He can see where the stories regarding the nature of Shikhar were coming from."I have picked the rituals from the palace last night. I want you and Eloy to go through it, your high-"Please refrain from calling me your highness, royal father. You can call be Mithraos," said Mithraos.Shikhar looked at him for a moment.Eloy had also come down. He and Mithraos were yet to speak or see each other. Eloy bowed."Sit down both of you," said Shikhar finally and sat down himself.The guards handed over the manuscripts with the rituals. Mithraos looked at Eloy. He moved to the side of the diwan he was s
Adharva and Mithraos were given the beautiful necklace. They together brought it to Eloy's neck as instructed and joined it at the back, claiming him. The music reached its peak at that point and flowers were showered on them. Then Mithraos was asked to sit while Eloy stood. Together Adharva and Eloy wore Mithraos the necklace. Then Adharva was asked to take his place. Both Mithraos and Eloy together wore him the necklace. All three stood, Eloy between the two emperors.The elders from both sides have to give away them. Mithraos and Eloy asked Guardioni to give them away while Adharva asked Hrishikesh and Shikhar to give his hand away.Once the elders did so happily, entwining all three of their hands before the fire, their robes were joined with a shawl and all three took seven rounds around the fire as instructed. Once they finished it, they were declared married by the priest.All three looked at each other. Silence reigned but they sought blessings from the elders. First they sou
All three reached back to their room. It was cleaned up and fresh blankets were laid out. Eloy sat on the bed. He had a chain around his hip which accentuated his hip now. He wore it when he dresses separately. All married men, submissives, wore them. His husbands were looking at him. Both men went down on their knees and lifted his legs. They both looked at him for permission. Once he nodded, they slid a toe ring each, proclaiming their fidelity in the marriage. Then he bent down and wore the toe rings on both of his Emperors' toe. Finally, Eloy looked at them both."Now you," he said. Both the emperors looked at each other. Mithraos wore one on Adharva's toe. Then Adharva slipped one into Mithraos's toe.Silence reigned. "I think it is time to sleep," said Eloy and moved up to the bed and laid down. He closed his eyes. He never knew awkwardness could be like this. He felt the emperors move and lay down on his sides. He was silent when he heard the rustle of the blankets. He felt
The royal party reached the palace. All three stepped in to the sounds of various instruments announcing their arrival. Flowers were showered on them.Adharva led the way to his wing. His husbands were looking at the walls. All the maids dispersed. His wing is his safe haven. He never let anyone in there other than his family and now these two.They stepped in. The walls were bland. However, beautiful curtains adorned the windows. There were atleast 20 suites in the wing."You can choose whichever rooms you want for personal purposes," said Adharva. Both nodded."Also, no one, not even the nobles are allowed here. It's just the family. I expect you to keep it that way," said Adharva.Eloy was looking through the window and turned on Adharva."You can see the palace from here and even the endless terrain in between," said Eloy."Yes," said Adharva.---------Eloy looked at the palace from far as the lights shone in the darkness of the night. He did not turn when he felt warmth surround
Eloy looked at his husbands. Both were lounging in the room. They seemed to have had a cordial talk earlier. Shikhar has not expected him to keep what they spoke about as a secret. Primarily because,there should be no secrets in a marriage."I spoke to apaa," said Eloy.That got him both of their attention. Eloy told them about what happened without leaving a word out. Adharva's face was red with anger and betrayal. "You shouldn't judge brother too harshly. At that age, we talk before we think," said Mithraos."I agree with His Highness," said Eloy."When do you not agree with him?" snapped Adharva.There was silence after that. Adharva just stormed out of the room. Eloy watched worried."He will calm down," said Mithraos placing his arm around Eloy who nodded. Both were settled in the bed, awake and waiting. Adharva stepped in having calmed down. He laid down and lowered the flames."I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you both," said Adharva.Eloy flushed when he felt Adharv