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Night Wonders

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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