Chapter 3

Palace Of Chittaurgarh, India

In evening -

Every nook and corner of the palace was decorated like a bride. Impressive white marbles on the floors looked marvellous and were in contrast to the dark walls.Expensive chandeliers were illuminating the palace and were like cluster of stars tied together to enlighten the sky. Aristocratic paintings enhanced the beauty of the walls. After all it was the first time for the palace to host their guests from Florence and in Indian culture guests are considered as God.

     A look of awe was graced on the faces of noblemen of Florence and they were in complete daze. Though their palace back in Florence was epitome of perfection but Indian art was totally new for them as more vibrant colours were used in decoration. Their was a very homely and welcoming vibe around the palace which embraced them.

  Everyone was welcomed with 'teeka' on their foreheads and aarti (rituals to welcome guests). It was completely a culture shock for them. Many got scared when teeka was put on their foreheads which was amusing to watch but once they were explained the meaning and reason behind it, they found it quite fascinating.

Maharaj Vikram Singh Rajput himself welcomed his friend and his noble men. They were able to have a conversation through translator. Both of the Rajkumars ,Rudransh Singh Rajput and Shauryaveer Singh Rajput played perfect host alongside their father. The young princes had charismatic aura in them.  Rithambara and Rukmini were also present to welcome their guests from overseas.

       Augustus's eyes did a quick scan of the surrounding and though he was not able to understand everything, he was highly impressed. After taking in the beauty of the palace, his eyes settled on a girl who was wrapped in a yellow fabric about which he didn't know about. Ornaments were around her forehead and neck . Colourful bangles adorned and increased the beauty of her hands and her waist length charcoal hair was open flowing subtly with wind.

       He was intrigued because he had never seen a lady like her. Back in Florence, ladies didn't wear heavy jewelries and wore gown with corset around their torso. Mainly peach, white and other soft colours were the main composure of their wardrobe.

Looking into the eyes of the lady , something hooked him up. There was softness yet determination filled in them but she was looking a bit impatient. Suddenly he felt a pinch on his forearm and he turned to see his father giving him glares.

Bewildered, he turned his head to see the same girl with clenched jaws. Then his attention drifted to her lips which were moving. After two minutes ,he came back into his senses to hear her welcoming him in his language. He was quite surprised because he never thought that she could speak Roman.

       King Atticus was also surprised. She was the same girl whom he saw in the morning. At that time, she didn't have even a single jewelry on her and had a very fierce look. Right now, she was so composed though she looked in hurry as if she has to complete some task. For Augustus ,her voice was like a magic which could even turn jumble into symphony. Soon Augustus regained his position and introduced himself to everyone and courteously thanked Rithambara. King Atticus asked Maharaj with the help of the translator to ask who she was and how did she know Roman language.

             After hearing this, Maharaj Vikram had a proud smile playing on his lips. He told that she was her daughter and a Roman noble man Cato, who helped his ship to return on the port when they were struck in sea storm taught his daughter about Roman language as she was interested in learning foreign languages.Cato had no family of his own so Maharaj decided to take him to Chittaurgarh. King Atticus's eyes twinkled immediately and he had a look of complete felicity on his face.

               Rithambara was highly irritated and wanted to leave as soon as possible because she had to deal with the robbers which she caught last night. She had learnt few things about Roman royal families and men through Cato. When she first saw Augustus , he was exact replica of her imagination. It was a surprise for her because she somewhat had his image in her mind when she thought about Roman men. After getting no reply from him for her welcome , her anger

was slowly rising. In her eyes, he was an arrogant man who didn't even bother to reply. She clenched her jaws but one look from her mother set her straight. She again welcomed him. This time he replied courteously after a minute or two. She found his behavior very strange. Everyone was welcomed inside. Unknown to Rithambara, alongwith Roman noble men, storm was also welcomed in her life.