The noble bowed. "My name is Fayavan. I am a noble in the court of Karivaayis. I am minister to King Avdeyu Ilnaya," said the man."What is in the box?" asked Mithraos. "Rubies," said Fayavan."Why are you carrying rubies alone through this dangerous path?" asked Adharva."It is for the oldest prince. He will be coronated in 41 days. The rubies are collected from the source and refined by the smiths of Eliyali tribe towards the east of erstwhile Mahereya," said the noble."Prince Ekalavya?" asked Adharva."Yes, your highness," said Fayavan."I just lost my way. The younger prince Yagni was with us. We were attacked by the thieves. I ran with this," said Fayavan. "We should aid him," said Eloy, getting up and moving the emperors who positioned themselves like a wall before him.The chest fell from Fayavan's hand in shock. Eloy was surprised and wary. His grip tight on his emperors' arms now.The emperors looked at the man in askance."He seemed familiar, my apologies High King Warlo
The Karivaayis lived a different life. They were more in tune with the nature. They have thick vegetation and animals roamed around free. Eloy was in his element. Hawa seemed to love it once they reached Karivaayi. There were people on all sides to see them.They reached the palace and were welcomed in. They were shown a suite to freshen up. The tales about the lack of civilisation among Karivaayi's might have come from their life style depending on nature.They freshened up and were ready to step out when they saw someone storm past the main hall. He was huge and looked to be around Apaa's age. Yagni shrinked into himself in the face of the wrath for a second but then stood his ground. "Yag, I told you numerous times to not leave without sufficient number of guards, anywhere. What were you thinking? And why was I not informed of this attack?," asked the furious man, presumably Prince Ekalavya."I am fine brother as you can see. Father thought it best that you stay in the palace till
Guardioni was surprised when a messenger arrived. "Are the three of them in danger?" asked Guardioni, almost exasperated. Mithraos and Eloy are his children of heart even though he has always given them the respect worthy of royals. He was growing to care about Adharva too. "No, Minister. The Emperors and High King are in Karivaayi palace. They have sent me to reach with the letter. Emperor Mithraos said you would know," said the messenger. Guardioni felt his body freeze. He sighed. Probably it was time. What if they found Eloy's family? ----------------It was night in Karivaayi. Eloy refused to see any of them. They understood and that was fine. Eloy laid on Adharva's chest. Mithraos was on Adharva's other side, his hand slowly running through Eloy's head."I feel so pathetic. Am I this much of a coward?" asked Eloy."Eloy, it's not cowardice. It is called self preservation. You are trying to spare yourself the pain. There is nothing wrong with that," said Adharva. Mithraos no
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
The most beautiful time about being free of duties for a few days is that they can spend time together. Mithraos is reading out of a scroll, some ancient history of Karivaayis as the other two listened. They were taking turns reading it.Adharva has Eloy laying on his lap."I am tired," huffed Mithraos and leaned on Adharva without much thought. Then he realised what he was doing and went on to shift."Stay," said Adharva gently leaning back on the head board. Eloy closed his eyes to not make them both all defensive. Mithraos looked at Adharva and tipped his head a bit and kissed on Adharva's chin. They looked at each other and kissed, a very chaste yet loving kiss.Once they broke off both looked at Eloy who was posing to be asleep. Mithraos tickled him and Eloy burst out laughing. "You know you are the last person I would get defensive around," said Adharva, softly."Me either, El," said Mithraos nuzzling Adharva a bit. Eloy smiled."I don't want you both to stop being close becau
Mithraos buried his face into the pillow. He was not going to wake so early no matter what sounds those two made. Then he felt Adharva's lips on his forehead and he realised he was cuddling with the other Emperor. Then he felt the firm arm around his hip- El. El is asleep by the looks of it."Are you going to open your eyes?" asked Adharva."No, let me sleep," said Mithraos."Do you mind relieving my body from the hard grip?" asked Adharva."I do," said Mithraos and moved closer to his husband. He heard a chuckle from Eloy. "He is like a cat. Always has been when he wants to cuddle," said Eloy.Mithraos just tackled him on top of himself and Adharva. He feels Adharva's hand reaching up to hold them both in and he falls asleep again.---------Dhruv stirred. He felt a firm arm around him and looked up to see Yagni was still asleep. Dhruv smiled a bit as he rose and pressed a kiss to the man's cheek. Yagni stirred. He looked at Dhruv and pulled him closer.The minx knew to get what he
The wedding day was a day of mixed feelings for both the grooms. For Ekalavya life as he knew it was over. He will also have a he responsibility of being a King tomorrow.He stood near the priest. And his head turned when the siren marking the arrival of the other groom was blown. Ekalavya couldn't take his eyes away. In white robes, Samarth looked like he was glowing. And then there was that piercing look. He can see Samarth's question in his eyes. Ekalavya gave a curt nod. They were good. They are going to do this. Royal weddings are never ones of longer engagement periods anyway. They will get to know each other better along the way. They said their vows, hand in hand as their family cheered. They exchanged small gold chains with pendants of their respective family crest as a symbol of their marriage and then beautiful silver rings. Samarth looked at his brothers who were all smiling happily. He thinks he saw even Adharva smile. He felt Ekalavya's arm around him and he looked up
The journey back home went without any issues for the two Emperors and their High King. They settled back to life at the palace. All three were going through some documents when Rishi and Shikhar came to see them. All three were on feet."Sit down," said Shikhar exasperated. They obeyed without hesitance. "There was something we planned on sharing with you before Samarth's rather quick wedding. Well, also we need to be sure that it was going to happen," said Rishi. All three looked at each other, worried. "You are scaring them. It's a not a bad news. I am- I am pregnant," said Shikhar with a small smile. All three gaped."That's excellent," said Eloy beaming. "Great news indeed," smiled Mithraos. Adharva nodded. He looked overwhelmed as he looked at them both. Both gave him a knowing smile and Shikhar got up and placed his hand on Adharva's head."I feel stupid for feeling jealous of my own nephew," said Adharva and snorted, trying to brush off how he was feeling. "Look here Adhar