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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Eloy watched amused as Mithraos and Adharva rolled on the ground. The cover is that they are fighting and the winner comes out the best warrior. Eloy knows it is to entertain him because their little prince had been playing a war victory dance on his kidneys. He is also getting horny. These men were weird and Eloy knows it is a sort of foreplay. He is also weird because he likes it. Both joined him soon and wrapped their arms around him. Little Aeneas was crawling on the floor next to them and all three uncles watched. Aeneas's eyes were fixed on the little bundle Dhruv was holding against his chest, showing the baby off to Aeneas. Ekalavya and Samarth's son Daven, named after Samarth's father Davenor is now one month and ten days old. Daven was watching with wide eyes as his older brother crawled near him. Samarth sat there leaning on Rishi and Shikhar who were both smiling. Ekalavya himself was sitting next to Rishi, occasionally talking about some of the law and order issues. Ya
Eloy was overseeing the preparations in the kitchen. He loved spending time with the cooks and learning new things sometimes. He also spent time training with his husbands who never challenge him. He thinks it is amusing because the men think they will lose to him. He has more belief in them. He went over and checked the pie. The smell became too much and he rushed out with a need to vomit. He vomited in the garden and his husbands who were in a meeting with councilors in the outdoors saw him and ran over. They held him and Mithraos rubbed his back as Adharva ordered for water and healer. "I am fine, really. Stop fussing over me," he said gently even as he leaned back against Mithraos. Adharva wiped the sweat off his face and they took him to the nearest room. He let them lay him down and was exasperated as both sat next to him. Mithraos took the handheld fan from the maids and waved it himself. Adharva made him wash his mouth and drink some water. The healers arrived soon after tha
Rishi smiled as he helped Shikhar lean on him. Then, Shikhar moved his tunic and let their son latch on. Both men looked at each other in awe. " You are magnificent. I have no words to describe what you did today," said Rishi, his eyes still damp."Don't cry. Your highness, I can be magnificent only for a magnificent man. And you are magnificent, magical even."I can only hope that you never realise I am just a common- ordinary man," said Rishi. "You are foolish sometimes, but it is foolishness born out of love and I can only adore it. When not foolish, you are magnificent and even in your foolishness you are my knight in shining armor. My highness, we finally have this- everything," said Shikhar with a smile. "We do and I must thank you for everything. Every moment of happiness in my life, love, I owe it to you," said Rishi. "And I you," said Shikhar."I love you," said Rishi."I love you too, Rishi," said Shikhar."We must name him," said Shikhar after a silence that stretched o
Dhruv smiled as he chased the calves across the grazing land. It was early morning and he was in the cow pasture of the palace. He love the animals here. Yagni knew where to find him when he gets back from early trainings. Sure enough, his husband stood there with a smile. Dhruv felt himself blush. That rarely happens but Yagni can make him go all shy with a look. Yagni embraced him, not minding that the staff were watching. "All sweaty," said Dhruv, pressing a kiss to his cheek."I can always go bath," smirked Yagni."Don't you dare," said Dhruv and brought the man's arms around him as they stood and watched the cows graze. ----------Ekalavya stirred first. Samarth was asleep in his arms. He bent down and pressed a kiss to Samarth's forehead. He opened his eyes and Ekalavya watched as his beautiful face split into a grin. Samarth looked at his stomach which now houses the heir to Karivaayi throne. Their child. "I never thought I would have any of this till the day my father ask
When Eloy was finally awake, it was morning next day and the emperors sat by his side. Eloy gave them a small smile. "I am fine. See, there is nothing wrong," said Eloy. Both men just returned the smile and couldn't stop the tears. Eloy comforted them and asked the men to join him in the bed and they did so without question. "Does Thaveri still stand?" asked Eloy teasing them both."They should feel lucky that we are not burning them down yet," said Mithraos. "We can't do thinks like that. No matter how angry we are, diplomacy is key in such a matter or the enemies will unite," said Eloy gently. Adharva then told him about what was done to the attackers and the message sent to them. They decided to wait till Shikhar gives birth before moving an inch on the issue. They did not want to trigger anything. They planned to send Shikhar, the baby and Rishi to Karivaayis before making a move. ----------------Eloy smiled as he looked at his husbands. Both were asleep. He wiggled out of
Samarth stood gazing out onto nothing in his garden. Yes, his garden. That is what Ekalavya calls it. He misses his family. He has made a home here with his husband with the added bonus of a father and another brother. Life was really good. But he knew he will always miss his brothers and brother in laws when away. There is no stopping it. He felt two very familiar arms wrap around him and Samarth leaned back into the familiar warmth of his husband. "Are we missing home?" asked Ekalavya wrapping him in a protective hold. "This is my home- what we are making together. I miss the other part of my family and land, yes," said Samarth with a small smile. "We will be visiting soon," said Ekalavya."I know. I just - you know I have never stayed away from them for such a long period," said Samarth.Ekalavya looked at him and wiped his eyes. Samarth froze because he did not realise that he was crying. He felt like a child at that moment and he just hugged Ekalavya tight and the hug was ret