Ira was raiding the horse with Amar. Somehow the warriors who followed him were keeping a distance from his horse, which looked like they were giving them some privacy.
Ira didn't say anything even though she was itching to know what was happening around her.
After a long silence, Amar finally decided to open his mouth.
"Lady Ira, be careful around the king. He may look calm and gentle on the outside but he is a total sadist. He enjoys torturing others, both physically and mentally. As long as you keep your calm and trust in me, I can guarantee your safety."
Ira was confused as to why he was giving her such advice and assure her of his protection.
"Let me ask you a quick question... Are you a friend or an enemy?" Her tone was firm and determined.
"I am what you see me as." His simple answer, made her smile wide.
"In an unknown place, it is better to have a friend than an enemy! But I can't bring myself to trust you immediately, so earn my trust."
He didn't answer anything, as he was able to understand why she can't trust him easily.
"Remember one more thing, I can't help you openly. There are a lot of watchful eyes around us. You must be careful.
of your conduct. Since you will be living in the palace, you will be pulled into many internal strife."
"Why should I stay in the palace? Can't you take me back to Shiv?"
"I am afraid that can't be done. There are a lot of people who are awaiting for the arrival of the prince to claim the throne."
"But wasn't he isolated..." Ira immediately shut her mouth close.
'How did I know he was isolated during his childhood?' She blurted out randomly as if she had seen it with her own eyes. She herself was confused about the statement that escaped her mouth.
"How did you know about that?" Amar raised a brow hearing her say that.
"I don't.... know...."
"Okay." He didn't question her further seeing the confused expression on her face.
After traveling for a long time, they finally entered the capital.
Ira started becoming more nervous as they approached the palace.
"I want to go back..." She unknowingly whined to him.
"Please don't be scared. I will keep you safe until the prince comes for you."
Ira regained her composure after thinking about Shiv. She felt calm and collected. She trusted that he would come for her. But at the same time, she also doesn't want to be a burden on him.
'I will try my best to gather some knowledge on our enemies. Besides I don't want to be a princess who is waiting for her prince to rescue her. When I find the correct time, I will flee on my own! Seal is still letting me retain my current form. Maybe, I should test the waters while I still can.'
Ira made up her mind. She was determined to take up the challenge. She was looking for a chance to flee from them before they could enter the palace.
*****
"Shiv, calm down! Let me treat your wound!" Aditya was trying his best to treat Shiv's wounded hand.
Shiv was practically going nuts when he saw her getting kidnapped right in front of his eyes.
'How did I fall for such a cheap trick? Why wasn't I more cautious? How can I face Abhinav?'
Speaking of the devil, Abhinav appeared right in front of him. He asked Aditya to hand over the medications to him, so that he could treat Shiv himself.
"Show me your hand." Abhinav acted naturally without any form of agitation. He even wanted to treat the wound of the person who failed to protect his sister.
"Don't you feel like killing me?" Shiv finally spoke after a long time.
"No, I don't."
"Why? I couldn't keep my promise! I failed to protect her. I let her be kidnapped again!" Shiv lost his cool and yelled at him.
"She is not as weak as you think. Trust her. She is capable enough to protect herself! All that you need to do is, to go and get her back. Try trusting her." Abhinav's words made sense. Ira was indeed capable of protecting herself.
Shiv made up his mind, his expression became much better than before.
"Yes, you are right. Ira is indeed strong. She is still not that weak little girl from my memories. We have to first locate her whereabouts. Then only we can plan for a move."
He allowed him to treat his wound. They went back to the hidden village.
"Aditya... you promised to tell everything when we return. Though Ira is not with us now, I'm sure she was also curious about it." Shiv remained calm. He wanted to know the real truth about everything.
Why she was sent to the future, why she triggered his powers and why he was referred as demon lord...
Shiv was sure Aditya was aware of all the answers to his questions. Only he will be able to tell him everything.
Abhinav who was on the sidelines, didn't exactly know what was happening. He was asked by Shiv to stay there in place of Ira.
Aditya shrugged his shoulders. His face was filled with dilemma. He was not sure how they will react once he told them everything.
He was afraid to be seen as a monster in their eyes. He doesn't want to feel the same way he did in the past. He doesn't want to become an outcast.
"Aditya, know one thing, no matter what, I will trust you. Your existence mean a lot to me than you think. You always stood by my side, whenever I was in trouble. This time, let me share some of your burden, as your friend."
Shiv's words pierced Aditya's heart. Shiv was someone who rarely expresses what he truly feels. But now, he clearly expressed how much he was ready to accept him.
Aditya made up his mind to tell them both everything.