Chapter 25 - Prince

Abhijit and Maira went to the king's chamber and were not surprised to see everyone waiting for them. So the Introduction begins.

"Hi everyone!! Meet my good friend Abhijith.. He is from the rose kingdom", Maira excitedly introduced Abhi to everyone.

"Your Highness, it's an honor to meet you. Nice to meet you everyone!" Abhi said with a bow.

"Good to meet you young man. Take a seat", King chanukya said with a smile.

"How do you know each other?" Raji asked suddenly.

Maira looked at Raji and Raghu apologetically and explained to everyone how they both met, how they became friends and how great a warrior he is.

Everyone got thrilled listening to Maira and praised Abhi for his abilities. Abhi started to feel comfortable in their presence. He never felt like this with anybody else before but today, he understands how it feels like having a family.

Abhijit was raised by his single mother and his grandparents also died before Abhi was born. So he didn't feel the warmth of a complete family and even though his mother treats him with a lot of love, he always felt something was missing.

After knowing Abhi's identity, unlike in his childhood, nobody looked down on him. Instead everybody praised him for his skills and for taking care of Maira.

Unknowingly he became a part of the family and a smile so heartful kept hanging on his lips the entire time. Later they all had lunch together and went to their rooms to have some rest.

In the evening everyone was needed to assemble in the court for an important meeting. Abhijit also joined the meeting, in other words he was dragged there by Maira.

All settled down in the court and after some time the guard announced the arrival of Ashmita. Everyone was shocked by that announcement and that, Ashmita completes the mission within half a day. They thought It actually takes at least a half day to reach that village, then how is it even possible. Everyone waited for Ashmita to explain.

Ashmita entered the court along with some strangers. One man from the strangers appeared quite particularly dignified and elegant to the king. Ashmita greeted and informed everyone about what happened on her quest to the village. Then everybody understood how the mission was completed and felt satisfied for the turn of events.

"Young man. Thank you for solving the crisis and I appreciate your might in tackling those low lifes. I'm impressed and like to grant you a wish. I will make sure that you'll receive whatever you asked for", King Chanukya offered.

"Thank you for your kindness, your Majesty. I am honored. I'm afraid there is no worldly entity I'd wish for right now but except one thing" Rishi said with a smile looking at Ashmita's face and thought,'This Feisty.'

"What is it?" King enquired.

"Your blessings, Majesty" Rishi said.

'Trying to flatter my grandfather? Hahaha. Good luck with that', Ashmitha thought to herself but she's shocked by what that followed.

"HAHAHAHA..", the king���s laugh echoed in the courtroom. "My blessings will always be with you son. Tell me, what your name is and where you are from", King asked.

"My name is Rishi Prasad and I am from the Great IRIS kingdom. Your majesty", Rishi said reflecting the pride in his eyes.

"RISHI..? Are you the Prince of the great IRIS Kingdom?? " King chanukya asked with overwhelmed curiosity.

"I am. Your Majesty", Rishi simply replied.

Ashmita looked at him with a great surprise and thought, 'why didn't he tell me that all this time during the journey here? Wait, why am I concerned?'

"I heard a lot about you young man. It is an honor to have you here with us. Please welcome", King said with excitement.

"Grandfather.. Do you know him already??" Ashmita suddenly asked.

'Grandfather?! So is this girl a princess too..? Well it's interesting..!' Rishi thought to himself.

"Yes dear.. He is the sole prince of the great IRIS kingdom. He is well known for his agility and reputation for his skills spread beyond boundaries. He is a great scholar as well" King said nonchalantly.

"He can immobilize a person within a fraction of seconds and he is faster than your thoughts" King said with admiration.

'What?? Is this true?? Are there any people like him at all? Then why didn't he dodged the attack?' So many questions are running in Ashmita's head.

"Well those are just sayings, your Majesty. You are thinking too highly of me" Rishi said with a smile.

"Well.. That is your modesty Rishi. Anyways please stay in our palace as long as you want and my beloved granddaughter Ashmita will guide you through our beautiful kingdom" King said while looking at Ashmita.

Ashmita was shocked and before she protested Rishi interrupted.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will obey your orders", Rishi said with a bow.

Ashmita dumbfounded by his shamelessness.'He can at least reject the offer but how can he expect me to guide him. I will show him hell and he will run back to his country folding his tail between his legs' Ahsmita thought to herself with a grin on her face.

The court ended on a good note and everyone moved to their rooms for taking rest. Ashmita was assigned to show Rishi his room of stay.

Ashmita forcibly agreed and went along with Rishi to guide him to the guest room. She wants to talk with her sister and know about the handsome man who was sitting alongside her. Instead they're sending her with the man whom she finds annoying.

While sulking, Ashmita reached the guest room.

"This is your room. Use it however you want", Ashmita said without looking at Rishi.

"Is this how you always treat your guests? I've heard better about this kingdom's hospitality. Well.. that's all untrue I guess", Rishi asked with a smirk.

Ashmita controlled her aggravated emotions and with a smile on her face, she again rephrased her sentences and said, "Prince of IRIS, here is your room. Please make yourselves at home and if you need anything, just inform the servants and they will provide you with anything you want".

"Ohh right. But anything? Really??" Rishi asked while raising a brow.

"Yes. Anything you want..!" Ashmita said while cursing inside.

"If I want water and food brought here, will they serve me?" Rishi asked while looking at the room.

"Yes they will", Ashmita said while forcing a fake smile.

"The wine?" Rishi asked.

"Yes they will." Ashmita said, trying hard to be patient.

"Will they bring you if I ask?" Rishi asked again

"Yes Yes Yes. Yes prince, whatever you…" Ashmita stopped and widened her eyes and shouted "WHAT????"

"Nothing.. You may leave now. I want to take a rest", Rishi said while walking towards his bed removing his armor jacket.

Ashmita folded her fists tightly and she wanted to punch him right on his face but she controlled her anger.

Rishi turned towards her and said, "What are you still looking for? Do you want to stay here? Or did you fall for me already??"

Ashmita's face turned red with anger and she stomped her right foot and left the room angrily.

Rishi smiled after she left and said, "She is cute when she is angry".