BAHLIKA KINGDOM
INDIA.
MANIKARNIKA POV
"You will Marry me?" Arnav was a bit surprised.
"Yes Arnav."I replied.
"Manu are you serious?" He still can't believe I agreed. Neither can I.
"Yes Arnav. You are helping me so why won't I help as well."
He's face held disappointment for a moment before he masked it with a satisfied one.
Did I say anything wrong?
"My coronation is tomorrow. The next day we'll prepare for the wedding but it has to be soon as possible." I only nodded. "Manu, I had promised father I would take care of you and I'll do so." He placed his hands on my hands and caressed them softly.
"Don't worry Arnav, I have placed my trust in you. You are a good brother."
He shook his head and let out a small laugh.
"Okay don't flatter me. Let me speak to mother about the wedding."
Just then I remembered that Queen Adhira had always hated me and am sure her hatred isn't gone yet.
"Arnav she'll never accept this marriage." I stated.
"Just leave it to me."
I nodded and he stood up. "I am happy that you are finally placing your trust on me. I promise I will not let you down." He ruffled my hair before leaving.
Butterflies were all over my stomach. I have never felt like this before, I don't even know what am feeling but seeing him leave just wants to make me call him back. I don't understand this new feeling.
I am going crazy.
"Arun?" One thing that always helps me to take my mind off things is archery. Maybe if I challenge myself I'll be able to think well.
"Yes, your highness." A man rushed in. He kept his head low.
"Bring me my bow and arrows." I ordered.
"Yes your highness." He left and came back after five minutes.
"Here it is your highness." He handed it over to me.
"Thank you Arun. You may go."
With that he left.
Through my balcony, I went to the garden.
This garden is just breath taking and it's beauty always capture anyone but now I don't feel like admiring it.
I said I want to think straight but actually what I want is to get Arnav face from my eyes. He's gone a long time but he's face keeps coming to my mind; he's laugh and smirk but especially his Amber brown eyes.
It's a shame Queen Adhira got those eyes as well and am admiring them. Disgusting, it makes me hate myself.
I kept shooting and shooting my target but I always miss before I finally give up.
Arnav please leave me alone.
*****
ARNAV POV
After my conversation with manu, I went to my mother's chamber. She had always known my feelings but she never accepted them.
"No you can't marry her." She yelled when I disclose my plans with her.
"You are not stopping me mother and you know you that." No matter the strategy this woman comes up with, I'll still Marry manu.
Just then a voice came.
"Your highness, Vihaan would like permission to enter."
"Let him in." I ordered.
Vihaan came in and bowed down before us, after he spoke but keeping his head low.
"The king of DARADA wants to speak to you your majesty." He announced.
I turned back to my mother.
"We shall continue this later." I followed Vihaan out. Duty calls.
*****
I arrived at the throne room where the king of DARADA was.
"You look just like your father, am sure you will become a great ruler like him." He said as soon as he saw me. I bowed my head for him showing him respect even though he's in my kingdom.
"Thank you but I was informed that you have a proposal to make." Vihaan had told me everything while we came here.
"Yes."
"So let's save time. Tell me what you want to say."
"The trade this year is difficult in BAHLIKA because of the damaged roads and you are new to this trade, your father might have taught you but you lack experience." He's beating around the bush but I don't have time for this.
"Everything you just said, I know it all but what do you want?"
"I would like to give you assistance and advise you in ruling your kingdom. From a king to a king." He smiled sheepishly.
"Thank you for the offer but I have my royal advisor, that's his job."
Get to the point.
"Yes but he's not a king is he? Partner with me."
"Your kingdom are one of the richest in trade..." He interrupted me before I could finish my sentence.
"Which is why you should partner up with me."
"Or which is why I would be suspicious."
"You are wise just like your father but should I remind you that he was a good friend to me."
"Yet you were never partners."
"Because he never needed my support unlike you, you do. As a friend of the late king, I would like to help his son."
He doesn't want to say it.
"King Singh, if that's the case I believe this is a delicate matter and I can not make quick decision so please let me think about it."
"Very well then, it shows that you will be a wise and powerful king."
"Thank you. If that's all, I'll take your leave, I have other things to do."
"One more thing."
"What?"
"Since am offering such a good deal, I would like to make another proposal with you."
"Go on."
"Would like to propose an alliance with you through marriage."
He has finally said it. King Singh has been trying to get me married to his daughter Amoli for long but my father had always refused him because he knew about my feelings. Feelings everyone knows about except her.
"This is a great alliance and a wonderful proposal but it's still delicate so I'll need to think about it as well."
Because of my statement, king Singh became angry. "Better take the chance now for opportunities like this don't come always. I shall take your leave." He glared at me before retreating.
That's not true, proposal like this comes alot for me and even more now that I'll be a single king.
But not for long.
I smiled to myself when I remembered, she finally accepted.
Though I have no plans of accepting king Singh's proposal but I still need to consult with my royal advisor. My meeting with mother has to be delayed.
"Who's there?" I asked.
Vihaan entered and bowed his head."call marnav."
He nodded and left for twenty minutes before arriving with my royal advisor.
I walked over to the throne and sat on it whilst placing my foot on the stool.
"The king of DARADA just left and he made two proposal to me, one to be his partner in the kingdoms trade and the other to marry his daughter."
"I think it's a good proposal, accept it. You need a wife and a king cannot be without a queen."
"If that's the problem then don't worry I'll soon be marrying princess Manikarnika."
"I see, prince Arnav, if you would allow me, I'll like to tell you what I think you should do."
"Go ahead."
"I advise you to marry princess Amoli and make princess Manikarnika as your second wife."
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