Chapter 3: The expensive cup of Tea
Time went by and Kundh seemed to recover pretty well. I always stayed by his side to assist him with most of the things. I would personally make sure I made his food, prepared him his medicines with the doctors, took him out for walks, make sure he exercised, etc. Not that we didn't have people to look after him but I didn't want to risk anything. Devanghad still made some time and usually dropped by to check on Kundh. He usually came without notice and tried to squeeze in trying to come at times when I wasn't around. But I stayed. I often took Kundh to the library as he spent time there reading, writing, and learning. I would stay there reading about the medicines, by now I could differentiate between few herbs. One day while I was going through a particular book, "That book isn't helpful." said a voice and dragged my dagger to his throat. It was Devanghad. "Woah, Woah, why are your guards up?" he asked raising his hands. "I can't risk anything now. Just like you said, can't trust anyone" I said and put my dagger back in. "What are you reading?" he asked and I hid the book behind my back. "I am trying to read about exercises", "Oh I can help you with that", "No!!! I mean, The royal doctors have prescribed them already", "By the way, the exercise shelf is on the other side", "Oh, thank you. I'll check them out" I said and left. I hid the book and carried it with me. "What a freak," I said, and looked for a few books. and slowly I noticed that it wasn't the one.
I looked back and he wasn't there, I rushed to the entrance and asked the guards if Devanghad left, "He never came in" said one of them. "He was inside, I saw him and I spoke to him," I said. But they both refused and stuck to their answer. I walked back in, confused. "What's wrong Samu?" said Kundh. I shook my head and kept the book with me. "Greeting your highness, The King wants to see the both of you in his court, he has come special case to discuss with you," said the messenger at the door. "Please tell him that we will be there soon," I said and sent him away. My mind kept battling to agree that I didn't see Devanghad. "Samudhra!" said Kundh. "Aah! What? What is it?" I said. "You seem lost Samu, is something bothering you?" he asked. "Nothing specific," I said. He called me by his side and "Samu, it's been months, you have not left my side and never agreed to take breaks. It's high time, you told me the reason" he said caressing my hair. "I can't say anything as of now" I kept my eyes low. "That's okay. Samu, all I know is I can trust you and everyone in this kingdom can. You will grow to be the finest warrior and a queen of this kingdom. You'll be the bravest of the brave people, just like mother." he said softly. These words meant everything to me.
As we walked down the hallway to the court, "why do you think Baba has called the both of us?" he asked. "I don't know," I said. He glanced at me and sighed. "Don't worry Kundh Bhaiyya, I will be fine" I said and we entered the court. The courtroom, which normally filled with voice, opinions, and many different suggestions, today was silent. Our footsteps echoed as we walked forward. We paid our respect to Baba and "Come, my dear children. I would like to introduce you to my friend, Emperor Takahashi Eiko, from the East Ocean", "Welcome to our Kingdom, Hope you enjoy your visit" I said. "Samu!! You never say visit, we always say enjoy your stay" Kundh corrected me. "My apologies, she's learning. We are looking forward to your stay in our kingdom." Kundh said. "It's okay my child. Yes, we are looking forward to enjoying and cherish our stay here" he said with a weird accent. "hahaha" Baba laughed. "He has learned and has an experience of our language" Baba smiled at him. I really wanted to ask why they were here, just then, "Do you remember the ship that crashed by our shore, they were his people. We will further discuss all of this in person", we agreed with him. "Samudhra, please take his daughters along with you, take very good care of them," Baba said. "It would be my honor your highness, but I humbly request you to ask Devanghini to take care of them as I have promised to take care of Kundh", "Samudhra, It's okay," Kundh said. "I have already promised to take care of him. I will not be able to take care of them as I spend most of my time beside Kundh Bhaiyya. I apologize, Your highness Takashi Eiko. But I will surely make time to be there as soon as possible." I bowed. "I love how dedicated she is Khushal. She is honest, and truthful to her promises. You will me a wonderful and fine Queen." he said and smiled. I looked at him, it seemed like he had smiled after a long time. For some reason, I felt like his heart was heavy with something supposed to be told. But he tried to hide it well.
"If we may, your majesty, I would ask you to permit us to leave as we will be late for his physical therapy", "Please go ahead," Baba said and Mr. Eiko nodded. I left along with Kundh Bhaiyya. "What is it Samudhra?" he asked. "What?", "You are behaving very weirdly", I ignored him as much as I could and then suddenly, "Samudhra!! You better tell me what is happening" he held my fore arm, "Let go", "No! I am not, until and unless you tell me what is happening" he glared at me. I looked back at him and put my arm over his in rotation and got hold of his bicep. "I'll tell you but not here" and he looked at me with surprise. "I have been watching you for months and maybe I know how to fight like you" I said and started walking. As we walked, by the turn of the hallway, unexpectedly a lady bumped into me. She had a pouch that was hanging on her wrist and a tray of kettle and cups, that seemed like they were gift from the king of the East. Nothing fell from her hand but her momentum got disturbed. "I am sorry Rajakumari. I apologies" she kept telling. "That's okay. Where did we get this cutlery from? This doesn't seem like the one which is produced in our kingdom", "Yes Rajakumari. This is a gift. I took it out just now, there are many such cutlery in the guest room", "And what's that in the pouch?" I asked. Her face grew pale, and she stuttered "It was bought for our guest, they are expensive herbs which the Emperor of the East drinks" I proceeded to lift the lid of the kettle but, "No Rajakumari" my reaction questioned her. "It's for the guest. If you open the lid the aroma will drift off" she said bowing. She seemed suspicious to me but I chose to ignore my instincts. "Just be more careful not to break the gift" I said. "Yes, Rajakumari" she bowed and she started walking towards the court. A weird aroma followed her, it was nice and soothing. "We'll have to go to our room first" Kundh Bhaiyya said. He tapped my shoulder and I nodded at him. As we walked, "Which side is the kitchen?" I asked, "the other way" Kundh Bhaiyya said. We both stopped and looked at each other and we both knew what we were thinking about. "The guest room is the other end too!!" I said. "Then why did she come from this side of the palace?" he asked. "We should stop her!!!" he said. "I'll go this way and check why she came from this side, you go after her!", "But I can't leave you alone!! You don't even have a sword!" I said, and he smiled as he pulled out the a sword out of his walking cane. "That's impressive!", "Now go!!!" he charged towards the other end.
Whilst I ran towards the court, the scent got stronger. It had a wonderful fragrance, it would sooth anyone's heart and mind. I rushed inside the court and everybody looked at me. The cup of of tea was in Baba's and Mr. Eiko's hand. Just before I could say anything an arrow sped through and hit the cup in Baba's hand. Soon another one did the same to the other cup. Seeing the direction of the arrow, it came from someone behind the pillar. Everyone in the courtroom started running towards the door. I ran towards the pillar and the guy hidden behind the pillar came out, we both were facing each other. He had his face covered, I drew my sword out slowly. He simply looked at me and signed with his hands. He showed one hand towards me and another towards him and shook his both. I tilted my head, suddenly he threw a knife towards me, even before I could flinch, "Argh!" a voice moaned silently in the background. It was the same lady from before, who bough in the tray of tea, it had pierced through her throat. "Why did you do this? Who are you working for? YOU CAN'T DIE JUST LIKE THAT!! ANSWER!?" I screamed at her as I lifter her by her cloth. "She won't be able to speak" said Baba. "Baba, leave with Mr. Eiko at once. it is not safe to stay here", the other guy pulled me by my shoulder, he said something in a different language as he signed. "He is asking for you to leave, he says he will take care of us both" said Mr. Eiko. Things were confusing, but for some reason I blindly trusted the new guy and left in search of Kundh. I didn't turn around even once praying that things would be fine behind my back and in my absence.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
krushna_
krushna_ Namaste people!! I am extremly sorry for not writing the 3rd chapter sooner. I was sick and had many things to catch up with. I hope you guys love the story, show your support for me in any way. I am hoping to see at least one comment:) It will truly make me happy. I am also open to any opinion.
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