Page 20 of Sumanika

He inhaled deeply, looking at both of us. "If anything happens to any of you. I will make you both alive and kill you with my own hands," He threatened with love, and I nodded silently.

“Come here,” he hugged both of us and patted the back of my neck.“All the best! And Agastya, also try to spend some time with your would-be wife,” he said, and I inhaled deeply.

“What will I do after the wedding, then? There’s plenty of time to enjoy,” I said, and he gave me a dissatisfied look, which made me smile.“Fine… I will,”

He nodded, and I looked at the attendees, taking the needful things to the convoy waiting at the main entrance of the Kingdom.

“We should leave now,” I said, and we both walked toward our horses’stable to begin our journey to Mehrangarh. Rudra Bhaisa saw us off.

The journey was long, as Mehrangarh was a kingdom near the Him Ranges, but just a few miles from the east-northern border of Hind.

It took us a whole day to get there. Since we weren’t traveling with any women, we didn’t put up any tents and spent the night under the trees.

When we entered the Kingdom of Mehrangarh, the sun was shining brightly. Seeing everyone waiting for us at the door, I felt a twinge of guilt because so much had changed since my last visit.

At my special request, I arranged my marriage alliance with the Princess of Mehrangarh through Rudra Bhaisa. Everyone, except for Rudra Bhaisa, thought that I loved the Princess, so I decided to marry her.

But the reality was completely different, even beyond Rudra Bhaisa’s imagination.

I told him I would keep an eye on the borders with Mehrangarh’s help, but little did he know it was nothing closer to my plans.

“Pranam Rajasa,”I smiled, joining my hands as I looked at the old King of Mehrangarh welcoming us.“Kunwar Agastya,”he said, embracing me in a loose hug and patting my shoulder.“How was your journey?” he inquired, and I tried to put a wide smile on my face as I responded.

“It was fantastic. I really missed you and your hospitality,” I attempted to smile, and he chuckled softly.

“We’re glad you’re here; come on in,” he said, welcoming me into the vast Kingdom of Mehrangarh. The thick red brick walls of Mehrangarh contrasted with the main palaces, which were made of white imported marble.

Mehrangarh was a kingdom renowned for its remarkable connections to the outside world. There were rumors, possibly truths, that individuals from other continents had visited. They also possessed trade secrets.

And I was looking for one of them.

Actually, Two.

“How’s everything going?” I asked politely, and he smiled while placing his hand on my shoulder.

“Everything is good, and Princess is maturing faster,” he replied while I made an effort to remain calm despite his words.

Well, Princess Mehrangarh was the youngest of Mehrangarh’s seven older sisters and two brothers, all of whom were already married and well settled. However, her disinterest in marriage had worried the King. He believed she hadn’t matured with mind.

“That’s good to hear,” I said, and he suggested,“You should meet her. We’ll arrange for your lunch in her meeting area.” I nodded and spent some time with them before heading off to her chamber.

The princess and I got along well as future husband and wife. We were friends. As I passed through the galleries, I observed the soldiers standing outside her chamber.

"I wish to see her," I exclaimed, and they opened the door for me.

I stepped inside and noticed the silence in her chamber. As I walked past the large compound, I entered the meeting area. The beautiful decorations caught my eye, and I saw her sitting on the couch, waiting for me.

“Rashmika,” I called, and she lifted her head to look at me.

“Agastya!” she squealed, getting up from her couch and running toward me.“I was waiting for you for so long,”

I glanced around at her attendees watching us. She noticed my gaze and turned to look at them.

"Um, bring something for him to eat," she said. I watched some of her attendees leave, but not all of them.

"Can you leave us alone?" I asked, looking at the male soldiers on duty.

They walked out, leaving us alone, and I glanced at Rashmika, who was looking at me with an adorable expression.

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