Page 130 of A King's Oath

“Come here.”

Footsteps pushed in, echoing in the relatively cooler, silent stables. Avantika panicked. She opened the stall door and stepped inside, hoping the baby horse was just as gentle in the confines of his stall. He neighed but quieted when he also sensed men’s footsteps coming closer and closer. She ducked under the stall door and the pony gave her a look.

Yeah, keep quiet!

“Maan doesn’t know it, but it’s your heart, not head that’s bleeding.”

A forced laugh echoed from Samarth.

“Kunwar.”

That voice was strong, authoritative. Avantika peeped half her eyes over the stall gate.

“Avantika Kumari is the girl of your destiny. She is your chosen destiny. Why are you running away from it?”

Samarth did not respond.

“You are obliged to answer, Kunwar.”

“I swore an oath, Hukum,” he parroted, holding onto his side. Was he in too much pain? Why wasn’t he getting it mended?

“I know. It was to enable Tara’s heirs to rule Nawanagar.”

Samarth nodded.

“You did not swear any oath — to water or anybody else, that you will not accept a wife and a family.”

“It was part of it.”

“No.”

“It was, Hukum, I have told you this.”

“And I told you then too, on that French Open field, that there is nothing stopping you from starting your own life. Your Rawal has agreed to your request, he has relinquished you from inheriting after having Sharan. There is nothing more you owe anybody.”

“If my kids… or their kids ever challenge Sharan’s inheritance…”

“Life cannot be stopped for ifs and buts.”

Again Samarth remained silent.

“Gwalior’s Kumari has shown you loyalty.”

Avantika’s body cooled down again. He knew she was here? He had seen her hugging Samarth?Oh fuck!

“Don’t you owe her your loyalty now?”

“Hukum, I…”

“If this is your problem, that your progeny will become a threat to Sharan’s, then raise your family away from Nawanagar. Independent. Raise them well. Do not give up on something good just because you believe you owe debts to the world that you think will never be paid off.”

Again silence.

“A Solanki’s word will be compromised, Hukum.”

“What was the word you gave?”

“I will not commit. My life will be me, my polo and my travel.”

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