Page 228 of A King's Oath

Samarth opened the symbols on his keyboard and jammed his thumb into the one he was looking for. Hard.

SAMARTH

∞

A little leg nudged the edge of his knee and he glanced at Brahmi. She was fast asleep, slid down Ava’s thigh and onto the sofa, her mouth adorably round in quiet snores. His whole being melted. How could looking at her sleep be a full-time activity,like he would pencil in 8 hours at night to just watch her sleep and memorise everything. To avoid forgetting her face again he quickly pulled open Rajmata’s chat and began typing.

SAMARTH

The prettiest round eyes, round mouth that becomes an O when she is shocked or surprised or planning to be naughty or asleep. Straight hair to her shoulders and always wild. Nose slightly curved like mine. Cheeks that go massive round when she puffs them. Attitude like Papa’s and always there.

AVA

Brahmi is asleep, you can go home now.

The text banner appeared at the top of his screen and he quickly sent off the message to Rajmata before raising his eyes to Ava. The movie had paused and she was already lifting Brahmi to take her into her room. Samarth got to his feet, looking at them go. He kept looking until they were closed into a faraway bedroom. Then put the pillows of the sofa in place, opened the curtains, switched off the TV and turned to leave. He was halfway down the garden under the early evening sunshine when the sound of his name stopped him.

He turned. Ava was at her door. He jogged back.

“Yes?”

“She doesn’t have her riding lesson tomorrow.”

His face fell.

“Alright,” he nodded. “Thanks for telling me. Can I still come?”

“When is your return flight?”

“There is no return flight.”

Her eyebrows went up. “King is shifting out of his kingdom?”

“I know where you are coming from. But know this — I am here, one hundred and one percent. With you. With her.”

“Until when?”

“Until I die.”

There was nothing dramatic in that statement.

“I do not respect you anymore.”

He didn’t even flinch.

“You should not.”

“Where does Brahmi fit into your life?”

“As my daughter, my child, my extension. My legacy in this world. And don’t ask me where you fit because you are already screwed tight inside me.”

“What about your kingdom?”

“I gave half my life to it, now it’s time I gave the rest of my life to you.”

“What does that mean in simple language?”

“In simple language it means that I am stepping down from the throne. Sharan is old enough and Papa is there.”

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