[ CHAPTER XXVI ]
"I have asked the kitchen to make a special box. You should take the chance to send it to his majesty personally. Since Nandini is with mother, you can have the chance to get closer to him. Sending dinner may pave a way for both of you" Mayurakshi suggested as soon as she stepped inside the carriage.
"But sister what if he reject?" Ehanya seemed unsure even though she wanted to take the chance.
"And you are displeased about it already? How many times I have to remind you?" Mayurakshi frowned then sighed, "if you fear like that how would you win his heart? You have to complain for such small matter? He is the lord, the emperor. Of course he could reject you but that doesn't mean you must give up. He is kind of man who never showed softness to other woman, if you can't handle his coldness then you must forget about being his empress" she said and about to get up but Ehanya panicked and hold her hand.
"Sister I was wrong. It's just I have never seen such difficult man before. Anyway, I will send him dinner tonight. No matter how hard it is I will definitely get him"
Mayurakshi nodded. This is what I want, the more determined you are the better.
Later Ehanya was standing infront of the Emperor's carriage with her maids. She has been there for quite a long time but no one received the dinner box at all. With passing time she felt more dejected and insulted.
Ishank who was standing infront of the carriage sighed again. "Princess, please return back. His majesty is not seeing anyone at this moment" he tried to convince her for the third time but the woman still looked reluctant. She even clenched the box tightly. He knows clearly what motive she has since it wasn't the first time he was witnessing something like this. There were times when the situation were even worse. But isn't it just futile at the end?
"This guard, I have came to deliver dinner to his majesty. Please don't misunderstand anything. I have seen everyone already had dinner but no one brought his majesty's dinner so it was little concerning"
Ishank shook his head. This woman is really reluctant to leave. She is determined to have her way no matter what. He slightly glanced back at the carriage and saw the thick curtain swayed slightly. He immediately stepped aside lowering his head.
A second latter the curtain moved revealing Nandini who just stepped outside. She smiled at the woman in waiting. "Princess Ehanya?" She called out in her cheerful tone. She quickly get down the carriage standing infront of her.
"What are you doing here?" Ehanya looked more displeased. Didn't sister say she is with Queen Dowager? Then why she is here again?
Nandini ignored her look "Princess I am here to take care of his majesty. Of course you aren't forgetful right? But why are you here like this? I even hear you were arguing a little"
"I wasn't arguing. I was just telling this guard about the reason I am here" Ehanya defended herself. "I was here to deliver dinner to his majesty"
Nandini nodded, "Princess you are so kind but I must apologise because his majesty already had dinner"
Ehanya was startled, "already had?"
Nandini nodded, "yes, his majesty is not feeling well today so he didn't have lunch. Which is why his meal was advanced"
"Oh, so that's the reason. Since his majesty is resting then I won't disturb. I will leave now" Ehanya nodded then quickly left with her maids.
The smile on Nandini's face dropped instantly. She narrowed her eyes at Ehanya's back. If look could kill then Ehanya must have been dead by now. Ishank and Jeia could sense the change of attitude. They looked at each other without any words. Nandini turned around but her experience was casual as she quickly get inside the carriage.
"How does mistress changed her expression so fast? Like a flash of lightning?" Ishank asked.
Jeia narrowed her eyes, "why are you asking me? How would I know that? If you are that curious go and ask mistress yourself"
Ishank pursed his lips, "you are so mean"
As soon as Nandini stepped inside the carriage Manik knew she is pissed off. So before she could distant herself from him he pulled her closer, "what made you angry?"
"Your majesty is quite good at pretending" Nandini replied with a sharp glare. "Some people just couldn't hide their excitement and was ready to jump to grab the prize"
"It depends on ability dear wife. Didn't you just chased the fly away?"
"And it has become some entertainment to you, so pleasing to eyes?"
He grabbed her chin forcing her to meet his eyes, "your display of affection is more flattering to me. It's not like everyday I was able to witness such rare scene"
"Your majesty please be sure of what you are saying. If your desire to see me jealous everyday then I don't think you could really get some peace of mind" her smile was sweet yet the words shot like an advance warning.
"You're already aware who got my eyes then how come you are so angry? It's not possible to control what others think or plan against us but we can always pave a way to fight back and show much of our sincerity in return isn't it?" He smiled, "tell me are you sure that she will success?"
"Success?" She frowned, "that word does not come near to the efforts they are putting in. It's quite laughable"
"Then you shouldn't dwell over it. Forget about other unnecessary people, you should only focus on the person right infront of you" he said as he suddenly pushed her down.
The sudden cry jolted the both guard outside. They shared a look before checking around. Since everyone is retired already other than the guards no one could be seen around.
Next morning they started the journey again and this time they didn't stopped at all. In the evening their carriages finally reached Jiriam city. They moved towards the center of the city to find a place to stay. The most affected area of Jiriam were the Village part. The city has one main town and two villages. Jiriam was the smallest among other cities. The center was the town area which looked more stable than the village part. There were many hotels and restaurants in the center town. Ishank has already found a best hotel to stay. When the carriages stoped infront of the 'Pond Villa' one of the best hotel of Jiriam, the manager Mr. Sujai immediately went out to welcome the royal with his people.
Nandini walked inside the room and fell on bed sighing. The whole day journey was quite tiring. She had to accompany Somakshya in the morning who asked about Manik's heath. Besides she ate little much during the dinner and now she is really tired.
"Mistress, shall I prepare your bath? You look so tired. Bathing would give some relief from the tiredness. I will also use some fragrance oil to help you relax" Jeia asked.
"Jeia, do you know some massages? My shoulder is stiff"
"Mistress I will massage with oil while you soak in the water. It will help you"
Nandini got up, "really? Then it's great. Wait aren't you tired yourself?"
"No" Jeia smiled, "my endurance is much more than this. To make ourselves adjust the situation, we had to climb mountain twice, in the morning and night. The training is much more than small travelling"
"I wasn't expecting it. You were all worked so hard for this. At the end is it satisfying?"
"We choose this ourselves. Once we are on the track we had to fight to match the requirements. Though it hurts at first but with time it makes us strong and now it seems like all of these are nothing but a small matter" Jeia replied.
Nandini nodded, "I must say you are really strong"
"I shall prepare the bath" Jeia left.
Nandini sighed. Manik was really harsh when he set those tricks to train his people. But all the guards in the base were really capable to go through such harsh training everyday. Whether it's a man or woman, the gender doesn't seem to effect the training rules at all.
After a satisfying bath she finally felt good. She wore a night dress while coming out wiping her hair. Jeia was really good at massaging. Her stiff muscles are now relaxed and she was really glad about it. She decided to have a good sleep but her plan was disturbed when an unexpected person visited her.
At first she was surprised then frowned at the person infront of her. Displeasure filled her heart. Jeia followed behind him looking dissatisfied. Even if she wanted to she couldn't use force to chase out the guess.
"Why are you here?" Nandini asked with an annoyed tone.
"Why can't I visit my own wife? Do I need permission now?" Amey went to sit on the chair like he own the place.
Nandini felt weird. Her instincts are kicking in alerting her about the situation. The sudden claim of territory was quite unexpected. Though she couldn't fight him physically but she has other ways to deal with the man infront of her. She gestured Jeia who walked closer then whispered something in her ear. Jeia left immediately leaving them alone.
Amey watched the scene and thought she was planning to spend time with him. The maid left giving them privacy. He was quite satisfied with the arrangements.
"Your highness since when you are so generous to me? You even remembered you have a wife?" Nandini asked.
"You don't seem to be happy to see me" Amey asked ignoring her words.
Nandini wanted to retort him. Should I dance because you're here? You bastard looking at your face just makes me sick. How could I be happy looking at that face?
"I have long given up on this matter your highness. Now it seems my happiness or sadness is not bothersome anymore. Your sudden affection may hurt others feelings. Please be loyal on one side" she replied, "it's already late, please return back so that I can rest"
Amey got up, "what kind of remark was that? Do you want to kick me out of the room?" He stepped closer as she stepped back maintaining the distance between them. Amey stopped seeing her behaviour. "Well it seems you take good care of uncle. You're habituated in serving him that you're forgetting you are married already"
Nandini chuckled, "I am very much aware of my identity your highness but serving the Emperor is what I should do as a subject living under his protection. If such arrangements is not pleasing then please ask mother. She might give you better explanation"
Amey frowned, "you better not do something that will effect your future. You must remember you are my wife"
"Your highness please remember the something you mentioned is what you are doing for years already" Nandini mocked then turned to sideway to move away from him but he suddenly grabbed her wrist startling her. She was stunned for a moment but next second she jerked his hand away. Moving further from him she threw a glare, "your highness behave yourself. Even if we are married I haven't given the right to touch me. Please show some respect" anger rushed her chest and she felt like slapping him hard.
Amey suddenly regretted his action. But before he could say Jeia rushed in with a news, "Mistress, Lady Chaitrangi is hurt"
"What?" Amey asked in surprise then hurriedly left the room. Nandini looked at him then snorted.
"Are you fine mistress?" Jeia asked.
Nandini nodded, "prepare another bath, I need to wash off dirty germs"
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