“Holy Krishna,” he thought distractedly. “Why do these things have to happen? Why can’t we just have peace?”
Shrugging off his inner dialogue, he turned to the captain. “Hiresh, how long would it take…?” Arjun did not have to finish
his sentence, for as soon as he spoke, the officer nodded understanding.
“It would take the major general more than seven days to bring his unit to our doors, by that time Field Marshall Kala
would have her troops situated securely.”
“Then there is nothing else for us to do but await developments,” he said.
“No, my prince, all we can do is to make certain that all is in readiness. Should I begin the preparations needed to
evacuate the guests?” The captain asked as he looked down at the patio below them.
“No, Hiresh. We have more than ample guards around the estate, best not to alert the guests. Any news like that might
send the message to my father and to…” As if saying it would make it true, Arjun did not finish his words. Instead, he
sighed as he looked up at his most trusted guard and friend.
The actions of his father had brought about small bands of rebellion. So far, Arjun’s fair treatment of the rebels had given
him their respect. But if word should go out that the son of the ruler was under attack, they might just decide to join in
with the hopes of liberating their land. Although Arjun did not relish a blood bath, he knew that if the rebels joined with
Daruka’s clan, the prince would have little choice in matter.
Sensing his prince’s turmoil, Hiresh nodded understanding as he moved closer to Arjun. With a sigh, the bigger man
wrapped his arms around the petite prince and held him close to his chest. In an absent manner, the warrior lightly
brushed his lips against Arjun’s ear, the light stubble of his chin brushed against the soft cheek as he held the prince close.
“All will be well, my prince. You shall see, regardless of what may come, all will be well.” Captain Hiresh assured.
Arjun closed his eyes as he leaned back into the burly man’s arms. With a sigh, he tilted his head as he reached up to lay
his palm over his lover’s bare arm. Gulping down his own inner fears, the young prince only nodded. “Regardless of what
may happen, it is meant to be and the karma will all play out,” he told himself as he basked in his captain’s strong,
protective arms.
