Chapter 4

After savouring the authentic Indian food, it was time for guests to rest. When everyone retired to their room,

a calm serenity took over palace after day full of hubbub. But Augustus was not able to find his peace of mind. Looking at the stars above in the sky, he wished his beloved Valentina was one amongst them. He silently asked her to forgive him and bless their son. He knew, it was his fault. She told him, she was not ready for the responsibility of being a mother but he was eager to take next step in their relationship.

A tear trickled down his eyes when he remembered her last words. His Valentina was such a selfless lady, she always thought about his happiness before  her. Even being in immense and unbearable pain, she thought about their son. She told him to take care of his son . Not once did she complain about her pain and misery. He never knew the day when their sunshine was born would turn out into dark and gloomy day. He never knew that his Valentina would bleed to death. He never knew his son would be motherless since his birth.

He had just one question, why? What mistakes did he do to deserve such a pain. He always played fair and took care of his people . Then why his fate was so cruel? Why his son would never get to know a beautiful relation of mother and son. He knew Justus's maternal grandfather considered him as curse because he took away his daughter's life. An innocent toddler of two years old was cursed heavily by his maternal grandfather in the court, infront of hundreds of people. Though he didn't understand anything but what if those people  taunt him in future? How would his son cope up with their allegations ? How? As a father, he failed miserably that day to protect his son from his grandfather's cruel words because he himself was in no position to speak but he promised to never let anyone degrade him . He was missing Justus very badly but he knew no one could harm him because Marcus was their to protect him. Marcus could do anything to protect his nephew. He loved Justus to moon and back. This was the real Augustus, vulnerable and broken. For outer world, he was  a person who was void of emotions but when he was alone, his inner conscience would scratch his wounds everyday.

Here he was sulking in his darkness and on the other side of the palace his light was making those robbers regret taking birth. They were constantly pleading her to forgive them. If her brothers wouldn't have come to take Rithambara back to palace, she would have killed them. She hated liars, cheaters and frauds. At times, she would get scolding from her mother for her behaviour but she was apple of the eye of her parents and brothers. Her brothers again warned her to not to go on patrolling alone in the night but the secretive smile playing oh her lips showed that she she won't listen. Brothers are considered to be saviour of the sister but if you've have a sister like Rithambara, you will have to save her pray from her wrath. She showed no mercy dealing with culprits .

In morning -

   Rithambara woke up at her usual time which was one hour before the  sunrise. She chanted Shiv mantra and got up from her bad. After fifteen minutes her training would start. She went in her balcony. Sky was still black with a bit of redness. Soft breeze was caressing her hair making her look like an angel. She loved this time of morning. She was busy admiring the surrounding  and  here someone was busy admiring her.

            Augustus wasn't able to sleep. It was his problem. He don't remember when he slept peacefully in this last two years. After turning many times on the bed, he finally discarded the thought of sleeping. He went outside and was looking around. Suddenly, he saw the same 'yellow fabric' girl who was the princess.Her skin was glowing after bathing in yellow lights from the side lamps . Soft breez was making her hair moving in a wavy form. The look was just divine. He kept gawking at her. He didn't know what it was different in her. He snapped out of his daze when her brown orbs met her blue ones and not to mention the anger in them. He immediately went inside and banged his hand on his forehead. He wasn't supposed to let his guards down infront of everyone. He decided to not even glance at her and avoid her at any cost. He felt like cheating on Valentina, the lady whom he loved so much.

             Here Rithambara was highly infuriated early in the morning. She really wanted to put some senses inside him for gawking like shameless person at her in the morning but she knew he was here as there guest and if she would raise her hands at him then her nobody could save her from her mother's outburst and it won't bring good reputation to his father as a host. She decided to let it slip. She went inside to get ready for her training.