Chapter 5

City of Chittaurgarh was now covered in a veil of sunlight. It was time for the noble men of Florence to take a tour around the city. Firstly they visited to Chittaurgarh's army training place. The army and fighting skills were completely different from the army of Florence. In Maharaj's army there were even elephants which was not the case with army of Florence. Romans were not very fond of elephants in the battle. They were mainly kept as spectacles but in India, elephants played important roles in battles. Augustus was observing everything with keen interest. Suddenly he heard melodious laugh of a woman. It was music to his ears. He recognised that voice. The same voice who welcomed him in the palace. The voice belonged to the one who dared to glare at him and clench her jaws.Back in Florence even warriors with  skills, rough and tough body didn't even dare to look in his eyes. Somehow, after listening to her laughter , a wave of emotion ran through his body which he didn't feel from a long time.

Rithambara was in one of the horse stable caressing one of the horses and laughing Alongwith Cato. It was the first time for Augustus hearing her laugh because whenever he met her, either she was glaring at him or clenching her jaws.

              It was completely fascinating to see civilisation of other part of the world for people of Florence. . People of the city were also in complete awe because these guests were dressed differently and were speaking a language which nobody understood. After taking the full tour around the city, everyone returned back to the palace. Maharaj Vikram Singh's family and trusted people were seated at their respected places but everyone's eyes halted to a beauty who was looking just like a Goddess descended on the Earth.

          Though they all had seen her before but every time her beauty amazed everyone. Her hair as black as

the colour of night were open and pinned from the front. Her curls were driving everyone crazy. Kohl increased the beauty of her brown orbs. A pink dot on her forehead was looking magnificent on her and jewelries on her forehead, nose, neck and ears added in her charms. Augustus's best friend and commander - in - chief, Aurelius could  utter just one word, "beautiful". Augustus snapped his head in his direction and spoke angrily, " you are married! Don't you have an ounce of shame left inside? Being married, you are gawking at other woman. Pathetic "

To say Aurelius was shocked, would be an understatement. He thought that it was just his mood. He didn't think that Augustus was attracted to Rithambara because after the death of Valentina, he was never interested in courting a woman. Atticus told many times to hin to marry again and give Justus a mother but he always declined. He didn't want to marry.

          After the guests took their seat,

Maharaj spoke to King Atticus - " My friend, you live in different part of the world so we meet once or twice in a decade. I know, you have everything with you in your life but I politely request you to take anything from Chittaurgarh as token of memories from my side. It would always remind you that you have a  friend on other part of the world. King Atticus smiled hearing this. He said, "Chose your words wisely dear friend because I want something which you can never gift to me."

Maharaj Vikram Singh Rajput stood from his throne and said, "I'm a rajput, we never back down from our promise. Even if you want my head at this moment, I would willingly give it to you, without any hesitation. "

      King Atticus said, " Then as token of remembrance of this great soil, I want your daughter to marry my son Augustus. "

Now, even the translater was hesitant to translate and tell this to Vikram Singh Rajput but Rithambara understood each word and her anger knew no bounds.