***
Soon Priya and Roshan were betrothed and while the young prince of Rajendra prepared for his wedding, Prem stayed in his room and got to know his wife better. They had spent only a few days together in Argantael, so there was still a lot to cover and discover. She was as witty as Jaya, but not sex-crazed, and their conversations were more about books and songs than fashion and gossip.
Ashrita had adapted gracefully to her new environment. Her world was made of smells and sounds, and at first Prem didn't know how to describe colors to her. It became a wonderful game trying to describe things using all the senses except sight – that physical appearance that so bothered him. Beauty was something else for his blind wife and it was refreshing.
Prem learned to compare sizes with body parts or to draw shapes on her hand with his finger. He loved being her eyes and didn't feel he should impose himself on her – not in bed, not yet. She was a virgin and he respected her every day a little more while he tried to understand her world.
"If everything is so beautiful, why do you refuse it?" she asked one day.
"I don't refuse the world and its beauty, but I'm sick of people who see only my handsome face," he replied. "I've heard them say that I have the looks of a king, but probably not the brains, especially since I chose a blind wife."
"That was very brave of you," she said, thoughtful. "I guess it shows you do have brains, and a will to match. I shall prove to them that a blind princess is no less than one who can see, and when you become king, they'll see how great you are."
"You made me great, Ashrita." He held her tight and kissed her forehead. "I'm your eyes, you're my heart and my soul."
***
"Priya?" Ashrita asked, hearing footsteps enter the room.
"No," a female voice replied. Cold, angry, jealous.
"Rhea?" she asked then. She hadn't been introduced to the childhood friend, but Prem had told her about Rhea. How a non-noble maiden had been allowed in the prince's bed – before the wedding – which had given her some high hopes or something.
"Yes. How did you know?"
"Jealousy in your voice," Ashrita shrugged. Her husband had very human needs and she couldn't blame him. "Besides, we haven't been formally introduced, so I know you're not a member of the royal family."
"My mother was the princes' wet-nurse – and at least I'm not blind!" Rhea retorted. "I should be in your place!"
"Do not blame me for this marriage," Ashrita replied, trying to keep her impatience in check. If everybody in her new home considered Rhea more than a servant, she wouldn't treat her like one either.
"I do blame you for seducing him," Rhea's voice was sharp and steely. "You managed to marry a prince – the heir to the throne – in spite of your blindness. There was no need to get his heart as well."
"I didn't do anything to seduce him," Ashrita protested. "I only accepted my destiny. He was very gracious..."
"You mean he never told you he loves you?" Rhea was sarcastic now.
"Well, yes, but I thought he was being kind..."
"Prem of Gajendra doesn't need to be kind! He's the most wanted prince of the southern kingdoms!"
"So?" Ashrita interrupted her, starting to lose her patience. "What do you want from me? It's not my fault if he never really loved you."
"You..." Ashrita almost felt the slap that didn't come, and heard Rhea storm away. She sighed, depressed.
***
"So, how's married life?" Dilip asked.
"I'm not complaining, although she hasn't said she loves me yet," Prem replied. "And I haven't spent a night with her yet either."
"But Rhea is hysterical because you don't visit her anymore!" Dilip chuckled. "Who are you sleeping with?"
"Nobody! I'm trying to seduce my wife into asking me to her bed."
Dilip stared at him in wonder. "You must be in love."
Prem blushed but smiled. "I am."
"Can I meet with her, in private?"
Prem looked quizzically at his younger brother but didn't question him. "Sure."
They went together to the bride's rooms.
"Ashrita, it's me!" Prem announced upon entering. "I brought my younger brother and..."
Ashrita sat on the carpet lost in thought, looking distraught. "Ashrita, are you all right?" He rushed to her, worried. "What happened?"
"Nothing." She snapped back to reality and turned her face towards him. "Who's with you?"
"My brother Dilip. I told you about him, didn't I?"
"Yes." She offered her hand and Dilip kissed it.
She grabbed his fingers and explored his hand and his wrist with a light touch. Then she touched both brothers' faces, comparing them. The brothers waited in silence.
"I can tell Dilip is younger," she said at last.
"How?" Dilip asked.
"Your skin is smoother. You don't shave yet, do you?"
"No," Dilip admitted with a chuckle.
"So you've now met the three Gajendran royal offspring," Prem said. "And Priya will soon be sent off to your home as a bride for your brother..."
"You are a beautiful family," she said, thoughtful. "I won't be homesick here. Thank you for welcoming me."
"When Priya is gone, we can introduce you to Rhea," Dilip said. "She's part of the family too, by now!"
"No, thank you," she snapped, frowning.
Puzzled, Prem exchanged a glance with Dilip. "Ashrita?" he asked, worried.
"I've met your lover," she replied sourly. "She was mean."
"I'm so sorry! She wasn't supposed to come here!"
"I bet she made a scene!" Dilip teased.
"More or less," Ashrita said through clenched teeth.
"I'm sorry, I never expected her to do such a thing," Prem apologized.
"That's pretty much Rhea for you," Dilip commented.
"Dilip, shut up! Leave us, I need to talk to Ashrita!"
"Not until she tells me more about Rhea's visit!"
"Dilip, go!" Prem grabbed his brother's arm and threw him out of the princess's rooms. When he went back to Ashrita, she had moved from the carpet to the bed.
"I'm sorry, Ashrita," he said, stopping at the door of the bedroom. "I will tell her to stay away from you."
"Please, leave me alone," she begged.
Prem sighed. "Would you like me to read something for you?" he suggested.
She hesitated, then nodded. At least they'd both stop thinking about Rhea.
Prem took the poetry book he'd started the day before and sat on a side of the big bed. Ashrita rolled over to turn her back on him.
"Ashrita, are you listening?" he said at some point as if he were still reading.
She didn't reply and his vision blurred with tears. Ashrita must be really mad at him.
Rhea had ruined other relationships for him. But he wouldn't let her ruin his marriage – he was determined to get to Ashrita's heart. He dried his eyes, cursing Rhea and her jealousy.
"Why did you stop?" Ashrita asked absentmindedly.
"You weren't listening anyway," he answered, wishing he could touch her and show her all his love.
"Sorry, I'm a little distracted," she muttered, rolling on the bed to face him again, even if she couldn't see him.
"Rhea is a bitch," he grumbled, averting his eyes from her pout. "Just because she grew up with us..."
"She said you truly love me," she said, almost incredulous, half-rising from her lying position.
He put down the book and took her face in his hands. "I do. I love you, Ashrita. I haven't touched you because I thought you needed time to get used to your new lodging – and to having a husband."
"I thought... you married me because I can't see you and can't tell you how gorgeous you are," she said with a shaky voice.
"That's why I wanted to meet you." He let her go and she lay back, breathless, eyes wide with worry. "But after actually meeting you, I felt reborn and a better man. I was quietly unhappy before the wedding, and now I'm full of joy and love, and I'm
only waiting for you to open your heart to me."
She sighed, then threw herself in his arms. "What have I done to deserve such a loving husband?" she whispered.
"You're you," he answered gravely, stroking her black hair.
She lifted her face and he kissed her – a long, sweet kiss.
"I love you, Ashrita."
"I love you too, Prem. Please don't hurt me..."
"I won't," he promised before kissing her again.
***
Prem summoned Rhea the morning after he made love to Ashrita. It was time to cut all ties with a lover who could only damage him.
"I wanted to thank you for your scene to Ashrita," he told Rhea. "She has finally surrendered to my love."
"What?" Rhea stared at him, puzzled.
"Yes, Rhea, we hadn't consummated our marriage until you told her she had stolen my heart." Prem grinned. "And that's why I won't punish you for what you did; but you will stay away from her from now on."
Rhea's eyes seemed to want to pop out of their sockets as she gaped at him.
"If you try again to hurt her, I will throw you out of the palace, understood?"
Rhea gulped and nodded. "Yes, my lord," she whispered.
He shooed her away, very happy with himself.
***
Rhea looked at the glass of wine against the sunset. Life without Prem made no sense. One last drink, and it would be over.
"What are you drinking to?" Dilip's voice startled her.
"Nothing you'd want to share," she snapped, pulling the glass protectively against her bosom.
"If you're not drinking to my brother's happiness, you shouldn't do it," he said joining her by the window. The fading sun made their skins look red.
"Why should I drink to that?" she asked, hostile.
"Because he deserves it," Dilip answered, serious. "He's not the only man of the world, you know."
"You aren't worthy of him!"
"I am not him, and that's for sure! I appreciate your qualities, Rhea, but I can't stand your obsession for Prem! You knew he'd never marry you; why are you so upset that he chose a bride and fell in love with her?"
"It's so unfair..." She pouted.
He took her glass and raised it. "To our future."
He brought the glass to his lips.
"No!" She slapped his hand and the glass shattered on the floor. "It's... it's poisoned," she stammered as tears filled her eyes.
"You wanted to kill yourself?" he asked, incredulous.
"I'm so unhappy..." she started sobbing. He held her tight, whispering in her ear words of hope and love.
***
Ashrita woke up in anguish, but promptly forgot her nightmare as she tried to calm her heartbeat. By her side, Prem's breathing was quiet and the palace was silent. It must be night.
Ashrita lay on her back, pondering. Rhea had attempted suicide for the love of Prem. Dilip had stopped her, but still... Prem had sounded shaken when he'd told her the news and suddenly she was afraid she'd lose her newly-found love.
She hugged Prem to quieten her fears. He was her husband, she wouldn't give up on him.
"Don't leave me," she whispered.
Her fingers explored his face, as if she wanted to know him better.
This time, in spite of her light touch, Prem awoke.
"What is it?" he asked, kissing her fingers.
"What will you do now?" she asked anxiously.
"About what?"
"About Rhea."
"Dilip will take care of her. Don't worry, we'll be all right."
"I'm starting to like your brother very much," she said, relieved.
"Don't fall for him, I'm jealous," he warned, amused.
"Really?" She giggled, and he hugged and kissed her.
"Sleep, beloved. I love you."
Ashrita nestled against him, relaxing in his arms. "I love you too, Prem."
The Northern Warrior
"Welcome back, oh Mighty Prince Heir!"
"Shut up, Ajay!" Rohit chuckled and locked his cousin in a bear hug. "Missed your irony..."
"It's called wits, dear Rohit. Since this kingdom has two heirs, one has to be smarter," Ajay replied, patting his back.
Rohit let him go to glare at him. "One day..." he threatened.
"What?" Ajay asked with his most innocent smile. "I'm one day older than you, pity my father was born after yours!"
Rohit dismissed the claim with a shrug. Amrendra mostly followed the southern traditions and culture but differed from the others for two main things: it was blessed with four seasons – instead of three led by monsoon rains – and with twin royals, so there were often two interchangeable kings.
At the moment the reigning monarch was Daruka Dahana – Daruka being Rohit's father, and Ajay's father, Dahana, identical twins who'd had their firstborn one day apart, which made the cousins "almost" twins.
"So, what happened at the palace while I was gone?" Rohit asked. "Did you manage to seduce Chandra?"
"Ah, yes." Ajay looked in the distance with a blissful expression. "Worth every minute, every hour..." He focused on his cousin again. "But you're the one who went hunting for a bride. How are the other southern courts?"
"Walk with me." Rohit grabbed his cousin's arm, and as they strolled through the stately corridors of the royal palace, the prince told of his trip to the other kingdoms that had kept him away from his father's palace for nearly three months.
Soon Ajay would leave for his own tour, since Amrendra had officially two prince heirs in need of a bride, but Rohit would always be the "main" heir, much like his father was the main king. Rohit's firstborn – twins, he hoped – would inherit the Amrendran throne.
Rohit had met the princesses of Gajendra, Akkora, Arquon, Rajendra and the neighboring kingdom, Lakeshi.
"I can tell you I don't like Prem of Gajendra," he confided to Ajay. "His sister has lovely golden hair, but the thought of such a haughty brother-in-law..." He shivered in disgust. "All of the princesses were smitten with him, but he obviously didn't consider any of them."
"Yes, he came here, and wasn't impressed with Kareena or my sisters, either," Ajay said as they crossed a sunny courtyard. "So did you travel with him or...?"
"I reached the Lakeshian court at the same time as him. For me it was the last stop of the tour, for him the second, but he left the morning after." Rohit shrugged. "So I had time to talk to the princesses. I like Laxmi, and she liked me enough after haughty Prem's rejection, so..."
"You found your bride!" Ajay enthused. "What about her sister, is she still available?"
"Uh, no, I'm afraid she'll be sent to Arquon. When I left, Prince Suresh had showed up. Maybe one of the Akkoran princesses is still available. Jaya would make for wild nights – but I'd be worried she would soon tire of me and goes looking for some other sport. Soraya... maybe."
"And Rajendra?"
"Ashrita is blind, but her sister Nisha is lovely."
"I guess I'll see for myself soon..." Ajay sighed. "Where are we going?"
"I've missed Master Hiro's lessons." Rohit grinned as they passed through a porticoed building that led to the courtyard where the foreign sword-master exercised every day. "I bet you skipped all his lessons while I was away."
"I'd rather use my wits than my sword-arm," Ajay retorted. "I'm your sparring partner, but if you're not here, I don't see why I should exert myself."
Rohit chuckled as they entered the courtyard and stopped. Blades clung and it took them a moment to find the duelists. Rohit saw his almond-eyed sword teacher but didn't recognize his sparring partner.
"Who is that?" he asked Ajay, frowning in the sun and observing the sword dance of the two men who waltzed around each other with grace.
"Someone who came here and asked for him a couple of months ago," Ajay replied. "Saved me from my exercises since Master Hiro had a new sparring partner."
Rohit glared at him. "You're a lazy bum! You could have used that time to become more proficient!"
Rohit rolled his eyes and went back to watching the duel. It was almost over, though, and the sparring partners bowed at each other before heading for the two elegant young men.
"Welcome back, Prince Rohit," Hiro said. "Was your journey productive?"
"I found what I was looking for," Rohit answered with a curt bow to his teacher. "Did you take on a new student?"
"This is Gaia, who came here to discuss my wretched cousin and then stayed to learn a few new tricks."
"I know something about wretched cousins." Rohit said with a glance at Ajay who chuckled, then nodded at Gaia. The foreigner must be young since he didn't need to shave. He had long, light-brown hair like most barbarians from the north. Rohit knew Hiro had a half-blood cousin who lived in the neighboring Gallian Kingdom, and assumed the young sparring partner must come from the same place. There weren't many blue-eyed people in the southern kingdoms – except Gajendra.
"Welcome, Gaia. Will you be staying long?"
"No, I leave now if you want," Gaia answered. Definitely a boy's voice, but he'd looked quite good with his straight sword. Even against Hiro's curved blade. "Sorry, not good at your language yet."
"Not bad after two months." Hiro smiled fondly at Gaia. "It's easier than the Islands Empire's language."
"Still much different from Gallian," Gaia insisted.
"I think you're doing fine," Rohit said. "I have never bothered learning the northern languages, since there is no communication or trade between us."
"It's because you think they're barbarians and they think the same of you," Hiro said with a smile.
"What? But they are barbarians!" Rohit protested. "Long hair, long beards, no bath chambers, ugly, dirty towns – your words..."
"Much harsher climate, much colder winters, much more hostile environment. Yes, yes," Hiro continued.
"So why do they consider us barbarians?"
"Not barbarians, but weak and lascivious," Gaia said.
Rohit stared at him shocked, then frowned. "Would you like to try my weakness in battle?"
"I not speak for me, but for my people," Gaia replied. "I'm here to learn. Can I stay?"
More Tales of the Southern Kingdoms (One Volume Edition) Page 2