VI Juvenile Desires

As night descended, Samarth sat in contemplative solitude, his gaze fixed on the moon's luminous glow. The soft, ethereal light stirred a memory, transporting him to a moment shared with Princess Inayat beneath the warm sunlight. 

He recalled the thrill of competition, the exhilarating rush of adrenaline as he drew near to her, their faces inches apart. The recollection awakened a deep longing within him, a yearning for intimacy that only he fully comprehended. 

Samarth's mind was a canvas of vivid memories, each one a fleeting glimpse of Princess Inayat's captivating presence. 

He recalled the triumphant curve of her lips, the determined set of her jaw, and the piercing sparkle of her golden eyes, fringed with lashes that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly light. The softness of her lips lingered in his memory, a gentle whisper of a touch that left him breathless.

As he settled into the plush couch, the soothing aroma of honeyed tea wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of raisin cake. 

He closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the tea and the comfort of the couch cradle his weary body, a luxury his battle-honed physique had grown to disdain. Yet, in this quiet moment, he allowed himself to surrender to the simple pleasures of comfort and memory.

"What consumes your thoughts, noble warrior?" Raj inquired, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity. 

He sat across from Samarth, who was lost in contemplation, his gaze fixed on the moon. Yet, his mind wandered to a beauty that eclipsed even the lunar radiance.

The soft moonlight illuminated Samarth's features, casting an ethereal glow on his meadow-green eyes. "I must confess, my friend," Samarth replied, his voice measured, "I have developed a deep affection for the king's daughter." He paused, breaking his gaze from the moon to meet Raj's inquiring eyes.

Samarth expected Raj to be taken aback by his confession, but instead, his friend merely raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in his eye. 

"I'm aware of your admiration for Princess Inayat, friend," Raj said, his tone matter-of-fact. "In fact, I suspected as much when you… ah… accidentally tore the cloth from her shoulder."

Samarth's face contorted in discomfort. "I didn't mean to do that," he protested, as if the memory still pained him. "I simply wanted to behold her beauty, to gaze into her captivating eyes up close."

Raj chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Such juvenile desires," he teased, his voice laced with playful mockery. "Are you deceiving the one who's helped you outmaneuver our foes with cunning?"

Samarth's laughter was carefree, but his words were laced with sincerity. "I was enthralled, Raj. The more we sparred, the more I yearned to touch her. Nothing more, nothing less, my friend."

Raj shot him a wry glance, shaking his head as he reached for a raisin cake. "You're a strange one, Samarth," he muttered, his eyes twinkling with mirth. 

Samarth flashed Raj a subtle, enigmatic smile. Raj, savoring another bite of the raisin cake, inquired, "Now that you've graciously shared your sentiments regarding Princess Inayat, I must ask, what prevents you from seeking her hand in marriage?"

Samarth's eyes widened in surprise, and he was momentarily at a loss for words. "Your forthrightness is commendable, Raj," he replied, his tone tinged with a hint of admiration. "And I must confess, my hesitation stems from the fact that her affections are presently bestowed upon Izhar."

Raj's gaze locked onto Samarth's face, his expression one of incredulity. "Forgive my astonishment, dear Samarth," he said, "but I had not suspected such a complication. Pray, tell me, is this revelation borne of truth?" 

Samarth's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Why would I deceive you, dear Raj?" he asked, his voice laced with gentle reproach.

"Indeed," Raj nodded, his eyes sparkling with conviction. "Izhar's reputation precedes him, Samarth. His appetite for women is voracious." 

Samarth chuckled, a low, knowing sound. "As if I weren't aware," he said, a hint of amusement dancing in his voice. "I wonder, though, if Princess Inayat is cognizant of his… trust nature. Nonetheless, I shall not stand in opposition to my brother."

Raj's expression turned thoughtful, his gaze piercing. "If I may be candid, Samarth, Izhar still requires a measure of maturity." Samarth's eyebrow arched, a silent challenge for Raj to continue. Raj obliged, his words measured. "Izhar is not the suitable match for Princess Inayat."

Samarth's smile was warm, appreciative. "I'm grateful that our bond of friendship supersedes familial ties, allowing you to speak your mind, dear Raj." 

He lifted the cup of honeyed tea, savoring a sip as their eyes met in a moment of mutual understanding.

Raj reciprocated the warm smile, and their conversation flowed effortlessly, like a gentle stream. Unbeknownst to them, however, Kenaz, Samarth's father, stood listening in silence, his ears absorbing every word his son spoke about Princess Inayat. Though he overheard the intimate conversation, Kenaz chose to withdraw discreetly, respecting his son's privacy. He vanished into the shadows, his expression thoughtful, now aware of the tender feelings his son harbored for the princess. 

***

King Agnil's contemplative gaze lingered on the horizon, the warm sunlight dancing across his features. The soft tinkling of anklets broke the silence, and he smiled, knowing his daughter's presence without needing to turn around. 

Inayat's gentle smile illuminated the space as she stood beside his luxurious couch, her eyes sparkling with concern.

As she sat beside him, King Agnil's expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. 

He patted the cushion, inviting her closer. "You honor me with your visit, my dear," he said, his voice warm with affection.

Inayat's cheeks flushed, and she demurred, "You embarrass me, Father." She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her slender fingers moving with elegance.

Undeterred, King Agnil asked, "What brings you to my side today, my child?"

Inayat's expression turned serious, her brow furrowing with concern. "I've come to inquire about your health, Father. I've noticed you seem distant and lost in thought lately. What troubles you so deeply?" 

King Agnil's eyes clouded, his voice laced with a deep-seated concern. "Why indeed should I conceal my fears from you, my child?" He sighed, the weight of his worries evident in the slump of his shoulders. "I fear a calamity may befall our kingdom."

Inayat's expression turned determined, her voice filled with conviction. "Such a fate shall not befall our kingdom under your wise and just rule, Father. May the Almighty watch over and protect us."

Agnil's voice trailed off, the mere mention of the divine name sending a shiver down his spine. 

"God..." he whispered, his eyes widening in a mix of fear and desperation. "God has been unjust to me of late, my daughter — heedless of the curse that old man hurled at me?" 

Agnil's words were laced with a hint of blasphemy, his worry and desperation momentarily clouding his judgment. He forgot that he, a mere mortal, dared not question the Almighty's wisdom. His words hung in the air, a careless affront to the truth. His sanity, by the shadow of doubts and insecurities that weighed upon him, was anchored to the bottom rock until it was destroyed to pieces. 

Inayat's gentle voice pierced the darkness of her father's thoughts, reminding him of the divine truth. "God is not unjust, Father," she said, her words infused with conviction. "And the Word of the Lord says that no curse can stand without a cause."

Agnil's gaze faltered, his mind momentarily arrested by the weight of his daughter's words. The truth echoed within him, a reminder that God's presence surrounded him, even in the midst of turmoil. It was as if the divine hand was nudging him, urging him to seek understanding and stand upright before his God. 

Yet, Agnil's heart remained shrouded in doubt, and he replied, "May it be so, my daughter. May our kingdom remain under my rule and that of our descendants."

Inayat's response was unwavering, her voice filled with faith. "It will be so!" she declared, her words hanging in the air like a promise.

The tranquil atmosphere was disrupted by the arrival of Kael, the trusted eunuch servant. 

He approached the king and princess with an air of familiarity, his voice clear as he announced, "My lord the king, Commander Kenaz has arrived for a visit." 

Inayat's eyes sparkled with excitement at the mention of Commander Kenaz, her sword fighting instructor. 

A hint of a smile played on her lips, betraying her enthusiasm. In stark contrast, King Agnil's jaw clenched, his expression darkening at the mere mention of the commander's name. The tension in his body was palpable, his eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded Kael.