The next morning when Chitra opened her eyes. Shivaditya was still sleeping beside her. This was probably the first time she was observing him so closely. He was still naked through the silk sheet covered him till his waist. Taut muscles spread over every inch of his body and tapered down to narrow waist.

He kept his hair shorter than other men yet few locks always fell on his forehead which she loved, and that jawline. He had the most angular jawline she had ever seen. It was covered with morning stubble now.

She gently brushed her hand against his cheek careful not to wake him up. He didn't respond.

Assured that he was still sleeping she got up from the bed. Still naked she pulled a bed sheet around herself and walked towards her room.

Their Chamber was a suite. With 2 attached bedrooms ( one for both of them), bathrooms, a study, individual walk in the closet.

Each room had their balconies. She thought of getting into a bath. Usually, the maids prepared the baths for her but she didn't want to call them in right now. Not while they were in this condition.

Someone hugged her from behind and she squealed in fright.

"Good morning beautiful," Shivaditya whispered in her ears then nibbled her neck.

" What are you doing. I am not dressed" She said nervously holding the sheet over her chest.

"Hmmm....neither am I," he said and continued kissing her bare shoulders.

Desire surged through her again.

"We can't be in all day, your highness."

"Why do you keep calling me your highness ?" He whispered.

"I am not supposed to take your name." She replied.

"Why not ?" He said while removing her hand which she had wrapped around herself.

"Mother said so."

"Nonsense. I liked it when you called me Shiv."

"But that time I thought you were a bandit."

"I can still be a bandit if you want." He said, "Call me Shiv at least when we are together."

"Ok, but we can't stay in all day inside Shiv." She said blushing red.

"Why not ?"

"Because I am starving! I haven't had anything since yesterday's lunch" She said as the sheet fell exposing her body.

He turned her around and said " That can be fixed. I will order breakfast after we have a quickie."

She said puzzled "what is a quickie ?"

He chuckled.

"Your friends didn't tell you that?"

She shook her head in a No while trying to cover herself with her hand.

"Dont do that" He caught her hands and pushed her back into the wall pinning them above her.

"I will teach you everything" he whispered while running her hands on her curves and catching her lips in a kiss.

It had been almost two weeks since everything was alright. Chitra had not spent a single night in her personal bedchamber, it was always in Shivaditya's room. She didn't understand what was the need to have separate rooms but that was a custom among the royalty.

Every morning she would wake up wrapped in his arms and sometimes morning after would extend until later. She never imagined that there could be so many different ways to experience the pleasures of love. In this journey, Shivaditya was her guide. Every time she would feel some new sensations. They were still exploring each other.

****

Chitranagda was sitting on a swing in their private garden. She had her breakfast with the queen that morning.

She had come to know by now that Maharaj also kept several concubines. Kings used to have several queens and concubines because they could. Who would stop them? However, Chitrangada's father Raja Kiritveer had just one wife.

The kings who followed true dharma like Lord Ram didn't keep several queens and concubines. She wondered if Shivaditya also had concubines?

She never asked him nor she saw any evidence of other women except Mrignayani who was dead. But even the thought of sharing him with anyone else filled her with rage.

"Hey! " Shivaditya said as he plopped down next to her on the swing. He was back from training the soldiers and looked tired.

"Did you have breakfast ?" She asked.

"No, I am famished!" He replied.

"Would you like to have it here ?" She asked.

He nodded.

She clapped to call one of the maids to get breakfast.

While they were waiting she asked " I haven't seen you visiting the court sessions. You dont take part in administration ?"

"I have been away most of the time. Father handles it. I manage the army, wars, and other things."

"Don't you have an army general for that ?"

"Yes, but that's how it's always been."

"Like a puppet," she thought.

His breakfast arrived and he attacked it with gusto offering her a bite.

She shook her head " I had my breakfast with Her highness."

After he had finished eating she suddenly asked: "Shiv do you have concubines?"

He almost dropped the glass of water he was holding " Why do you ask that ?"

"I just want to know." She replied casually.

"No, I dont have any mistresses but I have been with many women until I met you."

She didn't like the answer, "will you remarry and get other wives as well ?"

He was laughing now "I haven't thought about it. Are you jealous ?"

She replied "Yes, I won't share you with anyone. I don't want you to think of anyone else. You are not allowed to even look at other women. Promise me you will never get another wife or a mistress."

"Shall we get rid of all-female servants too ?" He grinned.

"Is that possible? Yes please," She said immediately.

His eyes smouldered " You being possessive about me is kind of arousing. Is that what you are trying to do? Because it's working."

"I am not joking! Promise me." She said impatiently.

He flung his arm around her bringing her closer " My dearest Wife! There is no need to fear. I dont need anyone else other than you. I won't get another wife or a mistress, I will be faithful to you, I promise."

"Good," She looked pleased.

"I dont want your father to get you married to one of his chosen princesses and keep you his puppet," She thought.

"Your Highness! Someone from Navsarika is here to meet you." A maid arrived with the message.

"Navsarika ?" Chitra responded wondering who it might be.