Poonam blushed under Devburman's gaze. After Chitra had left her with him. He walked around with her buying whatever took his fancy. She was still intimidated by him.

"Why are you so quiet Poonam?" He asked.

"Nothing" she replied.

"You can say it, I won't bite you." He smirked.

"Your highness it's just that I was missing my parents." She said.

"You want to meet them?"

She nodded.

"l also have a request. If you don't mind I want to get married to Navsarika.My parent's home. I know the princess wants to have a grand wedding here, but I had always dreamed of a small wedding and getting farewell from my home."

"Is that all?"

She nodded.

"Consider it granted. Our wedding date has been fixed for next month. You can stay in Navsarika until then. I will arrange for your travel."

Her face cheered up.

"Thank you, your highness."

"There is just one problem."

She looked concerned.

"I'll miss you." He said simply.

She looked down " I will miss you too your highness."

******

Vikram returned the next day. The negotiations had gone well. Kamakshi and Vikram's wedding date was to be announced once the chief priest analyzed the stars and their birth charts.

So it was fixed that Chitrangada and Poonam would visit Navsarika and stay there until the wedding of Devburman and Poonam. As it was Chitra's first visit after her wedding an escort party which was technically a mini-army arrived from Navsarika.

"I wish I could go with you." Shiv sulked as Chitra looked through an array of items that had to be packed.

"You are most welcome to come along dear husband." She grinned.

"I want to but the northern provinces are in a mess!"

"Why? It was all resolved isn't it?"

"Yes but there are local political issues, we need to appoint new governors. Cleaning up the mess."

"So you would be travelling again?"

"Most probably yes, this time along with Dev bhaiya."

She played with her rings then said.

"You know the northern provinces are very near to Navsarika."

His eyes got a naughty glint and his lips curled into a smile.

"What are you trying to imply wife?"

"You can visit." She winked at him.

He grabbed her waist bringing her close. Their bodies touching.

"Or maybe kidnap you and carry you off to that hunting lodge."

"Why would you need to abduct me? I am your wife."

"Just for the fun." He laughed.

"I wanted to do so many things, which I couldn't."

She was blushing crimson now but there was also a tinge of sadness. She would not be seeing him for more than a month.

"Shiv I will miss you."

"I will miss you too dear. Please take very good care of yourself." He replied hugging her.

******

The journey from Badami to Navsarika was of 2 days. With a battalion of guards and servants from both places accompanying them, Chitra and Poonam, both had a comfortable journey.

There was unusual satisfaction of homecoming when Chitra saw the city gates of Navsarika. It had been ages! Though her palace and kingdom were much smaller than Shivaditaya's. It was her home.

Raja Kiritveer looked eagerly for the arrival of his daughter. He had to make sure that she was happy. He tapped his finger impatiently on the armrest of his throne.

"Your Majesty! Maharaj Vikram has increased the taxes again." His advisor Maansing said.

"What? It's barely a month since the last increment. How can he do that?"

Maansing's brows furrowed in worry.

"Your Majesty ever since Maharaj Vallabhdev has died Maharaj Vikram has reduced the enforcement for the border which makes us vulnerable to attacks from the warrior tribes furthermore he seems a bit hostile."

"What do you mean Mansingh?"

"As a Vassal state we pledge diligence to the empires in return they provide us protection, army, and trade support. Earlier our requests used to get granted fast but now I barely get any response from Patan."

"Perhaps it's because he is still learning and new to all this. We should be patient Mansingh."

Kirtiveer said.

"As you command your majesty," Maansing replied.

"Let's get ready to welcome Chitrangada." Kirtiveer smiled.

Mansingh has another thought which he has not yet proposed to Kirtiveer. Change allegiance to Chalukyas instead of Gurjar- Pratihar but he needed time for that.

Kalavati hugged Chitra. She was so overwhelmed that she burst into tears.

After the traditional welcome Chitra was ushered into her room by her mother.

Kalavati asked "How are you dear? Damadji keeps you happy? I have been so much worried about you? His family accepted you?"

Chitra said "mother! one thing at a time. Look at me dont I look happy?"

She beamed at Kalavati.

Kalavati said "You are glowing. Are you? Is there good news? Oh no! why did you travel in such condition..."

Chitra blushed and looked horrified. Don't know why everyone was obsessed with her pregnancy.

"No! I am not expecting! At least not yet."

"How do you know? You dont know anything. I will call the midwife today. She can check and confirm..."

"Mother stop! I am not pregnant, and please cool down. I have come all the way to meet you and all you care about is my pregnancy."

Kalavati calmed down and said, " Ok so tell me how are things?"

"I am very happy with his highness. His family is also very nice. Our marriage happened in unusual situations but Shiv loves me a lot and he takes care of my every need." She smiled after saying this.

Kalavati sighed with relief "But why did you refuse getting married to him? I thought I had to compromise my daughter's happiness for our honour."

Chitra looked guilty her parents were still unaware of feelings for Shiv since before their wedding.

She explained everything to her mother in brief leaving aside certain details.

"All this while I thought you loved Vikram and were unhappily married in the Chalukya Empire."

"Didnt you get my letters? I never said that I was unhappy."

"Yeah but now that I heard it from you I am relieved."

Chitra was relieved, at least her mother had stopped hammering her regarding her pregnancy!

Poonam had gone to stay with her parents at her home. Now all Chitra had to do was wait for the wedding.

****

Patan -

"Princess Chitra has arrived in Navsarika, Your Majesty." The spy informed his master.

"Good " replied Vikram while twirling the wine glass in his hand.

"Prince Shivaditya has left Badami as well. He is moving towards the northern provinces." The second spy informed.

"This is unexpected. It may complicate things." Vikram said.

"Yes, but we have the advantage of timing. By the time they realize our plans. Navsarika would have already been captured." His general informed.

"It will lead to war, your majesty."Spy 2 said.

" War is inevitable. The question is how much humiliation can I cause to Shivaditya." Vikram smirked and emptied his wine glass in one go.

To be continued...