Poonam arrived back in her chamber still shaking with anger. Social climber? That's what she called her.

Devburman arrived relatively late at night. The political affairs had kept him busy. This was ideally their wedding night.

He found Poonam looking out from a balcony attached to their bedroom.

He smiled and hugged her from behind.

She was startled but the familiar musky scent assured her of his presence.

"Your highness you are late," She said.

"I am a sorry princess. This kingdom is in a complete mess! Vikram had more concubines than army generals! How was your day ?"

He asked turning her around to face him.

"I... I had a busy day too" she looked down.

He placed his hand under her forcing her to look up.

"You look upset. What happened?"

She took a deep breath then said.

"Do you think I am a social climber?"

He chuckled.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I mean someone who tries to trap and marry above her status."

He laughed.

"Are you implying that you trapped me?"

She looked anxious.

"No your highness."

"This is the kind of trap I would love to get entangled with." He bent and placed a kiss on her lips.

"Your highness I am not that sort of a girl." She was still upset.

"I know. Dont pay attention to the gossip of palace maids. I love you. Nothing else matters."

"But your highness I am not educated in administration, or other skills which a royal lady should possess. I don't know how can I be of any help."

"You have a brilliant mind Poonam. You can learn anything. I will arrange for tutors who will teach you everything and I will help you at every step. No one is a born royal. They learn it."

She smiled. He had always been good to her.

He hugged her and she placed her head on his chest listening to his heartbeat. They ended up on the bed, finally becoming one.

*******

1 month had passed and Navsarika was almost back to its glory. The provinces had accepted the sovereignty of the Chalukyas. No one wanted to fight with a mighty empire.

Shiv and Chitra had gone on a hunting trip. The forest was much safer now as they had flushed out most of the rebels.

"I have finally decided what to do with the empire?"

Shiv said as they relaxed near a stream. She was lying with her head in his lap.

"What are you planning?" She asked while playing with a blade of grass.

"Bhaiya will be crowned the king of Gurjar-Pratihaar. I mean the previous Gurjar-Pratihaar empire. Now it will be known as the Western Chalukya empire."

Chitrangada sat up.

"This is incredible Shiv! That way it would be easier to manage the empire."

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yes, my dear. Bhaiya will be the king of the western empire while I will rule from Badami. He deserves to be the king."

Suddenly Chitra felt dizzy and held her head.

"Are you ok love?" Shiv asked looking concerned.

"I am fine, but have been feeling dizzy lately."

"You should have told me I would not have planned a hunting trip. Let us return now. Will get you checked by the healer." He got up pulling her along with him.

"It's nothing Shiv, I am fine."

Despite her protests, he forced her to ride with him lest she had a dizzying spell and fell off the horse. To her embarrassment, he carried her inside the palace. While giving orders to send for the healer.

Chitrangada was lying in bed while her maids and the healer fussed over her.

Shiv looked at him expectantly as he checked her pulse

"Well your highness there is nothing to worry, the princess is with a child."

Chitra blushed. Shiv was ecstatic.

"I am going to be a father?"

"Yes, your highness. She seems to be 6 weeks pregnant."

Shiv grinned at Chitra and squeezed her hand. He wanted to do more not in the presence of so many people. He didn't stop smiling all day.

After a celebration to honour Chitra's pregnancy Shivaditya and she returned to Badami. He had been away for a long time and his country needed his attention.

Queen Vijaya and Kamakshi pampered Chitra to the hilt and there was another round of celebrations.

***********

Shivaditya was standing in front of King Bhojraja in his chamber. He was not keeping well and had not been attending court frequently.

"I am delighted that you managed to capture the entire Gurjar-Pratihar. They were originally part of our kingdom until they broke away some 100 years ago." Bhojraja said with pride in his eyes.

"I know father however ruling such a huge kingdom would be difficult so I have a proposal."

"Sure go ahead," Bhojraj said.

"Coronate Prince Devburman as the king of Western Chalukyas. He is doing a wonderful job. The provinces accepted our reign without any problem."

"Dev has always been a good diplomat. And what will you do?"

"I will continue ruling from Badami. We'll jointly rule the empire."

Bhojraj didn't reply but he didn't look very happy.

"Let me think about it and discuss it with my advisors. Btw congratulations on finally getting an heir. Hope you have a brave, powerful son to carry on our legacy." Bhojraj said.

Shivaditya bowed.

"Thank your father."

*******

"How are you feeling?" Shiv asked her as Chitra tried to reach for a jug of water.

"I am fine Shiv you don't need to ask me again and again." She laughed taking the water which he passed on to her.

He propped himself on his elbow near her feet and gazed at her.

"Are you craving something? I have heard pregnant women crave a certain food." He said rubbing his chin.

"No Shiv I don't want anything and please stop hovering around me. You don't have any work?"

"No!"

He caught her feet and started rubbing. She almost squealed.

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to comfort you." He grinned.

"Shiv I am perfectly fine. You just attend to your duties."

"You are my duty" he replied.

She laughed.

"What did father say about your proposal regarding the kingdom?" She asked changing the topic.

"He said he'll think about it. Why are you running away from me?" He said trying to catch her as she shifted away from his hold laughing.

A muffled voice called through the thick wood.

"Your highness, I bear an urgent message."

Shiv let out a roar of frustration and got to his feet, strode over to the door and wrenched it open.

"WHAT?!" He demanded of the messenger.

Chitra could not hear what was being said, but she saw Shiv's angry posture change suddenly, his grip on the door handle tighten, his knuckles turning white. "Take me to him," she heard him order before he left the room without a backward glance in her direction.

It was later in the evening when Shiv finally returned to their room.

Chitra stirred sleepily and looked up at Shiv's face, taking in his pale complexion.

"What is the matter?" she asked slowly, noting that his eyes were somewhat bloodshot.

Shiv leaned forwards, placed his elbows on his knees, and cradled his head in his hands.

"What's wrong?" she asked of his broad back, sitting up slightly.

"My father is dead," he said in a shuddering gasp.

She could sense that he was battling to keep his emotions under control.

Her hand flew to her mouth.

"Oh my God! I am so sorry Shiv."

She hugged him tightly while he cr.d in her arms.

To be continued...