' Your mother isn't dead Marcus. "

Marcus never knew that a sentence, a mere sentence could make one's heart drop in stomach with a thud. His head was spinning like a merry go round and he held on the arm of the wooden chair for steadiness. He could feel coldness dominating his veins and the heaviness he felt while uttering next word, ' huh ' was inexplicable.

Instead of replying to his 'huh' she immersed her concentrated orbs in his. The pause which followed was oh so dramatic! Marcus's heartbeats were dropping down by each and every passing second .

" I mean she's always with you in your journey as a blessing whether you become the king OR not. She'll support you whatever you do."

Marcus was expecting worse to come, therefore, it took few minutes to understand what Ritha actually meant.

"Huh...umm.. Yes, yes, true, your highness. " his mind was too numb to acknowledge what he was speaking.

These lines should have provided him relief but they didn't. He could sense an edge of obscure warning in her tone that set his pulse on high sensuality. Her eyes were gazing at him in such a strange, to be more accurate, mysterious manner, that he could feel that she knew something.

' or is it just in my head? '

The duality of situation was taking a toll over his logical part. He didn't know what to think or make out of it. She had successfully manipulated him through her words and now, he couldn't ask an explanation of it. The only wise thing which his brain could come up with was to stare at Justus. His palm was still sweating but he did his best to hide it. He secretly glanced at Ritha who had her eyes closed while her head was supported by wooden headrest.

Though her eyes were closed, she could feel Marcus's eyes on her. She didn't want to make Marcus more uncomfortable but it would be a lie to say that she didn't enjoy it. Once again, she spoke something which again raised his heartbeats.

" You know Prince Marcus, the only difference between us and the Eagles is of ethics. Given that if they are from our enemy kingdom. In the end, it's about Rome but if someone is doing it by cheating, they're cheating on their own people who take pride in belonging to that particular kingdom."

If he thought that being asked about his mother was the most strenuous thing, he was definitely wrong because the word, ' Eagles ' had already set his body on fire.

' is she doubting me or is it a normal conversation ? '

His mind was playing so many scenarios that everything was messed up but he had to come up with something.

" Why are you telling me this your highness? Yo..u should rest. "

Chuckling a bit in the response, Ritha spoke, " I'm talking to you in order to distract myself from the pain. You should lose down a bit."

Her last line made it clear that she had felt tension radiating from his body. He slumped his shoulders down and pretended to relax. He wanted to scream and crawl the truth out of her which made her ask this but he couldn't.

Feeling helpless, he cursed Aquila for putting him in such a situation. He knew that this matter was nothing to sneeze at and before he could proceed with his thoughts, a knock on the door was heard.

( nothing to sneeze at - not to be taken lightly lightly)

"Damn it! " Marcus cursed lowly while whipping his neck towards the door.

" Easy there brother! You've taken the task to protect my wife very seriously. "

Never in his life had Marcus found his brother's voice so soothing and relaxing. This was what he needed, a distraction.

He looked back at Ritha whose face lit with happiness. Just few minutes back, she had dangerous look which scared the living light out of him but now, it was blossoming with happiness.

Augustus went towards Rithambara and asked about her pain. She scooted away to make space for him to sit. Meanwhile, Marcus stood up, " Now that you're here brother I would take my leave."

His legs wobbled a bit with all the stress but he steadied himself. Feeling some commotion behind, Augustus looked back to find his brother stumbling a bit. Frowning at it, he asked in worrisome tone, " you alright Marcus? "

" Yes brother. " he smiled tightly to assure Augustus and was fast enough to leave from there.

Though Augustus could witness the tense look on his brother's face, he didn't inquire about it because Ritha's health was talk of the moment. Smiling at her, he put his hands around her shoulders and maintained a good distance from her waist. Submerging his nose in the crook of her neck, he found his solace. He knew that upcoming days were going to be very hectic and he won't get such a blissful moment. He smiled against her skin when he found Justus sleeping peacefully on the bed.

' This poor boy was crying a lot yesterday.'

Marcus threw a look back while crossing the threshold but to his horror, Rithambara slowly raised her head over Augustus's shoulders in a way that only her eyes were visible to him.

When her eyes collided with his, she raised one eyebrow in a challanging manner. Raising her head futher, she smirked slyly putting final nails in Marcus's head about his suspicions.

' she definitely knows something. '

When Marcus went away, Ritha withdrew herself from Augustus's frame and smiled warmly at him.

" What was the matter, your highness ? " asked Ritha.

Smiling at Ritha's question, Augustus played with Ritha's hair which was tied in a lose bun. He didn't want her to tense because of the war of news, therefore, he tried to change the topic, " I've tied your hair beautifullly and this blue colour gown suits you."

Smiling hard at him, she spoke, " is it the blue colour which is making me more beautiful or is it because you have chosen this ? "

" Whatever you make out of it, my queen. " replied Augustus while bowing down a bit dramatically.

Their couple banter was interrupted by the medicus's voice who had come to change Ritha's old dressing with new moistened bandages. Nodding at her, Augustus scooped sleeping Justus in his arms which resulted him waking up in the process. Rubbing his eyes with his small fists, he smiled at his father and hugged him.

Suddenly, he remembered about his mother and turned around and protruded his hands out towards her asking her to carry him.

A look of guilty flashed on Ritha's face for not being able to carry Justus which was seen by Augustus. Smiling at her, he managed to convince Justus to come out with him to have some father - son time.

Meanwhile , the medicus again repeated her procedure and gave her medical herbs to heal her wounds.

While Augustus was strolling with Justus, he was approached by Cato who looked worn out. He bowed down and asked about Ritha's health, " Your Majesty, I hope highness Ritha is fine. "

Augustus was glad seeing his fatherly love for Ritha as he genuinely cared for her. " She's doing good, Cato. I hope you're adjusting here well. I apologize for not having a conversation earlier since, I was busy with revenue collections and other errands. "

His eyes slackened hearing Augustus apologize, " No, your highness! Please don't apologize. I'm perfectly fine here. "

There conversation was interrupted by Justus's squeal. Looking happily at his jolly son, Augutsus took his leave as he had to inform the soldiers.

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Though Aurelius had already briefed all the soldiers about the upcoming war, Augustus himself went to ripple their confidence.

Marching towards his legions, he stood up on the raised platform and spoke, " Each one of you are my comrade in this war. Remember, everybody's rank is different but importance is equal. Agree to your senior's orders but never think that your worth is less. Am I clear? "

"Yes Prince " it was the unanimous response of soldiers .

" And senior ranked generals should maintain the decorum. We will not follow the traditional phalanx."

As soon as these words slipped from his mouth, whispers ran through the crowd of soldiers which was hushed by Augustus's raised palm.

He explained each and every tactic to them and specified the role of cavaliers ( soldiers who fight on horse back) , pedestrian soldiers , to the kingdoms they were going to fight with.

After making each and every point crystal clear, he shouted enthusiastically, " It's a fight for Rome and we shall conquer it. "

A proud smile graced his lips when his comrades shouted with triple the zeal, " It's a fight for Rome and we shall conquer it. "