SNOW HUNTER-FF Chapter 7/2

Chapter 7 (part #2)

As the company of soldiers dragged him through the forest, at first, Arnav was washed over by the memories of his hike with Khushi. Their nighttogether and the passionate kiss by the waterfall, it all came back to him, refreshing the deep wound in his heart. The company didn't make use of the wooden tree bridge to cross the stream. Instead, they detoured and took the long three day route to the palace. But, after a few hours of being dragged, Arnav was bone-tired and barely conscious. Soon, he fell to the ground in exhaustion, so they made him ride behind one of the soldiers and rode faster to cover the maximum distance in the shortest span.

HER

Khushi was exhausted from crying, but the pain remained, unrelenting, refusing stubbornly to ease out. She clenched her fists around the reins more tightly but her breathing was still hitched and her grieving heart was still a burden.

By nightfall, as the city lights came into view, Khushi felt blinded by the brightness in the streets. The hurt and loneliness she felt were in stark contrast to the lively decorated streets of the West City but were strangely reflected in the faces of the townsfolk. From brightly lit kiosks and shops, in the city center, to the dancing fountain, everywhere she looked, she saw glum faces and a disturbing stillness. People moved as though they were wound up toys that had designated jobs and worked at them with bowed heads, their faces expressing neither emotion nor reaction, only submission. Attributing it to her own suffering, she didn't think much of the seemingly strange behavior of the people.

Soon they were at the castle drawbridge and once it was lowered, Khushi had a clear view of the majestic palaces it housed. The red brick walls and pink sandstones that made the palace were lit up by tall lamp posts all around and gave it the appearance of a sparkling ruby with imposing turrets and towers and long casement windows. The grounds, lit up by more lampposts, looked immaculate with neat rows of pansies and poppies lining the garden edges and carved wooden benches under the trees looked welcoming and comfortable even in the crisp night air.

Khushi dismounted and entered the palace, next to Prince Shyam and his attendants quickly assisted him by taking hold of his sword and riding jacket. Then, he turned to Khushi.

"The housemaids will see to it that you have all manner of comfort, Princess. Please feel at home and do let me know in case you require anything. I will see you at dinner." Spoke Shyam, congenially.

"If you will excuse me, your highness. I would prefer to eat in my room tonight as the journey has made me weary." Khushi requested humbly.

"Of course, Princess," replied Shyam, after a short disappointed pause. "In that case, I wish you a pleasant night. Sleep well."

"Thank you." She said, bowing and followed the maids, who took her up two staircases and showed her to her room. A bath was prepared for her and she was given fresh change of clothes that were a little big for her petite figure but comfortable, nevertheless. As she sat down to eat after her warm bath, her thoughts went back to Arnav and what he must be going through. There was hardly any food with him and he had none of the luxuries that she did. Instantly, she lost her appetite and as the pain stirred inside her, she took a swig of water and went to lie down on the soft bed that had been made for her.

Over an hour later, she still couldn't sleep. The sense of being alone in a strange land with people she hardly knew and didn't know if she could trust, left her agitated and nervous and she longed for the tattered blanket in the woods and the arms that had held her protectively as she had slept peacefully.

HIM

The soldiers had ridden through the night and Arnav hadn't had a wink of sleep. At dawn, they had entered the Palace grounds and he had been left tied by the stables. Drained by walk and the ride all night, Arnav fell to the ground and sleep took over.

He was jerked awake by two soldiers and when he blinked he realized it was almost noon.

"The Queen is ready to see you."

"I bet she is!" drolled Arnav.

One of them kicked him hard for his insolence and roughly brought him to his feet. His hands were still tied together at the wrists and the ropes had bruised his skin crimson. His muscles still ached from the harsh journey back and he wondered what more the queen had in store for him. He had helped the princess escape instead of killing her. The Queen had every right to be furious. So, what will her punishment be? He mused, as they entered the Queen's court. Prison or death?

"Well, well, well! Look who's finally made it here. Mr. Romeo himself!" the Queen mocked in a loud drawl, getting up from her silver throne. She looked regal and beautiful in a salmon colored silk dress gown and pearls. Her skin was pale and flawless, with hardly any lines betraying her age. She looked like a gorgeous woman of thirty, with a body to show for it. Arnav couldn't help admire her awe-inspiring personality as she walked up to him with a sardonic smile on her face.

"But Romeo left his beloved Juliet behind. What a shame!" she said, with an exaggerated pout. Arnav stared at her, perplexed, trying to catch her drift.

"Why do you look so amazed, hunter? Isn't it true that you fell so hard for Khushi, that you ended up saving her instead of killing her?" she asked, pointedly. "Huh! No surprise there! She's always been good at making fools of men. She always gets her way. I should have known better. When she didn't spare her own sister, why would she care if she broke your heart for her gain?"

All parts of the FF are available on my blog-

www.alldromance.wordpress.com