Depressed

Abhi felt depressed after knowing the sudden truth about his birth. He wanted to spend some time alone. So he told the maids to look after his mother and went out for some fresh air.

His mind is blank. He doesn't even know where he is going and just let his horse take the lead.

Riding and riding, he reached the place where he first met Maira. Seeing around the place, soothingly brought a smile upon his lips. He patted the horse for he understood what his master needed.

Abhijith wants to be in his best friend's company but surely does not want to leave his mother. So he felt satisfied that at least this place gives him some peace. He got down from his horse, sat at the tree and began to think what his mother told him earlier.

In no time, his thoughts are disturbed by some familiar noises. He turns around and sees the soldiers moving something in the carts. He hides behind the tree and watches them secretly. His horse is away in the bushes having its food.

He sensed something being wrong, so he followed them. They headed towards the palace. He continued to follow them until they went behind the palace and entered a small room which he never knew existed there.

He wanted to enter the room but since it is guarded, he knows that he can't enter like this. So he changed the plan and came back in the evening wearing his rose kingdom badge. He wanted to use his authority to enter the room. The room is guarded by elite soldiers instead of normal guards.

Abhi's curiosity increased. He went to the room with his head held high and masking his curiosity.

"Open the door!" Abhi ordered sternly.

The soldiers bowed and politely replied, "Apologies Master, we are not allowed to send anyone without proper orders."

"What if I said I came here on the king's order?" Abhi asked by raising his brows.

As the room is situated at a corner and it is almost night, it is a bit dark. The soldiers were not able to see Abhi's face clearly. But after listening to his tone, they believed his words.

"But Master..."

Seeing their hesitation, Abhi said coldly, "It seems you want the king himself to come down here and explain to you? Ok fine let's meet at the court tomorrow. I'll make sure you'll pay for this."

Abhi warned and turned around to leave but a smile came upon his lips after listening to the soldier's words.

"No master. Please wait.. We're just doing our job. But since it's the king's orders, please let us escort you inside for your safety. Since it is dangerous, we can't allow you to go near it," a soldier insisted.

'Dangerous? What is happening here?' Abhi thought to himself and nodded his head in approval.

The soldiers opened the door and one of the soldiers followed him inside.

Abhi became so alert and started keenly observing each and every detail of the room. The room seemed to be small from outside but inside it has multiple large chambers. After taking a few turns they've reached an underground tunnel.

The soldiers opened the tunnel and led him inside the tunnel. The calm atmosphere he sensed outside is suddenly turned into something eerie. His hairs stood on his neck after listening to the noises. He wanted to ask the soldiers what it is but it will only spoil his act and put him in danger.

He followed them silently without asking anything. Once they reached a certain spot, the soldiers stopped in their tracks.

"We are allowed to bring you till here only master. We can't go any further," one of the soldiers politely explained the case.

Abhi nodded and examined the surroundings carefully. He stood on the railings and below him, there is a wide open area. He watched the soldiers taking large drums of food and placing it near a huge room. The room is very large and its entrance as well. It is a huge gate made of strong iron bars. It is like a prison cell but he couldn't imagine what they are sheltering there.

Abhi understood that they were feeding something. So he calmly asked, "Are you feeding it well? Is there any problem in supplying food ?"

The soldier who stood left to him said, "Yes Master. We are taking good care of it."

Abhi nodded in approval and continued watching. The soldiers arranged the food at the gate. They slowly dropped the food inside the cell by opening a small portion of the gate. Abhi thought that they might be feeding panthers or some other wild animals. At the same time he wondered how many panthers would need this much food.

The soldiers said that "it" is dangerous, so there must be only one animal. But is it an animal or some weird humongous creature?.

After placing food inside the cell, the soldiers rushed out from there. They locked the entire area and left the place. Abhi waited for some time but there was no sign of the creature.

Abhi wanted to wait for sometime but thinking it is not a wise idea to stay longer, he decided to come back later.

"It seems you are doing it well. Alright, let me know if you face any problems. I will be in the court so come and meet me if you need anything. I will inform the King about the situation here," Abhi said authoritatively.

Soldiers nodded their head in approval and bowed to him. Abhi started to leave the place.

"Cling..Cling..."

As he just turned around he listened to some sounds of metallic chains. He turned slowly hearing some heavy and steady breathing. Abhi's hair stood on his neck listening to it.

He held his breath and slowly turned towards that certain direction. Eventually, he is looking directly into the creature's huge eyes.

Abhi's eyes widened in shock and sweat beads formed on his forehead. He couldn't believe his own eyes. The soldiers didn't notice his reaction as they're standing behind him. Abhi tried to calm himself down as quickly as possible.

But even before that, it finished its food, gave a look at Abhi and left inside.