Chapter-117

The night is long and grand. As the feast continued, envoys from almost every kingdom in the Mekong continent arrived with gifts for the newlywed couple. The hall was filled with praises for the princess. Dancers moved with the drums and lighted the hall. They tossed wine and celebrated the victory. They danced around the guest and one passed a note to Ashok in the midst.

"maid of Mekala sneaked into the commander's room and cobras removed the danger placed by her according to your order."

Ashok disposed of the note; " Sorry Devi; even if you say you want to know the results, we can't just watch you getting hurt." As he was thinking about the next move, Mahesh entered the hall and greeted them. Upon his sight, Ashok fumed in anger, He facilitated "If your daughter doesn't know her limits let me assure you, she will have a short life."

The dance was followed by the royal orchestra. A guard approached Yuvan. Ashok identified him; he is loyal to Yuvan. Something was fishy with his sudden appearance. By the time Ashok approached them, the guard had left the hall.

"Yuvan??"

"Mekala's maid went to her chambers, but our soldiers found nothing suspicious. I have a bad feeling.."

"It's fine. Maybe a wrong alarm." Ashok was relieved as the suspicions were removed by cobras beforehand." Ashok stood near Amanya,

"What happened?"

"Mekala tried to create trouble."

Amanya rolled her eyes and thought for a while, "She has more up her sleeves."

"Just her!!" Ashok smirked at her comments.

"Underestimating your enemy is the first step towards failure, Ashok. "

"No Devi, it is not about underestimating her but having faith in.." His words were stopped by a sudden mess in the hall.

"Majesty... please help..." Mekala rushed in crying. All were taken back by her chance entry.

"What happened Mekala??" Mahesh strolled towards her in anxiety.

"Father... I .. lost the fazan (hairpin) gifted by the late empress. I.. I... " She started weeping dyspneic.

"Don't cry dear; guards.. search and get the pin back." Mekala was always dear to the king. He ordered for her smile. But it dropped the smile from Yuvan and others' faces. The man who leads the guards to search is the sub-general of Mahesh.

"So fazan was the thing she thought of trapping you. Sad!!" Ashok nodded his head with sarcasm.

"Ashok, if Mahesh is involved in the scheme then things won't be that simple. He will have a backup plan."

"Lord??" That brought a small crack in Ashok's confidence.

"Devi, am I being overconfident?"

"Whatever it is; let's wait."