Chitrangada had just arrived from the Queen's palace unaware of the incident. She got shocked of her life when Poonam arrived panting.

"Your highness you have to save him. Please dont let him get punished."

Chitra looked at her surprised "What happened?"

"They have arrested Prince Devburman for attacking his highness, but I know it's a misunderstanding. Please save him." Poonam pleaded.

"Attacked High Highness! Where is he? Is he fine?" Chitra's face turned white.

"He is at the infirmary, your highness. But please listen to me...

Chitra didn't listen further she ran towards the infirmary. Poonam looked at her morosely not knowing what to do.

Shivaditya was getting bandaged on his cuts when an anxious Chitra arrived.

"Your Highness! Are you ok? Oh, your nose is bleeding." She had tears in her eyes.

"I am fine Chitra dont worry." He said quietly and looked down.

The healer applied the herbal paste on his arm while Chitra observed his bruised face. He had the same expression when they had quarrelled over Mrignayani.

"Can we get privacy for a moment please?" She asked the healer.

He bowed and said, " Of course your highness" and left room.

She placed her hand on her shoulders and caressed it.

"It's my fault Chitra, She died because of me." He rested his head on her shoulders and closed his eyes. She wrapped her arm around him.

"It's not your fault Shiv. Why were you fighting?"

"Dev Bhaiya knows that I killed Mrignayani and he was furious. I reacted and this is how it ended up."

"Shhh, dont worry everything will be alright." She gently rocked him to calm him.

When Chitra arrived back in her quarters Poonam was waiting for her.

"Your Highness please listen to me" She pleaded.

"I know what you want but I can't do anything Maharaj ordered his arrest. He is already suspected of treason....."

"He is not a traitor!" Poonam said so loudly that even Chitra was surprised.

"He saved his highness's life!" Poonam continued.

"What! How?" Chitra asked.

"His men have been following and guarding his highness. They foiled several assassination attempts."

"How do you know all this? Why do you want to save him ?"

"Its because I love him," Poonam replied quietly.

Chitra stared at her as if she had seen a ghost.

"When did this happen?"

"Your highness, you can punish me for my insolence if you want but please hear me out first," Poonam said.

Chitra nodded.

**********

Shivaditya was standing in front of King Bhojraj in his office. He was sitting on his table chair surrounded by parchments. He had been summoned straight from the infirmary.

"How are you now?" Bhojraj asked.

"I am fine, the cuts were not deep," Shivaditya replied.

"I knew that Dev is a trouble maker. I was glad when he had disappeared for several years. All this mess started because of him."

Shiv was pondering over what had transpired that day. He said, "father I think you have been too harsh on him. He should not have been arrested."

"Nonsense! He attacked the crown prince. I am sure he was colluding with his father as well."

"There is no proof father," Shiv said.

"Are you questioning my judgment?"

Shiv paused for a moment "No".

"Good, then he will be executed as a traitor."

"It's all my fault father. I should not have married Mrignayani."

"That was my decision and you had to abide by it. Anyway, I have something important to discuss with you. I have got a wedding proposal for Kamakshi from the Empire of Gurjar-Pratihar."

Shivaditya looked surprised "why are they interested in Kamakshi?"

"Well they want peace and so do I, marrying Kamakshi with Prince Vikram seems like a good idea to me."

"I don't know much about Prince Vikram but we didn't end up on good terms with them because of Chitra's wedding with me."

"I know, seems like a good time to rectify it. They would be visiting as a state guest next month for the annual fair."

Shiv nodded. He was still thinking about Devburman's outburst.

"Second proposal is from the Pala kingdom for you!"

"What? Me? Father, I am already married." Shiv said aghast.

"So? I had 2 other wives besides your mother. You can have many wives. A man should have as many wives as possible."

"Father I can't do that," Shiv said.

"What do you mean you can't? Pala is a very important kingdom of the east. An alliance with them would be beneficial to us." Bhojraj said.

"There are other ways to form alliances father. We can have a treaty with them based on our mutual interests and benefits."

"Are you defying me?"

"No father I am just keeping my promise. I promised Chitrangada I won't take another wife!"

"That's preposterous! Who does that?"

"Lord Ram did, all his brothers did. I can't marry anyone else. I am sorry."

Bhojraj looked thoughtful "What if she fails to produce an heir? Won't that be unfair to the empire?"

"It's too early for that father. I will think about it when the situation occurs." Shiv replied.

"Very well.Looks like you are not going to change your mind. She won't remain beautiful and young forever! Will see how long your resolve lasts." He chuckled.

Shiva didn't reply. He knew Bhojraj would never understand his views.

"That is all you can leave now, " Bhojraj wasn't happy about Shivaditya's defiance either. He had never gone against him before.

Shivaditya reached his quarters tired and sore. He was in emotional turmoil. Devburman was 5 years older than him, he had doted on him throughout his life. Even after Shivaditya was made the crown prince it didn't affect their mutual love until Mrignayani happened.

Chitra saw him arrive in their palace. She was waiting for him along with Poonam. She was still reeling from the revelation of Poonam. If anyone could save Devburman it was Shivaditya.

"Your highness! " she stood up.

He looked at both of them and collapsed on the chair. Chitra and Poonam looked at each other unsure how to raise the topic about Devburman.

Shivaditya noticed their glances and asked.

"You want to say something?"

Chitra sat beside him and said, "there is something you must know."

She looked at Poonam and nodded.

Poonam who was shaking nervously said.

"Your Highness! Prince Devburman is not a traitor. Those men who saved your life in the camp were his people."

Shivaditya looked at her alarmed.

"How do you know I was attacked at the camp?"

Poonam said " Prince Devburman told me. He is not a bad person your highness. He has always been protecting you."

"Explain." He commanded.

To be continued...