Aqua blue eyes shone with mirth at her father's intelligent move of removing opponent's queen in chess. Light breeze was sweeping her brunette hair in irregular pattern. A hearty, victorious giggle filled in the surrounding space and soft, yet, delighted voice chirped in, " Father! We will win. "

Augustus removed his eyes from chess and looked at his replica and laughed along with her. His heart swelled with happiness looking at his daughter, Eirene whose smile was charming enough to make morning birds sing. This six summers old young lady owned every inch of his heart.

Just like her name, her persona radiated peace. He spoke with same enthusiasm as his daughter's, " Yes, Eirene. Seems so. "

Princess Eirene giggled and clapped her hands which was interrupted by her mother's voice, " Daughter, we shouldn't celebrate early. Seems like your father's king is out, summoning our win. "

Young lady's chirpiness was soon diminshed away, being replaced by an unpleasant shock. Her mouth opened ajar seeing her father's white king out of the game. With scrunched up nose, she looked at Augustus who himself was trying to estimate what had happened.

It was now Ritha's turn to give a hearty laughter at shocked looks father and daughter. She turned towards her adorable baby and spoke, " You know Eirene, it won't hurt you to be on my side. I've a better winning experience against your father. "

Princess just shrugged her shoulders and spoke in a nonchalant voice, " Mother, I love being on Father's side. "

Augustus who was frowning due to losing the game, beamed at her daughter's answer and pecked her tiny hands which in return, gained him with another warm laughter.

Gasping at Eirene's response, Rithambara pretended to be hurt, "Oh, I get it. You don't love me. "

Her eyes went wide at the accusation put on her by Rithambara and she shrieked, " No Mother! I love you! Father isn't often with me, that's why I want to be on his side. "

" Oh! Is that so? I thought you love me more and that's why you were supporting me in the game of chess? " Augustus asked with a raised eyebrow.

Eirene was into dilemma regarding what should she reply next and her forehead creased with tension. Meanwhile, Augustus and Rithambara were trying their best to suppress laughter looking at her.

Suddenly, a young boy's voice echoed, " well Eirene, you can be on Father's side and I, on mother's. "

" Brother Justus ! " she ran towards him and bowed down a bit, offering respect to him. In return, he patted her head lightly and she raised her head and beamed. Holding her tiny hands, he went towards their parents and bowed. He was watching his father after a long time of two months as he was away for some trade work and was surprised to see him playing chess with her mother.

Augustus was quick enough to embrace Justus, his eldest son, in a warm hug. No words were exchanged between them but could feel warmth through the hug. He was proud of his son who was just eleven, but was a responsible brother, son and most importantly, a humble young boy.

Rithambara smiled at such a beautiful and a heart touching sight. She didn't want to have any children of her own as she thought that Justus wouldn't get her love but Augustus was persuasive and she was happy after seeing lovely bond between her family.

" when did you come father and playing chess so early in the morning? " Justus shot a question.

Augustus chuckled before answering, " Well, your mother was teaching Eirene about the game and I, happened to come at that very moment so, sat down for a game. "

" Ah! I see. " After that, he turned towards Rithambara to touch down her feet. " Ma, Where's is Abhimanyu ? "

A smile broke on her lips thinking about her three years old son, Abhimanyu, the youngest and most notorious one. " He was still sleeping..."

She was interrupted by a knock and a maid rushed in, " My apologies Queen but Prince Abhi is out of bed and is dragging your sword. We tried to stop him but he's running. "

Rithambara's heartbeat rippled as she was concerned about Abhimanyu's safety. This boy definitely knew how to keep her on toes She huffed and spoke angrily , " Abhimanyu! "

She ran outside and so did Justus and Augutsus along with Eirene.