Masked men

Suddenly he burst out laughing, "jokes should not be taken seriously". Everyone sighed in relief, especially the queen. They ordered for more dishes to fill up everyone's table with all the most signature dishes from Malani, from meat and seafood to various light tasting vegetable dishes and a beautifully crafted wine cup which the servants filled with a sweet and mellow tasting wine, finally, at last desserts was served. While everyone was busy toasting to each other and eating, Han Jinan stole a few glances at Jiu. She filled her mouth entirely with food, unlike other females from noble families who would take small bites. Without a doubt she was very cute with her actions without even pretending. This kind of woman who showed her real self is more interesting. He is more and more drawn towards her. The king glanced at Han Jinan, hoping that the dishes were upto his liking. No one would even want to offend this man. However, what his eyes caught was the Emperor looking at his daughter with adoration in his eyes which without a doubt was the adoration a man had for a woman while leisurely sipping the wine from the cup. What if he asks for his daughter's hand before he departs?

After finishing the meal one by one everyone was preparing to leave but no one dared to stand before the highly esteemed guest did. "Your Majesty, hope you liked the meal, these were the special recipies of authentic to Malani and few recipies of our royal cook", "The meal was very much upto my liking, more than that was such a warm and familiar feeling that I almost didn't feel I am a guest here, but a member of the family instead", "I am glad, Your Majesty liked it" "Your Majesty, a room has been prepared here for your stay in the Western quarters, If there is any need for anything to prepare for you the servants will be in the side room." Han Jinan very well knew what was the king planning. He always sent his secret guards to collect information about the palace just like everytime he visits different places. Which he should as many people are eyeing his throne. The princess lived in the Eastern quarters. He simply wanted to distance him from his daughter. However, he was in no rush. The darling would be with the hero at the end of the story anyways. It is good to know that the king wasn't simply throwing suitors near his daughter's door. It gives him relief. He stood up from his seat ready to leave for his room.

Suddenly, an arrow passed through him. Luckily he was looking front so he could avoid the arrow. The two warrior guards quickly became alert ready to pull out their sword at anytime. The ones present in the hall started to panic, especially the women. The tip of the arrow was dark which only means it was poisoned. Lately, most of the states under the subcontinent accepted his rule. But many states did not, especially the larger ones. They even hated states like Malani and Pahal for surrendering to Han Jinan. There were also other rulers from nearly the subcontinent who constantly eyed his position, waiting for any opportunity to dethrone him. Hence, this was not something that he didn't expect. But this was the state of Malani, the royal palace, there were guards tonight from Malani and Han Jinan's soldiers. How dare they attack him so openly? Han Jinan took out the arrow from the pillar and threw it towards the ceiling where paintings and beautiful long curtains were used to decorate the hall. Before the arrow could pierce through the curtains, a black shadow flashed and sliced the arrow into two halves and landed on the floor. Within a matter of few seconds nine black clothed men landed on the floor who were previously hidded in different spots near the ceiling. They signalled each other and began targetting the king and Han Jinan. Immediately, the two princes along with the king drew their sword to fight. Few of them began advancing towards Han Jinan. The two warrior guards immediately came forward to fight. There was sounds of swords clanging in the hall. Two of those men slipped out and advaced to attack Han Jinan. One of them was kicked out of the arena by Han Jinan with a heavy blow. However, their intention didn't seem to be killing him. Any small opportunity to try to attack the vital parts they didn't take it. It seemed here they were here to test his skills. Very well then. "Han Jinan, you are lucky that you could avoid this arrow, but don't you think that you will be able to sit on that throne for long. You and your watchdog Malani's king are an enemy of the great Nilam. Be ready." With that he signalled all other masked men and they retreated. There was an awkward silence filling the room.