CHAPTER -1( returning to the country after winning the world but is it worth it?)

(Ancient romance)

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Battleships are sailing to the capital city to submit a report to the Imperial Palace about their glorious victory.They have conquested the north side of ocean and now the whole Northern ocean is under the Emperor's dominion.

On the terrace of the biggest leading ship, Evelina is standing and thinking about the dreadful war. So many innocent soldiers has died in the name of patriotism. Those soldiers didn't even know why they were protecting the oceanic territory and fighting against Evelina and her cavalry. She also doesn't know why she has done all these. Just to take the full authority over the ocean, she has to sacrifice her own people too. Everyone has faught risking their life. But no one understood what they gain or loose. All these battles weren't necessary. But being one of the most influential Generals, still Evelina was powerless. There's nothing in har control. All she knows is to take order and obey blindly. Everyone does the same. This is their way of showing loyalty to the royal blood.

The Emperor will praise her. Maybe he'll grant her with some more titles. Every one will respect her more. After all she was in charge of everything.

But it would be better if she could fight while protecting the country instead of invading other's enclaves. At least the she could enjoy the victory with a satisfaction. But it's okay whatever she has done as long as it's for her homeland.

"Commander!"the 2nd ranked General interrupted her thinking.

"Yeah, briefly give me a report of everything." Evelina turned back.

"We're about to enter the main sea area that is surrounding the capital city. To show appreciation,a Royal ship has joined with us a while ago. We're directly heading towards the nearest seaport of the Royal Palace. There will be thousands of horses and other carriags for us. Besides the 2nd and 3rd Minister will be there to welcome all the soldiers."he said .

"Wait....This area is in charge of General Samuel,right?" She asked with a smile.

"Yes, Commander. He's in charge of this whole capital oceanic territory."he replied.

"Oh, It's been a long time I met him last. I really want to meet him. Won't he come to greet us?."She eagerly asked capturing an unspoken hope in her eyes.

" He wanted to..... But I'm afraid it's not possible. He has gotten order to prepare for his up coming mission. So, he'll directly geet you on the day of royal fest." the 2nd General replied with a sad expression.

"Then take our ship separately to the base-ship region where Samuel is staying. I'll meet him personally." Evelina made a desperate approach.

"But Commander you know we can't do that. Their basecamp is in the middle of this sea area and it's at the opposite side. So we can't delay our journey. First we have to reach the capital, the Emperor is waiting for us."he stopped her.

"Okay, you can leave. I'll meet him later. I must specify my priorities..."she said with a frustration. Her desires is still fighting against her patience now... She doesn't know how long she has to wait to get him closer. Even her every breath is praying to have Samuel's scent...her soul is wanting his touch.... But all her boundless temptation has demised within a second after hearing that she can't see him now... Her suppressed emotions are turning impulsive day by day and the counting of these days seem endless.

She has to wait more...soon her heart will get what it wants....The day will come .... she'll surely meet him after she reaches to the capital...

Evelina's mood became sad. She again looked at the sea water. . Samuel and Evelina were childhood friend.They love each other since they were tenagers. They fought together in many battles. But after Samuel proposed her for marriage, they couldn't implement it into a marriage due to the beginning of war. They had to go in a separate way to carry out their duties.

Now everything has settled down. As Evelina has returned, this time they can at least perform the rituals of the marriage and give a completeness to their relationship.

All the ships reach on the seaport of the capital. The Ministers has come to greet Evelina along with the Royal guards. Evelina with other Generals rided on the horses and left for the royal palace after receiving the warm welcome.

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In the Imperial Palace

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"Congratulations on your Victory, my brave warrior."the Emperor greet Evelina.

Evelina got in her knees and bowed to the Emperor,

"Thanks a lot,my Lord. Congratulations to you too for being the Ruler of the whole ocean. I heard the General of southern ocean , has also brought us victory. Now the whole ocean is yours.Soon We'll conquer the whole world including grass lands or dry lands by the grace of almighty." Evelina gave a winning smile filled with confidence .

" I wish so, my dear." The Emperor's eyes reflected the aura of joy.

"Your wish is my command, my Lord." Evelina stood up.

"The General of southern ocean will arrive before the afternoon and join us in the celebration. I've already sent my representative to receive them." The Emperor exclaimed with excitement.

"Now, I'm announcing the beginning of the fest. All of you can celebrate the Victory of our great warriors who fought for our cavalry in the battle Field. Let the commoners enjoy the ceremony up to their heart content. We'll have a full 7 days celebration." the Emperor shouted looking at everyone standing on the court.

"All hail ,the Emperor!!"everyone responded to his announcement.

"Evelina, I would like you to meet with the 2nd Empress. She is awaiting for you in the Inner Palace. After all she's your only aunt. You can take rest after meeting her ."the Emperor ordered Evelina.

" The other Commanders , Generals and soldiers can take rest. All of you have a long journey. We'll meet in the evening celebration.....the court is adjurd..." The emperor said.

"As you wish, my Lord."Evelina left the main court and head towards the inner court to meet with the 2nd empress..

On her way she met with a Minister and adviced him to have a final observation on the tents that has been made for soldiers on the large field outside the Palace.

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Inside the Harem:

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The ist ranked Empress was waiting for Evelina to greet her.

Though the ist Empress isn't happy for Evelina as she gain this much power. But still unwillingly the Empress has to abide by the customs of the Royal Palace.

"Congratulations, my child. you've achieved another great victory at such a young age. I'm so happy for you. I prayed for you to prosper more in the future."

"Thanks, your Highness. So nice to meet you after a long time. And I'm not that young. I've grown up now. You can say ,I'm mature enough to handle all my responsibilities towards the Royal family. I will take my leave now of course with your permission."Evelina avoided the ist Empress somehow and left the place hurriedly, then she finally reached to the 2nd Empress's pavilion who is her aunt.

"Oh, my child. I'm so happy to heard of your Victory my Dear. At last my goal has completed all thanks to you ."the 2nd Empress hold Evelina as soon as she entered in the hall and gave her a light hug.

"You're flattering me, your highness. Everything I've achieved is for you and my little cousin."Evelina answered with a shy demeanor.

"You can address me as your aunt....Your father was my cousin brother,NOT LESS THAN MY BIOLOGICAL BROTHER...In this large empire, you are the only one from my clan. You can drop the formalities.. ....."Empress gently touched Evelina's face to show the affection.

"Oh my Empress. I don't dare to do that..... I consider myself as you servant... Today whoever I've become, all credit goes to you....I can't address you informally. You're my goddess ."Evelina sneared kneeling down.

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"Don't say like this, my dear. You should understand your value in my life . However, you must be tired by the journey. Go and take some Rest. I've arranged your residence within my safe zone. But still keep you eyes open and awake. I will see you on the evening ceremony. ..... Oh I forgot, I've prepare some beautiful dresses for you and hope that you won't wear this manly clothes on the celebration evening."Empress ordered in a dominaring tone so that Evelina couldn't refuse her.

"As you wish. but now I want to meet with my dearest cousin.... Where is the 3rd Prince. The ist Prince was presented at the royal court to greet me. But I didn't see the 3rd Prince there!!...The last time i saw him when he was only 9 years old.....and it's been almost 8 years I've lived outside the capital . He must have grown up to a young man now"Evelina looked around in a hope to find the 3rd Prince around the pavilion.

The Empress let out a sigh expressing a deep pain in her face.

"My child, you've spent your whole life in the battlefield. Many things has changed here. You must have heard of the 2nd Prince's death by the next year of your leaving the Palace. It's been many years since the Emperor punished him with death sentence. But my little son Jordan still couldn't get over it. From that incident, he has never step out of his Manor , and always locked himself in there . He has captured himself within his own imaginary world. I was all alone in this huge Palace struggling in the inner conspiracy of the ist Empress and other concubines. However,I tried my best to take care of my son. But I couldn't save him from the fury of the ist Empress. I don't know how she succeeded to implanted this much fear inside my son, that he became like this... It has been many years since he avoided even the Emperor .."

" He has created a strange thought that the Emperor will kill him. It must be that ist Empress's doing. She took out all her anger of loosing her won son over my son. And Now my Jordan is facing mental disorder. And it's slowly turning worse. I don't know what to do."the Empress explained everything with a pale face.

"I don't believe it. how could the Prince.... How's he now?.. I want to see him ..."Evelina shouted making a worried face.

" I'll let you meet him in the afternoon. Not now." the Empress restricted her to meet the Prince.

" No let me see how worse his condition is.... I'm really tensed. How could everything change within a few years!!"

"it's a big period of time. And don't be restless. I exaggerated while giving you his updates. Just relax.I'm taking care of him. I've other helping hands too. We're trying to keep him busy in studies for now. Let's talk about it later. Now go and rest . You must be tired..... I'll let you meet with the prince after the evening ceremony. you may leave now."the Empress sat on the couch and take a deep breath.

Evelina left the chember with a shock. She didn't expected that her little Prince had gone through this much hardship while she was away. She shouldn't have left the palace and joined the battalion back then. Maybe she could handle the situation. In this whole world ,the only person she adores the most is Prince Jordan. All her achievement or sacrifices is to keep the Prince safe and strengthen his position. But while focusing on others things, she has forgotten to take care of her most precious thing.....

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To be continued.....