CHAPTER 4

"My name is Lihan. And I am here to accompany my best friend over there. We are from Keswick and we're really good people. See him over there, Prince Pial" explained Lihan.

Ixan was horrified as she just grim and responds, "you're welcome sir. But there's no one at home now. Forgive me".

Lihan smiled, empathizing her thoughts. "Please don't worry. Our dear prince is used to living outside. Even we prepare not to enter your house. We just need a favor, if you may have time to attend the prince. Please. I don't mind for myself, coz l could live on a tree".

"Okay. Aa raha hoon (I am coming)" answered Ixan pleasantly. "But let me clear the dust. Please give me a few minutes" she requested kindly.

"We should wait. It will be our honor for your acceptance" answered Lihan with smile on his face.

Ixan went back and light off the wood fire. Then she moved in the room and change to a blue purple dress and a long veil she wrapped on her hair. "I cannot go without informing father. Where's he?" And she swiftly went out. To her surprised, she saw her father trying to enter the house. She ran delightfully and embraced him.

"My dear sweet daughter. How are you doing?" Asked Ding, with lots of affection. He kissed her forehead in care. And they loosened from the hugs.

"I am happy you're here father".

"Why, do you need anything?"

"No. While I am trying to cook supper, someone knocked on the door. I expect you're the one who returned but l saw some guests from Keswick kingdom".

"Prince Pial!" Ding said out his name without any suppression.

"Father! You know him?" Asked Ixan surprisingly.

"Fanat had explained to me how they discussed with the Prince. I just didn't take it serious because they are royal. We can never compare our status with them. But I don't know what destiny shall bring. You didn't discuss with her?"

"She briefly told me but I don't take her serious. I wonder how she told them everything" she said out.

"No worry".

"Father, l don't even think about this. Do you think I should go and attend the guests or not?"

"I think you supposed to go and attend our guests. It's part of our religion remember. But remember, take good care of yourself and be careful".

"Okay father. This is the finest dress l had. Do you think it's perfect if l go out with it?"

"It's okay my child".

"Yes father. I won't take long. After l return l will make the supper in time".

"Mere bahaadur bachche (my brave child). Come back safe".

"Theek hai pitaajee (okay father)" answered Ixan with smile on her face. And she left. 

 While in the kingdom of Keswick, Queen Lisha delightfully gave a letter that's wrapped in a brown envelope to her trust maid, Jes. "Take this and make sure the princess receive it" she ordered.

"Yes my lady" replied Jes with respect, collecting the letter. And she left.

Queen Lisha released a hard breath and self-talked, "I will make sure this works. Pial's alliance will be the second fortune for this kingdom". As she perceived a sense of voice by the door and she raised her head. "Ambassador! You're highly welcome" she sounded and stood.

"Thank you your highness. Please have a seat" said the ambassador and they settled to talk. "I heard a call and I respectively answered with respect".

"Thank you ambassador. I have called you to discuss about something very important. I hope you don't mind hearing me out".

"I understand your highness. Yah mera saubhaagy hai (It's my pleasure)".

"I wanted to fix a wedding alliance with my son Pial and princess Nar of Wyoming. I would like to fix this relationship but I wanted to know from your opinion".

Ambassador kept quiet a short while before he raised up his head. "Has the prince knows about this?"

 "Thanks for being here. Am! I have already gave you the full history of myself and the prince so l left to fetch the ducks" said Lihan and he walked away to give Prince Pial and Ixan chance to chat.

Ixan looked at Prince Pial quietly and looked away. Likewise prince pial found himself weird and unable to speak to her. For three times he tried but he couldn't muster the courage to do so. They have spent some time sitting quietly in the farmland. 

A few minutes later, prince Pial began to speak, "I... I am sorry".

"Sorry for what your highness?" Asked Jeisin, looking at him.

"We didn't inform you for our arrival here".

Ixan suddenly outburst the laughter. "You're not in front of a king sir that you should seek for notice. I am an ordinary village girl. So.. no problem. You're highly welcome sir" she sounded delightfully.

"Has Fanat told you about us?"

"She had but I don't understand her well".

"Yah, even l don't understand myself. Ixan please can you do me a favor. I am here to ask for your help and agreement".

"What agreement Sir?"

"Kya aap kisee raajaparivaar se shaadee karengee (will you marry a royalty)?"

Ixan looked up at him quietly, couldn't answer his question.

 "I know ambassador. But it's the rule of the kingdom. Our children supposed to obey our opinion by any means" responded Queen Lisha.

"I am not opposing your opinion. But time has changed now. Prince Yoon was not force to marry. He choose his wife by his own will. Then how can we force this one?"

"Prince Yoon knows lots of kingdom roles. But Pial is not up to the age to know anything about this" exclaimed the Queen again.

"Do you remember your highness, when Yoon failed to save our kingdom. Who fought with our enemy and brought back our land? Pial did. Who is the finest warrior of Keswick kingdom? Pial is. Please, learn to give him chance to choose from his own life. And trust him".

"No! Yoon is not the same as Pial, do you understand?"

"And if only that means Pial is not your own blood. Perhaps he's the legitimate future prince of Keswick not Prince Yoon".

Queen Lisha's heart broke for his words as she kept quiet, feeling the pain.