Chapter 5: New Beginning

How things changed within minutes and we just keep thinking what and how it had happened? Khushi was thinking the same about her life what had just happened 15 days back, before she was just maid to Princess and now she is Queen of LANDSEND wife of her first ever love, though she was not aware when she said yes for the alliance it will turn into her love yes She had loved her Golden Giant Arnav in the very first meeting when he had saved her from those warriors but was not sure until they kissed today morning in the garden.

She was very happy after the morning incidence, hurriedly she came to Payal was busy doing her things as it was her marriage today. Suddenly King called her in his chamber. When she reached his chamber he had asked her to get married to King of LANDSEND as he liked her very much and desire to make her his wife. He had said for peace she should agree on this alliance.

She was heart-broken because this is first time in her life she wanted something for herself. She wanted to be with her love. Since her parents death when Payal took Khushi under her wings she never wished anything for herself though Payal loved her very much and so King also treated her like his daughter gave good education good training never treated her like servant nor asked anything in return but now when he asked something from her she was not able to say no to him.

She got ready for marriage Payal was very happy after knowing about her marriage because she was getting married to his brother in law. Khushi tried to put smile on her face and be happy for the people who loved her unconditionally. When everyone lead her to church for her marriage she don't wanted to see who is her groom her eyes were down cast but when she heard a same husky very male voice which she wanted to hear. Which is melted in her like molten lava and burning her within, said "I DO" she gasped and met those pair of melted golden brown eyes looking at her with immense love and desire.

She was very very happy Life had gifted her such a big gift which she thought had snatched from her. Once again King of WOLFFORT had only given her the life which she desired she said "I DO" and then was not able to hold her tears. He touched his lips and soothed, assured her about his love.

They are married and now since last 15 days they were sailing as she is going to her kingdom LANDSEND and then she heard again the same voice saying " In another hour and so we will be reaching to shore of LANDSEND" Now it will be new beginning and new life to Queen KHUSHI.

LANDSEND delighted her, Everywhere she looked, everything she saw was so very different from what she had known at WOLFFORT. There were strong stone walls, to be sure, and high towers, but so too were there smiling people. Children ran about laughing. Women waved and called out boldly. Men saw that and did not mind but joined in the merriment.

Instead of the general air of a badly maintained barracks, to which she was so well accustomed, the town looked as though every inch had been swept clean. Nothing seemed out of places or neglected in the smallest way. There were even-wonder of wonders-flowers growing in small plots before the houses.

On a hill above the town stood a walled compound. The gates were open, guarded by men-at-arms who joined the cheers as they enters. Gods barks and ran alongside the horses and children's squawked as they dashed across their path. At middle of the compound stood a large wooden building roofed in tile and decorated with ornate carvings around the doors and windows. Nearby were several smaller structures, one of which Khushi recognised as the kitchen. Some distance away were several lodges, also intricately carved and painted.

Arnav drew rein in the centre of the compound and dismounted. He came to Khushi and held up his arms with smile, she went into them. Still holding her, he climbed the wooden stairs to the walkway along the wall. From that height, the town and port were spread out below them, as were the golden fields and, beyond, the misty realm where land faded into sea.

"LANDSEND," he said with Pride. "My mother's people came from here. They had a farm and did some trading when war didn't intervene. When Akash and I were done seeing the world, I came here. There were only a few falling-down buildings left and a handful of people trying to wrest a living from the place. Fortunately, that's changed."

"Forgive me. This is no time to dwell on the past. Come, there are many people who will be wanting to meet you."

He understated the matter. Over the next several hours, Khushi was convinced she met everyone in LANDSEND. Oh, it was possible she missed a baby or two who were napping but apart from that she was quite certain no one passed up the chance to greet the ASR'S bride. Young and old, Men and Women, farmers, tradesmen, warriors, weavers, one and all they came to get a look at her. She smiled, nodded and tried out what everything she had so far acquired.

Overwhelmingly, the people were friendliness itself, which made the handful who weren't stand out all the more. Several young and very pretty women frowned at her sighed at Arnav. Khushi balled her fists and took great pride in the fact that she refrained from doing the huzzies bodily harm. Then too, there was the warrior introduce as Shyam.

" My Chief Lieutenant," Aranv said as he presented a man slightly older than himself, almost as tall, and well built, " Shyam and I knew each other as children. He settled in LANDSEND several years ago"

Khushi frowned slightly. He looked familiar to her and she thought she ought to know him already.

" Shyam was in WOLFFORT, where he would have accompanied his lord to his brothers wedding but not been introduced to His Lords wife because of the ...unusualness of the event.

Khushi smiled, prepared to like the man her husband obviously trusted. But even as she did so small shimmer of apprehension moved through her. She could not see any reason for it. Shyam was by no means as handsome as Arnav; indeed his features were most remarkable but still something a miss. She was not feeling comfortable.