On their way to the guest chamber, they climbed up the stairs to a narrow passage, so tight that even two people wouldn't be able to walk side by side comfortably. The passage, which might have once been used to push away enemies, was now nothing more than mere stone walls lined with a number of small window-like openings.
The cold breeze, that found its way through the holes, flickered the flames burning at the ends of the passage. A slim, middle-aged man, his face marked with visible wrinkles, walked ahead with the kids following him at a distance. Chandra walked directly behind their escort, with Aniket and Ipsha trailing behind.
Standing on her toes, Ipsha clung to the wall to look outside. Just then—
"Aaaachhuuuu~(sniff)," the young girl sneezed as a sharp, cold gust of wind struck her face.
Once again, pressing her face against the hole, she gazed outside, her eyes gleaming with the faint glow of flames far away. Her heart filled with wonder and excitement watching the glowing dots of light beyond the mountain walls that had always bound her world.
"Ipsha, stay close. Don't fall behind," Chandra, who was caught off guard by Ipsha's sneeze, called out. His voice carried the fatigue and drowsiness.
"Yess," Ipsha called back cheerfully as she quickly ran back to the group.
Soon, they reached their stay.
The escort slowly opened the gate, revealing a dark room.
"Just a moment, Prince."
The children stepped in behind him. Aniket walked in carelessly, while Ipsha, feeling somewhat out of place, stayed close to Chandra.
With a soft swish, the escort slid the curtains aside, letting the gentle glow of moonlight spill into the room.
"Please, have a seat," he added respectfully before moving about, lighting the lamps one by one.
Aniket noisily sat onto the nearest bed, his eyes darting around the room, while Chandra quietly took his place in the corner with Ipsha besides him.
Before long, the room was filled with a warm, earthen light.
"I hope the room is comfortable for you and your friends, Prince Chandra," came a voice from the outside, drawing the children's attention.
It was Dhritiman. Two guards, spears in hand, followed close behind as he approached.
"Stand guard here during the prince's stay," he instructed. The men immediately took position at the entrance.
As Dhritiman stepped in, the children quickly rose to their feet.
"Sir Dhritiman!" Chandra greeted politely.
"At ease, young prince," the old man replied with a faint chuckle. "I'm not here to trouble you." His gaze briefly flicked to the other two, lingering on Aniket.
[Haha]
A faint smile spread across his lips.
Chandra, noticing it as well, turned to peek at Aniket. The young boy stood rigid by the bed, his hands working frantically behind his back to wipe off any dirt particle he might have left on the sheet.
"Is Brother Aabir not staying with us?" Ipsha's small voice broke the silence, drawing both the prince's and the steward's attention.
"Are you Sir Aabir's sibling?" Dhritiman asked softly before answering his own question with a shake of his head. "In any case—no. Sir Aabir has returned to the valley to fulfill his duties."
"Oh..."
At the reply, the little girl's face fell, her smile fading as she lowered her gaze.
Dhritiman, though he clearly noticed the change in Ipsha's mood, chose to feign ignorance.
"Go and tell a maid to bring fruits and light appetizers for the children. Also, prepare hot water for their baths and have suitable garments laid out," he instructed.
"Understood, Steward," the escort replied with a deep bow before leaving.
"Now then—" Dhritiman turned back to the children.
"Prince… and friends, you must be weary. I won't take much of your time. Let the warm water ease your fatigue, change into clean clothes, and rest a while. Once His Majesty is finished with work, I shall send someone over to escort you to the dinner. Until then, rest well."
He stepped toward the door.
"Also," he added, pausing at the threshold, "if you need anything, have the guards call for me at once."
Chandra returned his words with a respectful bow. "We will, Sir Dhritiman."
"Then I shall take my leave," Dhritman spoke, looked over his shoulder before disappearing into the corridor.
As the old man left, Aniket let out a sigh of relief and jumped back onto the bed.
Chandra, yawning, rubbed his face to shake off the drowsiness.
"Brother ain't here?!" Ipsha whispered to herself as she sat down. Her heart sank a little, feeling out of place in a completely unfamiliar setting.
"Don't be sad," Chandra quickly consoled her.
"Don't start crying now. Big brother Aabir has only returned to the valley. Aren't I and Chandra here too?"
Aniket!! Well, he tried.
"Yes, and Uncle Hi'um is very nice! You'll miss all the fun if you stay gloomy."
The two boys exchanged smiles, doing their best to lift the little girl's mood.
After some time, a maid came to the room carrying a dress the color of the setting sun. She smiled gently and escorted Ipsha to the bathing room.
***
Soon, the night deepened.
A figure, moving quietly through the dark corridor, slowly approached the children's room.
"Wait!" the guards stationed at the door barked, blocking the figure's path.
"What business brings you here?" one of them demanded.
"I have come on Steward Dhritiman's order to escort the Prince and his companions to the royal dining room," the man replied with composed courtesy.
Meanwhile, along a corridor lined with tall stone pillars, a man in his late twenties made his way forward. His azure robe, patterned with deep blood-red motifs, draped regally around him, complemented by a white shawl edged in gold that rested upon his shoulder. His long hair fell like a dark veil across his back.
Though his eyes carried fatigue, and the skin beneath them was hollow as if sleep had long forsaken him, his youthful face, softened by a faint smile, caught the warm glow of a flickering clay lamp, as though the flame itself mirrored his presence.
As he passed, the guards stationed nearby lowered themselves in deep bows of respect.
"Sir Dhritiman?!"
The man's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the old steward approaching.
"Greetings, my Lord," Dhritiman bowed deeply. "I was on my way to you, but it appears you have concluded your duties earlier," he added, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"I left some matters for later," Hi'um said with a soft chuckle. "Anyway… where are they? You didn't let them return from the front gate, did you?" His expression held a mixture of childlike excitement and hopeful concern.
"No, Prince Chandra hasn't left yet. I've arranged for him to stay in the guest chambers for now," the old steward replied warmly.
"Perfect! Let's go!" the king said, his excitement evident.
"My Lord, I've already sent someone to escort them to the dining hall. Before that, you should change into something more comfortable. Handling all the documents for the upcoming festival in Khalingla must have been tiring."
"Don't worry, Sir Dhritiman. It's my duty as their king; I cannot run away from it," Hi'um said calmly.
"Though… I left a few unfinished, heh. I'll attend to them later, after the children have gone to bed."
For now, I can't wait to see them. I wonder how much my dear nephew has grown," he added, stepping forward eagerly.
The old steward followed closely behind, a peaceful smile curling his lips.