Raksheet released Ira from his embrace and sat up straight to have a serious conversation. She sat up as well. Even though she tried to look normal, her slightly curled eyebrows and the sweat on her forehead was clearly showing her nervousness.
Raksheet wiped the sweat from her forehead and smiled.
Ira, who wasn't aware of her scared appearance, quickly rubbed her face to wipe the remaining sweat off. She was so embarrassed that her face started turning red. She looked down to hide her apple red face but her husband protested against her thoughts and made her look at him by holding her chin.
"Why are you so nervous? I have observed that you always feel nervous and scared whenever i bring up the topic of test." Raksheet asked, not looking angry or disappointed but worried for his wife.
He don't want Ira to be a scaredy cat whom anyone can beat easily and make fun of. He want his wife to be strong, both mentally and physically. She should face every problem and challenge without any hesitation. If there is a war even at midnight, she should not think twice to fight. She must take up her sword and step out of the palace to cut the flesh of her enemy.
But here, she is afraid of a small test. How will she live up to his expectations?
Ira was speechless. She felt the lack of words to explain her feeling. She can only try to avoid Raksheet's eyes, not knowing how to answer him.
"Princess, what's the matter? Tell me. How will i know your problem if you don't tell me?" Raksheet again asked, wanting to know the reason of Ira's fear so that he can help her.
Her eyes looked at him. His soft eyes and concerned expressions were showing how much he care for her.
She held his hand that was on her chin and removed it. She was still holding his hand and looking at it "I.....I am sorry." She said with a deep sigh. "I know i am acting like a coward."
Raksheet quickly cupped Ira's face and made her look up at him. "You are not a coward! remember that!" His expressions were serious as if Ira's word hurt him personally. As if Ira insulted him by calling his wife a coward. "No need to say sorry. Cowards don't face their problems. They don't even try. They always run away from their problems, letting their family and close ones suffer."
"But-"
Raksheet cut off Ira's words "I know you are working hard. Ahil told me that you are doing well and giving your best. He also told me that...You suddenly feel nervous whenever he mention test." He held Ira's both shoulders and asked softly "Ira, are you afraid of the test or....are you afraid because i am taking your test?"
Ira's eyes widened in surprise. Yes, Raksheet was right! She wasn't afraid of test, she was afraid because her husband will be her opponent. And she is damn sure that she will only embarrass herself infront of him. What will be his reaction? Will he laugh on her or scold her? Don't know what it will be but it will be so embarrassing.
"What are you thinking? Tell me, what's the reason?" Raksheet asked after seeing his wife lost somewhere in her thoughts.
She slowly looked up at her husband while biting her lower lip. "I.....The second one!" She quickly closed her eyes and bowed her head. Finally she told her husband the reason of her fear. How will he react?
Raksheet was confused for a moment but when he realised what his wife meant by 'The second one', he looked at her in surprise.
"You.....You feel nervous because i am the one taking your test?" He asked to make sure he didn't heard it wrong.
Ira slowly nod, her head still bowed and her face turning red in embarrassment. She gripped her dress tightly and bited her lower lip. 'Is he going to scold me?' she thought.
Raksheet released Ira's both shoulders and chuckled softly. He looked away, processing what he just found out. He can't believe that he is the reason of his wife's fear.
Ira opened her eyes and looked up at him. Raksheet was looking like he is thinking something serious and the look on his face made Ira's heart hammer inside her chest 'Is he angry?' she thought anxiously.
Raksheet turned his gaze to Ira and asked "Are you afraid of me? Am i scary to you?"
Ira's eyes widened, thinking that Raksheet misunderstood her. She quickly shook her head and replied "No! You are not! I didn't mean it like that!"
"Then why are you afraid to fight with me? Do you think i will hurt you?" He held Ira's both hand and tried to look as much genuine as he can so that she will trust him. "I will not! I promise."
"I know." Ira replied "You will never hurt me. You are training me so that no one can hurt me then how will YOU hurt me? The actual reason is....." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before continuing "The actual reason is that i feel like I will only embarrass myself."
Raksheet raised his eyebrow questioning "And why do you think that?"
Ira freed her hand "Because you are the strongest and i can't match your strength even one percent. You will defeat me in just one moment. Your one move and my all training will go in vain. I can't fight against you." She hugged her knees and turned around, back facing Raksheet.
Raksheet rested his head on his hand and smiled. Is this the reason his wife was afraid to fight with him? Really? How childish!
He grabbed Ira's shoulders and tried to turn her around but she refused.
"Ira.." he said in soft voice and again tried to turn her around but she again refused.
Knowing that his wife is stubborn and will not give in easily, he hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Did i said you have to defeat me? Did i said that your training will be over only if you defeat me?" He tilted his head to look at her face.
Ira looked up to her shoulder, at Raksheet and shook her head.
"Then why are you thinking so much?" He asked "I told you that i will decide whether your training is complete or not. I will DECIDE. And to decide your training is complete or not, it's not necessary for you to defeat me. You just had to improve your strength and skills, that's it. No one can get fully trained in just one month. So you don't have to worry too much. You know the actual reason why I am asking you to learn fencing, right?"
Ira nod. She slipped her hands on Raksheet's hands that were wrapped around her waist.
Raksheet kissed Ira's cheek and held her hand, still back hugging her.
"Doesn't matter if you pass the test or not, I hope you will continue learning fencing." He expressed his wish.
Ira smiled slightly to see how motivating and supportive her husband is. She looked in his eyes and replied "I will."
A smile automatically spread on Raksheet's lips and he quickly pecked Ira's lips. Instead of getting surprised by her husband's unpredictable move, Ira smiled widely. She leaned forward, knowing that her husband want more kisses and she can't refuse it.
The smile on Raksheet's lips widened after seeing his wife's reaction. Not wanting to let this opportunity slip away, he quickly kissed her. He made her turn around and hugged her. She gripped on his shirt tightly.
"R-Raksheet...please stop.....i have test tomorrow." She said inbetween the kiss.
Raksheet suddenly stopped, realising that his wife have to give test tomorrow and he should not exhaust her.
He rested his head on Ira's shoulder and looked at her. "Hm...i know. But Ira..."
She loosen her grip on his shirt and looked at him.
".....i am sorry, i can't control myself anymore." He looked down "I can't be more patient Ira...I need you." He hugged her tightly and pulled her closer "I need you so badly."
Ira gulped, knowing what her husband mean by he need her. She also want to give whatever he want. Her love, her body, her life, everything. But she don't know if it is a right time yet.
She cupped Raksheet's face with one hand and made him look at her. "I know. You don't have to say sorry. It's me who should apologise. You had to control yourself because i wasn't ready for it. Because of my health, you have to control yourself. I am sorry."
Raksheet shook his head and moved closer to Ira's neck.
"But now, you should think about your coronation. It's more important. And after that, we will think about it. Ok?"
Raksheet nod with a thin smile "Ok."