A Slave Who Became Emperor - 120 Think and decide

Prince Deepak got up from his bed and swiftly walked towards the door, he stopped in his tracks..there was a beautiful maiden standing there..he felt as if an angel just descended from Heaven.. Princess Mallika did not notice him..she had beautiful and captivating features..God must have spent ample amount of time making her..he felt..her beauty could challenge Samyukta..her peaches and milk complexion, her beautiful big black eyes, her full red lips , a perfect nose, ..her long curly hair which kept falling on her face and was being pushed away by her long and tender fingers.. Prince Deepak could not help but stare at her for few moments..

She suddenly noticed his presence and said,’ Prince Deepak?’ she too studied him..he was handsome and had aristocratic air about him..he looked very attractive though he just came back from a long journey..the Prince came out of his reverie and said,’Yes, ..Princess Mallika?’ she nodded..he said,’ look Princess, I couldn’t help overhearing your earlier discussion..’ she looked little embarrassed but said, ‘ we need to talk..’ he nodded..her father Crown Prince Sagar Nanda was standing with her, he said, ‘ I will arrange a private meeting in the royal garden.. Prince Deepak, the Princess will meet you there..’ taking another look at the Prince, Mallika nodded to him and turned around walking away..what a view it fetched to Prince Deepak..but he couldn’t stare at her departing back in front of her father..he quickly averted his eyes…

Sagar Nanda smiled at him and said,’ Prince Deepak, I apologize for the inconvenience.. I think we woke you up..’ the Prince said,’ sir, I think the Princess is not happy with the alliance..’ he sighed and said,’ she has been a difficult child from the beginning..she was always headstrong and notorious..her grand father spoiled her a lot..she is the only heir to this throne after me..but she is not properly trained to take over..her head always floats in clouds.. I always wanted a son in law who could keep her grounded .. and I see that my father thinks you are perfect for her..’ he looked at him and said,’wait.. you mean.. you want me to live here??’

He looked at him and said, ‘Prince Deepak, I know for the proud Chandra family, it would be considered shameful for the Prince to come and live in his in law’s house..but still..we both know that your sister and your brother in law have ascended the throne.. what about you? Gandhara is a huge empire…this is a very important trading city of Hindustan..we are a very wealthy and proud empire.. Gandhara was an independent empire..so would it remain..that is the reason my father did not agree to merge it with Chandra Gupta empire…this empire needs an emperor and empress.. that could be you and my daughter, in the future.. after I give up my throne.. and I assure you that I would not rule as long as my dear father…’ Emperor Kailash Nanda was in his sixties, but still didn’t give up his throne.. for reasons only known to him.. Prince Deepak looked insulted, he said,’ your majesty.. I don’t need a throne to prove my capability.. Samyukta won the contest to the throne fair and square..she was better than me.. period. Prince Pinaka was the future emperor of Gupta empire,he was the only son and there was no doubt of his capability..they have unified two great empires .. I don’t mind being left out, I will always be the loyal son of the Chandra Gupta empire.. I cannot come down and live here.. however I don’t think it would come to that..her highness Princess Mallika doesn’t want to marry me..’

Sagar Nanda looked crest fallen, he said, ‘ Prince, I didn’t mean to insult you.. I don’t question your talent and abilities.. we need you..’ The old emperor Kailash Nanda came suddenly into the scene and said,’ Prince Deepak, whatever you wish to do, we will not object, but you need to meet my grand daughter first..she is ready to meet you in the royal garden.. and tomorrow is my son’s coronation.. finally I wish to retire.. whatever your decision would be.. please think and decide.. you need to stay back for the festivities tomorrow.. you are our royal guest..’