Aaryawati (Veerti's) POV

"What's all this?" I asked, despite of knowing fully why the stage was set.

"Just a friendly match between our soldiers. You see, we have a few days with zero entertainment, so why not have some fun?" Said Utsav in a good natured tone and I couldn't do anything but nod.

Under the night looked grim as the clouds  had overshadowed the stars, as they yearned to shine in their full glory. Just like I wanted to throw away my scarf, bask under my identity  and kiss my lover, senseless. I could literally rip off Aaryaveer's clothes and take him there and then. Though I wasn't sure if his system could handle it.

Two soldiers were having sword fight, while surrounded by the hoots and cheers of the other army men. My soldiers too had joined the audience and enjoyed the whole match, albeit without hooting or shouting. They were trained to not let out too much information about themselves or not get too "careless" about themselves. Their sole mission was to fight a battle, get lost into my kingdom, under the shadow of my parents... once the battle was over and never to be seen or heard again. They were also forbidden to drink any form of alcohol that would corrupt their disciplined minds. However, I never stopped them to mingle with the soldiers of Aaryasatta kingdom provided they stayed in their limits.

"Veerti ji, how about a duel? My men with yours?"  Asked Nakul and I realised that I was right. They all wanted to test us, specifically me. And were trying to do albeit while staying respectful.

I saw the flap of Aaryaveer's tent open and him emerging out. He smiled at all of us as he ventured close to us. While everyone rose to greet him, I forgot that I was supposed to bow to him and stood the way I was. He looked surprised but managed to hide his emotion. It was after a light coughing by Brahamadutta, I realised the gravity of my error and I bowed to him. Rather than looking satisfied or angry, Aaryaveer looked amused. But he chose to look away and address Utsav.

"What is going on?" He asked.

"We just proposed to Veerti ji if she would like a friendly duel between our men?" Said Utsav, full excitement gleaming into his eyes.

I was ready to show him who owned the fighting arena. Just wanted a nudge.

"If His Majesty permits, I would love to get to the fighting area myself." I tried to sound as modest as possible.

"Are you sure Veertiji? I mean, you can also send your men. It's just a friendly match." Said Nakul.

I didn't realise whether I must melt at such a caring or respectful gesture or feel offended that he thought so little of me solely because I was a woman.

"I think I will manage." I said. I looked at Aaryaveer's face that had an expression of horror for a split of second. I was going to fight a battle along his side so why was he so afraid of a mere match?
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Aaryaveer's POV

Though I wasn't still sure if the woman in front of me was my Aaryawati, I felt an emotion of panic wash over me as she insisted on fighting my man herself. The worst part was, I couldn't see her face to figure out her expression. However, she had similar eyes to that of Aaryawati. Very expressive.

However unlike Aaryawati, Veerti seemed to be more practical, smart and agile. I had seen her riding her horse at afternoon, boosting about it to Nakul and could quickly recognise her body language. It resembled to a seasoned warrior.

And my Aaryawati? She didn't even know how to climb a horse. Nevertheless, she was a beautiful soul who loved to dot on me, pamper me and make me happy. I craved for her company every single minute when I wouldn't be thinking about war. The sounds of her anklet, the melody of her innocent laughter and her way of making me smile during the gloomiest situations. And the nights that would follow where we would be sharing erotic moments, her body moving under mine and she would be moaning my name. How badly I wanted to kiss those luscious lips and taste her skin again. I then tried to shift my attention to the present. I assessed Veerti ji and realised that she could no way be my Aaryawati. How could she?

"I think I will manage." When Veerti ji had said that, I could swear that the woman was more than ready to prove her mettle. As she turned around towards the fighting arena, I turned towards Nakul.

"Make sure you go gently. She is a lady." I whispered to the Nakul, who chose to fight against her. Unfortunately, I saw Veerti ji turning her head into my direction. She seemed to have overheard me.

"Your Majesty, I would rather advise Nakul to fight harder. Because it wouldn't look nice if he lost to a lady."  I could clearly hear humour in her tone.

Nakul grinned and looked at me. I looked at him dejected. We all assumed our places and I ordered the match to begin.