Prativindhya went to meet with the traders with Noah and some other officials from the court. They have prepared the Saraya where foreign traders live as a meeting hall for their discussion. Prativindhya sat at the two steps raised platform on a big chair with Noah sitting on a step just near his knee. The traders, each adorned in vibrant attire reflective of their homelands, murmured among themselves, their expressions a mix of anxiety and impatience. Prativindhya cleared his throat, and the room fell silent.

“Thank you all for coming today,” he began, his voice steady but authoritative. “I know the recent changes in our kingdom have created uncertainty, particularly regarding trade relations. I want to assure you that our commitment to maintaining a prosperous partnership remains strong.”

“Your Highness, with all due respect, it’s not your commitment we’re worried about. It’s the stability of your rule. With the queen gone, we fear that the kingdom may become vulnerable to… shall we say, opportunistic elements?” One of the traders, a stout man with a bushy beard, leaned forward, his brow furrowed.

Noah exchanged a glance with Prativindhya before leaning back in his place with a smirk. “Ah, opportunistic elements—the dreaded scourge of trade. I can assure you, we’re working diligently to keep our gates firmly shut against any marauding bandits or hostile forces. But let’s talk specifics, shall we?”

“We’re talking about more than just bandits, Noah. The Southern Isles’ merchants are particularly concerned about rising taxes. We’ve heard whispers that your new regime might seek to increase tariffs on imported spices to fill the treasury after the queen’s death.” The stout trader narrowed his eyes, unamused by Noah's sarcasm.

“We’ve heard rumors that you’re looking to diversify your suppliers, bringing in foreign contractors for weapons manufacturing. If that’s the case, it’s going to impact our business significantly. We’ve been loyal partners, and we expect that loyalty to be reciprocated.” Another trader, a stocky man with a thick accent from the northern regions, leaned forward, arms crossed.

Noah, with his characteristic smirk, chimed in before Prativindhya could respond. “Ah yes, the age-old fear of competition. But isn’t a little healthy competition what makes markets thrive? Keeps everyone on their toes?”

The traders shifted uncomfortably, not amused by Noah’s light-hearted tone. The stocky man narrowed his eyes. “We’re not talking about competition. We’re talking about being undercut by foreign manufacturers who don’t know the kingdom’s needs as we do.”

"I understand the concern, and I want to assure you that any adjustments will be made thoughtfully and with consultation. The last thing I want is to alienate our most valued partners. The spice trade is vital to our economy.” Prativindhya said with his hand on Noah's shoulder before he could make another snarky comment.

Another trader, a tall woman with piercing blue eyes, interjected. “And what about security? If there’s unrest within your kingdom, that will affect trade routes. We cannot afford to send our ships into troubled waters, not when our cargo is worth more than your entire treasury.”

"Rest assured, we are fully aware of the need for stability. I have appointed trusted individuals to oversee security measures, and we are reinforcing our defenses. I invite you to share specific concerns, and we will address them directly.” Prativindhya leaned forward and the intensity in his voice was enough to make them stop with their advancement.

Noah, sensing the simmering tension, added with a light tone, “And perhaps, instead of just sending us your complaints, you could send us some of your exquisite spices for our kitchens. That way, we can sample what we’d be missing if we make any rash decisions.”

The traders looked at Noah with a mixture of irritation and amusement, unsure whether to laugh or frown. The stout trader replied, “While your kitchens may need your spices, our livelihoods depend on the prices we can get for them. If we feel we’re being squeezed, we’ll take our business elsewhere. It’s a simple choice.”

Prativindhya raised a hand to steady the conversation. “I understand. And that’s why I’m here. I don’t want to see our trade relationships suffer due to misunderstandings or speculation. What we need is open communication and collaboration. Can we agree on that?”

“We can agree to a meeting every month to discuss our issues and resolve them together. But the thing is who would we meet. Is it you... Or the real prince of Island. What about Prince consort?" One man from behind said. He was one of the weapon merchant. Noah jerked up before Prativindhya could react.

"I think we have cleared that the elder prince is the legitimate prince and heir of our queen, challenging that is like challenging the Island itself... Are you ready for that?" He growled, purposefully showing his wolf side. They all were taken aback.

"Noah... " Prativindhya said with a restrain. Noah took his place.

"No one wants Island as an enemy Noah! We just wanted some assurance from the man himself." Another trader said to calm the situation yet not backing down from their stance.

"The man himself lost the love of his life after fighting a 18days long war. Have some shame for pity's sake!" The tall woman's voice thunderous. Prativindhya looked at Noah for explanation.

"Madam Lorian. Her husband was killed in front of her and her children." Noah understood his friend's question without him saying anything. After sigh Madam Lorian turned to him.

"Your highness we are content with a bi-monthly meeting with any of your direct representatives."

Prativindhya nodded firmly. “That’s a fair proposal. Let’s establish a regular council to ensure all voices are heard. We are in this together, and it’s in our best interest to maintain strong ties.”

Noah smiled, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. “And if you bring your best spices to the next meeting, I promise to keep Prativindhya from raising taxes just to enjoy a good meal.”

Laughter erupted among the traders, the tension easing slightly. It was a small victory, but one that Prativindhya seized himself.

       The atmosphere at the palace was completely different from there. Things at the palace seem to settle down a bit. With impeccable leadership of Uloopi and Subhadra the palace ran smoothly. They were preparing evening snacks for the family when Srutakarma came and guiltily stood beside a pillar trying to disappear.

"What happened?" Uloopi asked not looking up from her work.

"Mata..." He started.

"Say queekly kid! We have things to do." Subhadra said with a chuckle.

"Aadi said he is busy and to continue without him." He blurted out.

"Firse..?" Subhadra let go the spoon she was stearing a pot with. (Again?)

"Maybe he isn't hungry. Maybe he had a big lunch." Uloopi tried to reason.

"He may had 3 morsal during lunch, your highness." It was shain. The both ladies gave her a look. She looked worried and heartbroken.

"It's not your fault my child. He is just out of his way these days." Uloopi consoled Shain.

"No jiji. I think he is pulling away. Shain! Make a plate for him. I'll visit him." Subhadra said making Uloopi hold her by shoulder.

"You have to take care of yourself as well, Bhadre!" Subhadra smiled.

"Like you jiji?" She said softly. Uloopi looked away. Everyone aware that she ate once in every two days. It was a hard penance she had been doing in the name of the children and the kingdom.

"We are mothers. Until the children aren't ready to care for us, it's only natural for us to care for them." Subhadra said before leaving.

       Aadi was standing infront of a black board with some complex equation written on it. Subhadra walked into the room and a strong smell of metal and oil hit her nose. She rarely came to Aadi's workshop. Because he always came out whenever she asked him to. But he could see he didn't't want to. So she didn't forced him often.

"Maasi! I told shree to inform you. I'm not hungry." Aadi said not turning.

"How did you know it's me?" Subhadra asked.

"Your anklets. They have different melody than any others." Subhadra looked down at her feet. She wasn't wearing any special anklet. On the contrary it was the similar pair that Uloopi jiji wore. Aadi laughed out. "I saw you on this mirror Maasi!"

"Ohh... " Subhadra laughed a little too. "I know you aren't hungry but we made these snacks just for all you children to try. If you don't eat out efforts will be in vain. So let me feed you then you can do whatever you are doing."

"Ok.." aadi said looking at her for some seconds. Subhadra sat down beside him. Started feeding him while he read the equation on the board. "It's good."

"Jiji would be pleased." She said. After sitting for some time. "Ye kya hai?" Subhadra asked in a cutesy tone of excitement and curiosity. Aadi looked at her shocked. (What is this?)

"Ahmm... It's an equation about quantum travel."

"Mujhe samjhao na!" She said in the same tone.(Explain it to me please)

"Your education isn't in this field. Ap so jaogi." Aadi said without looking at her.

"Aarya told all of you? I didn't sleep because I didn't understand that. I fell asleep because I was exhausted." She said making him laugh. "Acha batao, ise samjhne ke liye kya padhna hoga?"
(Tell me, what should I learn to understand this?)

"Bhautik Vigyan." Aadi said finally playing along.  (Physics)

Subhadra skipped the book case like a little girl. "In main se Bhautik Vigyan ki pustak kounsi hai?" (Which one is Physics book among these?)

"Sare." Aadi said, turing to her with an amused smile. (All of them) Subhadra's eyes grew bigger, she looked at him. He nodded trying to suppress laughter.

"Sare???... Ismain to bohat samay lag jaega." Subhadra said to herself and Aadi burst out laughing. Subhadra turned to him with a satisfactory smile. (All of them. It will take ages to read them all)

"Why do you want to learn it?" Aadi said finally holding her hand. Subhadra's eyes soften.

"Because it's the only way I can talk to you." She said simply. Aadi looked away. "I won't ask you to give up your world to see me but I can integrate myself into your world. If it's the only way I can have a relationship with my son them so be it."

"I'll come to weekly family meals from now on. My loved ones should not change themselves to love me. I'm sorry Maasi, to make you feel unwanted by me." He said holding her. He had grown taller than him by foot by now. Subhadra smiled in his embrace. Victorious smile.

      Aadi didn't understand Subhadra played him like a flute but Prativindhya did. The moment he saw Aadi on the dining hall he turned to Subhadra and made a surrender bow. He went to Nakul who was much calmer now. Yet still in his own world. Out of obligation his chambers was the first stop Prativindhya should visit. Officially Nakul was the head of Island. Although he was far from any official or political matters right now, he was the supreme authority. When Prativindhya went to him he was busy making a painting. Another painting of Adrika. He was obsessed with painting different moments from Adrika's life. This perticular one supposed to be from their wedding. Prativindhya looked around the room, various paintings of his mother, smiling, working, laughing, dancing. His eyes filled with salty water but some how he composed himself.

"Baba!" He asked, his voice slightly quivering. Nakul didn't turned to him.

"Come closer Son!" He walked up to the man and touched his feet. "Ayushman bhava." Nakul looked like he aged over night. The graying hair on his head gave a beautiful ageing look to his heavenly face. No wonder he was the most charming prince of his time. "How was your journey this time?"

"They were asking for your presence?" Prativindhya said softly.

"They will get used to you. It's their initial reaction." Nakul said showing no intrest in discussing the matter any more.

"But sometime.. you have to face the court Baba. You are the leader of the people of Island. You have to be..."

"The day I gave my word to your Maa that this life of mine is hers, I also promised that I will take the title of Prince consort. That I will not rule any kingdom independently." Nakul was mixing various shades of red paints, somehow he couldn't get the exact shade of red that was Adrika's vail on her wedding day. "Even if I take charge in your place, I will be a representative of the next king or queen of Island. Not the leader of people. When an exampilary next king is already in charge, why bother with a representative." Nakul smiled at his eldest son. Prativindhya took some moment before answering.

"The rules that Island still follows was initially created by you. The business tactics and relationships were developed from your ideas. Maa clearly wrote them in our books who contributed what. You have been ruling along side Maa way before your marriage. And after. So anyone but me can believe on your talks of incompetence." He stopped to look at his father's face who was looking at the colours and tears welling up in his dark as coal eyes. "You don't want to be there for Island it's fine. You have done enough for it already. But I hope you are willing to be there for your children. Island may not need the Prince Consort. Your children need their father. I need you Baba."

      Prativindhya turned to leave. But he stopped in his track and turned to see Nakul still standing there not moving at all. Not even a ripple in his deminor.

"Add a dash of pink into the red. Maa loved pink. Her wedding dress couldn't possibly not have that colour."

       He said the last remark and left the chamber. Nakul walked up to a sealed box and carefully opened it. It had the wedding attire of Adrika. He picked up that delicate vail and observed the material in sunlight. Indeed there was that rosy shade. Carefully hidden pink threads in between reds can be seen with observation. Nakul hold that rosy red vail to his heart as if embracing his beloved in person.

         After some quiet days with family Prativindhya again turned to his work. Vritika, Srutakarma and Srutasen joined the university soon after he came back. Sutosom joined the healers department as an apprentice under one of the healers. Prativindhya himself spend some time around some intellectuals who did their best to teach him things where he lacked some knowledge. Things were settled for now. Noah suggested to give some attention towards the illuminati lane and see if any new technology or machinary was worth while. Him and Prativindhya walked around shop to shop. And hear countless proposals. Some were good. Some not so. Some even absurd for practical use. But all of those were intresting. The oldest workshop was under the Old dao's command. Funny little scientist now too old for holding any tool.

"My underlings have the best projects for your majesty's consideration." He said waving his fist enthusiastically. Noah chuckled beside Prativindhya.

"Master Dao! You have never disappointed before. Although we heard you have been dabbling in fields of agriculture. I am interested in that project. Can we see?" Prativindhya said avoiding Noah's laughter.

"Old Dao! Come on.. we need practical use stuff. Not your imaginary floating in the air nonsense." Noah retorted.

"You are dumb as soup Noah. I don't expect you to understand Sun atomic particles." Old Dao hit back. Prithvi laughed at that. "The experiment the elder prince mentioned was my Grand-daugher's."

"Lady Naima? She was sharp as a wip but I didn't know she started working with you old Dao! You must be happy someone in your family inherited your smarty pants genes." Noah joked.

"Oh yes yes indeed dear boy! Our Naima definitely got brains from me. Much much better than her dumbass father."

      The old Dao said cheerfully taking both youngmen to the adjacent room. A lady was studying some materials when they entered she looked up and saw Prativindhya first.

For a moment she couldn't comprehend she was looking at the elder Prince himself. She was just so fascinated by the rugged beauty of this man. Except for the noble aura, he had so well defined muscles yet his frame wasn't bulky. He was indeed tall with a narrow waist and broad chest. His tunic was not tied properly showing his chest muscles. Prativindhya was looking around the room before his eyes landed on her. Suddenly as if coming out of a trance, she stood up. But wasn't clumsy at all. She put a calculated smile on her face and waited for them to come to her.

"Your highness!! Lord Noah!!" She said with two bows. Prithvi nodded with a smile. He wasn't a man of many words.

"Ahh.. lady Naima! Prithvi, lady Naima was a year senior of Vriti. She was excellent in practical sciences during her educational years. Yet didn't persued higher education." Noah introduced them.

"Why is that my lady if I dare to inquire?" Prithvi said with much respect. Naima was momentaryly shocked. She was expecting a little hautty attitude from the Prince.

"The elder prince is so kind. Turns out the subject matter I was interested in, my grandfather is the expert in that, recognised by our beloved late queen herself. So by dropping out I am able to help him in the shop and learn from the best." She explained not looking away from Prithvi. Who as also looking at her contently. "Although the officials at university has promised me that I can take the final examination and they will give me the necessary recognition paperwork."

"That's a neat little arrangement you have worked out. Let's see what you have been twiking these days."

       Noah said pushing Prithvi ahead so he can walk with the girl to her work station. Prithvi was oblivious to it and allowed the Old Dao walk with his granddaughter. After an hour long presentation,

"So by this method we can regulate the amount of water for the crops and the remaining water should be used for other purposes." Naima said. Prithvi was top focused in her than the presentation.

"That was really good Lady Naima. You can come to the palace with your designs and meet our farming minister for further developments. Have a good day." Prithvi said, Noah rolled his eyes at him. Clearly Prithvi liked the girl.

"Yes.. Yes. Lady Naima well done. My prince don't you have any other question for the beautiful Lady Naima here. I believe she will be a wonderful company over a dinner or walk through the valley of daisy sometime." Noah suggested. To which Naima smiled knowingly.

"That's fine Beta Noah. We should get going." Prithvi gave a smile and nod to Naima and started towards the door. Noah was dumbfounded and ran after his friend.

"What the hell are you doing? Ask her out." Noah urged the moment they were out.

"What for?" Prithvi asked nonchalantly without stopping.

"Because you like her you idiot. What else?"

"Well yes.. But how can I ask her out? I don't even know what that even means."

"Oh yah.. Then how are you supposed to get her?"

"I will go home and talk to Mata Ulupi. Then she will decide what to do next." Prhivi said ernestly. Noah slapped his forehead dramatically.

"Go home and ask to  mother.. What are you? 8? And what if she says no."

"Why would she? I'm a prince. I'm a good fighter..." Noah hold out a hand stop Prithvi listing why he would be a good candidate for marriage.

"She doesn't need that. Here on the island people don't get married like that. She will only marry you if she loves you. And for that you have to show her you love her too. So go , and ask the woman out." He tried to explain.

"What does that even mean Noah?" Prithvi was slightly irritated now.

"The thing that I literally spelled out for you Prithvi. Ask her to dine with you. Or something else. The thing that can give you the chance to spend some time together. Talk. Get to know each other."

"What if that offends her?"

"Trust me. It won't. She was smiling when I suggested you two spend time together."

"Really..?"

"You didn't see?"

"I was busy panicking." Noah tried to hold his laughter.

"Right. Now go in." He urged Prithvi to go back. "Idiot!"

"Hy.. don't forget you still work for me.. and I'm still the prince." Prithvi added towards Noah.

"Yah . And you asked me to be your advisor, sucker!!"

         Prithvi laughed at his childish friend before walking into the old shop again.

An

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Prithvi's love intrest
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