Recap: Agastya refuse the idea of faking a chosen mate.

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Yashvi is now twelve years old, living in a world centered around Aashi and Agastya. Agastya showered her with love and attention and she spent nearly all her time with him, whether they were playing, going on picnics, shopping, watching movies, or visiting the beach. Kaala, Agastya's ever-present shadow, ensured Yashvi's safety within the protective bubble Agastya had created.

Aashi had been meeting Rakshan secretly occasionally while Yashvi was asleep at night or when she was at school.

Agastya waited outside Yashvi's school and he saw her walking out with her friend Urmila and a boy he didn't recognize. Yashvi's face lit up when she saw Agastya. She ran up to him, hooking her arm with his.

"Agastya, this is Shreyas, he is my classmate." Yashvi said excitedly, introducing the new friend.

Agastya gave Shreyas a tight-lipped smile and opened the car door for Yashvi before getting into the driver's seat.

"Agastya, can we take my friends to the farm this weekend? They would love to help us with cutting the flowers. Please, pretty please!" Yashvi asked eagerly.

"Anything for you, Yashvi," Agastya replied with a warm smile.

Once they arrived home, Yashvi tossed her bag onto the couch and dashed to Aashi asking for her favorite cake.

"Your Agastya made the cake before he came to pick you up, Yashvi. Go take it our from the fridge," Aashi said with a knowing smile. 

Yashvi hurried to her room with the cake and after finishing it she started drawing. Agastya entered her room and sat on the couch with a book in his hand as he watched her. 

"What are you drawing, baby?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Shhhh, Agastya, don't disturb me. I have a surprise for you today." Yashvi replied without looking up.

Agastya smiled and allowed her to continue her drawing while he picked up a book. A few minutes later, Yashvi sat next to him, proudly presenting her drawing.

Agastya took the paper with a smile but his expression faltered as he saw the image. The drawing depicted a pair of unique eyes with red irises, red pupils, and a yellow ring around them.

He quickly masked his shock and slipped the drawing between the pages of his book.

"Why are the eyes different, Yashvi? How did you come up with this design?" Agastya asked, trying to sound casual.

Yashvi looked up with innocent eyes. "Last night, I had a dream about a man with those eyes."

Agastya's heart skipped a beat. *I haven't appeared in her dreams since I first found her. How is this possible?* he thought as he watched her face.

"Weren't you scared to see a man with such eyes?" Agastya asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"No, Agastya, aren't they beautiful? The red reminds me of the cake you bake for me and the yellow is like the sunflowers we cut from the farm. The man was huge, like the beast from the story you read to me, or maybe I just imagined it because I was thinking about the stories." Yashvi said with a smile

Agastya was taken aback but patted her head reassuringly.

"Yashvi, promise me you won't show this drawing to anyone or talk about the dream, people might tease me about the stories I tell you." he said softly.

"Anything you say, Agastya. Now let me get changed so we can go to the backyard" Yashvi agreed to his words.

As Yashvi went to change, Agastya stepped into the master bedroom and called Aashi. He filled her in on the details of Yashvi's dream and the drawing.

Aashi, concerned, immediately called the seer to understand the possible significance. The seer appeared before Agastya, bowing respectfully.

"How is it possible for Yashvi to see me in her dreams? She's only twelve, with four more years until she's supposed to realize the mate bond." Agastya asked.

The seer raised her head, her expression serious. "Your highness, Yashvi is different. Seeing you in her dreams signifies that she is approaching puberty, and the mate bond will begin to manifest slowly."

Agastya's eyes widened in alarm. "What? I haven't had any inappropriate thoughts about her, but if she starts feeling the mate bond, it will be difficult for me to be around her."

"It's time for secrets to unfold, my lord, with the blue moon approaching, you should consult your ancestors for answers. As for your mate, you will need patience. She will eventually fully experience the bond." the seer said.

Agastya suddenly noticed a familiar scent in the room and turned to Aashi. Recognizing her scent, he closed his eyes with a smile.

"Aashi, your work here is done. You should return to Rakshan," Agastya said gently.

"But brother, you'll need me now, especially with Yashvi nearing puberty." Aashi protested.

"Leave, Aashi, Rakshan will explain why you shouldn't be here any longer. I will take care of Yashvi. Let her know you're returning to your husband; she will understand."  Agastya insisted her.

The seer bowed and vanished, leaving Agastya and Aashi to exit the room. They found Yashvi watching TV. Aashi sat beside her and gently touched Yashvi's face.

"Yashvi, I have something important to tell you. I received an emergency call from my husband in London. I need to leave immediately. Will you be okay staying here on your own? My brother will be here, but I won't be around for a while." Aashi said with heavy heart as she watched Yashvi's face sadden.

Yashvi looked up with surprise and sadness. "You never talked about your husband all these years, Aashi. Where is he now?"

Aashi explained, "He's in London, and he's booked tickets for me. I have to go because of the emergency. Will you be alright?"

Yashvi hugged Aashi tightly, resting her head on her shoulder. "I'll miss you, Aashi. Please come back soon. Agastya and I will wait for you."

Aashi comforted her, and they spent some time in the backyard before she had to leave.

As the morning sun cast its warm glow over the city, Yashvi woke up to find Aashi missing. Confused and worried, she ran to Aashi's room only to find it empty. Agastya, standing behind her, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Yashvi turned around and hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. Agastya gently kissed the crown of her head and caressed her hair, soothing her.

"I'm here for you, baby, Aashi will be back soon." Agastya said softly.

Yashvi nodded, taking comfort in his words. She wiped her tears and prepared for school.

Back in Blackgore, as soon as Aashi arrived in her chamber, she was enveloped by the familiar fragrance of Rakshan. She mindlinked him to let him know of her return.

Rakshan arrived promptly, his joy evident. He lifted Aashi and twirled her around before gently setting her down. However, as he inhaled her scent more deeply, his joy turned to concern.

 "what's wrong?" Aashi asked, noticing his shift in demeanor.

"Doll, we're having a baby. You're pregnant." Rakshan said, his voice trembling with emotion

Aashi's hands flew to her mouth in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief. Rakshan took her hand, and they both sat on the bed, overwhelmed by the news. Years of yearning for a child had finally come to fruition, but it came at a time when they were helping Agastya.

"Rakshan, should we be happy or feel guilty for not being there for my brother when he needs us the most?" Aashi questioned, her voice tinged with concern.

"The moon goddess has a plan, She'll help Agastya. He's strong and capable. He probably wanted me to deliver this news to you. We should celebrate this joy." Rakshan reassured her.

Rakshan cradled her face and pulled her into his lap, showering her with kisses. Their moment of happiness was interrupted when they received a mindlink from Rana, calling them to the courtroom.

Upon entering the courtroom, Agastya greeted them with a warm hug and a kiss on Aashi's forehead.

"You should take care of yourself and my niece," Agastya said, leading them to the front.

Sitting on his throne with a broad smile, Agastya made a grand announcement.

"I'm thrilled to share that my sister, Aashi, and her husband, Rakshan, will be welcoming their first baby soon. A celebration will be held in honor of my niece. Everyone in the kingdom is invited to join in this joyous occasion."

Rana rushed to Aashi and Rakshan, embracing them and offering heartfelt congratulations. The room buzzed with excitement as well-wishers congratulated the couple. Rakshan, his gratitude evident, shared a thankful smile with Agastya.

Later, when Rakshan entered Agastya's chamber, he was enveloped in a warm embrace by Agastya.

"I'm so happy for you, Raksha, take care of my sister and niece, or face my wrath." Agastya said truly happy for him.

Rakshan, slightly bewildered, asked, "What about the other Aashi?"

Agastya, with a knowing smile, punched Rakshan lightly in the stomach, causing him to wince in pain.

"That's been dealt with the moment she entered your chamber," Agastya said, his tone both firm and reassuring.

Their conversation was cut short when Rana entered, worry etched on his face.

"Your Highness, we have troubling news. A werewolf was brutally killed by a vampire and hung at the pack border. This is the third such incident, and the alphas are furious." Rana said bringing attention on the issue.

"This could lead to a war between werewolves and vampires. Although we have the upper hand, the moon goddess will not be pleased. We need to find out why this curse is happening. A war is the last thing we need right now." Rakshan spoke up the impending problem.

Rana continued, "The alphas have taken the matter to the werewolf king, who has called an emergency meeting with all the alphas to discuss the next steps."

Agastya responded decisively, "Arrange an immediate meeting with the Alpha king. Also, send a message to all the covens that any vampire involved in these killings will face punishment within the kingdom."

Rana took his leave, and Rakshan called for a maid to bring serum for Agastya and blood for himself. As they waited, Agastya looked out the window, deep in thought.

Rakshan spoke, "The annual ball is next week, and the blue moon is approaching."

Agastya turned to him, "Get to the point, Raksha."

Rakshan continued, "Every year, coven leaders bring their daughters as potential brides for you. The Alpha king has been eager to establish a bond with the vampires and has hinted at his daughter, the princess."

Agastya considered this, "We'll announce that I will choose a mate, but the details of the process will be revealed later. Clear my schedule around the blue moon. I need to consult my ancestors. There's a lot happening."

Rakshan asked, "How are you managing without Aashi?"

"The moon goddess is testing me," Agastya replied. "But I believe she will assist me. Have Aashi prepare a potion to mask scents."

Rakshan nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Meanwhile, Harsha entered the deep forest and approached the massive gate of the werewolf king's palace. With the borders sealed by witchcraft, he informed the guards to convey his message. Soon, the beta and gamma of the pack arrived to escort him into the palace.

In the drawing room, Harsha met the Alpha king and his enforcers. He bowed with feigned respect and was invited to sit.

"I'm Harsha, the prince of Blackgore, It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness." he said smoothly.

The Alpha king eyed him warily. "I could have had you killed the moment you stepped onto my land."

Harsha remained unfazed. "I understand, Your Highness. However, I also know you need to hear my proposal, especially given the meeting with the alphas and the invite from King Agastya himself."

The Alpha king asked sharply, "Did he send you here?"

Harsha shook his head. "No, Your Highness. I am here with a proposal that could benefit us both."

The Alpha king's interest was piqued. "What is your proposal?"

Harsha leaned forward, his voice low and persuasive. "I know you wish to propose marriage between your daughter and King Agastya. However, he will never agree to such a proposal. The recent murders of the werewolves were a deliberate act by vampires. The vampires seek to feed on werewolves as they are half-human, and the curse will not affect them. Agastya is aware that werewolves cannot wage a successful war against vampires, so he has allowed this feeding. The killings are just the beginning."

The Alpha king's eyes narrowed. "What is your proposal in this?"

Harsha continued, "As the prince next in line for the throne, I propose an alliance. Agastya will lose power gradually as he has not yet found his mate. Join me in dethroning him, and in return, I will ensure that no vampires harm your werewolves. We can sign a treaty."

The Alpha king considered Harsha's words, the tension in the room palpable as they awaited his response.

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A/N:

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