Manvendra was sitting on the throne-like chair, leaning on one side of the armrest and surrounded by Ashwa-rohis on either of his sides while Ashwasen stood near him.

In front of him stood, a messanger from the Mlecchas, who just by looking once at the son of Rudradev Manyu, felt chills down his spine.

"Why is he not speaking ?" Manvendra asked quietly to Ashwasen.

"He's clearly afraid of you, Aryaputra." Ashwasen said.

Manvendra then looked back at the messanger, observing his body language, and he did seem to be showing signs of fear. Since three years of being cursed, due to not feeling any emotions, the Vidurputra had been losing touch with what emotions the others felt as well.

Maybe that was what being heartless meant. The curse could've gone south, but since the son of Vidur was always inclined towards Dharma and had good knowledge of it, he never swerved away from the righteous path.

"Convey your message. We Arya never kill the messanger." Manvendra said.

"G-Glory to you, born in Kuru lineage !Our king wants to make peace with you. Hence he is willing to make an offering." The messanger said.

"What can the king of Mlecchas in this condition has to offer us ?" Manvendra told.

"He says that he will only reveal this once you come our kingdom. You may bring your Ashwa-rohis with you as well. Be assured that this offer is going to bring you pleasure." The messanger said.

Manvendra looked at Ashwasen, who already looked quite wary of what the king of Mlecchas would probably have to offer. The commander leaned near the ears of the prince, wishing to convey his thoughts secretly.

"Maybe this is a trick of the Mleccha king." Ashwasen whispered in the ears of Manvendra.

"Whatever it is, we should go and see. After all the defeated King has invited us for peace." Manvendra said.

"But what if they attack ?" Ashwasen asked.

"Their kingdom has been laid waste already. They are not in a position to call us and then attack. But if it assures you, we all shall go armed." Manvendra said.

"As the prince, wishes." Ashwasen said.

Manvendra then looked at the Mleccha messanger, "We shall come in the evening." He told.

"We will be waiting." The messanger bowed to him.

The messanger then went back to the settlement of Mlecchas, the fire had subsided and all there remained was smoke and ashes.

He went to the king of Mlecchas, who was sitting on his burnt throne, seeing the messanger back, he stood up eagerly.

"What did the Arya said ?!" He asked.

"My king, they said they shall come by the evening." The messanger informed.

A sigh of relief left the lips of the Mleccha king, finally he can get resources to rebuild his settlement.

On the otherside, Dhisana was being made ready to be offered to the enemy. But she didn't seem to mind it, not even one bit. Surely the Aryas were their enemies but they were Aryas !

And Dhisana had always been fascinated by the idea of true love and longed to find her perfect match.

"It is good only if you ask me. She was a burden on us anyway." A maid said.

"Ungrateful she is !"

"Waste of space !"

The maids taunted her as they got her ready. Dhisana could hear it all but chose to ignore them. Even after listening to such taunts and insults, there were no tears in her eyes. All had dried up it over the years it seemed.

Her mind was wondering about the Arya warrior to whom she will be married to. How will he be like ? What will he look like ?

She had heard that the prince belonged to the Kurus, while learning the tongue of Aryas, she had come to know about their greatness.

Dhisana hence imagined him to be tall, dark and handsome, with piercing eyes that sparkled like diamonds. He was an Arya so definitely he would be strong, yet gentle, with a kind heart and a warm smile that could light up any room.

Since he was a Kuru then he would be charming and witty, yet also sincere and honest- a true prince among men. And so she kept daydreaming about the possible qualities her future husband was going to have.

Dhisana knew her ishtdev Shambhu would grant her a good husband. She imagined being lost in his arms, knowing he was someone she was destined to be together forever.

A smile appeared on her face thinking how they would share their dreams, hopes, and fears, slowly but surely falling more deeply in love with each passing day.

Some may call her a fool for daydreaming about love like so. But she wasn't a fool, she was one of those brave ones who believed in it.

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A/N

Ladki bina kuch dekhe ya jaane pyaar mei pad gayi 🤣