Vicious Empress (Unedited)

Chapter 93 - I Will Wait For You

"Don't worry brother, I will never let my child become a coward. He will never live a life like that. His father is a fighter and so is his uncle. So no matter what he can never back from his responsibility and duty" Maya replied strongly.

Manik gave her an encouraging smile and squeezed her hand lightly "that's what I was expecting from you. No royals of Samrat give up on anything without a fight"

Maya nodded, agreeing. Chityakanta sighed in her heart. Her son does have the quality to change others' perspectives with just simple words. But she is also happy that Manik could convince Maya in such a difficult situation.

On the other hand Nandini stared blankly at the sky. The weather was clear and it was sunny. But she was not in the mood to enjoy the moment because her mind was going under turmoil. Everything was going fine until the sudden news of war started to spread. And time is running out. Last night Manik didn't return and she didn't want to pursue this matter either. Because in her heart she knew how heavy the current situation is. Nandini sighed inwardly. She was not a weak girl. From childhood she has seen her father and brothers fighting for the country and barely showing themselves before her. From that point she started to realise how serious the matter of the country was even though she didn't know much about court matters.

She heard footsteps behind her and suddenly a cold hand held hers. She closed her eyes, sighing deeply. She didn't need to look to confirm the person because one touch from him, she could tell who he was.

"What are you thinking so hard about?" He asked near her ear.

"Nothing" she shook her head.

She heard sigh "are you angry that I didn't come last night? I wanted to visit but-" before he could explain she turned around vand closed his mouth placing her palm.

"Your majesty, you don't need to explain yourself. I can understand you"

Manik smiled and kissed her palm lovingly "I know" then pulled her for a tight hug.

"I missed you"

Nandini sneaked her arms around his waist and sighed in his embrace. Finally her heart can be free from stress even if it was for a moment.

"What have you decided?" She asked.

"I need to go"

Nandini broke the hug and looked at him without a word. He smiled and caressed her face.

"Matter of East Peria started several decades ago. And now it's time to close it for good. With the existence of East Peria, no one can sleep peacefully" he replied.

Though the lines are short without further explanation Nandini still could understand each word clearly. Her heart jolted at the thought. It's not that she doesn't trust Manik's ability but he is going to war and war always means - life & death situation. She never wanted anything to happen to him and if she could she would have tied him here with her and refrain him from going anywhere. Yes, she wanted to do it if she were a normal woman.

But the reality is different. The person before her was not only her husband but the emperor of Samrat, the ruler of justice, the person to whom the whole country is dependent on. Even if she wanted to scream not to leave, she couldn't. Why? Because she was the empress who vowed to help her husband to rule the country. The empress who has a responsibility not only towards the royal family but also the whole country. Being tied with the royal and responsibilities she suddenly felt helpless. The role of an empress is the hardest one because an empress needed to suffer  from both mental and physical struggle.

"When are you leaving?" She asked after some time.

"Tonight"

Nandini closed her eyes tightly. She wanted to tell him it's too fast. She was not prepared for this and she was not the only one too, she has a life growing inside her. In this situation, her hormones started to work and she felt her eyes start to get wet. Unknowingly a lone tear escaped but before it could fall Manik used his hand and captured it. He looked at her and leaned down and placed soft kisses on her eyes.

"I am sorry" he whispered.

Nandini opened her eyes as she stared at his regretful eyes. She shook her head lightly. She reached out and placed her palm on his cheek.

"You are a great ruler, a great brother, a great son, a great husband and a great father" while saying this her eyes started to water "I can never ask for more. And I will never regret marrying you. No matter what happens in future but just know that my love and devotion for you will always remain like today and our child will be proud to call you its father"

Her words hit the soft corner of Manik's heart as his eyes started to become wet. No one can guarantee what will happen once he steps out from here. Life is unpredictable  and in the field of war it's almost like standing on the entrance of hell. But no matter what happens he wanted to savor this moment. He pulled her for a hug.

Both stayed in silence only their heart was communicating without any verbal exchange. At this time they should be enjoying the moment with their unborn happiness but the current situation is forcing the couple to pull apart and live separately. Taking the decision was the hardest thing where there's no guarantee for returning. But when the responsibility of a country falls on your shoulders, nothing is more important than this. And the couple knows it clearly.

"Father in law has sent a letter and everything is settled there. I don't want to wait longer and give advantages to the enemy. We need to stop them on the border" Manik said.

Nandini sighed and broke the hug "brothers will be there too?"

Manik nodded.

"You are not taking Vaibhav?"

"No, Suhal insisted on going with me. So I will leave Vaibhav here to handle the court matter. He is intelligent, really good at war strategy but weak in this political matter. He couldn't handle it alone. I need your help to stabilize the court" Manik told her with expectations. He knew she needed rest as she is pregnant and should not be involved in this stress matter but this current situation is hard to handle and he couldn't help but ask for her help.

Nandini could understand his meaning and nodded her head "don't worry, you just need to focus on your goal and return as fast as you can"

Manik nodded " the arrangements of my leaving are settled. Once the sun is set I will leave secretly. Mother will be anxious and there's also Maya too. With her husband leaving her side, she will be little anxious"

"She is an understanding girl. It's just her pregnancy causing her to act a little differently" Nandini smiled.

"I know I am giving you so much responsibility-"

"It's my duty, your majesty. You don't have to worry about it" she cut his word in the middle.

Manik stared at her face. He couldn't help but wonder how he got so lucky to have this woman as his wife. A woman who can understand his feelings without even telling her. She was the perfect woman whom he could never find even if he searched for a million years without stopping. But now he felt really fortunate to have her, with him, by his side.

"I will be back soon," he whispered.

"I will wait for you," she replied instantly.

Then he just kissed her lips sealing the promise.