Chapter 15: Hunt went Wrong
**Old fort gate**
The next morning, as planned, Aditya, Afzal, and Amira gathered at the grand entrance of the palace. Two magnificent elephants stood beside them, their massive frames adorned with intricate patterns and colorful fabrics, a testament to the grandeur of the royal entourage. One elephant was for them, and the other for the guards.
Aditya stood tall and resolute, his gaze fixed on the horizon as he anticipated the day's adventure. Beside him, Afzal wore a confident smile, his excitement palpable as he eagerly anticipated the thrill of the hunt. Amira, with her vibrant presence and spirited demeanour, radiated an air of anticipation as she prepared to join her companions in the forest.
Mounted on elephant, Amira and Afzal engaged in light-hearted banter, their laughter mingling with the gentle rustle of the leaves overhead. "Lets make a bet. I'll bag more deer than you two, today," Amira teased, her eyes alight with mischief.
Afzal chuckled in response, his competitive spirit rising to the surface. "Don't confuse puny rabbits with the actual deers. Anyways, don't be surprised when I emerge victorious," he retorted playfully, a twinkle of determination in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Aditya remained deep in thought, his brow furrowed with contemplation. Despite his prowess with a bow, he found himself hesitating to join in the hunt. Memories from his past life haunted him, casting a shadow over the exhilaration of the moment. He recalled the tales of his childhood hero Salmon Khan, whose legal troubles over hunting deer had left a lasting impression on his conscience.
"Aditya, why do you hesitate?" Amira's voice broke through his reverie, her concern evident as she regarded him with furrowed brows.
Aditya shook his head, a somber expression crossing his features. "I'm afraid I cannot join you in the hunt, Amira. My conscience weighs heavily upon me, I should rather target something dangerous."," he confessed, his voice tinged with regret.
Afzal mocked," is that an excuse big brother?"
"It's alright, Aditya. We understand," Amira said gently, a playful giggle escaping her lips as she glanced at the majestic elephant beside them. "Perhaps you're just not as fond of elephant rides as we are," she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Despite his initial reluctance, Aditya found himself joining his companions for the hunt, riding atop the elephant with Amira and Afzal by his side. As they ventured deeper into the forest under the guidance of the mahout, the thrill of the hunt coursed through their veins.
As the day wore on, Aditya paced restlessly, unable to shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at his insides. A sound caught his attention, a low growl echoing through the air. Aditya's senses snapped to attention, his instincts sharpening as he scanned the surrounding area for signs of danger. And then, he saw it – a shadowy figure lurking amidst the trees, its eyes gleaming with predatory intent. In the blink of an eye, the creature emerged from the shadows, its form illuminated by dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above. It was a leopard, its sleek muscles rippling beneath its spotted fur as it bared its teeth in a menacing snarl.
Out of nowhere, the peaceful vibe of the forest got totally wrecked when this leopard just pounced out of the shadows, heading straight for Amira who wasn't even paying attention. Aditya, quick as lightning, jumped right in, wrestling with the wild beast as it clawed and bit at him.
In a desperate struggle, Aditya managed to drive his dagger deep into the leopard's skull, but not without sustaining injuries himself. As he fell from the elephant, his friends and the guards rushed to his side, calling out his name in concern.
Amidst the chaos, Aditya lay unconscious on the ground, his body intertwined with the lifeless form of the leopard. Despite the danger and the pain, he had acted instinctively to protect his friends, and now he paid the price as darkness enveloped him.
**after an hour later**
As Aditya slowly regained consciousness, he found out his right hand bandaged and little sprain in his ankle. His gaze fell upon Amira, tears streaming down her cheeks as she hovered over him with palpable concern. In that moment, a rush of memories flooded his mind, memories of another girl with tears in her eyes – Riya. The resemblance was uncanny, and Aditya couldn't help but find Amira's distress endearing.
"I'm alright," he assured her softly, his voice barely above a whisper. Yet, his words seemed to lift a weight off the shoulders of those gathered around him, their expressions easing from worry to relief.
But Amira's relief quickly turned to frustration as she scolded Aditya for risking his life to save hers, chastising him for jeopardizing his safety for that of a mere servant, despite being the prince of the empire.
"Aditya, what were you thinking?" Amira's voice was a mixture of anger and concern. "You could have been seriously hurt, or worse! How could you be so reckless?"
Her words stung, but Aditya remained calm, understanding the depth of her concern. "I couldn't just stand by and watch you get hurt, Amira," he replied gently. "You're important to me, just like anyone else in our company."
Without a word, she threw her arms around Aditya, burying her face in his shoulder as she cried softly. "Shut up, stupid," she murmured between sobs. "Think twice before you speak. Words have weight, you know."
Aditya was taken aback by the sudden outburst. He mistakenly spoke something that he didn't mean to say at first place. It was all for a fleeting moment of Riya's resemblance that he expressed his supressed feelings. But now reacting differently would look bad and can strain their relations. He returned the embrace with cautious gesture, his left arm encircling Amira in a comforting hold while his right hand was already bandaged. He felt her tears dampen his shoulder, her trembling form pressed against his own.
Gently patting Amira's hand, Aditya offered a reassuring smile, silently conveying that he would do it all over again if he had to , regardless of his status as they are freinds. Meanwhile, Afzal maintained a sympathetic look, understanding the complex emotions swirling within their group.
Amira too apologised as she regained her demeanour for the lack of conduct and getting emotional but the duo brushed it off and made fun of her crying on small stuffs.
As they journeyed back to the safety of the fort, Amira found solace in sleep, her head resting on Aditya's shoulder. Beside them, Afzal couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy for some unidentified reasons. Yet, he knew better than to voice his feelings, recognizing that it was a moment beyond his control.
Aditya, on the other hand, felt a mixture of embarrassment and warmth, unsure of how to react to Amira's closeness. His heart raced with conflicting emotions, caught between the dilemma to pull away or to stay there for her.
As they finally reached the safety of the fort, Aditya took leave and went straight to the king's chamber for his report.
**Two days later in Kings chamber**
Aditya entered the king's chamber, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. He bowed respectfully before Emperor Hemu and handed over the report, his palms slightly sweaty with nervousness.
Emperor Hemu scanned the contents of the report with a thoughtful expression, nodding to himself as he processed the information. "So, this is the final report," he murmured, his gaze shifting to Aditya.
Aditya nodded in affirmation. "Yes, Your Majesty Emperor. I believe they will take action soon, but they're staying silent because of the army. Once we leave this place, there will be chaos."
The emperor rose from his seat, his footsteps echoing in the chamber as he paced back and forth. "Are you sure this could happen in other places as well?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Aditya met the emperor's gaze squarely. "Yes, Your Majesty Emperor. It's bound to happen," he replied with conviction.
The emperor paused, nodding in understanding. "Very well. I will take care of it. You did well in bringing this to my attention. It's the right time to nip the problem in the bud before it blooms," he declared decisively.
As Aditya turned to leave, the emperor called him back with a sudden question. "Do you like Amira?" he asked, catching Aditya off guard.
Aditya took sometime to think and recall the moments he spent with her, the resemblance of Riya still lingered in his mind but he was no fool, not to differentiate between reality and illusion. "It's hard not to like someone as appealing as her, Your Majesty Emperor. But I know where my priorities lie," he replied honestly.
The king nodded approvingly. "Good. And how are you feeling now?" he inquired with genuine concern.
Aditya smiled. "I'm all good, Your Majesty ," he assured him.
"Alright then, take some rest. We will leave for Delhi once the Mughals leave and be prepared for a heroic welcome. You are the empire's face now for mass appeal," the king instructed, his tone firm yet encouraging. "I've received news that the Mughals have started to retreat to the border and it may take much time, which we can take as a sign of their seriousness for the treaty. The rest will be decided in the capital. Also, tell Jeetendar to train you in swordsmanship. I will appoint a substitute guard for him to take in charge here. He will be your personal instructor."
Aditya bowed respectfully. "As you wish, Your Majesty Emperor ," he replied, feeling a sense of pride at the trust and care the emperor had shown towards him.
With that, Aditya left the king's chamber, his mind buzzing with thoughts of the tasks ahead.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Jeet_1993
Jeet_1993 I am missing my dear readers not commenting. how about if plot goes towards r18??
Chapter 16: Mystery girl at Riverside(R-18+)
The next day, the military camp outside the fort was buzzing with activity. Soldiers were busy checking their gear and securing supplies for the journey to the capital. The atmosphere was a mix of organized chaos and focused energy.
Aditya watched with a sense of pride as he joined the ranks of the departing army. He felt a deep determination, knowing how crucial his role was in defending the empire.
By nightfall, the army set up camp by the riverside, the stars sparkling overhead. As the moon climbed high in the sky, Aditya found himself restless and unable to sleep. The stillness of the night beckoned him, and he decided to take a quiet walk to clear his mind. He slipped out of the camp, guided by the soft glow of the moon.
Bheem, still sound asleep, wasn't there to join him, so Aditya wandered alone. He followed the gentle murmur of a waterfall, the soothing sound drawing him closer. As he approached, the splashing water grew louder, and he felt a sense of calm wash over him.
Under the full moon's ethereal light, he stumbled upon a breathtaking scene. A mysterious woman wrapped in a white saree stood beneath the cascading waters, her figure illuminated by the moon's gentle caress. Her skin glowed with an otherworldly radiance, her form a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow.
From the looks of it she was of more or less, similar age with perfect body.
Aditya watched, captivated, as she played joyfully in the water, her laughter mingling with the gentle rush of the waterfall. He stayed at a respectful distance, not wanting to interrupt the serene moment. His heart raced with excitement and curiosity as he observed her from afar.
As the girl moved closer to the shore, Aditya caught a fleeting glimpse of her face, previously hidden by the blanket of mist that enveloped the area. Yet, even in the dim light, he could see the delicate curve of her lips, the sparkle of mischief in her eyes, a beautiful face that felt familiar but hard to recollect.
As the girl emerged from the mist, her figure revealed under the moonlit sky. Aditya's eyes followed the elegant lines of her body: the curve of her neck, the slope of her shoulders. The soft moonlight highlighted her slender waist and the subtle curve of her hips, hinting at the allure beneath her wet white saree. His gaze lingered on the gentle rise and fall of her perfectly round breasts, evident beneath the fabric, enhancing her feminine grace and beauty.
Aditya gulped as he watched the water droplets fell down from her lips down to her neck and then into the bluging curve of her cleavage, disappearing into the gentle slope of her slender waist.
Meanwhile, the splashes of water added a playful rhythm to the scene, echoing the joy evident in her carefree movements. And amidst it all, the melody of her humming, soft and sweet voice, floated throughout the air, captivating Aditya's senses and drawing him closer with each passing time.
Unable to resist the pull of curiosity, Aditya took a step closer, his gaze fixed on the captivating sight before him. But his footfall betrayed him as the rustle of dried leaves echoed through the night air. In an instant, the girl's head snapped up, her eyes widening in alarm.
Realizing he had been discovered, Aditya froze, his heart pounding in his chest. He called out to her, pleading for her to stay, but she was already out, her graceful form dashing into the darkness.
With a sigh of disappointment, Aditya watched her vanish into the night, her memory etched forever in his mind. He realized that his monster down there was already raging hard in excitement.
Aditya sighed for his loss of control of new body and headed back to his camp, bracing himself for yet another failed attempt at sleep.
**Next morning**
Emperor Hemu opts for a day of rest, commanding the army to engage in rigorous drills. He personally selects a small, elite brigade of cavalry under the leadership of Shadi Khan to accompany him on a hunting excursion.
'Damn! it hurts.'
Aditya struggled to keep pace during the morning drills after his prolonged training, his chest heaving with exertion as he attempted to lift the cumbersome bundles of wood for weightlifting exercises, which appeared rather strange to onlookers.
Raamya Sen, striding past with an air of superiority, couldn't help but smirk at Aditya's peculiar efforts, a sly grin playing at the corners of his lips.
'Just you wait! Once I get back to my previous self, we'll see who has the last laugh.'
Undeterred by Raamya's mocking gaze, Aditya pushed himself to the limit, determined to prove his worth despite his physical limitations. Sweat trickled down his brow as he labored under the weight of the wood, his muscles straining with the effort.
Though he longed to match the strength of his past timeline, Aditya knew that true strength lay not only in physical prowess but also in determination and resilience. Despite the significant improvements in his body, it was still just the tip of the iceberg compared to his former self.
As the morning wore on, Aditya's exhaustion reached its limit, his limbs weighed down by fatigue. With a sigh of defeat, he finally ceased his futile efforts and retreated to a nearby river for a refreshing bath.
Stripping off his sweat-soaked garments, he waded into the cool waters, the gentle lapping of the waves soothing his weary body. With each stroke, he felt the tension melting away, the water washing away the strain from his muscles.
As he bathed, Aditya couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, a sense of unease settling over him like a shroud.
'What was that? Anyone watching me?'
Glancing around nervously, he searched for any sign of the mysterious observer, but found nothing but the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.
'As if she would come and say hello to me. Forget it.'
Shaking off his unproved instincts, he continued bathing, determined not to let his imagination get the better of him.
After his bath, Aditya re-joined his companions for a leisurely stroll around the camp, the salutes of his fellow soldiers lifted his spirits.
Amira and Afzal regaled him with tales of their own exploits, laughter ringing out as they shared jokes and memories. Despite the rigors of army life, Aditya cherished these moments of camaraderie, the bonds of friendship forged in the crucible of adversity.
As the day wore on, Aditya found himself drawn to the training grounds once more, the lure of the sword calling out to him. Joining Jeetendar for a sparring session, he threw himself into the fray with renewed vigour, the clash of steel ringing out as he honed his skills with each precise strike.
Though his body ached with exertion, Aditya felt a sense of exhilaration coursing through his veins, the thrill of battle fuelling his determination.
As evening descended upon the camp, Aditya retired to his quarters, his body weary but his spirits buoyed by the day's accomplishments.
On his way back, Aditya overheard snippets of conversation among the guards. Their words hinted at a swift and decisive action by Emperor Hemu in Panipat, where the remnants of the Mughal rebellion were being rooted out by his cavalry.
With a sense of admiration, Aditya marvelled at the emperor's strategic prowess, acknowledging the importance of striking when the rebels least expected it. He silently praised Hemu's foresight and determination to maintain order in the empire, recognizing the significance of such decisive actions in times of unrest.
As he settled into bed, he found his thoughts drifting back to the events of the previous night as well as the day, the appearance of mystery girl and the possibility of the observer at the same river bank still lingering in his mind.
'Who was that person, and why he's been watched?'
'Was it the same girl from night, who came to confirm him?'
'Then why not meet him?'
The questions nagged at him, but for now, there were no answers, only the promise of another day dawning on the horizon.
Little did he know, this chance encounter would set into motion a series of events that would change the course of his life forever just like his past timeline.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
0 Power
stone ![Only His [Scarlet Heart]](https://noah-image.webnovel.com/noah/img/c72400dd98494ddd8ae42069efbd6eb0.png)
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