The little s.h.i.+v, slowly approached the castle gates and walked through it. His eyes kept searching for the figure of that little girl.

"Oh.... You are back!" The cute and soft voice of that little girl was hear from behind him. The little guy was startled. He was not sure, he could hear that smoothing voice again.

His eyes warmed up a little, "Yeah.... I am back!" The little guy showed his most vibrant smile, though he was on the verge of tears.

"So, what do we play? Are you allowed to go outside?"

"No.... not until tomorrow..... But I will ask my guard to allow you inside the castle.... there we can play....."

"Wow! Inside that big building?? Umm... let's go!" The little girl was clearly excited. Her already big eyes, grew even bigger from excitement.

Even inside the palace.... s.h.i.+v was not allowed to roam around. He is only allowed to enter into certain area.

Given his character, s.h.i.+v never left his room. Even inside the palace, his room was isolated.

He took her to his room. Along the way, the little girl was continuously awed at the wonderful site of the palace.

She knows that it was some kind of big building, but never would have thought that it was this big. She felt that the way to his room was a little lonely and sad, as none of the palace servants were interested to accompany the little guy, except his only guard.

The two attendants that accompanied him, had their own plans for the day.

"Then.... Prince..... I shall be on my way.... Since you are inside the castle there will be no need of my constant protection and I have some plans for the day. If you need anything, please call for the court lady. Well then, I shall be on my way."

His guard is ordered to protect him only when The Prince is outside the castle. Now that he has returned, the duty of that particular guard ends for the day.

****

*Thud* Ira fell asleep, with her head on his shoulder. s.h.i.+v came back to reality. He smiled softly at her, as he reached out his hand to touch her head.

"You little Klutz! Do you know how long I have waited for you?" s.h.i.+v flicked her forehead with his forefinger. Ira frowned a little as she continued to sleep.

s.h.i.+v sighed, "I really don't know what I am going to do with you!" He first made himself comfortable and hugged her tight in his arms.

Ira snuggled into his warm arms, making herself comfortable.

"You have worked hard today and thanks for keeping our promise!" s.h.i.+v softly planted a kiss on her forehead as he continued to hug her.

Ira was sound asleep. She was tired both physically and mentally. It had indeed been a long day for the both of them.

s.h.i.+v's wound stinged a bit. Even though he did some immediate first aid for his wound, he must still get it properly treated by Aditya.

s.h.i.+v just didn't want to disturb this perfect sense of peace he feels right this moment. He indeed felt warm and comfortable only when he is in her presence.

Ira felt very comfortable that she doesn't want to wake up. She reached out her hands, like searching for something. She doesn't know what it was, as she simply placed her hands around s.h.i.+v and hugged him back.

s.h.i.+v was surprised when she hugged him back. He liked how she cuddled in his arms, he doesn't want to wake her up. But it was already noon and they had to return soon.

He broke the hug and lifted her in his arms. He walked straight to the main house as he wanted to avoid as much attention as possible.