Chapter 18 – A New Dawn

Kanwar smiled as he saw Eka's blush and snuggled closer. It was morning and god, his husband was adorable.

They got out and saw Jeev snuggled up to Clement in the balcony. Both had a cup of hot drink in their hands as they spoke a little bit reveled in the blissfulness of the morning.

Clement saw them first and waved, one arm firm around Jeev.

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There were some hush-hush talks at the table.

"For fucks sake are you all 12! Yes, they mated yesterday, get over it," said Iker and all fell silent for a second before everyone broke out into laughter. The two sets of couples in question flushed a deep red as they laughed along.

Isco and Arth came over putting an end to all adult talks. Both sat down and the food was served.

The thought of Isco worried them always. Kanwar and Eka looked at each other. They had talked about it before. Kanwar did not have any objection as he liked Isco too. The discussion had happened on the day Isco fell asleep on their bed. But then it was evident that one of the Mantini's will be adopting him. Eka was a bit sad. However, when their request was rejected also Eka had been sad and furious. Kanwar had to calm him down before he stormed to the council to ask them to stop playing with a child's life and stability.

They waited for the kids to go back to playing before addressing it with Avadh, Iker, and the Mantini's and of course Ethan and Atrey. All the two sets of parents sat in the drawing-room as both requested.

"Baba, We- " Kanwar broke off.

"Em - Dad" Eka looked down as Ethan looked at him.

"We, we would like to adopt Isco," said Kanwar.

All four looked at each other. Atrey was in his feet grabbing Ethan's hand.

"Can we go to the council now," he asked making Ethan roll his eyes fondly.

Avadh and Iker were smiling.

Ethan got up and hugged them both.

"Yes, we are happy for you both. Yes I am also talking for those two dorks! I can hear there excitement about taking Isco back to palace through the bond so loud that my ear drum night break. And, if they pull any objection, Kanwar you know what to do," said Ethan.

Atrey was beaming.

Avadh and Iker were smiling broadly now.

"Yes. Let's not wait. I have asked your brothers to meet us in the hall. Let's talk to the council now," said Avadh.

Eka hugged Atrey and then his uncles and looked back at Kanwar.

"We should ask Isco first," said Eka.

Kanwar nodded.

Both men trooped to the game room. Arth saw them and was about to say something when Magnus came in and picked him up.

He smiled at the two.

"Go on talk to him," said Magnus and got out.

Of course. They all mind linked to communicate their decision.

Isco did not protest when Eka picked him up. He simply rested his head on Eka's shoulder.

"What happened? Bad?" asked Isco, seeing the worried looks on both their faces.

"You know almost everyone here wants to adopt you on their own," said Eka.

Isco nodded.

"But Sam, Mag and Clem cannot," said Isco.

"Yeah and We- want to. I mean King Kanwar and me," said Eka.

Isco looked at them.

"You like me too?" he asked.

Both nodded.

"Will you leave like dads?" asked Isco his lips wobbling.

"No, never," said Kanwar.

"Good," said Isco resting his head back on Eka's shoulder trying to not show that he was crying. He is a big boy after all.

"Why are you hiding?" asked Kanwar.

"Big boys don't cry. S girly," said Isco bravely wiping the tears.

"Who told you that?" asked Eka.

"Teacher," said Isco.

They knew all about that pathetic teacher from Jana. Of course, she has fucked with all the kids' minds.

"Listen here Isco,kiddo, you know I am the new King right?" asked Kanwar.

"Yes, Arth said yes'day when I couldn't find you both," said Isco.

"You were looking for us?" asked Eka.

"Yeah, comfy to sleep. But Art said King's duties," said Isco.

It was true. They were away on a meeting during the day time yesterday.

"We are so sorry. Now, what I meant to say is, even the King cries. My dad’s, the big Kings also cry. It is okay to cry. Only brave people cry," said Kanwar.

"I am brave," said Isco, a fresh set of tears rolling down his eyes.

"We know," said Eka as Kanwar wiped his eyes and after a brief moment of hesitation thinking of Isco will welcome it or if it's too soon to show affection, kissed on his forehead. He didn't want to take anything for granted. He loved the kid. And he would be the happiest man along with Eka if they can adopt him, no- when they will adopt him. He was King. If it means using his power and underhanded techniques, he will.

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The councilmen could see the firmness of the young King's demand. Fighting with the royal family for the second time, they knew will only bring down destruction on them. So they agreed to the adoption proposal.

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Jana smiled as he dressed up Isco. Carles sat next to them clutching his almost 7 month tummy. Jeev smiled as he rocked Arth who might disrupt the dressing up if left to his devices.

Magnus and Samuel dropped in and smiled at seeing how smart Isco looked.

"Now, don't hog him all three of you, Kanwar and Eka looks closer to collapse due to all the wait," said Magnus as he took his son from Jeev who smiled.

"Clement is running around more excited than Arth, just go out a leash on him and Ili," said Magnus.

"Make it fast before they announce it to the world that the royal family is in Hallerbo," said Samuel rolling his eyes as he sat down next to Carles who leaned onto him.

"They are not idiots," said Carles rebukingly.

"If you say so, I doubt it," said Samuel.

Carles gave him a look making Magnus and Jana snigger.

"I mean, yeah obviously if you say so," said Samuel.

"Don't patronise me," said Carles and looked at his belly.

"Your Dad is an asshole sometimes," said Carles.

Samuel rolled his eyes.

"His first word might end up being ass," said Samuel.

"You be very careful with what comes out of your mouth," said Carles cuddling more into Samuel.

Magnus smiled as he and Jana kissed Isco on his forehead. Isco gave a shy smile.

"Yeah, charm Magnus Mantini as much as you can now itself or he will chase you with a sword when you turn 18 and you will evidently turn out to be his son's mate," said Jana conspiratorially in a loud whisper.

Isco is too young to understand so Jana was not putting ideas into his head. He just wanted to pull Magnus' leg.

"Can we keep the 'pulling pigtails' for later?" asked Samuel.

Carles snorted and the couple hugged Isco and Arth before they walked out with Arth holding Carles' other hand. He was extremely protective of the baby. So was Isco for that matter.

Magnus and Jana took the kid out.

Eka and Kanwar looked up and sighed.

Isco smiled at them and Jana took him over to Eka and hugged him before giving Isco into his arms. Tears slid down Jana's eyes and Magnus held him.

It was for the best.

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