Chapter 25
Ishwari moped around the palace for days after the experience of watching her husband almost murdered right before her eyes. If it wasn't for Pagan being the person in charge, Mohan would be dead. She could only imagine what was going through his mind once he woke up from his unconscious state. Most likely the whole country of Kyrat now knew of her betrayal. The thought of being the most hated woman in her country made her feel uneasy.

The encounter also put Pagan on edge. The following morning, he requested more guards be stationed at the palace at every entrance. He even went as far as not allowing Ishwari or Ajay outside without the escort of a guard, though she rarely left her room ever since the incident.

Pagan refused to leave the palace, concerned about Ishwari's saddened mood. If it wasn't for him, Ishwari probably would not have made it through the past few days without complete breakdown. Pagan accepted all responsibility for Ajay so she could rest her mind and body. Every day he personally brought her breakfast in bed and catered to her every need. He would encourage her that things would get better and work out in the end. Ishwari admired Pagan in so many ways. Even though she was upset over Mohan, someone whom Pagan despised with all his heart, he still went out of his way to show small acts of love towards her. He even dealt with frequent arguments against Yuma over his lack of leadership which was something else he hated.

It was coming towards the end of the fourth day of Ishwari's depression. She laid in Pagan's king-sized bed sipping on some warm tea that had been brought to her. She was reading a book Pagan picked out about anthropology in African tribes, knowing she would enjoy the interesting read and with hope, take her mind off of things. Looking up at the window she could see the fading light as the sun began to sink behind the Kyrati mountains.

"How many days must I feel like this?" she quietly asked herself. She longed to feel the overwhelming happiness Pagan brought her every day again. She closed her eyes and imagined every aspect of her current life that brought her happiness. Every memory she thought of involved Pagan. He was her happiness. She was brought back to reality when she heard the bedroom door creak open. Looking up she saw Pagan walk in holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand and carrying in the other hand he had a box wrapped in sparkling silver paper with a red bow on top.

"How are you feeling dear?" He asked her, sitting on the bed beside her. Reaching up, he brushed her hair behind her ear and leaned in for a kiss.

"Same as I have been, I suppose." Ishwari said as she accepted the king's affection.

Pagan smiled, "I want to do something special for you tonight."

Ishwari shook her head. "Pagan you do something special for me every day. You give me so much more than I deserve."

Pagan leaned in, placing another kiss on Ishwari's lips. "You deserve the world and I have yet to give you that." Pagan stood up and placed the box on her lap. "Please Ishwari, give me the chance to give you the world." He smiled and turned, strolling into his walk-in closet out of sight.

Ishwari wasn't about to turn down a gift from Pagan, not wanting to insult him. She pulled the bow off the box and began undoing the neat wrapping. Once all the paper was removed, she opened the lid to find a beautiful long-sleeved blue dress that sparkled just as much as the wrapping paper. Laying on top of the dress was a bottle of perfume and a smaller box that Ishwari investigated to find a silver necklace with three expensive diamonds.

"This is beautiful Pagan..." she informed him. She looked up to see Pagan walking out of the closet wearing a black tux. Ishwari furrowed her brows confused by the king's new style. "That's nowhere near as flamboyant as what you usually wear."

Her remark made him blush with embarrassment. "I know, I know. Figured I'd try something different. Don't get used to it." He said smiling. "Now then, put the dress on dear."

Ishwari obeyed and stood up from the bed, pulling off her worn clothes and began putting the dress on. "Thank goodness for maternity clothes" she thought to herself. Pagan walked over to her and picked up the diamond necklace, helping her put it on while also assisting with the dresses zipper. Afterwards he stepped into the bathroom only to return a moment later, the smell now radiating off of him making it clear he put on cologne. Ishwari sprayed herself with the new perfume to match Pagan's attractive scent. Ishwari then walked into the closet to pick out a pair of heels, she looked at all the possibilities knowing that heels were most likely not possible due to her feet swelling from pregnancy. In the end she chose a pair of black ballet flat shoes.

"Shall we?" Pagan asked, offering Ishwari his arm. She rested her arm on his, the feeling of it making her feel secure.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

Pagan glanced over at her only smiling, ignoring her question. Ishwari could see his "It's a surprise." face and decided to not ask any more questions. Pagan led her trough the golden doors of his office and down the hall towards the courtyard exit of the palace. They stepped outside and almost instantly Ishwari noticed a gazebo set up, exactly like their first date together. She looked over to Pagan for answers.

"You've been so down this past week that I don't blame you for not realizing dear." he said with a smile. "It's been one year since you've made me the happiest than I've ever been."

Ishwari's heart sank. How could she forget something so special to her? Something that was so special for Pagan. "It's our anniversary..." She said, ashamed for forgetting.

"I had originally planned to take you to London. The place that brought you and me so close together." Pagan sighed with disappointment. "Unfortunately, I asked Dr. Aida and she said it's really not safe for you to be traveling this far into your pregnancy." He turned and grasped both of Ishwari's hands. "I promise you, I'll take you there one day."

Ishwari could feel tears building up in her eyes. "Pagan you are so much more than I deserve." she reached her arms out around his neck and embraced him in a strong hug. Letting go she gave him a kiss. "I'm so sorry I didn't realize what today was."

Pagan wiped her tears away with his thumb. "Ishwari. You've had a rough week. I can't blame you for losing track of the days. What matters is that we are here together. I am still as in love with you as I was the first time we enjoyed a night like this." Pagan leaned in to place another kiss. "Come, let's celebrate our love."

Pagan went all out, just as he had done the first night he had planned this. Candle lit dinner, soft calming music, delicious food. The only real difference was the lack of champagne to respect the rules of her pregnancy and the essence of how much more comfortable they were with each other. As the night passed, they laughed and talked about their favorite memories over the past year with each other.

They were finishing up eating when Pagan stood up and offered Ishwari his hand. "Are your feet okay for a dance with me dear?" Ishwari nodded, not wanting to turn down the opportunity to dance with her king. Pagan slowly pulled Ishwari towards an open area beside the table they had been eating at. He looked and nodded to one of his servants who walked to the record machine and changed the song. The sound of a man began singing slowly in english, causing her and Pagan to sway to the calm melody.

"What is this?" She asked Pagan, wanting to remember the moment and the song that made it so.

"We Belong Together by Ritchie Valens." Pagan smiled. "He was pretty popular in America. He died in a plane crash unfortunately." Ishwari frowned, thinking about the fact that Pagan flies in a helicopter numerous times a week. Pagan noticed her dismay. "Ishwari, I promise that won't happen to me. Tavion is an amazing pilot. Besides..." he chuckled. "I'm the luckiest man in the world. Only luck would allow me to be dancing with the woman of my dreams at this very moment." His comment made her smile.

Pagan only allowed Ishwari to dance to one song with him, concerned about her swollen feet. Pagan finished up his planned night with a short stroll to the special spot overlooking the dark and beautiful Kyrat land.

"Ishwari..." Pagan spoke staring off into the distance. "Thank you so much for everything this past year."

Ishwari looked over at the love of her life. "Pagan, I really should be thanking you. You've done so much for me and Ajay. I could never repay you."

Pagan turned, wrapping his arms around Ishwari's waist. "Keep loving me. That's all I need." He kissed her once again. Pulling away he looked into Ishwari's eyes and she could see something was troubling him.

"Pagan?" Ishwari asked concerned. "What's wrong."

Pagan let out a sigh. "Just have a lot on my mind dear."

"Tell me, please..." She begged him.

Pagan hesitated before speaking. "The other night when you protected Mohan. I respect you for your choice. It almost made me jealous though." he turned to look back out into the darkness. "You still refer to him as your husband. I've just been thinking..." Pagan paused undecided if he wanted to fully speak his mind.
"What have you been thinking?" Ishwari asked eager to know.

Pagan once again looked at her. "I've been thinking that one day I hope to be the one you refer to as your husband."

Ishwari stared at the beautiful asian man in front of her. Was he asking her to marry him? "Pagan..." she tried to get the words out but had trouble reacting to the statement.

Pagan smiled. "Ishwari, I said one day. Just something to think about down the road. I would never ask you to do something like that now. Not after what you just been through." Pagan grabbed her hands "I just want you to know that I want my future to always be with you." Ishwari began to cry from all her mixed emotions as Pagan continued to smile before placing his arm around her lower back, nuddging her to move. "Come now dear, how about we call it a night. You need your rest."