Chapter 30

Ishwari gazed out of the helicopter's window. She had only ever ridden in it once, when Pagan took her and Ajay on a picnic. Though she was nervous about the height she was at, she couldn't deny how breath taking the view was. She was reminded of the size and beauty of her country, trying to forget the fact that it was also a place filled with warfare. She turned her attention to Pagan who was staring out his own window, also taking in the beauteous view of the land he reigned over. Rays from the morning sun came in through the window and glistened on his blond hair. He showed a hint of a smile and the way he was holding her hand, she knew it was because she was there with him. She continued to take in the handsome man next to her, hoping he would succeed in making Kyrat a safe and pleasant place.

Eventually Pagan caught notice of Ishwari watching him. She was in her own little world, caught up in the awe of her king. "Ishwari dear? Are you okay? Why are you smiling like that?" he laughed.

Ishwari was brought back to reality at the sound of his voice. "Oh... I was just thinking about how great of a king you are." she squeezed his hand. "I hope you're able to work out something with the golden path today."

"You talk as if it's all on me?" Pagan smiled. "I'm bringing you along because I'd like you to help them see that I am on their side." Ishwari glanced down at her feet, the thought of meeting with golden path making her uneasy. Pagan took note of her dismay. "What's troubling you dear.?" he asked.

"I use to be a member of the golden path. I'm sure they've heard by now that I've betrayed them and gave you a daughter."

She was interrupted when Pagan began speaking. "So what? You did what you did because what I have to offer is better. I'm better for you and I'm better for this country. That's why I want you in there, you can explain to them what will come if they lay down their arms and just allow me to do my job."

Ishwari shook her head. "I'll try my best Pagan, but I won't be of much use if they have ill feelings towards me."

"Then I'll just have them shot." Ishwari's eyes widened at Pagan's remark, unsure if he was being serious. Pagan let out a laugh from Ishwari's shocked expression. "I'm just kidding." raising both hands up as if he were surrendering.

"Pagan, you can't kill people just because they have different beliefs as you." She informed him.

"I haven't killed anyone since you've come into my life Ishwari." Pagan raised a single finger. "Except for those guards who had their way with you."

His truth made her smile. "I'm a good influence on you."

"The best influence." He said as he took hold of her hand again.

Before they knew it, the helicopter began to descend. Stepping out of the aircraft, Ishwari began examining her surroundings. They landed inside the interior walls of the fortress, walls that were so high, it seemed impossible for anyone to ever breach them. She felt Pagan placed his arm around her waist and he escorted her up a path that lead to a cave. She was astonished at how well the inside was furnished. It was even nicer than the home she used to live in with Mohan.

As they entered the lobby of the marvelous cave, a heavily armed soldier approached them. "Sir, the golden path members have already arrived. I took the liberty of having them wait in the lounge room."

"Wonderful!" Pagan announced with enthusiasm. He turned to speak to Ishwari. "No point in waiting. Let's get this meeting underway."

They stepped into a room off to the side of the lobby. Inside there were two older golden path members seated at a small square table. It was as she had feared, Ishwari did in fact know them. They were the ones who had assisted in recruiting fighters among the various villages throughout Kyrat. Of course they would know her as she was the wife of their glorious leader.

"Ishwari Ghale?" The elder woman questioned, surprised to see Ishwari accompany Pagan Min.

"Ishwari Ghale!?" Pagan gasped. "Are you the wife of Mohan Ghale, the leader of the golden path?" His outburst of words brought everyone's attention to him.

Ishwari looked at Pagan as if he had just grown a third eye. Pagan saw her confusion and let out a sigh. "You know she was sent to spy on me, right? If I hadn't already known about that and she was still undercover, you would had just given her away." Pagan shook his head. "You golden path aren't exactly the most organized are you?"

The elder woman went to speak, but stopped knowing that the tyrant in front of her was correct. She would had given Ishwari away had she still been an undercover spy. Pagan pulled out a chair across from the elder couple, motioning Ishwari to have a seat, before sitting down in a chair beside her. "It is reasons such as this that the golden path will never win." Pagan smiled at the thought of being the strongest warlord in all the land. "The golden path continues to fight a pointless battle, I have more guns, a larger army, and stronger troops. No matter how you view it, you're out matched."

Pagan folded his hands together and rested them on the table leaning closer to the elders. "I understand I have agendas that you do not approve of, but Ishwari has recommended some ideas that I am on board with and I believe you will agree upon them also."

Everyone in the room turned their attention towards Ishwari, waiting to hear her ideas. She swallowed, clearing her throat in an attempt to calm her nerves. "Well to start...I think we should relinquish the nonsense of having a tarun matara. The pressure of placing that kind of responsibly on a young girl is unnecessary and with King Min in charge we won't be needing it anymore."

The older man became confused at Ishwari's suggestion. "Ishwari, you were once the tarun matara. You of all people should want to keep that piece of heritage part of Kyrati tradition."

Pagan's eyes widened and he looked to Ishwari, surprised he never knew that his lover was once labeled a goddess on earth. Ignoring Pagan's stare, Ishwari continued to speak. "It is because of being the previous tarun matara that I want to do away with it. No child should be sexualized and chained down with a ridiculous responsibility such as that." Ishwari took a deep breath, ready to move on to her next agenda.

"Secondly, should we come to an agreement, we plan on searching Kyrat for suitable candidates to be sponsored in abroad study in the medical field. Kyrat would benefit from having more doctors. After that, we will plan an education system and have schools open throughout Kyrat to educate our young." Ishwari smiled at the thought of education being available for the children since such luxury wasn't available to her during her youth. "Knowledge is power, having educated citizens will help in shaping Kyrat into a more powerful country."

"And how will we fund these schools?" The elder woman questioned.

"We have talked about having a designated vast area of land to be turned into fields for crops and livestock. King Min has agreed to fund any cost to get the farm functional. Eventually we hope to profit off it and a percentage of the proceeds will fund schools while the other percent will pay for upkeep and workers."

Ishwari continued to explain all the plans she had for her country, providing numerous reasons why the golden path should lay down their arms and accept Pagan as their king. After being satisfied with all her points being made, she glanced over at Pagan who was patiently waiting. Detecting that she was finished speaking, he smiled and looked at his guests. "Well, what do you think? There are so many benefits that come with me being king. Are you ready to stop resisting and accept the changes we want to make for this country?"

The golden path members looked at each other before speaking. "Could we have a moment alone to discuss our decision?" Pagan gave them a nod.

Standing up he offered Ishwari his hand and led her towards the door exiting the room. The door shut behind them and before she had time to think Pagan grabbed hold of her waist and pressed her against the wall. He brought his face close to hers, their noses almost touching. "You never told me you were the tarun matara." he sounded irritable.

"I didn't think it was that important." Ishwari explained.

"You've always been a goddess to me, but I never knew you were a goddess to this entire damn country. It makes you that much more delectable" He moved his mouth to her neck and bit down, forcing a moan out of her.

"Pagan..." she panted. "You can't do this here. Your guards. They're watching."

"Oh Ishwari..." He moved his face back up to hers, his lips lingering on her own. "I'm the king. I can do whatever I want." He finally pressed his lips to hers. She could feel his tongue gently run across her bottom lip and she opened her mouth, inviting him in. Pagan moved his hands up and ran his fingers through her wavy black hair, making her want more of him. She returned the favor and grabbed hold of the small blond patch of hair that rested on his head, gently tugging. Letting out a grunt, Pagan pressed his whole body up against her, pinning her even tighter to the wall.

With his body being tightly pressed up against her own, she could feel him growing against her thigh. He put so many emotions through her head at that moment. Not wanting to act on her sexual urges to feel him, she resisted. Even if he was king, she still couldn't bring herself to be inappropriate. Pagan moved his hands down towards her waist line, and she felt him start to tug at the silk skirt she was wearing.

"He's not actually trying to..." Ishwari thought to herself shocked. Quickly grabbing his hands, she pulled them away.

Pagan gained a wicked smile. "Am I making you uncomfortable dear?" He finally released his hold on her, allowing her to move away from the wall. "Fine. We'll just finish this once we get back home." He winked.

They both turned their heads at the sound of the lounge door opening up. One of the fortress guards stepped out. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped, his face red with embarrassment. Ishwari and Pagan followed the man's eyes to see what had him so speechless. Pagan let out a sigh when he saw the outline of his erection showing through his pants. He reached his hands up to undo the buttons of the purple blazer he was wearing. He slid the garment off his shoulders and draped it over his forearm, so that it would hang in front of his groin.

"Wouldn't want to be indecent." Pagan said sarcastically as he smiled over at Ishwari. They made their way back into the room with the golden path, eager to hear their answer.

The two elders stood from their seats and bowed their heads. "King Min. We've decided to surrender and allow you to lead us in exchange for peace."

"Awesome! I'm glad you've come to your senses." Pagan announced pleased with the path's decision.

"It won't happen immediately. Mohan is still the leader and most of the golden path stand with him. However, we have a fraction of the group that supports us and our decisions." They raised their heads to look at their King. "We will try our best to have everyone follow this decision."

"See that you do. Now if you excuse me, Ishwari and I have matters that need attending to elsewhere." Pagan informed as he turned to speak to the guard next to him, whom was still blushing from the sight of Pagan's indecency. "Please escort these fine people out." Placing his hand around Ishwari's waist once more, he led her back out of the room and they walked in the direction of the helicopter.

"Where else were we planning on going?" Ishwari asked, confused by his earlier statement.

Pagan grinned. "I told you we'd finish up our copulation once we've returned home. I'm eager to have you alone to myself." He helped Ishwari up into the helicopter and they began their journey back to the palace.