LEGACY ||Indian Historical Fiction||

32||TRACKS LEFT BEHIND

Only a messenger, it seemed, came forward. Chavi hastened down to the courtroom with all the ministers where the messenger would be allowed to present his message before the monarchs. They all took their seats.

"Raja Ansh's messenger salutes to you," the messenger began bowing to the king, "I come bearing a request of my king. He wishes an audience with your majesty."

"What for?"

"That is for him to decide, Maharaja. He only wishes a few minutes with you but on a condition that you meet him alone."

Bhargavadeva looked at Chavi who nodded sideways in disapproval.

"I suppose I can't meet him alone. I need to bring a confidant for the conversation that may progress between us. From what I've heard, your king isn't a lot trustworthy."

The messenger thought for a while, ignoring the provocation like a proper diplomat, "I suppose I can persuade my king. One company only."

"Our doors will be open for your king only for today."

"We're grateful for your consideration."

Chavi who sat in her seat took note of the messengers manners. Nothing in it spoke of malice or betrayal. He seemed to have genuine reasons for the visit. And now that Adarsh was out somewhere, Chavi would be with the king in the room with Ansh.

The messenger left the premises leaving everyone wondering if Ansh had a proposition in mind or a demand. Because looking at the army stationed outside Swarnonnata, his demands would hold significant value.

•••

Rajat who had just then finished sending Himanshu off who had to see about their kingdom's matters, retired for the evening to his room. He saw Aloki sitting at the corner doing something. He barely glanced at her, very sure that it she was there and headed to the dresser to pull off his jewellery.

"Would you want to know what happened in court today?" He asked comically.

"Why, I would." A husky voice replied and Rajat shot his head towards it. Nishumbh sat where Rajat thought Aloki was with a smile on his face. Rajat reached for his sword and walked up to him, holding the blade against his neck.

"Easy, Rajkumar." Nishumbh smiled as he gestured towards the open window of the room that looked out into another hallway. There, by the balcony, stood Aloki with her hands tied and her mouth gagged and a small cut on her cheekbone.

Rajat glared at Nishumbh, "My mother used to tell me getting into fights is bad and that I might end up killing someone." He grabbed his upped garment and brought him up to him, "But you hurt a hair on her again, I'll show you what my father taught me."

Nishumbh laughed, "Good. Because my father taught me, however strong a warrior, always whithers before a choice."

On the other end of the hallway, Suyodhan hurled forward an injured Nandini forward, almost pushing her off the balcony railing. Rajat looked through the window at the women both very important in his life.

"Choose, Rajkumar." Nishumbh whispered, "Your wife, or your brother's?"

"You do know what will happen if Maharaj Darsh knows of this, don't you?" Rajat attempted a threat not knowing any better.

"What will a king rotting in prison do for you?"

Rajat bit the inside of his lip, growing frustrated by the second, "Spare them and take my life."

"As much as I appreciate your... valour, we mean to shed no blood."

"You need something you can use against Ashokdhar?" Rajat scoffed, "The King is rotting in prison...yet you need leverage."