All for One

3| Discussions at Palace

"He said that?" The King of Hastinapur, seated on his grand throne asked yet again, disbelief coursing in his voice.

"Yes Maharaj." The messenger answered, nervous. "He also said that he, along with his siblings, would come to this political- I mean, feast."

"Hmm." Maharaj blinked his sightless eyes, frowning.

"If I may, Maharaj." Mahamantri Vidur interjected, his eyes narrowed and lines apparent on his forehead. "The Yuvraj of Suryanagari seems arrogant and haughty at the first glance. There must be some reason for that attitude of his."

The elder Vyas sut nodded, agreeing. After all, who would answer a heartfelt invitation in such a way other than a rich spoiled prince?

"I do not understand why Yuvraj Mritunjay answering to the invitation in such a way is a big deal." The eldest among all of the Sabha members spoke up, agitation tinting in his voice and everyone turned their heads in his direction. "It is not like he is wrong, this feast is a mere cover for making alliances. In fact, I consider him to be very brave to say what I'm sure was going in the minds of all Kings when they received our invitation."

"What are you saying, Mahamahim?" A much softer, sinister voice joined the debate, the owner of it baring his yellowish teeth and curling the sides of his lips in a sneer. "Are you trying to imply that the Yuvraj of Suryanagari has the right to offend Maharaj by declining his invitation?"

Bhishm gritted his teeth at the younger man before forming a suitable and just as refined reply as would suit the Gangaputra. "No, Gandharraj. But he has not declined it, has he? He said

that his father was not available, and our spies have confirmed that indeed the King of Suryanagari is not present in the Kingdom. In the King's absence, it is the duty of the Crown Prince to take over his work and that includes accepting invitations to attend feasts that are just a cover for political meetings to form alliances. So what if he passed a few snide comments while doing so? I must say, he is quite clever for seeing through our tactics."

Gandharraj pursued his lip and did not speak further. He knew that the Old Hag's words held merit and he could not turn them around this time, at least at the moment.

Beside him, Duryodhan suppressed yet another yawn. He was utterly bored out of his mind. So what if some prince wanted to come to Hastinapur instead of his father in his absence? What was the reason for having a half prahar argument over something like that?

To prevent his eyelids from drooping, he looked around the magnificent hall, spotting Yudhisthir listening to the whole thing with rapt attention.

Oh, was he...taking notes? Duryodhan groaned. Trust his eldest cousin to note something like that.

_

Finally. The eldest Gandhari Nandan thought as he walked away from the dispersed Sabha, subtly stretching his legs and arms. Then, he bumped into Yudhisthir.

Muttering a series of curse words and accepting the hand offered to him by Yudhisthir who looked apologetic, he got up and dusted his clothes.

"Are you alright?" Panduputra asked with so much concern in his voice that for a moment Duryodhan almost believed that he actually cared for him.

"I am fine." Dhritarastrasut replied in a professional tone and continued walking, his cousin at his heel. He wondered if Yudhisthir wanted something from him.

"So." Yudhisthir started. "What do you think of the Suryanagari Delegation?"

"Well, I would like to meet them before forming an opinion." Duryodhan said what he thought to be true. "No one can give a better opinion on someone else before actually being in their proximity."

"That is very wise." His companion agreed. "I must say that Yuvraj Mritunjay seems very charismatic to me."

Duryodhan smirked. "Oh yes, I agree." He said, stopping at a turn. "Anyone who can shut Kakashree Vidur up with politics or make him think about it is a badass. Now excuse me, my friends must be waiting for me."

The eldest Pandava Watched him go, disappointed.

_

Shani laughed as he put down his mirror. Well, Duryodhan was not wrong. Bhrata Yam was a political hurricane. Oh, it would be most interesting to see a battle of wits going between Humans and Gods, he thought as he watched the trees pass by from his chariot and sat back in his seat.

It was Tapati's idea to use chariots instead of teleporting to the Kingdom as it would be quite suspicious if a bunch of people lavishly appeared in the middle of the city out of thin air.

Ashvin and Tej were at the front on horses, leading the way and behind them was Savitri on her chariot, yes, she always preferred chariots to palkis and behind him was Jyesht, followed by Tapati on her palki and last was Shani on his chariot.

None of them actually knew the way to Hastinapur, but thanks to their father, they were moving in the right way.

The only person not present there was Yami, who decided to travel by her own means, for she wanted to run free.

Yam did not doubt that his twin would reach Hastinapur unscathed, but he hoped that she would not cause any chaos on the way.

Ah, but, where there are two lovers, there is chaos, or at least, the beginning of it.

_

"Bhrata. Are you alright?" The incarnation of Yogmaya asked Him, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"I am, Subhadre." He said softly. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"You looked deep in thought."

"Are you saying that I only think when I am worried?" Murlidhar asked mischievously.

"No, I did not mean that." She said, pouting. "Whose thoughts were you lost in?"

His eyes widened for a second before he composed himself. Unfortunately, it did not go unnoticed by his little sister.

"Oooh Bhrata Krishna is in Love. Who is the lucky girl?" Subhadra asked, giggling.

If his blush could be seen, Krishna would have been beet red by now. "No one."

"Really?" She asked teasingly. "Your face says otherwise, Bhrata."

"It doesn't." Okay, enough teasing. Time to get to work. "Will you do a thing for me, Bhadre?"

"Of course, Brother. Tell me, what is it?"

"Will you please tell Dau that I am going away for a while?"

"What?! But we have to leave for Hastinapur today! Dau will be tense if you leave now."

"My Dau knows better than to be tense for me. Tell him to start the journey. I will meet you in Hastinapur."

"Of course he won't be tense for you, but those who may cross your way. But still Bhrata, is it that urgent?"

"It indeed is."