LEGACY ||Indian Historical Fiction||

16|| WHAT IS LOVE TO YOU?

"Rajkumar Adarsh is entering the room..." A soldier announced. Adarsh strode into the room where Bhargavadeva and Vaijayanti sat with defense ministers and other cabinet personnels. Behind him followed Chavi, dressed in her natural glory of a commoner. The people were quite unsure of her presence there.

"Maya," Adarsh introduced her to the crowd, "I believe she's eligible to be in this discussion for she protected the king single handedly."

He offered Chavi a seat equal to everyone who sat there. Chavi sat back with her morale at her peak, exuding power. The meeting began. What was to be done of the attack?

"Maakandika kingdom. Army of about 1,00,000 (one lakh)." The defense minister spoke as the king's face started becoming pale. "Maharaja, Swarnonnata's army holds merely 50,000 men. We stand almost defenseless before them."

Chavi drew her brows together. Were they really planning on waging a war again? She looked at Adarsh who seemed to be invested as well. Fools! She stood up.

"Before all this. Might I know what caused the attack?" She looked at both Adarsh and the king. Vaijayanti simply sighed.

"Suyodhan visited asking for a hand in a conspiracy. Him and a couple of his supporters are planning on reducing Ashokdhar to dust. He offered us a large sum of gold and currency and even military support." Bhargavadeva informed.

"To which you said...?"

Adarsh began, "We denied the offer. No matter how sour things are between Ashokdhar and us, we would never hope bad for the kingdom. Suyodhan tried again but we stood firm. He obviously got offended and attacked us."

"Or to show you what he can do if you deny the offer again." Chavi thought for a while, "What are you planning now?"

"Of course we are going to war with Maakandika. There are no other ways." Adarsh spoke. Chavi rolled her eyes in disbelief.

"War should be ruled out at this point in time. They do more harm than good."

Bhargavadeva stopped her, "Wars are like alleyways. They are dark and grimy and sometimes you have to go through them to get where you need to be-"

"And to some they are just shortcuts." Chavi silenced the entire court. She crossed her arms and turned away from the crowd.

"What do you suggest then?" Adarsh asked. Chavi debated. It was do or die. She had to risk herself.

"Alliance with Ashokdhar."

•••

"We need to forge better allies, Darsh," Ishani spoke as we reviewed the accounts and finances of the kingdom with him. Darsh nodded while thinking. He set down the ledger in his hand sighed.

"Get me a report on the south. There was a king there according to Pitaji but I haven't heard anything about it." Darsh said.

"On it. You'll have the report ready by morning the day after." Ishani stood up and turned to the door while Aja was just entering. Darsh stood up as well in respect.

"Maharaj, I'll be on my way now. My queen asks of me." Aja spoke. Darsh felt a pinch in his chest. He smiled nonetheless.

"Of course, Maharaj. I thank you again. Have a safe trip back." Darsh embraced the king before sending him on his way. Ishani left to send her father off and Darsh sat back down on the desk. He slapped the side of his head.

"Stop feeling bad, Darsh." He turned to his mirror, "There's so much good that's happened after she left. Solely because she asked for your best abilities. Don't dishonor that, at least."