Eldest : Karna and Pandava

11. Rukmi and King Udupi

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Karna and Yudhishthira joined Draupadi, Vrishali and Uttar at the entrance and shared glances as they invited Rukmi inside, the Vidharbha Naresh held his head high and the blue gem engraved on his crown glittered in the sunlight. The sky blue angavastram and royal blue dothi accessorised with gold and blue stones oozed extravagance and royalty.

The brother of Vaidharbhi Rukmini was ushered into the camp with respect. Trespassing soldiers and other salient warriors spared glances at his direction and ventured upon their chores without delay. Aarthi was offered and servants led them to the tent which accustomed facilities to accommodate the guests.

Yudhishthir's hospitality made Rukmi and his company rather pleasent and they began to put forth their reason of visit.

I can't help but notice that your side has turned out to be rather frail Samrat Yudhishthir.
A courtier amongst the guests commented with a mock grin.

Kaurava army already has 9 Akshauhinis and warriors like Gangaputr Bhishma , Bharadwaj Putr Dronacharya, Kuru Kulguru Kripacharya , Shivansh Ashwathama and king of prajgyothisha , Bhagadatha and more . I mean, if this is how it goes , I don't think you will stand a chance.
Rukmi blabbered with a smug grin , while his feet rested atop a small table that was kept amidst the cushion patted seats. He was leisurely sprawled on the sofa. As he offered a sympathetic glance to Yudhishthir, which rather conveyed his sheer pity.

Yudhishthir was feeling disdained by Rukmi , but didn't expressed it for the sake of a peaceful gathering.
Karna , who sat on a chair next to Yudhishthira observed the king of Vidharbha.

Rukmi was as calculative and influential as much as he was bratty and boastful; Karna understood that much. He had turned the confident Dharmaraj into an insecure family man within minutes.
Yudhishthir was a master at keeping a straight face , and that's the only thing that kept Rukmi from digging further.

What do you intend to convey Vidharbha Naresh? Whatever you just said , is an information I am aware of , the warriors and akshauhinis participating from the side of Kaurava army might definitely be strong enough to withstand any hurricane , but we ain't weak either.
Yudhishthir resolved aloud.

Oh Samrat ! My intention wasn't to make you feel inferior . I intend your well being , and that is the exact reason why I am here to offer my help , you can take it if you want to stand against the mighty Kaurava. Vidharabha and it's army is willing to fight for the pandava to provide them victory.
Rukmi proclaimed.

Yudhishthir smiled mechanically at the king who laughed at his own statement. The few courtiers who came along with Rukmi stifled a mocking laugh as well. Karna smiled too as he got up from his chair.

When he was about to put down the offer , Krishna walked into the tent, and Rukmi's gleeful demeanor morphed into sheer disgust as he stood up from his seat , almost toppling the table over, others rose from their seats as well. The air held the tension so adamantly that the occupants of the tent held their breath for a moment.
But nonetheless Dwarakeshwar kept his warm smile alive as he extended his greetings to his brother-in-law.

Pranam Bhratha Rukmi!
Krishna joined his hands in greetings, and smiled even brighter . Karna wondered if that was even possible. But Rukmi sneered at him , as he wrapped the edge of his angavastram belligerently over his right hand, all ready to leave. But turned to Yudhishthira;