The Battle Of Hearts A Choice Between Power And Love

Chapter 10 The New Deal And Plans

Philip's POV

William pulled me away from the bonfire and celebrations. "What happened?" I asked.

"Did you find out what was up?" he asked. The prince - the host of the celebrations - was missing for most of the celebrations. This did not escape my eyes. I sent William to investigate on the matter.

"He is doing some work behind all our backs. He is planning something suspiciously. I think he is planning to do something in Rajputana just like us. We cannot let that happen, if he has plans of doing any trade with Rajputana. It will be a competition to our business. There, our business has just formed and is employing right now. It's not in the stage to take over a competition in the market. We need to establish ours first Philip! We either talk to him or talk to the king about this. What do you think?" William said.

"Why don't we try putting him on our side?" I suggested.

"I don't think that's a good idea. He doesn't look like the type to give in" he warned.

"And what's wrong in trying Wills?" I said. He rolled his eyes. "Oh come on! One try won't kill the both of us and if he is a hard shell to crack we can just have the talk with the king himself!" I said. He patted my shoulder.

"Whatever you say buddy" he gave in.

When we went back to the celebration, the prince of Punjab had returned. He was sat with the king discussing something seriously with him. I looked over to William with a raised eyebrow. He just shrugged at me.

"What we do now William?"

"We wait for him to be done, then take out shot with the king"

"I know what your thinking – don't do it"

"You know when you do that - tell me not to do something - I love to do it!" I smirked.

"I know you and the way you think. Seriously, chill out Philip! Play it cool, remember?"

"Fine!" I gave in.

"You're not gonna go dance huh?" I asked him.

"Dance? Me? Are you mad? Do you want me to make a fool out of myself before all these people?" he said, frustrated. I chuckled.

"Come on pal, let's go have some drinks. You need liquid courage to ask your lady for a dance" I nudged his shoulder. "Look! There she is, all alone, probably waiting for a dance partner. Why don't you make use of the opportunity?" I asked.

"You think this is a good opportunity and I think not. That's why"

"Fine, then your loss" I slid a drink over to him. We both drank in silence. As the liquor burnt the back of my throat, a pair of eyes haunted me. I sighed.

"Oh god! I can't deal with this! Not now, not ever!" I went for another drink. That's when the prince came over to us. I gave him an acknowledgement.

"Now what brings the prince to us?" I asked.

"I didn't get the opportunity to formally welcome you to Punjab" he said. I smiled.

"That's alright. You seem busy all over, organizing the festival and all. It's kind you made time now" William added.

"Wanna join?" I asked, handing him a drink.

"Sure"

"As much as I tried to keep it civil, my instincts started to go off the arms. In my head, blaring as he talked, there was something about him that set me off from the moment I set foot in this state of his.

"So I was just having a talk with Amrit ji"

"Oh yeah, I could see that," I said.

"Yeah" he nodded, "and there is something II would like you to know"