The Battle Of Hearts A Choice Between Power And Love

Chapter 12 The Espionage A Plan For Destruction

Philip's POV

Back in the meeting hall, she strode in like she owned the place and called for her father. After that, the meeting was forced to an end and I returned to my room where William waited with a list of people who might be able to serve us and be of some use. It was time I stirred some chaos in Punjab.

"Let's go. If I am not wrong, something has stirred up with the royals. There are chances they make a change in their departure plans and start early. If they do, there is the case where we would have no other choice but to follow their lead" William said.

"Ok, then let's go. They are the ministers in his court. He was right about one thing though - this deal was signed by his father and the king of Rajputana, so there should be at least one of them who would fall for money and wealth" he suggested.

"Yeah, right - money talks William" I smirked.

"Time to have a chat with these ministers. The higher the rank of the minister and his influence in the court, the easier it will be to gain the information needed" he said. We had executed the same plan, disguising as businessmen who are in search of people to invest in their business. Well, I have to give it to some people here, who are honest to their royals, but if you look closely, you can always find imperfections in the things that look perfect at first glance. Some people on the list refused to cooperate and go against the ruler. I fear that if the king or prince found out what they were doing, they would be put in jail, or worse. Some did not want to get in trouble and some where simply too humble and truthful - not suited for the job, in simple words.

The whole day, we went out. One after the other, we meet the people on the list. The first ideal candidate was Rudradeva Singh - he was the king's advisor. We met him in his place and had a chat over a cup of tea.

"Nice to meet you sir! I am Philip, a businessman. We have a factory set up in Rajputana for the time being. I would like to know if you would like to stand with us in this business" I asked. He accepted to join us.

"Could you please tell us some of the trades Punjab has already have with Rajputana? It's just so that we can get some knowledge on the trade history between both the states?" I asked. He agreed to play by our rules and we agreed on a share of profit for him.

"But, you have to give us the insider information. We need to increase our scope of business -" I said, before getting cut off.

"So you want to do better than Punjab?" he asked, quick and straight to the point. I led my arms to rest on my legs.

"Yes. You're a quick learner!" I said, mildly amused. He looked proud of himself.

"I hope having business with you will be a good choice," he said, with hints of doubt in his voice.

"Hmm. You do understand you should be our eyes and ears in Punjab, right? Cause we will not be here. You should tell us everything about Punjab's business deals and transactions with Rajputana" I said, ensuring he understood.

"Yes sir" he accepted with a nod.

"Then it looks like we have a business together, Mr. Deva Singh! Please report to us as soon as you get your hands on the information on their trade and transactions" I said, satisfied. We left his place with a lifted spirit and some hope.

"I will have him draw more people to our side" William assured me.

"Sure you will!" I smirked. "The document?" I asked him.

"I checked all these pages" he answered.

"And the sign?" I flipped the pages, "You have placed all the clauses, right?"

"Yes" he replied, with a prompt nod.

"We need evidence that he is going against the trade agreements, that he is doing something behind the king's back - something like an unprofitable trade, the exploitation of labor or a one side beneficial trade – something! But note my words William. The day I get that evidence, I will set Mr. Singh on fire - and with that, his precious state too. He challenged me, didn't he? Well, should have thought twice before doing that!" I said.

We travelled back to the palace. I met up with the king again, as our previous meeting was cut short because of the princess. Apparently it was some family issue. But I couldn't help but wonder - the sudden sense of fear I saw in her eyes - what was she scared of? But then again, she didn't look like someone who was easily scared.

So there is something big going on.

Something I had no clue about.

We were supposed to stay one more day, but due to the sudden change in plans, the royals started getting ready to leave.

"The carriage has arrived. The messenger told us you were expected to be ready to leave in an hour" William nodded and left. We later started packing. I went over to check on Amaia. The moment I knocked on the door, the door opened. But the person who opened it was not who I expected would open the door for me. It was Aditya, the prince.

"I was here to ask her to pack her bags and get ready" he said with a smile, then turned back. "I will see you later, my lady" he did a little bow to her before walking away without another word. I raised my eyebrows as I leaned against the door frame.

"What's going on in here, lil' one?" I asked and she just frantically started to pack. "Oh, I see packing. Amaia, tell me what he was doing here early in the morning!" I asked teasingly. She threw a pillow at my face.

"It's nothing. He just came here to say that they're leaving" she replied. I shrugged.

"Oh! And I didn't know the prince turned into a messenger himself for you! Cause the one who informed me was definitely not a prince! You seem familiar with him" I said, in a silly and playful enactment of an interrogation.

"Oh god! You're gonna hold it over my head till my last breath, aren't you? We met in the market - I told you earlier. But just back then, I didn't know who he really was, that he was the prince!" she said, her voice a little low.

"What's with the low tone? Cheer up!" I said as I helped her pack. Then there was a knock on the door. It was the princess.

"Amaia, I am here to return this. It was nice of you to lend this to me, even though I still don't know how you wear this thing!" she said sheepishly as she handed it over to Amaia. "At least your brother helps you pack. I don't even know where mine disappeared to!" Annika chuckled, which made Amaia blush. Annika looked confused when she looked over to me.

"Oh yes, the prince was actually here when I came in" I said, clearing my throat.

"Oh, so that is where she was!" she made fun of Amaia and Amaia ended up laughing herself. I ruffled her hair to which she whined.

"Brother!! I am not a kid anymore! If you do that - oh look," she pointed at her hair, "you just ruined my hairstyle!"

"Then here," I handed her a comb, "brush it up again!"

"Yeah, easier said than done!" she whined once more.

"If you need help with the luggage, call me and I will help you" I said as I left the room. But before I left, I turned back to get one last look at the princess as I closed the door behind me.

After an hour or so, we loaded our bags into the carriage and set off from Punjab back to Rajputana.  

A/N: Heyy After my exams I am finally back to updating hope you all enjoy this chapter pls support me by commenting on it !!