RUDRADAMINI

The Sneaky Haldi

Rudra POV -

Bapusa....what is the matter? I asked Bapusa as Bhadra had whisked me to Bapusa's chamber.

Simhaa....he exhaled deeply, lines of concern visible on his face and I deduced it was serious. I walked closer and stood and asked him again with a resolute gentle expression

Bapusa, what is it? You can tell me, I said gently

He looked at me for a few moments and clapped his hands.

Captain Abhimanyu and Sudhanva walked in. I instantly realised, this was about Dravid-desh.

I looked at Bhadra angrily. He definitely went behind my back and reported everything to Bapusa.

Don't blame Bhadra Simha, it's not his fault, Bapusa said sternly and I instantly lowered my gaze and turned to him.

I had specifically ordered him not to tell you anything, I muttered.

He didn't. I ordered him as his king and he had to tell. I also ordered the Rakshak platoon to report their findings to me before they did to you he said. I was shocked.

Bapusa...I..I didn't want to trouble you with anything, especially with Bhaisa's wedding......I trailed off as his hand shot up in silence.

I am the emperor of Simhakshetra first, Simha. Every single detail of it's security has to go through me and you kept it from me the last time and see where it got you, he said seriously and I lowered my head. He was referring to the assassination attempt on me.

Simha, he said in a more gentle voice and I looked up.

For me, you are the general of the Simhakshetra army afterwards. First and foremost, you are my daughter and your safety is of vital importance to me. Let me do my duty please, he said, almost teary eyed

I gulped and nodded. He was doing what every father does and I couldn't be in the way of that.

The reason I summoned you here is to tell you about the situation in Dravid desh myself, he said in a serious tone and my senses alerted. I nodded.

Simha...the situation isn't getting any better. You triumph there is beginning to look like a defeat to a woman to them. They are ignoring the fundamental changes this win has brought into their lives, making it easy, but they see it as a defeat at the hands of a woman. So the rebellion is getting stronger with each passing day, as reported by our officials and spies. I...um.... he stuttered and I immediately understood

When do you think the war will start, Bapusa? I asked him directly. He looked surprised at my frankness, so did everyone in the room.

He looked towards Captain Abhimanyu, who looked uneasy, nevertheless, came forward and reported

It's difficult to tell, Kunwarisa. There is a lot of unrest there among the nobles and people. We fear the war might begin within a year...but..

But...Bapusa continued. The crown prince of Dravid desh understands the situation and knows his father, the king and the general are wrong in fighting against us. They are the one's adding fuel to the fire. They want a war, to overthrow us and they are amassing their men and nobles.

What is the temparment of the soldiers of the army? I asked Sudhanva

They don't want a war. They were happy their life was spared in the previous clash, but are too oppressed to speak against it, so they have to continue obeying the orders. They feel indebted to you, Kunwarisa, he said and I smiled. The war wasn't over, but it was surely won by us at the moment.