Arslan Senki: The Witch

Deciding the Heir of Sindhura

"Why did you flee the battlefield? And I am not interested in any feeble excuses about saving my life."

Jaswant bowed his head in shame as he joined Lord Mahendra to kneel in front of their prince.

"Your highness. I have no excuse."

Gahdevi raised his foot and placed it on Jaswant's head, pushing his sole down hard on him.

"By leaving the battlefield, I assured the defeat of my army! A first prince should never flee!"

Mahendra raised his head in pure shock, blurting out, "Surely flight is better than death?!"

"Focus on assuring our victory, not arguing with me! I will not tolerate another defeat!" He snapped.

"...I understand completely, highness." Mahendra said.

Gahdevi huffed and took a sharp breath in. "Well! Isn't that a load off?"

He left the room.

As his footsteps grew fainter, Lord Mahendra placed a hand on his heart. "My heart is troubled," he told Jaswant. "I may have made a mistake in whom I've chose to advise."

"I must apologize again." Jaswant said. "Once more, my actions have resulted in your disgrace-"

"Whether he sees fit to thank you or not, your intervention is the only reason Prince Gahdevi is still alive." He dismissed the apology.

He placed a caring hand on Jaswant shoulder, steadying the boy.

"We have one hope. The walls of the Royal Capital are all that stand between Rajendra and the throne of Sindhura. You must see that they hold."

"I will do all I can." Jaswant promised. "I cannot promise to succeed, but with my word I will serve you well and faithfully."

Lord Mahendra nodded.

More footsteps approached in a hurried pace. "Pardon, sir! An urgent message. The King is awake!"

"What?"

———

Gahdevi was the first person at his father's side, and was not to be disturbed as he discussed matters with his father, despite multiple guards and Lord Mahendra being present in the room with them.

"Lord father!" Gahdevi said.

"Mhm..come closer." King Karikala said as Lord Mahendra pushed him to sit up. "Is that you, Gahdevi?"

Gahdevi knelt at the side of his father's bed.

"I am glad to see you have recovered some of your strength."

"And everything is well here?"

"Yes," he lied readily, as though expecting him to ask.

The King suddenly frowned. "Go call Rajendra into my chamber. I should like to see his face as well."

Gahdevi thinned his lips to slits. "...it saddens me to tell you, father," he said placing his hand over the King's. "but Rajendra seeks to kill me. He would take my place in the succession."

"He what?"

"He has gathered soldiers to him. Men who should be loyal to me. And even now, he seeks to invade the capital."