Crowns And Daggers [MAHABHARAT]

Chapter - 2

Walking through the dimly lit corridors of the Hastinapur palace, Karna couldn't fathom the urgency that had driven Duryodhana to summon him at such a late hour. After receiving the prince's message, he had mounted his horse and ridden tirelessly, pushing through day and night to reach the city. He had hoped to rest and meet Duryodhana at dawn, yet here he was, being practically dragged by a palace guard straight to the prince's quarters before the sun had even risen.

Karna sensed that Duryodhana was about to entrust him with his first task. The favor the prince had bestowed upon him a few days earlier had to be repaid. He felt prepared for whatever lay ahead, fully willing to fulfill Duryodhana's wishes, whatever they might be, whatever they might cost.

The guard led Karna through a door that opened into another long, shadowed corridor, stopping to instruct him, "Enter through the door at the end." Karna understood this was as far as the guard would accompany him, so he moved ahead alone. Reaching the end of the corridor, he paused before an ornate door-more lavishly adorned than any he had seen in the palace. He entered through the door, only to find the room empty.

Confused, Karna stood in silence until a voice called out to him. Glancing toward the balcony, he saw Duryodhana, his face lit only by the soft glow of the full moon. The silver light cast an almost ethereal glow over the prince, giving an edge to his already commanding presence.

"You have arrived, Angaraj," Duryodhana greeted him, his tone calm and steady. "Yes, my prince," Karna replied, bowing his head slightly. "Please, command me. For what purpose have you summoned me at this hour?"

Duryodhana chuckled, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. "Dear friend, why do you find it so hard to trust in the goodness of my heart?" He paused, studying Karna with a gleam in his eye. "Come, let us go somewhere safe, where no one else can listen and I will tell you why I called you here."

With that, Duryodhana approached a section of the wall, rearranging the intricate pattern that decorated it. With a soft click, a hidden door swung open, revealing a concealed room beyond. Without another word, he gestured for Karna to follow.

The room was pitch dark. Duryodhana lit a few lamps, casting flickering shadows across the walls. He moved to the center, seating himself comfortably on a baithak with a small table before him. Karna, however, chose to remain standing, alert and attentive.

"Let's get to business now, Angaraj," Duryodhana began, his tone shifting to one of quiet intensity. "I want you to spy on the King of Vatsa for me, bring me information that will prove useful."
Karna naturally surprised by the unexpected request had asked "And what kind of useful information do you seek?" his voice steady but wary.

Duryodhana leaned back, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Surprise me," he replied. The vagueness of his words only added weight to the request, leaving Karna to wonder what Duryodhana truly sought.

"For now, just focus on keeping good relations with him," Duryodhana continued, "When the time comes to act, I'll give you further instructions. And don't worry you won't be doing this alone."

Confused by Duryodhana's sudden revelation, Karna hesitated before asking, "Who will be accompanying me on this task?" He was taken aback by the idea that others might be privy to the prince's hidden schemes.

A slight smirk formed on Duryodhana's lips as he leaned forward. "Right behind you," he said. Karna turned around, his eyes narrowing as a figure cloaked in black stepped out of the shadows. The figure lowered her hood, revealing a familiar face."Meet my sister, Dushala," Duryodhana introduced "She will be your partner on this task."

a/n
Happy Diwali to everyone who is celebrating today✨️