Crowns And Daggers [MAHABHARAT]

Chapter - 3

Dushala took off her hood and scanned the room, her eyes locking onto the unknown man standing nearby. She crossed the room, halting next to the stranger and offering him a brief nod of acknowledgment. "I have got what you requested," she stated, placing a scroll in front of Duryodhana.

Duryodhana dismissed the scroll entirely, turning his attention to the man beside her. "This is my friend Karna, the king of Anga," he introduced, Dushala's gaze shifted to Karna, assessing him from head to toe. He was dressed simply, without any extravagant ornaments; only a pair of brilliant gold kundals adorned his ears, and a heavy breastplate rested on his chest-a detail that felt out of place in such an informal setting.

"So this is the man who has captured both my brother's heart and his land," she remarked coolly "I was expecting someone extraordinary, but I'm disappointed, to say the least." 
With a mocking grin, Dushala shifted her gaze back to Duryodhana. "My day starts in half an hour, so if there's nothing else you need from me, I'd like to return to my quarters."

Duryodhana nodded "Nakul and Sahadev are coming back from gurukul. Father has planned a grand lunch, he says the whole family will be together again." Dissatisfaction evident on his face, every one in the kingdom of Kuru knew he wasn't fond of his brothers. Turning to Karna, he added, "Why don't you join us tomorrow for lunch?" Karna, ever composed, gave a slight nod. "I'll be there," he replied.

With that, the conversation ended. Dushala slipped away, heading quietly back to her quarters. Entering through the main gate was out of the question—no one could know she'd been out all night. Instead, she made her way through another hidden passage, quickly changing into her night garments before slipping into bed.

Barely moments had passed before the dasis entered, waking her gently and preparing her for the important day ahead. They bathed her in rose water, the delicate scent filling the room. Fresh jasmine flowers adorned her hair, and she was dressed in fine silks that shimmered in the morning light. The transformation was striking; she looked every bit the royal princess, a far cry from the rugged, hooded figure she'd been just hours before.

She made her way down to the assembly hall, gracefully greeting everyone she passed, exchanging polite smiles and making small talk with everyone she encountered.

As she surveyed the room, her eyes landed on Karna, standing alone and looking distinctly out of place. Dressed similarly to the night before but in finer fabrics, he still wore no jewelry except for the golden kundals, and his breastplate gave him the air of a warrior ready for battle rather than a guest at a royal luncheon.

Dushala approached him,"Greetings, Angaraj. I didn’t get a chance to formally meet you," she said, flashing her most gracious smile. She looked radiant, almost ethereal, her earlier roughness replaced with a refined elegance.

Karna, caught off guard, shifted uncomfortably. The change in her demeanor left him slightly stunned; just last night, she’d been mocking him, yet here she was, addressing him with charm and respect. He struggled to reconcile this heavenly figure with the scornful woman he'd met in the shadows.

"Greetings, Princess," Karna replied, bowing slightly, his expression respectful but wary. Dushala tilted her head, her smile unwavering. "So, tell me, Angaraj, how are you liking your stay in hastinapur?"

Karna glanced around the hall before responding. "It is… grander than I imagined," he admitted, his gaze drifting over the gilded walls and the bustle of servants. "But I find comfort in simpler things."

Dushala raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Not many would turn down the pleasures of royalty. You don’t find this new found power and respect fulfilling?" "Power is fleeting, Princess. Respect is valuable, yes, but only when it’s earned. I don't belong here. Duryodhana gave me what no one else did - a chance to rise and a friend's loyalty."

"Don't belong here?" Dushala repeated his words. "They say you're one of the greatest archer in the land. Brother seems to think so atleast." Karna looked down "He thinks highly of me, Perhaps more than he should." "Humility is charming Angaraj but sometimes a little confidence is even more so." Dushala said, stepping little closer she continued "And Perhaps fate made sure you ended up exactly where you needed to be."

Their conversation was interrupted by Duryodhana’s arrival. With a grin, he looked at Karna and asked "I hope my little sister here isn't troubling you"

Dushala stepped back, with a faint smile on her lips and a hint of amusement in her tone she replied, "Just giving our guest here a proper royal welcome."

Karna straightened, a bit of his usual calm returning. "The Princess was just making sure I didn’t feel too much like an outsider."

Duryodhana chuckled, just as a royal servant stepped forward to announce that lunch was ready. The gathered royals began making their way toward the grand dining hall, a subtle procession that held its own hierarchy— positions in the hall reflecting each person’s rank and importance within the royal family.

Though Karna’s rank left him seated near the back, far from the main seats of honor, he didn’t seem to mind. Instead, he took his place with quiet dignity. Across from Karna, Dushala observed him.

Dushala herself, the kingdom’s only princess, was seated in a position that highlighted her status. Though adored and indulged by her family, she was acutely aware that her influence in the palace was largely ceremonial. She had little sway over the power dynamics that governed Hastinapur, her role often confined to the charm and poise expected of her.

But unlike Karna, who bore his place with quiet acceptance, Dushala found herself far from content. Despite her dissatisfaction with the setting, she kept her expression neutral.

When the meal concluded, King Dhritarashtra raised his hand, signaling for everyone to remain seated. The hall fell into a respectful silence, all eyes turning toward the king as he cleared his throat, a solemn expression settling over his face.

Dhritarashtra gave a knowing look to Guru Drona who then continued “In honor of the knowledge I have imparted,” he began, his eyes solemn, “I ask as my guru dakshina—the King of Panchal. Whoever succeeds in capturing Drupada and bringing him before me shall earn my deepest blessings and respect. This will be a test of not just your strength, but of your loyalty to your guru, and your ability to bring honor to the Kuru name.”

Many exchanged glances, understanding the implications of such a request. To demand the king of another kingdom as dakshina was no simple matter; it was a call for war, a request to seize an entire kingdom to fulfill a personal vendetta.

But Bhishma, the eldest and wisest of the Kuru dynasty, felt a flicker of satisfaction beneath his calm exterior. For years, he had observed the rise of Panchal’s influence, its power casting a growing shadow over the Kuru kingdom.

The opportunity that Drona’s request presented was not lost on him; it was a strategic advantage that fate had handed them—a chance to assert Kuru supremacy by weakening a potential rival.

With a look of approval, Bhishma spoke up, “Guru Drona’s wish is an honorable one. The young princes are skilled and capable, trained by the best. Let this task be a test of their prowess and their loyalty. It is time for them to secure the honor of the Kuru name and remind the world of our strength.”