Words - once spoken can only be forgiven. The irreversible nature of them have always made the oldest caution the young lest they carry the regret like their ancestors. Alas! No one learns this lesson until it is too late.
(Blurb to be edited)
Vāc i...
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The council chamber was a battlefield of words, not swords. Abhijishya sat on the intricately woven asana, legs folded beneath her, listening as Minister Vashishta droned on about protocols, traditions, and the natural order of governance.
Scrolls and clay tablets lay before them, bearing records of taxes, trade agreements, and military provisions.
"Natural order," Abhijishya intoned, her eyebrow raised. It was always that, wasn’t it? The invisible chain that kept power where it had always been.
Across from her, Draupadi sat poised, her expression unreadable, while the ministers arranged themselves in a semi-circle, some leaning forward in feigned attentiveness, others exchanging subtle glances.
Vashishta’s voice carried smoothly. “Of course, Rajneeti Mantrika, we all acknowledge your… contributions. But surely, you understand that finance is a delicate matter, best handled by those with—how shall I put it?—more experience.”
His gaze flickered toward Draupadi, carefully measured.
Abhijishya knew what this was. A veiled attempt to stir tension between them. Divide and conquer.
She adjusted the folds of her uttariya and gave him a slow, deliberate smile. “Minister, are you questioning the Maharani’s expertise in finance?”
Vashishta smiled, slow and deliberate. "Not questioning, merely suggesting that some burdens are too great to be carried alone."
Draupadi finally spoke, her voice cool as untouched steel. "Are you offering to carry it for me, Minister?"
Vashishta flinched—barely—but Abhijishya caught it. "Not at all, Maharani. I simply meant that financial oversight could benefit from broader consultation. Rajneeti Mantrika here is still new to governance, after all."
Abhijishya tilted her head, as if considering. "So… you’re suggesting that I should consult more on financial matters?"
"Well, yes. Wisdom grows with collaboration."
For one moment, Abhijishya considered reminding the council that a few years ago they were singing praises of Maharani Draupadi who through her adept knowledge in finance had been crucial in amassing the wealth of Indraprastha while avoiding any taxation from the common people. Then again things could be handled in a more entertaining way.
"Excellent. Then it’s settled." She turned to Draupadi who gave a questioning glance in response."I propose we call in experts for deeper consultation—someone with field experience, someone with insight into economic realities."
Vashishta’s smile widened. He thought she had taken the bait. "A wise decision. Who did you have in mind?"
"Rajkumar Nakul."
The entire chamber stilled. Vashishta looked as if she had just suggested a court jester oversee military strategy.
