The First Empress

Rajendra's last breath

Always do what is right. It will gratify half of mankind and astound the other.

As they emerged from the jungle's edge, Aditha did not rush to kill Rajendra.

He walked. Slowly. Deliberately.

Each step carried a terrifying calm, as though time itself bent to his pace.

Rajendra noticed it. And desperation sparked.

Rajendra: Idhuve en vaaippu

He knew the soldiers and dacoits were locked in battle on the right side of the temple grounds. If he could reach the opposite end. Without another thought, he suddenly veered left and sprinted with everything he had left.

Branches whipped past him. Gravel tore into his feet. As he ran, he kept glancing back. Aditha was not chasing him. That thought brought him brief, dangerous relief. Too relieved. Too careless.

He ran faster, forcing his legs to obey, ignoring the fire in his lungs.

Then

Thud.

His next step stopped short.

An arrow had struck the ground directly in front of him, its shaft quivering, its tip buried deep into the earth.

Rajendra froze. Slowly, he lifted his head. Standing ahead of him was Rudhra.

The prince held his bow steady. A thin line of blood stained the corner of his lips, but his posture was firm. His eyes were bright. Alive. 

He smiled.

Rudhra: Sittrappa... Eppadi irukkiradhu en vanakkam?

Rajendra's face drained of color.

Rajendra: Pizhaitthu kondaiyaa?

Rudhra's smile widened not cruel, but unshakable.

Rudhra: Aala kaala vishatthai vizhungiyavanai vanangum naan veezhvadhaa?

Adhuvum em thandhai Eesanar irukkaiyila?

His voice carried pride. Faith. Certainty.

As they spoke, Rajendra's eyes flicked nervously over Rudhra's shoulder. He took a cautious step back. Another arrow struck the ground. Closer.

He tried another direction.

Thud.

Another arrow.

Each step he attempted was cut short, his escape paths sealed one by one. Rudhra did not shout. He did not chase. He simply controlled the space calmly, mercilessly.

Rajendra realized it then. He was no longer running from Aditha. He was being herded. Toward judgment.

Soon, Rajendra found himself trapped behind a tightening circle of arrows unleashed by Rudhra. Every path ahead of him was sealed, the arrowheads glinting like silent warnings. There was nowhere left to run.

At the same time, Aditha continued walking toward him unhurried, unthreatened. His steps were calm, measured, as though the outcome had already been decided.

From the far end of the temple grounds, a loud hooting rose into the air, the victorious roar of soldiers.

Rajendra turned sharply toward the sound.

Aditha followed his gaze and smiled faintly.

Aditha: Enna paarkiraai? 

He asked.

Aditha: Engal veerargal vendranar... Zilam vendradhu!

The words struck Rajendra like a blow. For a moment, the color drained from his face. But pride clawed its way back quickly. He straightened.