(Book 5) Hayden Mackay and The Pride of Haima-Endira

16.2 Original Panchayat

The wind howled, as the frosting rain drizzled down like confetti.

Pruthvi refused to attend the impromptu meeting with King this evening, disinterested to see the elderly man harp on about the current matters until he dramatized the situation and proved who the real boss was. He preferred to patrol instead and left for Purvachand with a hope to see Celina. He hadn't been seeing her, let alone getting an opportunity to confront her again, since the day he had come face to face with her. If the war was meant to happen, then it shall need her consent as well.

"Sit," ordered King Aghasthya, his wrinkles over his cheeks trembling. He walked aside and made himself comfortable pulling the chair aside to sit directly in front of me. During one of those awkward silence, Ashwant and Ira Zutshi joined the meeting. They slowly walked inside the cabinet room, as if the floor would slip away. Their faces were fearful and body language indicated nervousness.

Every passing second felt like sharp prick sent on nerves before King Aghasthya exploded. "Who killed Bhupathi Garg?"

My heart clamored against my ribcage. It took a moment to realize the dreadful news was broken out and must have turned into a bigger one than my declaration of war. My mouth felt dry and I cringed with fear. But I remained intact to the chair, maintaining the expressionless visage. Not even a thousand people shall spot growing tension inside me.

"If I'm the one you've chosen to ask, then it means you already suspect who it could be," I said, sternly and unregretfully. "There's no need for indirect discourse."

"Yes, I do," King Aghasthya said through his gritted teeth. "And the evidence is left everywhere. Fire, smoke and unconscious knights witnessing you and Singh entering the correctional facility. How naive of you to think you'd be able to get away from this?"

"I never wanted this crime to go unnoticed. I totally understand the situation. I was in an excellent state of mind when this happened."

His eyes enlarged. "You are talking as if...are you admitting it? Hayden Mackay, did you kill the King of Madhyakshetra?"

"I don't think there is anything I'd say will make you feel otherwise."

"Just say it," he said, and slammed the table hard making Ira startle out of her wits. "SAY IT!"

"Yes! I did it..."

"Hayden, Stop!" Ira shouted.

"....if that's what you wanted to hear."

My throat pinched and ears rang hearing my own voice stating the confession. Did I really commit a crime to feel this way? But there was no point in giving a rebuttal to the accusation. I was involved in this murder. For sure, I had half a mind to wipe the mediocre king out from the face of the Earth. Singh only did what I had intended to do.

"I cannot believe this," he said, disdainfully, "You were way too obedient and respectful for all these months. I thought you were coming along nicely even though it was so unlike you. I should have guessed that something dark and stormy was brewing behind all those show-offs."

I pressed my eyes shut, feeling the pressure building up. I rocked back and forth.

"What is your problem?" he continued, "I did whatever you asked me to do. I've arranged a meeting with the Sergeant. I made them agree to be a part of your plan. Leena risked her life to make your plan succeed. Bhupathi Garg was finally caught red-handed. What else did you want?"

"I wish he'd kept his mouth shut," I said, my eyes moistening, "I wish he hadn't threatened to hurt the most important person in my life. We don't kill humans, we save them from perishing danger. And now look, the danger itself has perished. Your Majesty, don't tell me this is not you wanted."