27) Chapter

The dimly lit corridor stretched ahead, lined with torches that flickered as Varuna walked briskly, his face a mask of conflicted emotions. Just as he turned a corner, a voice called out, cutting through the stillness.

"Varuna"

Varuna froze mid-step, sighing inwardly before turning to face his father, Chief Minister Bhaskar. The older man approached with his usual commanding presence, his mock bravado laced with sharp wit.

Bhaskar was a stocky, battle-scarred man with piercing eyes that seemed to see through everyone he met.

And yet, his tone, though gruff, carried an air of expectation when he addressed his son.

"Varuna! You're distracted. What's the matter?"Bhaskar spelled while stepping towards his son.

Varuna stiffened, his features carefully neutral. He didn't want to discuss Mekala's distress with his father.

"It's nothing, father."He shook his head curtly.

Bhaskar raised a thick, mocking brow, a hint of amusement in his otherwise stern expression.

"Nothing, you say? You look like you've seen a ghost. If the younger princess is troubling you already, I can imagine how your married life will be."

Varuna's jaw tightened, but he said nothing, refusing to rise to the bait. Bhaskar shrugged and waved his hand dismissively.

"Never mind that. Walk with me. The king has summoned us to discuss the next phase of our plan."

Varuna fell into step beside his father, their strides matched despite the significant difference in their temperaments. As they made their way through the palace corridors, Bhaskar continued, his voice low and conspiratorial.

"I trust you've heard the news about the Young Chalukyan prince?"

Varuna nodded.

"Good. That little fool, Vishnu vardana has entered Mahishmati, and soon enough, he will walk straight into our hands. That fool of a priest has done his job well, luring him into the passage. Once he's inside, he won't have a chance to escape."

Varuna glanced at his father, his expression unreadable. Bhaskar, oblivious to his son's unease, continued with relish.

"That Chalukyan prince thinks himself clever, doesn't he? Wandering into Mahishmati as if he owns it. Foolish, really. But this time, he won't be slipping through anyone's fingers. Not after what happened the last time."

Bhaskars voice grows darker.

"Imagine—spending the rest of his journey as a commoner, dressed in rags. We expected a royal parade, a caravan worth intercepting, but instead, we found nothing but dust on the road. He made us look like fools, and I'll see to it that he pays for that."

Varuna's jaw clenched as he listened. His father's anger was palpable, but Varuna found himself focused on something else: the faint, sinking suspicion that Vishnu wasn't just another enemy. Mekala's tears, her whispered anguish, it all pointed to something more.

His stomach churned at that thought, and jealousy sparked in his chest like a growing flame.

"Why waste so much energy on one man, father? Isn't this obsession... beneath you?"

Bhaskar stopped abruptly, turning to face his son with narrowed eyes.

"Obsession? Is that what you think this is?"Bhaskar asked.

Varuna met his father's gaze but said nothing.

"You don't understand, do you? That 'one man,' as you put it, is more than just a obession. He's a symbol. A symbol of everything the Chalukyas think they are—untouchable, superior, invincible. If we let him succeed, we let them believe they can outwit us. Again. And I will not allow that."

Varuna remained silent, his fists clenching at his sides.He didnt want to argue with his father.

"You seem troubled, Varuna. Is it the girl?"

Varuna stiffened at the sudden shift in topic, his father's knowing tone making his blood boil.

"Devi Mekala is not a concern of yours, father."Varuna spelled.

"Ah, but she is. She's your fiancée and the princess, my boy. And soon, she'll be your wife and my daughter in law. It's only natural that I take an interest in her... especially when she seems to have a soft spot for dramatics. Crying in her chamber over who-knows-what, refusing to speak to you... You have your work cut out for you, son." Bhaskar said with a sly smile.

Varuna's teeth ground together as his father's words cut deeper than he expected. He hated how easily Bhaskar dismissed Mekala's feelings, reducing her to nothing more than a pawn in their political games.

But more than that, he hated the gnawing fear creeping into his heart—the fear How that Vishnu  somehow captured a part of Mekala's heart that was supposed to belong to him?

"Mekala's thoughts are her own, father. I don't presume to dictate them."Varuna said coldly.

Bhaskar raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by his son's answer.

"And that, my dear boy, is why you'll never be a strategist. Emotions are the cracks in even the strongest foundation. If Mekala has her thoughts elsewhere, you must ensure they return to where they belong. On you. On this family. On this kingdom."

Varuna didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the stone floor ahead.

"You're too sentimental, Varuna. It's a weakness I can't afford in my son—or my future daughter-in-law. Remember, Mekala's loyalty is to Mahishmati first. Everything else is secondary."

Varuna's chest tightened at his father's words. He hated how easily Bhaskar spoke of loyalty, as if it were a simple equation of power and control.

And yet, a part of him feared his father was right. If Mekala's heart had Somehow strayed toward that little foolish prince, what chance did he have of winning her back?

As they neared the entrance to the Kings royal chamber, Bhaskar slowed his pace and glanced at his son one last time.

"This is your chance to prove yourself, Varuna. The Chalukyan prince is walking into our hands. When the time comes, do not hesitate. Strike, and end him."

Varuna nodded, though his heart felt heavier with each step.