48) Chapter

Madhavi stepped out of the King's chamber, her cheeks flushed, her heart pounding in a way she hadn't experienced before. The faint scent of his sandalwood perfume clung to her clothes, which were slightly disheveled from his embrace and kisses. She paused for a moment in the dim corridor, running her trembling hands over her dress, smoothing the wrinkles as best as she could. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself, her resolve firm.

For my unborn child and myself, I've made the right decision, she thought, though her heart felt as though it was being tugged in multiple directions.

As she turned the corner, Sumithra appeared, walking briskly toward her with two maids following close behind. The older woman's concerned eyes immediately noticed the state of Madhavi's clothes, her motherly instincts kicking in.

"Madhavi, my child," Sumithra said, her voice laced with worry, "are you alright? You look... unsettled."

Madhavi quickly adjusted her shawl and gave a small, composed smile. "I'm fine, Sumithra Thayii" she replied softly, though there was a slight tremor in her voice. "Just... a bit tired, that's all."

Sumithra wasn't convinced. She reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from Madhavi's face. "Tired? Or troubled?" she asked gently, her keen eyes searching Madhavi's face.

Madhavi hesitated for a moment before she spoke again. "Amma, can we go to your room? I need to talk to you. Alone."

Sumithra's brow furrowed with concern, but she nodded immediately. "Of course, child. Come."

The two made their way to Sumithra's chambers, the older woman dismissing the maids at the door. Once they were inside, she guided Madhavi to a cushioned seat and sat beside her, holding her hands.

"Now," Sumithra said, her voice gentle but firm, "tell me what happened. I've been waiting for you to return. What happened in there? Did he say something that upset you?"

Madhavi shook her head softly, her hands wringing the edges of her dress nervously. "No, he... he didn't upset me."

"Then?" Sumithra asked.

"I... I don't know what to make of everything, Amma." Her voice faltered. "He was... kind, yet commanding. He... held me. And said things—things I never expected to hear from him." She paused, her breath catching in her throat. "He said he wanted me to be his queen, to rule alongside him."

Sumithra's eyes widened, and she gasped softly. "The King asked you to be his queen?" she repeated, her voice a mix of shock and joy. "Oh, Madhavi! This is incredible honour! Wise, indeed, my child. It is your destiny. You are perfect to be a queen!"

Sumithra's expression softened, and without a word, she reached over, gently placing her hand over Madhavi's mouth. "Hush, my child," she said, her tone soothing but firm. "Do not speak of this to anyone. No one must know. Let this be your secret, Madhavi. The world does not need to know everything, and certainly not now."

Madhavi's eyes brimmed with tears, and she nodded silently.

Sumithra smiled gently, brushing a tear from Madhavi's cheek. "You are wise, my dear. You must remain so. The King has chosen you because he sees the strength and wisdom within you. This is a new path, and it is yours to walk."

After a pause, Sumithra tilted her head, her voice dropping to a curious whisper. "But, my child... do you know who the father of this child is?"

Madhavi's breath caught, and her mind raced. She knew the question would come eventually, but she wasn't ready to answer it—not now, not yet. She looked up at Sumithra, her eyes calm but guarded, and gave a faint smile. "Amma," she said softly, her tone light, "shouldn't we focus on preparing for what's ahead rather than worrying about the past?"

Sumithra studied her for a moment, then let out a small laugh. "You are clever, Madhavi," she said, shaking her head affectionately. "Always shifting the conversation to your liking. Very well. We won't speak of it again—at least, not tonight."

Madhavi gave a small, grateful smile, though her heart still felt heavy. She knew she couldn't keep the truth hidden forever, but for now, she was thankful for Sumithra's understanding and support.

Sumithra reached out and pulled Madhavi into a comforting embrace. "You are now just like my own daughter, my dear," she said softly. "No matter what happens, I will always stand by you. And I have no doubt you will make an extraordinary queen."

Madhavi rested her head on Sumithra's shoulder, letting out a shaky breath. "Thank you, Amma," she whispered. "For everything."

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The council room in Mahishmati's grand fort was tense yet calculated. Mekala leaned over a map sprawled across a polished table, marking critical locations with precision. Varuna stood beside her, guiding her hand now and then, his presence steady. Ministers and generals stood around, watching with interest. Mekala's voice was clear and commanding.

"Vishnu will take the message that we're launching our main attack from Vidisha to Narwar Fort to confront Ereya directly. But," she said, tapping a specific spot on the map, "according to our actual plan, we will strike their main camp in the Narmada Valley as the first front. Once we weaken them, we'll circle back and engage Narwar as the second front. Ereya won't see it coming."

Bhaskar, his keen eyes fixed on the map, nodded approvingly. "Brilliant. Once we catch Ereya in the valley, it will be over for him and the Chalukyas."

Varuna, ever attentive, asked, "When do we launch this attack?"

Mekala, still focused on the map, replied, "I don't know yet. It depends on when Father returns."

Bhaskar interjected with a sly smile. "Soon."

Mekala raised her head sharply. "Soon? The king is away on his hunting journey. Has he sent word?"

Bhaskar's cunning grin deepened. "Yes, he has. He sent a message this morning."

Mekala's voice grew urgent. "What did he say? We have to hurry! If Ereya strikes Vidisha first, our entire plan will be doomed."

Bhaskar remained unfazed. "The king assures me they won't attack Vidisha now."

"Why not?" Varuna asked, confused.

Bhaskar turned to Mekala with a knowing look. "Because, my lady, there will be a wedding in this kalachuri kingdom. His Majesty is about to claim a queen."

Mekala froze, her brows furrowing. "A queen?"

"Yes," Bhaskar confirmed. "Your father has decided to marry the adoptive daughter of Merchant Subadra."

Mekala blinked in surprise. "Subadra uncle? I didn't know he had an adoptive daughter."

Bhaskar chuckled lightly. "It says it was arranged just few months ago. The girl is said to be a beauty of unparalleled charm, and it seems she has captivated the king."

Mekala stared at the map, her focus breaking. "So, while we face the threat of Ereya, he's... arranging a wedding?"

Bhaskar smiled, reassuringly. "Trust the king, my lady. He knows what he's doing."

As Bhaskar excused himself to consult with other ministers, silence filled the room. Varuna glanced at Mekala, who still stood by the map, her shoulders heavy with tension.

"Mekala," Varuna said softly, stepping closer, "Are you okay? you've been carrying so much."

She exhaled shakily, turning to him. "How could I not? Everything feels like it's spiraling out of control. My father... the way he acts. When he found out about my love for Vishnu, he..." She trailed off, her voice breaking.

Varuna reached out, gently resting his hand on hers. "Well, Your father is a difficult man,he's always been unpredictable. But you've managed to stay strong through everything."

Her eyes welled with tears, but she blinked them away, her voice trembling. "I had no choice Varuna. I did what I had to do. For my father. For the kingdom. For his life.For everything.  But... I hope he will forgive this wrech."

Varuna squeezed her hand, his tone kind but firm. "You don't have to apologize to anyone, Mekala. You did what you felt right, even if it's hard."

She looked at him, her voice soft. "Varuna, how do you bear it? Knowing I'm still... my heart is... i dont deserve this"

He smiled faintly, his expression bittersweet. "Because I care about you, Mekala. Even if your heart belongs to someone else, I'll always stand by you. But I won't lie—it hurts."

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As Vishnu and Adithya approached the towering walls of the Narwar Fort, their bodies ached with exhaustion, their steps heavy from the ordeal they had endured. The fort was alive with activity; soldiers patrolled the ramparts, and the gates were heavily guarded. The Chalukyan flag fluttered proudly, signaling Ereya's recent victory in capturing the stronghold.

"Hold on, Adithya," Vishnu muttered, his voice filled with determination. "We're almost there. Narwar is just ahead. You'll be fine once we reach the fort." he urged, supporting his friend, who was limping but still holding onto his resolve.

Adithya let out a weak laugh despite his pain. "If we don't collapse before we make it, that is. I'm starting to think you're dragging me just for the challenge."

Vishnu gave a tired grin. "I've carried heavier things than you. Barely."

Even from a distance, Vishnu could see the Kalachuri banners recently torn down, replaced by the bold insignias of Chalukya dominance. The boar emblem of their dynasty stood proud atop the gates.

As they approached, two guards stepped forward, their spears crossed to block entry. "Halt! Who goes there?" one barked, his voice sharp with suspicion.

Vishnu raised a hand, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. "I am Vishnu Vardhana, brother of Prince Ereya. This is Adithya, a loyal ally. We have urgent news for the prince."

The guards exchanged glances, disbelief flickering across their faces. One muttered, "Vishnu Vardhana? But... he's supposed to be dead."

The hesitation made Vishnu's patience wear thin. "I assure you, I'm very much alive. Now let us in before I make you regret doubting me.

But guards hesistated.

Vishnu straightened, his exhaustion masked by sheer willpower. He reached into the folds of his tunic and revealed a medallion etched with the boar symbol. "I bear the sign of the Chalukyan royal family, open the gate idiots" he declared.

The commanding tone and the sheer fire in his eyes seemed to jolt the guards into action. One of them hurriedly opened the gates, gesturing them inside. Vishnu and Adithya stumbled into the fort, their bodies aching but their resolve unbroken.

The news of their arrival spread quickly, and soon a commotion arose within the fort as Prince Ereya himself emerged, flanked by soldiers and advisors. His eyes widened in astonishment at the sight of his younger brother.

But when his piercing gaze fell on Vishnu and Adithya properly, his expression shifted from shock to unbridled joy.

"Vishnu!" Ereya exclaimed, striding forward. He embraced his brother tightly, his voice filled with emotion. His eyes sparked with tears "By the gods, we thought we'd lost you!"

Vishnu returned the embrace, his weariness momentarily forgotten. "It would take more than the Kalachuris to bring me down, Anna" he said with a faint smile.

Ereya quickly turned his attention to Adithya, who was barely standing. "Take him to the physicians immediately!" he commanded, his voice firm. "Make sure he's cared for."

The soldiers moved swiftly, lifting Adithya and carrying him away. Adithya, despite his weariness, managed a faint grin. "Finally... some royal treatment," he murmured before drifting into unconsciousness.

Vishnu chuckled faintly before Ereya ushered him toward his own tent. Once inside, the brothers sat across from each other, and Ereya poured cup of water.

"You must tell me everything," Ereya urged. "How did you survive? What happened to you?"

Vishnu took a deep breath and began recounting his harrowing journey, from his capture by the Kalachuris to the cunning escape through the secret passage, his encounter with the sage in the forest, and the warning of an imminent Kalachuri attack from Vidisha. Ereya listened intently, his expression darkening with each revelation.

As Vishnu finished recounting his tale, the tent flap was thrown open, and a breathless messenger entered. His face was flushed from urgency, but there was a flicker of excitement in his eyes. Bowing deeply, he addressed Ereya, "Your Highness, I bring news from Sripura."

Ereya leaned forward, intrigued. "Speak," he commanded.

The messenger straightened, his voice eager. "My lord, Kalachuri King Buddharaja is to claim a queen. The bride is said to be none other than a adopted daughter of the wealthy merchant Subadra. The wedding preparations are already underway, and my lord, they say the girl's beauty is unparalleled—a marvel that has enraptured the king himself."

Ereya's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but a smirk quickly spread across his face. "The mighty Buddharaja, tying himself down with a merchant's daughter?" He leaned back in his chair, twirling the hilt of his dagger thoughtfully.

"Tell me more about this girl. What's so special about her that even that ruthless king would pause for a wedding?"

The messenger nodded, eager to elaborate. "My lord, they say her beauty is otherworldly—her eyes like the deepest pools, her smile radiant as the dawn. Her demeanor is said to be both regal and gentle, and she has captivated everyone who lays eyes on her. Stories of her charm have spread like wildfire throught the kingdom."

Ereya let out a low chuckle, his smirk widening. "It seems the great Buddharaja has fallen for a merchant's miracle. Interesting." He glanced at Vishnu, who remained stoic, though a shadow of contemplation passed over his face.

The prince rose from his seat, walking slowly to the entrance of the tent, where the red hues of the setting sun painted the horizon. "Let him enjoy his wedding," Ereya said, his tone laced with mockery. "Let the festivities swell his pride, distract his sharp mind, and blind him with the illusion of invincibility."

Turning back to the room, his smirk turned into a predatory grin. "Once the wine has flowed and the songs have faded, in that morning we'll strike. Let him bask in his fleeting moment of joy—because it will be his last."