"I know Harshavardhan more than I knew your mother. He might be foolish at times and definitely short-tempered, but he is a man of respect. He would never try to attack like this, sneakily, behind someone's back. He would rather accept defeat than do something like this." Aditya nodded at the new profound information.
He knew that the rivalry between the kingdoms was stained in blood and ran deeper than nerves, but he never knew the actual story. His father and King Harshavardhan were friends, that information itself came as a shock to him. He never took them to be acquaintances, as the damage control his father had to do due to their rivalry was huge. Krishnapura did not have a river or a coast and the harsh regulations on the trade policies affected them badly. Added to that was the immigration cost, for people to go to Vidhyanagara. But in spite of all of this, the kingdom of Krishnapura had managed to flourish. Ever since Aditya became the king, he wanted to improve trade rules especially with Vidhyanagara and he felt he could do that now. Since he was aware of the reality, he could deal with the situation better. Also, he could have some leverage against Vidhyanagara, so that he could defend his kingdom if such a situation arose again.
"Adi, what are you thinking? Drop the plans for the war. Let's not raise violence for something like this. Trust me." His father requested, worried if his son was planning something again.
"Father, don't worry. I shall not wage a war against them, not after knowing the truth." His father nodded and went ahead to take some rest as his wound forced him to rest. Even though Aditya promised to not wage a war against Vidhyanagara, his mind still reeled out the possibilities of the attack. His suspicions were only suppressed, not erased completely.
Unknown to Aditya, a similar attack had taken place in the Vidhyanagara palace, but this time there was no one to defend the palace well. Only Raja Harshavardhan and his queen along with their ministers had been there. The situation had been averted before any danger could befall on them, but it left a lasting impact on Raja Harshavardhan. It had triggered something in him and he fell silent. He was happy that neither his daughter nor his son were at the palace when the attack had occurred. He was extremely worried about losing them. Worried about losing her.
The men who attacked had been captured and they took the name of King Vikramaditya, as the mastermind behind their plans. The men were executed without any trial and Raja Harshavardhan had begun to fear if the predictions had come true. The fear of losing his kingdom, his children and everything had become so grave that he became bedridden with fever. Luckily it was not very serious and he would be fine in a day or two.
Guruji Dandapani had come to visit him these days and his advice took the king off-guard. He didn't know if he would be making the right decision or the wrong one. He didn't know if she would like it or not.
"Guruji, I could have agreed with you on anything but this. How will she react? How will I break the news to her?" He cried.
"She will never deny anything. Never. All you need to do is ask. Also, she is 20 years old now, almost 21 and haven't you heard enough gossip about her and her life. Do you want to give her a proper life or not? And who knows it might also change her fate for the better." These words made the king pause and wonder if he could be doing the right thing.
Will her life change?
Will her destiny change?
Will she approve of this?
Raja Harshavardhan had no answers but he was sure that he could figure something out. Hearing the sudden attack on the palace, Meenakshi had come back rushing, cursing herself for the lack of responsibility and getting carried away by an unknown feeling that coursed through her. Love. Her brother was at the gurukul and he couldn't come back on such short notice.
Taking Guru Dhandapani's advice in mind, Raja Harshavardhan had written a letter to Raja Vikramaditya about the situation at hand and his wish to take the step to fortify the relationship between the kingdoms and prevent such hazards from happening again. He had explicitly expressed his words and thoughts, his fear about his children's safety and the need for a new rule and a ruler.
Meenakshi had been summoned by her father to his chambers after knowing of her arrival in the palace. He badly wanted to ask her where she was, but he refrained himself from doing so, afraid that she might not like such questioning. After all he had never stopped her from doing anything or he was never there to know about her. Her father had explained to her the situation and asked her what her choice was. But her reply only disappointed him.
"Whatever you deem fit Rajaji." She said, her eyes focused on his feet, her hands held at her back and an erect posture that displayed obedience. He wanted to curse himself and probably kill himself for making her so distant from him but he only sighed in response.
"You can ask or even deny this Meenakshi. No one would question you." He said, trying to know what she wished for.
"Rajaji, this is a matter of importance and a concern for the safety of the kingdom. I am willing to do anything to protect the people, protect the royals and help my kingdom. It shall be an honor to be given such a chance." Her words only pierced his heart, making him bleed in pain. His daughter considered this as a duty rather than a father's request or even thought. She was obliged to do this for her kingdom rather than make a choice about her own life.
"If you are ready for this, then you shall be marrying Raja Vikramaditya of Krishnapura by the end of next month." Her father's words swept her off the ground making her gasp in surprise, no in shock.
"Raja Vikramaditya?" She muttered, confirming if she heard it right. Much to her dismay, he only nodded in agreement, not denying her reality.
*********
What the hell are Ankita and Vicky Jain doing?
Anyways, they are going to get married. Finally. Phew.
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Love you guys.