“Your Majesty, may we remind you, the request for this meeting comes from Amaravathi,” Shota said, irked. This wasn’t the first time Chandraketu had shown a marked resistance to a marriage alliance between their kingdoms.
In fact, Chandraketu was partially responsible for what happened in the Navari Woods. If he hadn’t deliberately defaced his daughters’ portraits, Veer wouldn’t have planned the ambush that led to the capture of Princess Chandrasena.
“I’d hoped you would be willing to see reason,” said King Chandraketu, almost under his breath.
“You mean you had hoped we would be soft in the head?” growled Veer. “So far, you have offered us nothing worthwhile.”
“Are you calling Kalpeet not worthwhile?” said Chandraketu, fists clenched.
“Ah! But Kalpeet is almost in our grasp—”
“But not yet,” argued Chandraketu. “Kalpeet has never fallen to an enemy before.”
The situation seemed to devolve into one of those endless arguments without recourse when a sentry posted outside announced the arrival of Guruji, an ex-prime minister and a well-respected figure in Amaravathi.
King Chandraketu’s dark visage flushed even more when he saw the newcomer, but he got up to touch Guruji’s feet for blessing and led him to a seat beside him.
“Starting without me, hmmm?” murmured Guruji with admonishment.
Guruji then spoke softly in King Chandraketu’s ear, who appeared…guilty?
Veer gave Shota a confused look.
King Chandraketu took a deep breath and sat up straight. He spoke in a monotone, as if resigned to his fate. “I agree with Rajgarh’s earlier demands. Prince Veer can wed one of my daughters and Kalpeet will be given as a bridal price.”
Shota was surprised at the sudden reversal and wondered what kind of hold Guruji had over the king, to make him change his mind that fast.
“Do you have a person in mind?” asked Guruji, addressing the party from Rajgarh.
“Yes,” Shota said, ready to give Veer’s choice. “We would like to request the hand of—”
Veer stopped him with a hand on his arm, causing Shota to look at him in question.
“Chandrasena,” Veer said in a low but firm tone. “I wish to have Princess Chandrasena as my wife.”
A thunderstruck silence fell. Guruji’s eyebrows rose high on his forehead. Shota felt his own mouth drop open at the bolt out of the blue. Everyone present had knowledge of or heard rumors of the fight between Prince Veer and Princess Chandrasena. They knew things weren’t cordial between them.
Chandraketu was the first to recover. “Prince Veer, I love all my daughters equally, but this…I must ask you to choose another.”
“You gave your word,” said Veer in a low warning.
“And I am not backing away from it.” Chandraketu’s tone pacified. “Choose one of my daughters by all means. Except for Chandrasena.”
“Why?” asked Veer, and Shota could hear his friend’s bewilderment under the ill temper.
“Because I believe you and Chandrasena won’t suit each other.”
“It is unfortunate that you feel that way,RajaChandraketu,” said Veer slowly. “But you forget, the choice is mine. And I have made it.”
“I’m the father of the bride,” said Chandraketu stubbornly. “My daughter’s happiness means a lot to me. I will not give my permission.”
They were at an impasse.
Guruji cleared his throat. “Maybe it’s time we let you talk alone,” he suggested, signaling everyone to leave the tent. He spoke to Chandraketu again before he left, but the king had a stubborn look on his face that didn’t bode well.
Veer’s expression was blank, but a contemplative spark lit his eyes. He sent Shota an unobtrusive signal with his hand. Shota understood immediately. He was to stay close and listen.
Everyone filed out of the tents, including Guruji, as Shota followed. A short distance away, he left their party talking among themselves and slipped away, rounding back to the tent.
