He found a spot toward the rear and crouched, hiding behind a bush to eavesdrop on the conversation.
“I wish to speak plainly. Why do you think that I won’t make your daughter happy?” he heard Veer say.
Shota peered from the small gap in between the two flaps of the tent. Chandraketu had gotten up and was pacing the tent, his hands behind his back and throwing occasional dagger looks at Veer, while Veer was still seated, appearing not in the least bothered by Chandraketu’s hostility.
Shota saw him pluck a white jasmine flower that bloomed on the plant, set not too far from his seat.
“I know my daughter,” said Chandraketu. “She is outspoken and principled. She could never be happy with a person like you—no qualms about bending the truth to suit his purposes.”
“You do realize you are insulting me,” said Veer mildly, as if chiding him for his language, but Shota knew he was plenty angry.
“I don’t intend to, Prince Veer,” said Chandraketu in a clipped tone. “I am merely stating my fears.”
“They are unnecessary fears,” dismissed Veer. He was still focused on the flower, running a long finger slowly across the slope of a delicate petal, as if mesmerized by its scent and beauty.
“You may think so. Until you have daughters of your own,” Chandraketu disagreed.
Veer fell into a thoughtful silence and then looked up sharply, as if realizing something.
“Did Princess Chandrasena have another offer?” he asked shrewdly. “Is that why you are refusing me?”
Chandraketu glanced away, avoiding Veer’s eyes. “Maybe.”
Shota saw Veer clench his hand, the jasmine crushed into his fist. His friend was furious and a hair’s breadth away from exploding.
“Who?” asked Veer in a dark voice.
Chandraketu either didn’t listen or ignored his intonation. “The king of Sumedh,” he answered. “Chandrasena’s mother is a native. She will be happy there.”
“And what do you think the king of Sumedh will say…” began Veer silkily, eyes still on Chandraketu. He opened his palm, and a stray breeze launched the bruised petals into the air. Nothing was left of the blossom that he seemed so entranced by just a moment ago. “When he comes to find out that your daughter has spent a night with me?”
Shota put a hand over his mouth to stifle his gasp. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find a firm enough surface to bang his head against. To say such a thing to his future father-in-law, never mind a king…
He saw rage eclipse Chandraketu’s face at Veer’s words and actions. Veer was an able commander of men, but he was awful at diplomacy, as he had just demonstrated. He understood threats and intimidation and preferred a blunt approach in all his dealings. Never mind what people thought of him.
Shota pretended he couldn’t hear what came next and left as soon as he could.
He doubled back to their party as they stood waiting for Veer’s conclusion of his meeting with King Chandraketu.
A few minutes later, Veer ambled toward them unhurriedly, a hand pressed to his rapidly swelling, bloodstained lower lip.
“Veer!” Virat exclaimed, looking at Veer’s bleeding lip in astonishment. “What the hell happened back there?”
“Chandraketu still has some strength in him, despite his wiry appearance,” said Veer ruefully, wiping the drop of blood from his lower lip with a finger.
“Chandraketu did this to you?” asked Virat incredulously. “He actually hurt you? How dare he? After calling us to the negotiations.”
“To be honest, his punch is very much justified,” said Shota, scowling in reproach at Veer.
“Why are you supporting them?” asked Virat, annoyed. “I shudder to think what state the king is in if you both have resorted to body blows.”
“He’s fine. I didn’t lay a finger on him,” said Veer coolly, meeting Shota’s eyes.
One of their courtiers stepped forward. “I guess this means the negotiations are at a standstill again?” he asked, wringing his hands.
“How could you think about negotiations after such a thing happened? Chandraketu obviously needs to be taught a lesson,” said Virat, hotheaded as ever.
“Let it go, Virat,” said Veer, dabbing at the still bleeding lip with a cloth Shota handed to him. “Honestly, it isn’t his fault. I provoked him. And as for the talks, things are going exactly like we wished.”
