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       โ€โ€โ€โ€โ€โ€ Back to Pratapgarhโ€โ€โ€โ€โ€โ€

The moon hung high over Pratapgarh, casting its silver glow upon the grand palace. The torches flickered along the corridors, their light barely reaching the intricately carved wooden doors of Rajkumari Mrinaliโ€™s chamber. Inside, the room was bathed in the soft glow of a lone diya, its light dancing over the silken curtains and delicate ornaments. The air was still, save for the occasional whisper of the night breeze filtering through the ornate windows.

Mrinali stood near her dressing table, her long, jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders. The dayโ€™s affairs had left her weary, yet sleep eluded her. She reached for a delicate gold comb when suddenly, a presence pricked her sensesโ€”a shadow moved near her window, silent but unmistakable.

Her fingers instinctively wrapped around the hilt of the sword resting against the wall. In one swift motion, she turned, pointing the sharp blade at the intruder who had dared to enter her chamber unannounced.

The man before her stood still, his face partially covered with a cloth, his attire simpleโ€”too simple for a nobleman. Yet, something about his stance, the confidence in his posture, betrayed him. He was no ordinary trespasser.

With deliberate slowness, Mrinali pressed the tip of her sword against his cloth-covered face, lifting it just enough to reveal the sharp, mischievous eyes that twinkled beneath.

A smirk played on her lips. โ€œAap?โ€ (You?) she said, her voice laced with amusement and challenge.

Sidharth, the King of Virgarh, stood before her, his smirk mirroring her own. His deep, enigmatic eyes held a glint of mischief as he tilted his head ever so slightly.

โ€œDil toh aapne pehle hi le liya haiโ€ฆโ€ (You already took my heartโ€ฆ) he mused, his voice a low murmur in the quiet night. โ€œAur ab jaan lena chahti hain?โ€ (And now you wish to take my life too?)

Mrinali did not lower her sword. Instead, she stepped forward, pressing the blade just a little closer, the cold steel kissing his skin. โ€œJab ek raja par koi talwar tanne, toh use ladna chahiye, Maharajโ€ฆ na ki yun baatein banani chahiye.โ€ (When a king has a sword pointed at him, he should fight, Your Majestyโ€ฆ not waste time in sweet words.)

Sidharth chuckled, entirely unfazed by the blade threatening him. โ€œAur agar woh insaan talwar se zyada qatil ho toh?โ€ (And what if that person is deadlier than a sword?) he whispered, his eyes never leaving hers.

Mrinali arched an eyebrow, a playful yet knowing look crossing her features. โ€œYun raat ke peher mein ek rajkumari ke kaksh mein chhupke aana achi baat nahi, Sidharth.โ€ (Sneaking into a princessโ€™s chambers at this hour is not a good habit, Sidharth.)

Sidharth took a deliberate step forward, forcing her sword to shift slightly. โ€œPar woh rajkumari bhi toh chor haiโ€ฆ Mrinali.โ€ (But that princess is a thief tooโ€ฆ Mrinali.)

She let out a soft, lilting laugh, intrigued by his words. โ€œChor? Woh kaise?โ€ (A thief? How so?)

Sidharth sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart as if wounded. โ€œUnhone ek bahut zaroori cheez rakhi hai humari apne paas.โ€ (She has taken something very important of mine and kept it with her.)

Mrinali pressed her sword a little against Sidharthโ€™s chest, right at his heart. Her gaze remained sharp, playful. โ€œHum kisi ki cheezein rakhne ke shaukeen nahi.โ€ (I donโ€™t have a habit of keeping things that donโ€™t belong to me.)

Sidharth took another step closer, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. โ€œAb ise kaise bolu?โ€ (How do I say this?) he mused, lowering his voice to a murmur that only she could hear. โ€œPratapgarh ki Rajkumari Mrinali ne Virgarh ke Raja ka dil chura liya?โ€ (Princess Mrinali of Pratapgarh has stolen the King of Virgarhโ€™s heart?)

For a moment, silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. The night wind whispered against the silk curtains, carrying the scent of jasmine through the chamber. Mrinali held his gaze, her breath steady, her heart betraying a single rapid beat before she masked it with her usual poise.

A slow, knowing smile curved her lips. โ€œAgar humne sach mein aapka dil chura liya hai, toh usse maangne ki himmat honi chahiye, Sidharth. Chhupke aana, phir chhupke jaanaโ€ฆ Yeh rajaon ka tareeka nahi hota.โ€ (If I have truly stolen your heart, then you should have the courage to ask for it, Sidharth. Sneaking in and then sneaking outโ€ฆ thatโ€™s not how kings behave.)

Sidharth chuckled, his eyes dark with something deeper than amusement. โ€œNahi, Rajkumari,โ€ (No, Princess,) he said, leaning just a little closer. โ€œHum toh bas dekhne aaye the ki aap humara dil sambhal paengi bhi ya nahi.โ€ (I only came to see if you could truly take care of my heart or not.)

Mrinali held her ground, her pulse quickening at the quiet storm in his gaze. Her fingers grazed the hilt of her sword again, a silent reminder of the control she still heldโ€”over the situation, over herself.

Her chin lifted in defiance. โ€œToh phir dekhiyeโ€ฆ aur samajhiye, Sidharth.โ€ (Then watchโ€ฆ and understand, Sidharth.) โ€œKyunki ek baar jo cheez Pratapgarh apne paas rakh leta hai, use chhodta nahi.โ€ (Because once Pratapgarh keeps something, it never lets go.)

Sidharth watched her, admiration flickering in his gaze. โ€œTab toh ab humein yahan baar baar aana padega, Rajkumari.โ€ (Then Iโ€™ll have to keep coming back here, Princess.)

Mrinali smiled to herself, her back still to him. โ€œBas dekhna yeh hoga, ki kab tak aap humari talwar se bach sakenge, Maharaj.โ€ (The only question is, how long can you keep dodging my sword, Your Majesty?)

Sidharth let out a soft laugh, stepping closer. โ€œHume aapke talwar se bachne ki zarurat nahi, Mrinaliโ€ฆ hum aapke samne haar manne ko bhi tayyar hain.โ€ (I donโ€™t need to escape your sword, Mrinaliโ€ฆ I am ready to surrender to you.)

As he turned to leave, Mrinali called out, her voice steady. โ€œAgar tum sach mein humari chinta karne aaye ho, toh ek wada karo, Sidharth.โ€ (If you are truly here because you care about me, then make me a promise, Sidharth.)

Sidharth raised an eyebrow. โ€œKaisa wada?โ€ (What kind of promise?)

She took a step closer, holding his hands. โ€œAgli baar jab tum humse milne aaogeโ€ฆ toh Vikram bhaiya ke saath hi aaoge.โ€ (The next time you come to meet meโ€ฆ you will come with my brother.)

For the first time that night, the smirk on Sidharthโ€™s lips faded into something deeperโ€”an unspoken promise, an understanding. He inclined his head slightly, pressing his hands over hers.

โ€œWada raha, Mrinali.โ€ (I promise, Mrinali.) โ€œAgli baar jab aungaโ€ฆ toh Vikram ke saath.โ€ (The next time I comeโ€ฆ it will be with Vikram.)

Just as he was about to leave, she called out once more. โ€œUmeed rahegi ki aap kahin wapas apna wada nahi tod denge, Sidharth.โ€ (I hope you wonโ€™t break your promise, Sidharth.)

Sidharth chuckled, glancing over his shoulder. His eyes gleamed with a promise unbroken. And with that, he disappeared into the night.

โ€โ€โ€โ€โ€โ€ Back to Chandrapura โ€โ€โ€โ€โ€โ€

The night had settled over Chandrapura, its palace still buzzing with the last remnants of daily activity. Some maids and servants were retiring to their chambers after a long day's work, while others lingered over their meals. Guards stood at their posts, ever vigilant, while a few exchanged hushed conversations. In one quiet corridor of the palace, Vikram and Raghu walked side by side, their words steeped in strategy.

Vikramโ€™s voice was low but firm as he questioned Raghu โ€œTell me, Raghu. What do you know about Chandradeva? His secrets, his weaknesses?โ€

Raghu glanced around before replying. โ€œMaharaj Chandradeva is a clever manโ€”honest in his words but deceitful in his actions. He has crafted an image of a righteous king, always present in the villageโ€™s festivities, always smiling, always appearing generous. On the surface, Chandra Deva seems like a prosperous king, but there is rot beneath his golden facade. Beneath that, he is a man consumed by greed and insatiable hungerโ€”for power, wealth, and control. He has amassed wealth through illicit trade, manipulating the sea routes of the Narmada. Bribery, illegal taxation, and smugglingโ€”his hands are dirtied with corruption.โ€

Vikram's lips pressed into a thin line. โ€œAnd the routes? How does Chandrapura function beneath the surface?โ€

Raghu nodded. โ€œThe main supply routes connect to the kingdomโ€™s inner regions, leading to underground storage houses. Secret passages run beneath the palace, used to transport goods unnoticed. Apart from suryagarh,Chandrapura trades heavily with Surapura and the southern territories. But,โ€ he hesitated, โ€œI do not know specificly maharaj.โ€

Vikram then shifted his focus. โ€œAnd the palace itself? Its rooms, hidden corridors?โ€

Raghu hesitated briefly before explaining, โ€œThe palace is vast, with multiple wings. The Maharajโ€™s personal chambers are well-guarded, as are the treasury and war rooms. There are unused halls and secret passagesโ€”some only the most trusted know about.โ€

Vikramโ€™s next question was calculated. โ€œAnd the Narmadaโ€™s routes? Apart from Pratapgarh, where else does it connect?โ€

Raghu frowned. โ€œThat, I do not know much about, even after serving here for two years. Only a few within Chandra Devaโ€™s inner circle would have such knowledge.โ€

Vikram nodded, processing the information. Then, in an almost casual manner, he said, โ€œI need a map of Chandrapuraโ€”its localities, the palace, everything.โ€

Raghu hesitated, then nodded. โ€œIt will not be easy, but I will arrange it.โ€

Vikramโ€™s next question came swiftly. โ€œAre there people who know about Chandrapura and its hidden workings?โ€

Raghu looked uneasy but said. โ€œThere are people who know the palaceโ€™s layout well,โ€ he admitted. โ€œKumar, for instance, oversees the palaceโ€™s paperwork and servants. He holds a significant amount of power.โ€

Vikramโ€™s sharp gaze flickered. โ€œKumarโ€ฆ and his loyalty?โ€

Raghu shook his head. โ€œUnwavering. He would rather die than betray Chandra Deva.โ€

Vikramโ€™s smirked slightly. โ€œThen he shall die.โ€

Raghu swallowed but continued. โ€œThere is Bhairava. He knows Chandradeva personallyโ€”his hidden assets, his secret dealings.โ€

Vikram dismissed it with an almost amused smirk. โ€œI have no interest in his possessions. They will be mine soon enough. Let him hoard them for now.โ€

They walked in silence for a moment before Raghu spoke again. โ€œDai Ma. She knows much about the palace's affairs.โ€

Vikram shook his head. โ€œShe is not useful. Age brings wisdom, and she is not easily manipulated. If we attempt anything, she will know.โ€

Raghu absorbed the words and nodded in understanding.

Then, cautiously, he spoke, โ€œThere isโ€ฆ Rajsri.โ€

Vikram stopped, his expression unreadable. โ€œRajsri? What does that maiden know about Chandrapura?"

Raghu hesitated before answering. "Rajsri has been living with Dai Ma ever since she was a child. She grew up in this palace. As a girl, her parents did not accept her. Poor girl had to go through a lotโ€”"

"Stick to the matter," Vikram interrupted, his voice sharp and cold. "I have no patience for unnecessary details."

Raghu immediately straightened, lowering his gaze. "I apologise maharaj. But that girl can be helpful to us."

______________

The palace corridors stretched long and silent under the dim glow of the torches. The occasional flicker of flames cast shifting shadows on the walls, mirroring the unease that hung between Vikram and Raghu as they walked side by side. Their earlier discussion had ended, leaving behind a weighted silence. Raghu hesitated before speaking, his voice tentative.

"Maharaj... maaf kijiyega. I am hesitating to ask you a question," Raghu finally said, his voice careful, almost fearful. "But I have a doubt. Why are you here in Chandrapura? I mean, Pratapgarh is vast and powerful. This kingdom is small, insignificant in comparison. Chandrapura is not even a challenge for you. Pratapgarh could bring it to its knees in a blink of an eye. So why is it important?"

Vikram continued walking, his expression unreadable, his gaze fixed ahead. After a few moments, he finally spoke, his tone low and measured. "Because you have asked in such a good way," he said, "and because for the past two years, you have served with loyalty, I will tell you something, Raghu. Something that few know."

Raghu glanced at him, his curiosity piqued, but he remained silent, waiting.

Vikram's voice was calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "Chandradeva does not just collect illegal taxes. He is involved in something much darker. He deals in human trafficking. Women, children, even menโ€”sold like cattle to the highest bidder."

                       *********FLASHBACK*********

The grand royal court of Pratapgarh stood as a testament to its magnificence, adorned with high, elaborately carved pillars and a dome encrusted with gold. The vast chamber gleamed under the glow of torches and chandeliers, their flames flickering like silent sentinels of justice and power. At its heart, seated upon a grand throne of pure gold, encrusted with rubies and emeralds, was King Vikramaditya. Dressed in his royal attire having gold embroidery, his broad shoulders clad in armor, and his jet-black hairโ€”he radiated an aura of unyielding authority. His piercing brown eyes scanned the room with the weight of a ruler who bore the burden of his empire's security.

A hush fell over the court as the heavy double doors creaked open, and a squad of Pratapgarhโ€™s elite soldiers strode in, dragging along a group of bound and bruised men. Their clothes were torn, their faces streaked with blood and dirt, and their hands were tightly tied with coarse ropes. The soldiers shoved them onto the polished marble floor, making them kneel before the king.

โ€œThese men were found lurking near the northern border of Pratapgarh, disguised as common traders,โ€ the lead soldier announced, bowing before Vikramaditya. โ€œUpon interrogation, we discovered they hail from Chandrapura.โ€

The murmurs in the court grew louder at this revelation. Intruders from Chandrapura? That alone was an act of hostility.

Vikramaditya leaned forward, resting his forearms on the armrests of his throne. His gaze, cold and unreadable, settled upon the trembling men before him. The weight of his silence was heavier than the swords of the warriors who flanked them.

โ€œWhy have you come here, disguised as my people?โ€ his voice, deep and edged with steel, cut through the chamber like a blade.

One of the captives, a man with a gash across his forehead, hesitated, swallowing hard. โ€œMaharaj, w-we are mere traders. We only sought safe passageโ€”โ€

A soldier stepped forward and delivered a sharp blow to the manโ€™s side, making him groan in pain.

โ€œLies.โ€ Vikramadityaโ€™s voice was calm, yet it carried an unmistakable finality. โ€œI have no patience for deception. I ask againโ€”why are you here?โ€

Silence.

The king rose from his throne with a measured grace, descending the steps with the elegance of a predator. Each step echoed, a slow, deliberate sound of impending doom. Stopping before the kneeling men, he tilted his head slightly, studying them like a hawk would its prey.

โ€œIf your silence continues, you will meet an end so agonizing that even the heavens will turn away.โ€ His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, sending shivers through the court. โ€œBut if you speak, you may yet live.โ€

The wounded man breathed heavily, his will crumbling under Vikramadityaโ€™s merciless stare. His eyes darted nervously before he finally blurted, โ€œMaharajโ€ฆ we were sent to establish a hidden routeโ€ฆ to smuggle peopleโ€ฆ into Pratapgarh.โ€

The court erupted in gasps. Smuggling? But why?

Vikramaditya narrowed his eyes. โ€œFor what purpose?โ€

The man hesitated. A soldier unsheathed his sword, pressing the cold steel against his throat.

โ€œSpeak.โ€

โ€œFor human trafficking!โ€ The words spilled out in a desperate gasp. โ€œThe nobles of Chandrapuraโ€ฆ they run a secret tradeโ€”selling women and children! They intended to expand it into Pratapgarhโ€”use the routes to kidnap your people and sell them into slavery beyond the borders!โ€

A deadly silence followed. The revelation hung in the air like a curse.

Vikramaditya turned away, exhaling sharply, his jaw clenched. His peopleโ€”his subjectsโ€”were being targeted. His kingdom, his pride, was at risk of being tainted by such filth.

He turned back to the men, his expression unreadable. โ€œIs there proof?โ€

Another captive, terrified and shaking, nodded frantically. โ€œY-yes, Maharaj! Ledgers, names, routesโ€”all documented. In a hidden chamber beneath the east trade post in Chandrapura.โ€

Vikramaditya looked to his commander. โ€œSend word to our spies in Chandrapura. I want those documents before the next moonrise.โ€ His voice was deadly calm, a stark contrast to the rage simmering beneath his composed exterior.

He then faced the captives. โ€œAs for youโ€ฆโ€ He paused, letting dread sink into their bones. โ€œDeath is too kind.โ€

The court was silent, waiting.

โ€œThrow them into the dungeons. Keep them alive. Let them witness the end of the empire they serve.โ€

The guards seized the captives, dragging them away as they screamed for mercy.

Vikramaditya turned, ascending the steps back to his throne. His kingdom would remain untainted. Pratapgarhโ€™s honor and security were his to guard, and he would destroy anyone who dared to threaten it.

The court bowed in reverence, for today, their king had once again proven why he was feared and revered in

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