A FEW DAYS LATER

As days for the envoys to come to their Empire drew near, Balasandhya citizens started being inquisitive for how their procession into the capital would be.

As envoys, their procession should be neither too grand nor too bland. They had to have some respect for the Empire they were going in but shouldn't slight their own nation too.

Gomantak Empire was said to be stronger than their empire but that did not mean the people of Balasandhya would respect that nation wholeheartedly. To them, Gomantak royals were nothing but barbarians who climbed the ranks to how they were now.

It was said that they have lineage from beast blood. As to how humans and beasts mixed, that was anyone's guess.

It was also said they were infinitely rich. But they countered the notion that Gomantak's temperature was too low, so how could there be food crops and good trade? How can they turn rich then? They have to buy grains from Balasandhya and Agnibha instead, who had fairly good climate but their war strength was lower than Gomantak's. This was how they had trading relations and alliances with each other.

So in that way, the three Great Empires were peaceful. On the surface.

But they had never imagined that Gomantak envoys would be so blatant with their show of extravagance when they arrived.

Their troops were arriving as if waging wars on Balasandhya's land. Their procession was on beautiful, white horses, that looked handsome with their strong and agile build. Their breed looked to be strange, too.

The palanquins and canopied chariots that followed were bejewelled with expensive stones and plated with strange metal. It looked to be silver but not silver. Under the glowing sun, it seemed to be shining brightly, almost blinding their eyes.

The flag that they hoisted showing the growling wolf and moon with two stars fluttered in the wind, its poise so grand and breathtaking. Onlookers felt intimidated just looking at it.

The little robbers among the commoner crowd felt itchy in their heart looking at those jewels. Just one look and you could say they were each rarer and beautiful. But their heart's wishes could not be filled seeing those intimidating guards with their daggered glares.

༺❀༻

Princess Harinakshi, in her palanquin, opened the silk curtain a little allowing her to see the crowd staring at their entourage with shining eyes as if they never saw such wealth in their lives. Not even of any Royal of their nation.

She knew that their procession was a bit too extravagant but who knows what her elder brother was thinking doing as such? They, the younger siblings dare not contradict the eldest's authority.

She looked at the canopied chariot before her and furrowed her willow-like eyebrows. She then sighed. Let's just follow Bhratashree's plans!

She looked at the palanquin slightly behind her, her eyes showing irritation. Her little sister could never stay still. Earlier when they reached the province outside of capital, that little girl fled from her palanquin, dressed her maid as a princess and made her substitute her place and then she went, merrymaking round the city.

She was afraid that something would happen to that girl in this large capital. It really was a headache to have such a younger sister.

Harinakshi forgot she was only three years older than her little sister. She got so used to being older and more responsible among the two that she forgot a 11 year old girl will of course sought for entertainment and amusement.

༺❀༻

In the tavern building nearby, on the second floor, a man with green royal robes was seated by the window drinking the tasteful wine from the goblet as he saw the procession.

The private room's windows were fitted with one way glass enabled him to see what was transpiring outside but the people outside could not see who was inside. It was said it came from outside Arunima.

The tavern he was sitting in was not ordinary. It was for nobles and rich people willing to spend money like water. It had excellent accomodations, tasteful food and wine and an even excellent entertainment - Beautiful women.

In the private room's centre was a stage where beautiful women with scantily clad colorful dresses were dancing. Their midriff and cleavage made people want to touch it and their narrow waists made people want to hold it. Their thin dupattas made beautiful swirls in the wind and their open hair and flirtatious smiles made people's heart speed up like a stallion running past the wind.

The entire ambience was charming.

Beautiful women and beautiful wine, what a great combination!

But the man in green royal robes was not interested in it one bit. Looking at the procession outside and the flag flaunting and fluttering in the wind, held up by men as they proceeded to the palace, his mind took him back to that year when he happened to meet a certain devil.

That devil who still haunt him and made him suffer an irreparable trauma.

Seeing the way the procession encapsulated everyone with its grandeur, the golden goblet in his hand was almost clenched, looking like he wanted to crush it.

"Their procession is eye-catching and awe inspiring, really makes one go and tear up their extravagant facade." He gritted his teeth as he kept the goblet on the table with a thud, his face darkened a shade due to anger.

He was quite goodlooking too but there was a haze of arrogance that eclipsed over his features making him look subpar compared to the man in front.

The man sitting opposite the green dressed man smiled, seemingly mocking, "Second brother, we can't blame them. They are The Gomantakis. Extravagance and arrogance runs in their blood. After all they are all beasts."

Everyone knew not to say beasts in front of Gomantakis, but that did not deter them from saying it in private.

"I have to see that Crown Prince once I go to the palace banquet. It reminds me of him humiliating me whenever I see his face." The green robed man was still unable to control his anger.

The other man sighed, "You should not remember such things. You are the second prince, don't stoop low for things like revenge."

It seemed to be placating a person's emotions, yet why did it feel more like provoking?

The man's hand below the table, on his knees, was drawing circles on the fabric, his thumb and his forefinger rubbing against each other. He used to do this whenever he thinks that he had achieved or was close to achieving something.

His gentle and playful look concealed his cunning intellect. Behind those Hazel eyes hid the blazing fire of his ambitions. And no was coming between him and his ambitions.

He knew that the Second Prince in front of him was going to go berserk once meeting the Crown Prince Vijayendra of Gomantak. Reminding this arrogant prince of revenge would surely make it more interesting.

As expected, the dark haze in second Prince's eyes darkened a shade more, his lips curling up in delight, "Don't worry. It will just be a slight revenge for starters."

He took hold of the goblet and his thin lips quirked in a smirk. The decorations of a lion growling and marigolds surrounding on the gold plated wine glass seemed to be much more pleasant to his eye right now.

Looking past the crowd, he seemed to see the procession of envoys of other nations. One flag showed of Indrak while the other Triptik. There were just miniscule nations going to be gobbled by their empire soon.

"They are envoys, if something happens to them in our nation, we can't shirk off any responsibility. If they want to wage war, our empire will have to suffer. Pita Maharaj might even confine you in your chamber, or worse in prison." Said Advay, like a gentleman that he was, reminding his brother kindly.

It would have been better if he did not remind the second prince of prison. That word brought so many bad memories, all related to that damn Vijayendra.

As expected, Second Prince bellowed, "Prince Advay, mind your tongue."

He smashed down the goblet on the table, the wine in it spilling out on the table and dripping some on the blue tablecloth, the golden and blue mixing and being unrecognizable, while the hair on his neck rising as if someone stepped on his tail.

Like an angry cat that couldn't be provoked more. Advay inwardly chuckled at his notion.

Prince Advay shook his head, his eyes full of concern, he said, "Brother, I just wanted to remind you that if you do things blatantly, Crown Prince Vijayendra will not let you win. Furthermore, Pita Maharaj wants you to lie low for now so you won't go and provoke him."

The more Advay spoke seemingly persuading him to give up troubling Vijayendra, the more second Prince riled up. This was reverse psychology.
The more you stop someone from doing something, the more likely that someone would do end up doing that.

Prince Advay was a master in moving his chess pieces in the dark. His strength was not acting straightforward but bending and stretching as per circumstances. He knew when to manipulate and whom to manipulate and strike right at their weakness.

"What provoke? That old man just does not want anyone to tarnish his pristine reputation. As if he had any!" Second Prince sneered, "To others he is an Emperor. But is he really? Spineless Geezer!"

Prince Advay furrowed his brows. It was okay that the Second Prince said it in front of him so openly, but he should not be so blunt in front of others.

If not, that Prime Minister Saurav might give them more trouble. That cunning fox was not to be taken lightly.

He saw Second Prince continuing, "He can't even decide anything by himself. The throne that he sits on has lost its value. He's nothing but a-"

The Second Prince was interrupted by his servants who entered with a message from the palace. The Second Prince might be impulsive and straightforward, but that did not mean he was stupid to show dirty linen of royal family in front of his servants.

What is in closet, stays in closet.

Second Prince coughed a little to hide his panic, "What is it?"

The servant who entered inside was the trusted servant of Queen Dhamini. While he did not hear much, he heard the last sentence and some profanities against the Emperor. He pretended to not hear anything in order to get saved, if not Second Prince might decapitate him right here.

He involuntarily trembled a little saying, "Queen Dhamini wants you to go back to the palace right now."

Queen Dhamini was the birth mother of the Second Prince. Compared to her son, the mother had far more brains and knew when to be low-key.

Sometimes, Prince Advay felt that Queen Dhamini was sure unlucky to get a son like this who would ruin all her plans in the long run. He really pitied her.

Of course pity was just pity. He won't stop his plans just because of something stupid like pity.

Second Prince waved his hand and said 'Alright' to the servants and then bid farewell to Prince Advay. "We'll talk more someday later. I think Rani Ma has something urgent. I'll take my leave."

"No worries. I'm always idle. An idle prince like me has no other work to do. If you're free, then we should spar someday in the arena."

"Sure."

As everyone left the private room, Prince Advay poured himself wine from the jug at the table centre, his actions smooth. Then, as he sipped on it, there could be a hint of mirth on the corner of his lips, but his eyes were calm.

Even Queen Dhamini couldn't stop Second Prince from acting out impulsively. The more she would prevent, the more the will of her son to avenge.

Advay snickered as he gulped down the wine, some of it dripping down on his lips and jaw. The amber wine seemed to be particularly bewitching on him as there was a dangerous twinkle in his eyes.

This was just a start to reach the throne. There was more to add to the chaos.

༺❀༻

While conspiracies were brewing in broad daylight on one side, the other side too had their own thoughts.

The envoys were given a chamber in the outermost annexes of the palace as their status was of an envoy and they cannot be near to the main building in the palace.

Princess Harinakshi looked at her room showed by the palace maids which was tastefully decorated as per Balasandhya preferences.

While Balasandhya preferred the tacky gold and blue, such an eyesore to the eye, Gomantak people could not find beauty in what the Balasandhyayis see.

She saw the drapes of silk that was coarse to her skin, the curtains were the linen from the West and the furniture plated with gold. Each and every design carved was dissimilar to other furniture. The carpet on the floor too, have many patterns dissimilar to the patterns on the canopy of the bed, such a contrast!

Gomantakis focus more on color combination and elegance yet grandeur.

Harinakshi, who loved beautiful dresses and clothes and furnishings just like any other Royal, cannot see such a blatant mismatch with her fashion-recognizing-eyes.

Nothing was great in this Balasandhya but she had to live here for some days. Such a tragedy!

Not wanting to see the bothering chamber of hers, she marched towards her brother's room.

Crown Prince Vijayendra was sitting indolently on the gold plated and cushioned chaise in front of the window, his sharp eyes currently closed and his long lashes like fans casting a shadow on his fair skin as he listened to the report of Balasandhya by a man in Black.

His face that could make women have heart in their eyes was impassive while his head was supported by his one hand and the other hand playing with a crystal orb that came out of nowhere. His body seemed to be covered in a golden hue of the sun making people sigh at the amount of beauty God graced him with.

He looked especially bewitching like a beautiful devil ready to start his equally enthralling scheme.

"-These days the capital Umer has suffered some political undercurrents. The traffickers who abduct and smuggle maidens for offerings to the Devilish Maya practitioners in the western states of Kumuda were slaughtered overnight by a mysterious force." The Intel said, his voice monotonous.

"Any trail left behind?" Vijayendra's smooth mellow voice resounded.

"Dead."

Vijayendra's fingers tapped on the table beside him. The rings on his fingers were shining brightly by the light casted from the window behind him, making his fingers look sculpted by the most exceptional sculptor It was almost blinding. This was a sign that he was thinking deeply.

He spat, "Continue."

"There are movements going on in Balasandhya's palace. Prime Minister Saurav of Balasandhya has started making many decisions more openly. The Emperor has not opposed to this but the princes are very anxious. Except for one. The sixth Prince Advay. Rumors are that Prime Minister Saurav might rebel anytime to fully seat himself as the Emperor. These rumors were spread by the people supporting the First Prince."

At this time, Harinakshi entered and heard the report. She said, "Is this not like the fox exploiting the tiger's might? Bhratashree, this Balasandhya is being more and more stranger every generation."

Which subject could make decisions on behalf of a ruler? She was afraid that this Balasandhya was going to dwindle faster. Getting hold of a not-so-good empire will definitely increase their worries and expenditure from their treasury.

"Not strange but weak. Now this Emperor cannot hold onto his throne properly as his own subject will overthrow him." Vijayendra pointed out the truth.

How could he not see within a glance that Balasandhya was nothing but an empty shell now? There night be internal strife soon. If they the external forces strike when the iron turned hot, Gomantak might be able to gobble this nation in the centre of Arunima.

Getting hold of Arunima was crucial when they had the ambitions of unifying all nations under heaven.

"What do you mean, Bhratashree? I do not understand." Harinakshi sat on a couch opposite Vijayendra, her eyes averting from the indolent posture of her brother who did not seem to care for his handsome image.

"The Emperor is being a puppet ruler. Four years ago, the empire seemed to be crumbling. Exorbitant taxes, mess of hierarchy, little to no administration, increasing crimes. But all of a sudden, why did they bring out schemes for the betterment of commoners? Because of this, the ignorant commoners are thinking that their empire is now more benevolent." He licked his lips as he gave a sneer, "It's a facade. Prime Minister Saurav is the one who's making decisions now. I'm afraid he had done something to the Emperor for him to be so blindly believing."

Vijayendra had read many historical journals and records. Within one analysis he could understand whatever was going on.

In previous dynasties when Maya was not so dormant, and anyone who could awake their conscious of Chetana, there were many people who had used evil Maya to manipulate people into doing their bidding. It seemed that what was going on in Balasandhya was likely the repeat of history.

This was the time for their Gomantak Empire to enter.

Harinakshi nodded, her face had turned more serious. "But if Gomantak tries to enter now, we need to ward off Agnibha. They should also have ambitions, right?"

Harinakshi had read a report saying the current Emperor of Agnibha was far more ambitious than the previous one. She was afraid that in their plans, this Agnibha might come as a sore thumb. A thorn that might pierce them.

"They have or they have not, who knows? Does not matters. Who does not have ambitions? We will do our own work, they will do theirs." Vijayendra assured his sister.

Who does not want a fatty piece of meat called Balasandhya? It was normal. But they should see whether they could take out something which was going to be in his palm at the end.

Something that he wanted, only he could get.

༺❀༻

When they were discussing about what Agnibha's ambitions were, from his peripheral vision, Vijayendra saw his another sister arriving inside, her face flushed and her chest heaving up and down.

Princess Sarita came in, marched to the table where the water jug was and chugged down that directly.

She did not care for her image at all nor the princess manners that she had to be forced to learn by her dear mother after every two hours of incessant scolding in the early morning.

Vijayendra folded his hands as he saw this, not at all caring enough to go and reproach. He waved away his loyal Intel and saw Sarita coming towards him and sitting opposite to him, beside Harinakshi.

"It was really a great hustle and bustle here. Almost made me lose direction a total of four times. Luckily, my shadow guard came and took me here." Sarita said wiping sweat on her her forehead with her dupatta.

Her skin was flushed and her fair face was reddened like a tomato. It looked like water could pour out from her skin if squeezed.

Vijayendra mercilessly stated, "Oh, so you still managed to come here. I thought that at the end, I will find you on the doors to Civil Justice office of the capital."

"Bhratashree," Sarita coquettishly yelled, her lips in a pout and her eyes with grievances, "I know that I was wrong to go ahead like that alone but I just wanted to see the capital without people knowing that I'm a princess. Is it wrong of me?"

"If you had done that back in Gomantak, it would still be alright but not here. We are envoys and we have many enemies here who can act upon. Not our area, so not safe."

"But-" Sarita wanted to say more when Harinakshi glared at her and pinch her hand to stop from speaking more.

She saw her brother giving out his signature smile but not a smile but the look in his eyes was getting more and more dangerous and knew that she was going to further irk him by speaking more and so reluctantly shut up.

Changing the topic, Sarita said, "Oh, I saw Agnibha envoys before coming here. It is said that the envoy of theirs is the only full-blooded brother of the current Emperor, Prince Adelik. Its also said that he's exceptionally handsome but I did not get the opportunity to see him since he was in the canopied chariot. I really want to see how handsome is he!"

Sarita inwardly thought that that prince would most likely be not as handsome as her eldest brother.

Harinakshi laughed, "Even if he's handsome, what's that to us? Plus he can't be more handsome than our brother right?"

"No way Jiji, there's no match for our brother."

Vijayendra raised a brow as his sisters stared gushing about his handsomeness and how in the banquet every female species would just look at their brother and forget about themselves. Then their focus went to something else as they gossiped around on which envoys made a fuss at their entry and what the commoners were whispering.

Women! Vijayendra shook his head.

He averted his head away from their chattering and looked through the scrolls and letters on the table adjacent to the chaise he was sitting on. There were the reports of what we're happening in various nations by his spies.

His eyes were as deep as an abyss as he read one particular letter. The Prime Minister of Balasandhya's household does not seem to be very quiet. Which household does not have some back courtyard chaos? He ignored it and went ahead for another report.

However, Vijayendra did not know that at the bottom of the letter were few inconspicuous yet suspicious words.

The Eldest Daughter. Sickly. Night movement. Trace dead. Same day - crime report in court.

In the future, Vijayendra would smack his head and regret that he ignored such crucial words.

Currently, though, his mind was on the banquet the next and the underlying conspiracies that would surface the night after.

____________________________________________

GLOSSARY

1. Bhratashree : Older brother
2. Pita Maharaj : Father Emperor
3. Jiji : Elder sister