"Pita," Devika stepped into the King's private chamber, "May I know the reason of excess tax on the subjects?" her naturally calm voice spoke for defense of the people without expressing even a little disrespect to her father.

King Govasana raised his head from the official documents he was working with. "That was not deliberate, Putri." He sighed, "I never wanted to be harsh on my people."

"I know you, Pita!" Devika came closer to her father, "This is why I want to know what has forced you to do this when no such urgency of wealth has befallen our kingdom."

Govasana thought a little. He knew his daughter very well. Besides being very kind to the citizens she was also intelligent and wise enough to assist him in making important decisions on court. The King knew if anybody could help him reach a solution of the present unwanted situation it was his daughter only.

"Samrat Jarasandha is pressurizing all the kingdoms to submit more wealth to him." he said.

"Jarasandha?" Devika bit her lips. The very mention of the cruel Emperor of Bharatavarsha used to make her fill with bitterness. "But why, Pita? Does his treasury of Magadha dying in lack of gold?"

"He is going to celebrate the wedding of Shishupala with a grandeur Aaryavarta has never seen." The King explained, "And the money required for this celebration is being collected from us."

"What if we don't give?" Devika's jaws stiffened.

"That's not possible, Putri!" Govasana helplessly shook his head, "We cannot go against the Emperor. He won't think twice to harm us if his interest is not fulfilled."

"It's better to die with Dharma than to live with adharma, Pita!" Devika proudly uttered.

"Not only us, Putri, our people too will be harmed if Samrat declares a war against Shivi."

"Let him. Can't we stand against him to protect our city?"

"You have no idea about how powerful Jarasandha is, my child! The army of Shivi can never stand against his twenty akshouhinis. Don't you know how he attacked Mathura more than once?"

"I know." Nodded the fearless Princess, "and I am also aware of how he was defeated every time singlehandedly by two Princes of Mathura."

Govasana stared at her with surprise. Where did his little girl gather this much courage from?

"Jarasandha may be invincible, but he cannot be more powerful than Dharma, Pita! Have faith on Dharma! It never hurts them who protect it!" she took his hands within hers, "Pita, trust my words and withdraw your announcement of new tax! My Narayana never makes them suffer who do good to others!"

The King finally smiled with a slow nod, and put his hand on Devika's head, "As my Princess wishes!"

She bowed to her father with a happy heart. But the next moment a serious thought appeared in her mind.

Did not father say wedding of Shishupala? That means it is nearing!

I have to reach Vidarbha soon! Rukmini Didi needs me by her side now!

===================================
Meaning of Sanskrit/Indian words:

Pita : Father

Putri : Daughter

Samrat : Emperor

Adharma : unrighteous act

Akshouhini : a unit of army