The chill of winter still lingered over Indraprastha, though the sharp bite had softened. The days had begun to stretch longer, the promise of spring evident in the golden sunlight that bathed the city. Yet within the palace, there was little time to admire the changing season—Indraprastha was preparing for war.

The victory over Jarasandh had sent ripples through Aryavarta. His death at Bheem’s hands had freed the hundred captive kings, and now, with Magadh weakened, the path to the Rajasuya Yagna was clear. But this was not an endeavor to be rushed. The brahmins and astrologers had advised that the great conquest should begin in two years' time, when the celestial alignments were most favorable. This gave Indraprastha time to prepare—and every moment had to be used wisely.

Tonight, the royal court had gathered for a crucial discussion. The five Pandavas, Krishna, Draupadi, and Abhijishya sat in council, the flickering lamps casting shadows upon the marble floors.

Draupadi, pregnant with Sahadev’s child, sat beside Yudhishthir, her presence regal despite the gentle curve of her belly. Abhijishya, seated across from her, had a wax tablet and stylus in hand, ready to document the decisions made tonight.

Yudhishthir, ever the strategist, began first.

"The conquest will span the four directions. It will not be a mere display of might but a structured campaign. In these two years, we must ensure Indraprastha remains strong in our absence, that our forces are well-equipped, and that our alliances remain steady."

His gaze turned to Abhijishya. "You will oversee the administration while we march. Trade, security, and law enforcement must remain stable in our absence. You and Draupadi will have full authority over the council in all matters within the kingdom."

Abhijishya gave a curt nod, already calculating the responsibilities that lay ahead.

"The treasury will be open for this conquest," Yudhishthir continued, turning to Draupadi. "You will ensure that finances are handled efficiently. We must strengthen our weapon production and supply chains."

Draupadi smiled wryly. "You needn’t worry, Aryaputra. If we are to march in two years, I will see to it that every grain of rice and every coin is accounted for."

Bheem, impatient as always, leaned forward, his muscular arms resting on the table. "Our army is strong, but we will need more. The recruitment should begin immediately. We must expand our infantry and train them well before we march."

Arjun nodded, his fingers drumming against the wood. "We should also focus on siege warfare. Some kingdoms will yield easily, but others will fortify their cities. We need to ensure that we have enough siege weapons, archers, and engineers to breach any defense."

Krishna, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "War is not fought with weapons alone. It is fought with alliances and foresight. We must assess which kings will stand with us and which will oppose us. Some will need persuasion, others... a show of strength."

Sahadev, the most methodical of them all, had spent the past few weeks studying Aryavarta’s geography and political landscape. Now, he unfurled a large map before them. "The greatest challenge will be securing the trade routes," he began. "Once we march, the routes that supply Indraprastha will be vulnerable. We must station trusted commanders at key junctions to prevent raiders or enemy disruptions."

He traced his finger along the map.

"The eastern route leading to Magadh must be reinforced. Though Jarasandh is dead, his allies may still harbor resentment. The southern trade routes, especially near Matsya, must remain open for grain supply. The northern borders must be monitored closely—the Gandharans could be unpredictable."

Abhijishya listened carefully. "I will appoint governors and spies to keep watch over these regions. Any sign of trouble, and we will know before it festers."

Nakul, always meticulous about the army’s condition, took his turn to speak.
"Horses and elephants will be the backbone of our campaign," he said. "We need the finest cavalry, and we need them trained well. We should procure the best-bred horses from Kamboja and Sindhu. I will personally oversee their selection."

His brows furrowed slightly. "As for elephants, we need strong war-trained ones. The forests near Magadh have good stock, but we may also seek alliances with kingdoms that specialize in elephant warfare."

Draupadi glanced at him. "The procurement of horses and elephants will require funds, but if we establish diplomatic relations with the breeders, we can secure them at a fair cost."

Nakul smirked. "Leave that to me, Panchali. I know how to handle horse traders."

Draupadi and Abhijishya now took charge of the discussion.

"Weapons production must be increased," Abhijishya stated. "The smiths of Indraprastha will require better raw materials. We need to establish steady imports of iron and steel."

Draupadi added, "The finances will be carefully managed. We will impose no additional taxes on the people, but the revenue from trade will be directed toward military preparations."

Abhijishya nodded. "The merchants will be reassured that the roads will be kept secure. In return, they will continue to fund the campaign through voluntary contributions."

Yudhishthir looked around the room, satisfied. "Then it is decided. In these two years, we will prepare Indraprastha for war, and when the time comes, we will march."

Bheem grinned. "I look forward to testing my strength against more kings."

Arjun rolled his eyes. "Try not to break their bones before they surrender."

Krishna chuckled, leaning back. "We shall ensure that we face only necessary battles, not unnecessary bloodshed."

As they rose from the discussion, Yudhishthir turned to Draupadi and Abhijishya, his tone more affectionate.

"You two will hold Indraprastha together in the absence of my brothers. I trust no one more than you both to do it."

Draupadi smiled, her gaze steady. "Then go and win the world, Aryaputra. Indraprastha will stand strong in their absence and await their victorious return."

And so, the council dispersed, the weight of the coming years heavy upon their shoulders—but none among them doubted that when the time came, they would be ready.

---

The morning air in Indraprastha was crisp, carrying the last remnants of winter. In the sprawling council chamber, the ministers of the kingdom sat rigid and attentive, awaiting the woman who held the weight of Indraprastha in her hands.

The chamber was vast, its stone columns lined with intricate carvings of past victories. Sunlight streamed in through the high windows, illuminating the large wooden table at which the ministers sat. Some of them shifted uneasily, already anticipating the storm that was about to descend upon them.

When Abhijishya entered, the air seemed to tighten. She was not clad in finery, nor did she need it. The sheer force of her presence was enough to command attention. Her dark eyes swept across the gathered men, each of them seasoned in their trade—some had served since the days of Pandu, others were newly appointed.

None, however, dared to meet her gaze for too long.

She took her seat at the head of the table, her jaw set, fingers poised over the wax tablet in front of her. Then, without wasting time, she spoke.

“There will be no mistakes.”

Her voice was sharp, leaving no room for negotiation.

“In two years, Indraprastha will send its forces in all four directions. The security of this kingdom, the movement of supplies, and the integrity of our governance must be flawless. If I find any incompetence in your work, I will not be merciful.”

A few of the younger ministers exchanged nervous glances. The older ones remained silent. They knew better than to test her.

She turned to Haridas, the chief minister of internal security.

Internal Security & Law Enforcement

"Haridas, your men will double their patrols. Every district of Indraprastha will be under strict surveillance. We have two years—during this time, I want spies embedded within every merchants’ guild, every noble household, every temple that handles donations. We cannot afford unrest in our absence."

Haridas nodded, but she wasn’t finished.

"I want an updated list of every prominent money lender, trade leader, and guild master—those who may stir trouble or align with our enemies while the kingdom’s attention is on war. If even a whisper of dissent reaches me too late, I will hold you responsible."

Haridas paled slightly but bowed. “It will be done, Rajkumari.”

Palace Security & Espionage

Her attention shifted to Jayanand, the commander of the palace guard.

"Indraprastha is to remain impenetrable. The palace security will be reinforced. We will rotate guards every four months to ensure no one grows too comfortable. Additionally, I want at least ten spies stationed among our own men. Any betrayal from within will be rooted out before it takes hold."

Jayanand swallowed. "I will see to it, Devi."

She didn’t acknowledge his words—she expected nothing less.

Trade & Treasury

She turned next to Virupaksha, the minister of trade.

"Indraprastha thrives on trade, and that trade must not suffer while we are at war. In these two years, all trade routes will be fortified. Merchants will be given additional protection in exchange for a tax adjustment. No trader will pass through our borders without paying their due."

Virupaksha hesitated. "Devi, raising taxes on merchants could—"

"It is not a tax hike. It is a wartime contribution. We do not take from them without giving in return. If they want Indraprastha’s roads safe, they will pay for the security. Any merchant who refuses is free to risk their goods on the roads of rival kingdoms."

He exhaled, nodding. "I will ensure the new policies are in place before the next trade cycle."

Weapons & War Supplies

She now turned to Mahadevan, the minister of armory and steel production.

"Weapons production must be tripled within the next six months. I will not have our forces lacking in arms. The blacksmiths will receive whatever they need—coal, iron, steel—but I want a detailed report of every material that is brought into Indraprastha. If even a single grain of iron is missing, you will be the one answering for it."

Mahadevan nodded quickly. "The forges will burn day and night, Devi."

She leaned forward, her tone growing colder. "See that they do. If I find even one defective sword in the armory, you will forge the next batch with your own hands."

Horses, Elephants & Logistics

Finally, she addressed Ranajit, the minister of cavalry and elephant procurement.

"Rajkumar Nakul himself will oversee the horses, but you will ensure that our war elephants are ready for battle. In two years, I want our cavalry trained with the new horses, and the elephants must be conditioned for siege warfare."

Ranajit hesitated. "Devi, war-trained elephants require time and experienced mahouts. We may need to send men to the forests to recruit new handlers—"

"Then send them," she interrupted. "I do not care how you manage it, only that it is done. If we march in two years and the beasts are not ready, then you will explain to my husband why his war elephants are stumbling in the field."

Ranajit paled. No one wanted to explain such failures to Nakul.

She rose to her feet, the movement slow but deliberate.

"Every one of you has two years to ensure Indraprastha is at its strongest. There will be no mishaps. There will be no incompetence. If I find anyone lagging behind, I will not wait for a war to remove them—I will replace them before the first sword is drawn."

She looked each minister in the eye, her gaze sharp as a blade.

"Dismissed."

The ministers rose hurriedly, bowing before filing out of the chamber, their minds already racing with the weight of their tasks.

As the doors closed behind them, Draupadi’s amused voice rang through the now-empty hall.

"You do have a way with words, Abhijishya."

Abhijishya exhaled, rolling the tension from her shoulders. "They need to understand that this is not a time for errors. This is war, even before the first battle begins."

Draupadi smiled knowingly, her hand resting lightly over the curve of her belly. "And so Indraprastha stands strong, with its fiercest lioness guarding it."

Abhijishya only smirked.

The kingdom would be ready.

A.N. - Honestly I don't know much about how to write about the preparations and all. For sometime I thought about glossing over all the stuff but then since our Abhijishya is Rajneeti Mantrika it would be a discredit to her character. Although I won't be stretching all this too much... Probably.

Lemme know what you think about this.