Princess Fighter: Search for the Throne

Chapter 84: True Intentions?

Before the king could tell Rani Nayantara that he did not want her or his drink, the servant announced the arrival of Princess Ahilya.

The door opened and Ahilya, confused by her father's late-night call, grew increasingly agitated to see her mother there. That woman is just a problem. His mouth formed a firm line as he walked further into the room.

"If they want to get rid of me by marrying me somewhere, they can rethink," with that thought, he greeted his parents coldly.

The queen started to say something but the king cut her off in a hoarse voice,

"Until the moment I speak, the two of you won't bother me. If you do not agree with this, then the other option is to prove your superiority over your brother as the next King without a doubt. In that case, if you fail to do so and Mithilesh becomes the next ruler, he will have the power to do what he likes with you and your role in Himprayag. The eligibility between the two of you will be decided by the army and the minister together."

After such a long speech, the king leaned back on the sofa from exhaustion.

"Then, if I prove my worth, will I be free to do the same to Mithilesh?" Ahilya asked softly.

The king sat back in surprise and looked at his daughter.

She had expected him to fight her about injustice and the rigors of choice. He never expected her to aim at this and ask him such a question.

After hesitating for a moment, he nodded in agreement. But Nayantara could not take it anymore and opened her mouth to speak again. Ahilya looked at her mother with a sharp look, closing it. The woman will only make matters worse for her daughter and Ahilya is unable to bear her folly at this crucial time.

"Please allow me to rule freely on military decisions in the near future, father, until such time as one of us is not chosen for the throne," Ahilya kept her tone polite and neutral.

"What do you want to do? I won't let you do anything rash and blind, endangering the safety of the country" he growled despite his poor health.

Ahilya smiled at her father's spontaneous reaction. The man did not believe him at all. Despite his earlier statements about giving them both equal opportunities, he had sent Mithilesh on a mission, making Ahilya sit on needles and safety pins, because his future depends on his success or failure.

He had no idea what made him change his mind and give this opportunity tonight, but he would not let go. He got this one chance and was probably his only shot on the throne. He will do what is necessary!

Behind his head, King Indraditya preferred his illegitimate son over Ahilya because the man had a cold and calculating mind. Ahilya, on the other hand, is very grumpy and not the most tactical person, making her actions unpredictable and capricious.

“I intend to do a show of strength, father. I have plans to hold strategic and military alliances with other countries, with the aim of gaining dominance over the region,” he explained calmly, as if discussing the purchase of a horse

The king looked agitated. He had never seen a large-scale idea come, that too from him.

"Whatchu mean? Which country? On whose authority do you dare to do this?" he yelled.

Ahilya looked at him calmly,

"You speak as if I have taken action. Since you've decided to give me a chance, I'm just telling you about the way I want to show you that I'm better than Mithilesh. The current proposal is only related to another country's small monetary dependence on us, which he may be able to create after years of hard work. But if a strong nation allied with us for mutual benefit, not only would we become economically stronger, the stature among the neighbors would also grow manifold."

The king was about to raise an objection but Ahilya lowered her head respectfully and said,

"I'm afraid I can't share any more details with you right now. But I promise to uphold Himprayag's honor and courage at all costs. I hope I will receive your blessing and support as Mithilesh received."

King Indraditya looked at his daughter. He never thought that he would think of such a bold plan. He was agitated at not knowing the details but he promised to give her the same opportunity and could not deny it.

Why would he do it?

Reluctantly, he nodded his head.

Rani Nayantara came tonight armed with an earlier option to bring power to the country through marriage alliances, but she was surprised and delighted to see her daughter choose the same without the marriage being proposed.

Not bad, my girl!

...----------------...

Himprayag, a few kilometers away from the Royal Palace

"The old man really beat himself up tonight. I was hoping to steal it and bring it to my room with me," Rudradev was enjoying a midnight feast with mouth-watering desserts ranging from hot halwa* gajar ka to laddoos* motichoor to mithai* khoya* the cold was ready to melt on his tongue.

Both Shaurya and Bela put a watchful expression on their faces. None of them touched the candy placed in front of them and were waiting for the young minister to get down to business.

After some time, almost when Shaurya's patience was running out, Rudra got up and smiled at the two of them.

"I received a dessert party tonight as a token of gratitude from you. I'm completely satisfied," he said with a grin.

Shaurya who couldn't hold himself back any longer, snapped,

"And exactly why should we thank you? Wasting our time?"

The minister's face changed from a frivolous expression to a very serious one in a split second.

"I did what you and your precious daughter have not been able to accomplish in the last few days of being here. You should hear from the palace immediately. Are you both ready?" his voice has a little challenge.

Bela observed the chameleon like the man in front of her. He clearly knew that he was not as easy as it seemed, but what was even more frightening was that he had no insight into his soul. Not many people could achieve an aura like this and that too at an early age.

"We're ready. Military exercises are conducted during the day and strategic planning at night" he replied calmly.

Shaurya looked at him in wonder. He did not expect that he would tell her about their activities frankly.

The next moment, Rudradev shrugged his shoulders indifferently and reacted, reacting,

"Hmm, my source said the same thing to me. Considering what the king told me tonight, I think it's safe to send a message home about your success tomorrow."

Prithvi has sent Bela here on a mission to convince the neutral Himprayag to choose to be Chandragarh's ally. He knew that this was the only window they had when the political scenario in Himprayag was unstable as the younger generation fought each other for the throne.

Once heirs are decided, the old policy of being a neutral state will not be easily swayed. It was fortunate that Chandragarh supported a queen on the throne of Himprayag.

The alliance between the two women-ruled countries will and can change the dynamics in the region especially with the increasing incursions and ambitions of Sapsindhu sandwiched between the countries.

"Although if I were your old man, I would pay more attention to what is happening inside the country than outside at the moment. But then I leave it to you and your teacher to decide. Something tells me that this may be our last meeting before you leave." so I'll say goodbye. A safe journey for you, "Rudradev spoke to Bela as vaguely as he was accustomed to, before leaving.

"Why do I feel he's so dangerous either as a friend or an enemy" Bela murmured, almost to herself.

"Prepare a message for Prithvi, update him on the situation here and send him first thing in the morning. Ask her what she wants us to do next," she instructs Shaurya.

He had a surprised expression on his face. Did he not want to wait for news from the princess before sending such a message?

But after a long time working under Prithvi, he mastered his curiosity and followed his orders.

.

Chandragarh

The next round will come in one day.

Although there are three stages, the results along with a thoughtful farewell will be announced at the end of this stage. But ever since he tried the multiple choice exam, Vindhya felt very uncomfortable.

Not knowing what to do, she sent a message to her brother to come look for him. Since Vidyut was part of the emergency medical service all along, he was mostly around.

Mriga bowed little to him in confession but did not know what to say. So he politely moved to walk past her.

"Did you know that in an alternate world, we could have a chance to be together?" her softly spoken words made him stop in surprise.

His round eyes stared at him with questioning looks. His words were already blatant enough even for a person like him to have no doubts about its meaning.

Unperturbed by his shocked gaze, he continued in the same whispering tone,

"May you all be lucky."

He stood stunned on the spot while he entered Gurukul with a sad smile.

"Why have I been so popular lately? Did I turn out to be beautiful and I didn't realize it myself?" he wondered in a loud voice.

"In addition to being stupid, you also become narcissistic. Very good," Chiranjeev's mocking voice made him turn shy.

He dealt a mental blow to himself for speaking without looking around him. He slowly turned around and gave her a timid smile.

"I'm on my way to run. Do you want to join?" she asked sweetly, pretending as if the previous moment had not happened.

"No, I don't think I can stand being tortured" Chiranjeev said before passing through.

.

Throwing a colorful swipe at Chiranjeev's receding back, Mriga this time was careful that he didn't hear it.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice, brother. I'm sorry for pulling you out of your work in these early hours" Vindhya began in a sorry tone.

"Since when did you start acting distant and formal with me?" Vidyut asked, tapping his forehead with his knuckles.

While ******-**** his hand, Vindhya took a moment before starting to tell him about the reason for calling him here.

After listening to his worries, he looked at her confusedly and spoke,

"I don't think that you're going to do anything as bad as you imagine. But even if we take it for a while, there is nothing we can do about it. Just work hard and make sure the next two rounds go well."

Vindhya started shaking her head before she even finished speaking.

"You don't understand, brother Vidyut. This tournament is everything to me. If for some reason, I don't escape, I don't think I'll be able to live with the disgrace of defeat" he said.

Vidyut looked at his sister disappointedly and replied,

"Jika ini adalah sikapmu dalam menghadapi tantangan besar pertama dalam hidupmu, bagaimana rencanamu untuk memikul tanggung jawab atas keputusan yang akan memiliki jangkauan jauh dan konsekuensi yang lebih serius jika kamu menjadi Ratu? Sangat disayangkan melihatmu bertindak seperti ini. Itu tidak sesuai dengan kecerdasanmu. Kamu harus memiliki keyakinan pada dirimu sendiri dan kekuatan untuk menghadapi konsekuensi dari tindakanmu."

But Vindhya was not ready to listen to his words.

"Sister, you have to help me find my test scores and if necessary, help me change them" he said hurriedly.

"You have overestimated the greatness of your brother, Vindhya. I can't do this and even if I have the ability, I'm not sure if I can force myself to do it. The person who deserves it the most should be the one who made it. I'm sorry to disappoint you, "he said those firm words in a soft voice.

Vindhya bit her lower lip viciously as she pondered her words. She was well aware of her brother's temperament. He refused to work in the family business and carved out a niche for himself.

But she thought that her love for him would make her a little more lenient towards him. This was the first time he had denied something directly.

Something broke in his heart because of his resolute words.

"Then, can you send a message to my parents who are also here? Please tell them that I need help," he said in an almost aggressive tone.

Vidyut controlled his emotions and told him with a heavy heart,

"I'll tell them. I have to go back now. All the best for your next challenge."

Mriga returns from his escape and enters the Gurukul premise carefully. It was not that he was afraid of anyone, but that he did not want to meet Vidyut even if there was a chance.

It seems that he could potentially develop his personal harem with Yash, Abhirath and now…

"Ahem ahem, what's wrong with me? Such a pervert thought. Obviously I'm very hungry because my mental abilities are affected."

Before he could comfort himself again, he saw Abhirath coming towards him. She immediately educated her face into what she thought was a normal facial expression. To be honest, he was amazed by the man's ability. Most of the time, he could tell what was going on in his head just by looking at it.

Unfortunately for him, it's not rocket science to know what's wrong with him. A quick glance is enough for any smart person. Right now, he thought that he was smart but by controlling his expression, his face looked wrinkled as if he was constipated.

Knowing him as close as he was, the first thing Abhirath asked was,

"What have you done now?"

Mriga's mouth was open. This guy is too scary. His mind raged in ten directions. He was angry too. He had done nothing wrong, but how could he admit that he was dreaming about increasing his male follower!

Thankfully, he saw his savior in the form of Vaishali several meters away.

"Ah, I came to look for you .. Vaishali girl who likes you, err, I mean who my friend, wants to talk to you," words came out of her, one drum after another booming.

Abhirath's suspicious face now turned pitch-black.

Regardless of their surroundings, he grabbed his arm and spoke with gritted teeth,

"Am I not clear enough in acknowledging my feelings for you the night before the competition began? Why are you trying to send another girl to my side?"

Somehow he was hurt by this cruel girl's behavior. This is where she, tired of thinking about her suitors, ex, and future as she plans a secret date for her. Does he want her to die of heartache?

Her brain must have stopped functioning the moment she fell in love with him or maybe this was her penance from a previous birth.

Mriga took a second to react to his unexpected rebuke. A slow red hue spread across his face as his words permeated. But then he gave her an angry look.

"Can you tell your ankles to leave your brain for good use! The girl wanted to talk about what happened in the labyrinth. You think everyone's after you, yeah, narcissistic." he said the last word to her, almost proudly.

A puzzled expression appeared on Abhirath's face. Didn't he himself say that other girls liked him?

......................

*Teach to halwa - Carrot based sweet pudding

* Motichoor laddoos - Ball-shaped sweets made of flour

*Khoya mithai* - Rectangular candy made from condensed milk products