Cittaja || Indian Historical Romance

35.

Shakra handed Adhiman to Manas. Manas instantly ties Adhiman's hand behind tightly and then ties the arms to a stick as well leaving no space to even move his arms. The army roared and lifted Shakra up in the air to celebrate his victory.

Reaching his tent, Shakra had a bathtub prepared and set ready for him by Karma. He discarded his armour and clothes. Then entered the tub. The warm water eased the muscles and relaxed them. Karma came in.

"Do you want me to press your shoulders?" She asked.

"Actually, I'd rather like to have my hair washed."

"Hair?" She was confused.

"Yes." There was a grin on Shakra's face. Karma knew a grin of that manner. He was expecting Mayurakshi.

"Yuvraj, you absolutely cannot be alone with her..."

Shakra laughed at the tone Karma had. She was actually scared. "You really think she will manage to kill me?"

"Yuvraj, I am aware that men especially have no brain activity when they are surrounded by a beautiful woman. I wouldn't trust you being alone with her."

"Tch!!!! Don't ruin my fun. I actually want to see what she is actually capable of. It is going to be interesting."

"Yuvraj..."

"Shshh... just do as told. I have a meeting with the Princess of Krishneri in a few moments. Hurry up." Karma hesitated at first but she saw the look in Shakra's eyes when he turned around. Shakra wasn't going to tell her again. He gave her an order or she could leave her position right then and there.

Karma did as she was told. Shakra finished his bath and prepared himself. Shakra knew that if Mayurakshi had any intention left within her to kill him, she had to act now. Or else she wasn't ever going to be able to go through with it.

"Yuvraj, Maharani Raashi and Rajkumari Yuvika have requested audience with you." Ajith informed him when Shakra was getting ready. Shakra nodded to let them inside.

Shakra greeted the two and offered them a seat as he sat on his throne like chair. The two took seat on the two diwans furnished for them. "Would you like some drink?"

The two nodded and some drinks were furnished for them. The two sat and the air in the room was pretty heavy.

"In light of our recent victory on the battlefield, it is incumbent upon us to engage in a diplomatic dialogue with King Gokula." Queen Raashi started as she put down the glass of drink, "While your triumph is evident, shastras recognize the importance of establishing reasonable terms that reflect the principles of fairness and cooperation."

"I agree with the idea, Maharani Raashi. My Gurudev who has also taught Adhiman instilled within me the importance of equalitarian governance. I must say that I haven't heard a good word about the governance in your side. Yet, I agree that fairness and cooperation is key in our policies. My King, my father, Emperor Shatrujit is evidently in the side of having a fair negotiation. I, his son and hier, have been instructed to mediate terms." Shakra answered with smile. Shakra knew his power in the moment. Raashi's most precious piece was in his hands and she specifically came to free Adhiman from his captivity."

"In the spirit of fostering enduring peace, Maharaj, my husband, has invited you to the royal fort and initiate talks that prioritize the well-being of both our realms. The objective is not merely to dictate terms but to create a foundation for a harmonious future. By engaging in a diplomatic discourse," she took a deep breath while stressing on the word diplomatics, "we can ensure that the post-war landscape is defined by collaboration and shared prosperity. This approach, grounded in morality and reason, will undoubtedly contribute to the stability and mutual benefit of our kingdoms."