The King's Shield

Chapter 27 - The Nightfall

" My king, your life is in danger, we have to leave," Sidhraj said.

" What is the meaning of this?" Adhiveer sat up and looked around to see that it was still dark outside.
" It's the middle of the night, what is happening?" he asked.

" I am extremely sorry my king, but I cannot answer your questions. My priority is to take you to safety. Please follow me to the dungeons. Uncle Bhairava will explain everything to you there." he said.

He moved towards the window and waved at someone. He went to the door and peeped out then came back towards him," I will wait outside, I will give a knock to signal you to come out and don't come out until then. Wear something you would wear for travelling. Please hurry my king." Saying this he walked out of the chambers.

Adhiveer didn't understand what was happening, regardless he did what he was asked to do. He carried a dagger and a sword with him. Something sinister conspired in the palace and he didn't like the feeling of it. He left the room when he heard the knock. The guards outside his chambers were missing, the corridor was empty. They moved quickly through passages one after the other. There were no torches or lamps lit in the corridors and not a single guard was to be seen around. Sidhraj was now carrying a sword and a torch and walking promptly ahead of him.

" Stop." Adhiveer commanded, " I won't move another step until you tell me what is going on. I demand to know." He found the entire situation very unnerving.

" It's a coup, my king. Your brother..." Sidhraj hesitated. " Your enemies are planning to kill you." He looked down. " I don't want to be impudent. I should not talk about your family this way. Please come with me and let Uncle Bhairava explain it to you." He looked at him with pleading eyes.

" My brother? Are you suggesting... Are you aware of the implications of your words?" Adhiveer was growing impatient.

" I am well aware of it, my king but I plead with you to come with me. It's the need of the hour." His eyes were sincere and unwavering.

He sighed. " Alright," he said, and they started walking towards the dungeons.

" Adhiveer," Uncle Bhairava called out. He was standing at the farthest end of the dungeons. Adhiveer stopped at the entrance of the dungeons. He remembered that she was kept there during her final days. His feet wouldn't budge from their place. The thought raised gooseflesh on his skin.

" My king, please hurry," Sidhraj said to him. He clenched his fists and with great difficulty, he stepped inside. Harsh and piercing drifts of cold air surrounded him, pricked his skin making the hair of his body rise.
He moved slowly, not looking at the cells around him. What if he finds her standing in one of them? The thought was absurd but his eyes didn't go in their direction. Instead, he looked straight ahead at Bhairava and walked towards him.

" My king..." Bhairava said, " I have planned your escape. You will be able to get out of the city safely without being seen by anyone."

" I am not going anywhere until I understand what is going on." Adhiveer stood stoic in his place.

Bhairava sighed, " Rajveer and Queen Avani were planning to overthrow your rule. They were the ones who had made multiple attempts at your life. They have infiltrated your guard and have planned to kill you tonight. You are safe for now but we have to leave the city immediately. We have a decoy in your place and-"

" That's impossible, he is my brother." Adhiveer interrupted." I am not leaving the city. I have to know the truth, I will confront him right away." He was about to turn and walk away.

" Adhiveer, listen to me," Bhairava said, he looked like he was contemplating his words before speaking. " Son...I assure you that my informer cannot be wrong, she has been giving me first-hand information on everything. Believe me when I say that we have failed to see the traitors, who were right in front of our eyes. They have been betraying us for a very long time and now they-"