Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

"What do you mean by risky? And you have found a way to win?"

Vikrama fell silent as he pondered whether to share the way or not. He wasn\'t sure how the prince would react to his information.

"Yes!! As I said, it is risky!! And it all depends on His highness."

Bhairava looked at the nervous Vikrama with a scowl.

"Just tell me!! I will decide."

"But, Your Highness!."

He gripped Vikrama\'s shoulders firmly and fixed his gaze at him.

"I won\'t be offended; just tell me! I want to take my revenge on that bastard." His eyes were trembling.

"We take help from Prince Harsha."

Silence.

The tent became cold instantly as soon as Vikrama uttered those words.

Vikrama knew that this would be a big decision. Taking help from a contender for the throne meant that Bhairava would be forfeiting the throne to him. There was no other deal he could make other than for the throne.

\'Would the prince want to forfeit the throne?\' Vikrama thought.

Bhairava finally spoke.

"Harsha? We don\'t know about his location. Before that, I want to know your reasoning behind this."

"Your Highness, It is very clear we would be losing even if we found the insider. The damage has already been done."

Bhairava stayed silent.

"That\'s not the only concern. Chandra\'s army is receiving huge help from someone. Whoever is implementing their strategies possesses an unparalleled knowledge of battles."

"So our defeat is inevitable at this rate? That\'s what you want to say?" Bhairava responded with a sigh.

"Prince Harsha\'s help could turn the tides."

"How so?."

"Surprise factor, and we will have fresh soldiers on the battlefield."

Bhairava sat down on the bed and pondered for a while.

"I understand! But what did you mean by risky?"

"It may be risky to contact and meet with the prince right now."

"Yes! After all, I tried to kill him." Bhairava looked down.

"You may have to forfeit your right to the throne to Harsha!" Vikrama said.

"Throne? I don\'t care about it anymore! My reason for the throne has long been extinguished."

Bhairava got up from the bed.

"So I assume you have planned something before saying this to me?"

Vikrama explained his plan. He had found out spies of the prince observing the battlefield from afar. So he decided to contact the spies with a hope of communication. It was just taking a shot in the dark.

Fortunately, the spies did respond to his message on Day five of the battle. They sent a message to meet them at a place after the battle ends.

Vikrama was unsure of his safety but he still went to the spies. It was a dumb decision on his part. But thankfully he succeeded in talking to them and conveying the message to Prince Harsha.

He used the spies to send a message to Prince Harsha saying to meet at their desired location for some talks. The place was decided and sent to him right after the battle of day six ended.

Vikrama revealed all this to Bhairava, expecting the worst.

"You did well! Vikrama. I wouldn\'t be able to look at this angle and make such a bold decision," admitted Bhairava with a dejected expression.

Vikrama put down a note on the wooden table beside his bed.

"This is the location. It\'s half an hour away from the camp. The meeting time is in an hour."

"Let\'s go then." Bhairava said.

He called Arjun to accompany him as his bodyguard and departed to the location to meet up with Harsha.

Bhairava was once very friendly with Harsha. He used to play occasionally with him before Harsha\'s mother had passed away. As the pressure on him increased, Bhairava rarely got time to play with him.

After the death of Harsha\'s mother. He hadn\'t interacted with him for a long time.

This was going to be the first interaction with Harsha after a long time. This was going to be a wild ride for Bhairava. He knew harsha had changed a lot for the past year.

He had to admit the strength and talent that Harsha possessed to make the Nayakas support him.

\'How would he react to this?\'

Arjun interrupted his thoughts with a question. The man was in his bodyguard gear and a sword hung on his waist.

"Where are we headed, Your Highness?"

"You will know when you reach the place."

The trio of Bhairava, Vikrama, and Arjun reached a small enclosure with a small bonfire lit. A man with striking eyes and long hair sat on the rock. A sword hung on his waist. Beside him stood a person dressed in all black.

As they approached the light. Bhairava could feel the gazes of others. They were surrounded by hidden soldiers.

But he didn\'t feel any hostility.

"You are early? Brother Bhairava." The man glanced up with a mocking smirk.

"Take a seat, brother," he added.

Harsha glanced at Vikrama.

"So I do hope. He told you everything."

Arjun interrupted.

"Your Highness. What is the meaning of this?"

"Shut your trap." Harsha ordered.

Arjun shuddered at the gaze of Harsha and quickly fell silent.

"Ok! I get that you want to win! But the fact you tried to kill me doesn\'t sit right with me, Brother."

Bhairava\'s face hardened at the direct jab at him.

"It is true. I cannot change the past, Harsha."

Harsha chuckled.

"Yes, it is true. But you have to pay a fair price for that."

"Price?" Bhairava asked with a raised brow.

"Of course. A price for your mistakes."

"Do you want my head?" Bhairava asked, his expression cold.

"At first, I did feel like killing you. But I have changed my mind." Harsha declared with a straight face.

Arjun and Vikrama were visibly surprised by Prince Harsha. They knew of the air of authority Bhairava held. But it faded like a small breeze in the presence of Prince Harsha.

"What would that be?"

"Give me —"