Chapter 51: Pawns

Kalingandhra, Vijayanagara Empire.

Venkat Shekhar, the head of the Shekhar noble family, paced restlessly in the garden of his grand mansion. The lush greenery and the meticulously manicured flowerbeds contrasted sharply with his agitation. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow across the garden, but it did little to calm his nerves. His mind was preoccupied with the upcoming meeting and the delicate politics that surrounded it.

Shekhar's family had remained neutral since the tragic death of the youngest prince's mother. They had been discreetly supported by the King of Gajapathy, who was the father of Harsha's mother. However, after her death, the king's support waned. He blamed the birth of Harsha for his daughter's health decline and subsequent passing, viewing Harsha as a bad omen and withdrawing his support after her death.