Chapter 183: Before returning Delhi part -2

Rewari Kingdom, fort of Bawal, night of 5th march, 1557

Aditya was unexpectedly summoned to the fort's walls by the emperor. An eerie silence filled the night air, with only a few elite imperial guards standing watch. The sudden call felt odd to Aditya, especially since they were set to depart the next day. It was the same spot where he once interrogated Acharya Sukhdev, and somehow he couldn't deny it was no coincidence.

Samrat Hemu was looking at the city with hands clasped behind his back. When Aditya arrived, the emperor motioned for his guards to leave them alone. Once they had departed, Hemu, still gazing out over the city, spoke.

"Aditya, tell me... what do you think it takes to be a great ruler?"

Aditya couldn't believe his ears. It was the 'emperor', calling him by his 'name' for the first time. He replied cautiously, "Perhaps... someone who acts with a deep understanding of the consequences of their actions."