Capítulo 13: Paundraka Vasudev
Bhanumati couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. Aryan's odd behaviour these past few days when he asked about the treasury a couple of times and his coincidental absence from the meeting. Was he responsible for the treasury's theft, or was this the work of another adversary? But of course, she didn't tell anyone else about her doubts.
King Chitrangad issued a series of commands, mobilizing the palace guards and investigators to launch an immediate inquiry into the robbery. The doors of the treasury were sealed, and every possible lead would be pursued to apprehend the culprits and recover the stolen gold coins.
Amid the frantic preparations, Bhanumati couldn't shake off her sense of dread. She had to find Aryan and get answers.
Leaving the meeting with a sense of urgency, she made her way through the palace's corridors, searching for any sign of him.
As she navigated the labyrinthine passageways, Bhanumati couldn't help but recall the moments of happiness and uncertainty she had shared with Aryan.
She had believed in him, in his potential for greatness, and she didn't know when, she started to feel something special towards him - love. But now, the kingdom faced a dire crisis, and Aryan's actions remained shrouded in mystery.
....
It was in the dimly lit corridor that she finally encountered him. Aryan stood alone, his face etched with a mixture of exhaustion and contemplation. His blood-soaked attire from the battle bore witness to the intensity of the conflict.
"Aryan, what's happened? Is everything all right?
Bhanumati approached him, her voice trembling with a mix of emotions.
Aryan turned to face her, his eyes filled with a tumult of emotions. He hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Bhanumati, I... I am alright. It's just that I was wondering about the repercussions of this event which worried me a little. "
Hearing his reply, Bhanumati tried to voice her own question but in the end, she couldn't make herself ask it and ended up taking him to the infirmary for a check up.
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The next day, everyone gathered in the court to yesterday's affairs.
"Minister Sartaj, do you care to tell me the details, what have you investigated over the night? "
Chitrangad demanded , still in a bad mood.
After hearing his name, the finance minister Sartaj Singh immediately sprung to his feet and started to explain the results of his investigation.
"Your majesty, the treasury robbery probably took place during the 6th prahar," Minister Sartaj Singh began his report. "Based on our findings, it appears to have been a meticulously planned operation. The thieves managed to bypass the treasury's security systems and gain access to the vault."
King Chitrangad listened intently, his brow furrowed in deep concern. The stolen treasure was not just a matter of wealth; it held the kingdom's stability and security in its balance.
Sartaj continued, "Our initial assessment suggests that the thieves had inside knowledge of the palace's layout and security measures. More importantly, the treasury's keys are missing."
"What? But how could this be, you are the only other person except me who has the treasury's keys. That means... "
Chitrangad exclaimed in shock.
"Please forgive me your majesty for my inability to fulfill my responsibility. But I am hundred percent sure that I still had it with me during the banquet. So someone must have stollen it amid the chaos."
Sartaj explained anxiously.
"Hmmm, the more I think about it, the more it seems that yesterday's chaos was deliberately planned. "
Chitrangad sighed helplessly.
Bhanumati, who sat among the gathered ministers, exchanged a glance with Aryan, who had joined the court session. The realization that Aryan was likely not involved in this matter gave her a sense of relief.
"The stolen wealth consists of mostly gold coinscoins and other items like silver coins, precious gems, and valuable utensils are basically untouchable."
Sartaj then explained the losses.
"The estimated value of the stolen items is substantial and could significantly impact the kingdom's financial stability."
King Chitrangad clenched his fists in frustration.
"We must recover that treasure at any cost. Our kingdom cannot afford to be weakened during these trying times. Also, ensure that this news doesn't go outstanding the palace. And immediately get someone to change the lock of the treasury. "
After saying this, he turned towards Aryan and showed his gratitude.
"I would also like to thank Prince Mahendra for assisting us in times of need. Kalinga will forever remember this kindness. "
"Don't worry your majesty, let's just say that I played my role as a friend. And if need be, I would also gladly help Kalinga in the upcoming war. "
Aryan said humbly.
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Meanwhile, Paundraka has also received the news about the death of Shubh Udrabhan .
"It's good, very good. I give a chance to every person to correct their mistakes and recognize the true God. But unfortunately, Chitrangad has disappointed me again and again. Now he has even gone as far as killing my nephew.
Now I have used up all my patience for him and it's time for him to bear the wrath of Vasudeva, Paundraka Vasudeva. "
At the top of the throne sat a charming man,
He wore a mock Kaustubha gem, was decorated with a garland of forest flowers, and was dressed in upper and lower garments of fine yellow silk, having eyes like lotus-petals, having charming hair with a characteristic peacock feather crown.
But the arrogant and self obsessed expression on his face deemed him unable to look divine nonetheless.
"What should we do now Vasudeva? "
The one who asked this question was actually the previous crown prince of Udra and the current subsidiary king of Pundra, Bhallab Udrabhan.
"Declare war on Kalinga. Get the armies ready, for three days later , I, Paundraka Vasudeva myself will lead the army to vanquish those sinners. "
Paundraka said with a wide smile on his face.
"As you wish Vasudeva. "
Bhallab Udrabhan bowed respectfully and a maniac grin appeared on his face.
He wanted to personally bloodbath the Kalinga kingdom, as a price for killing his younger brother.
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