บท 59: Snakes in the backyard

** Mid night, Jungles of Rewari kingdom **

In the deep forest, two hooded figures emerge, escorted by loyal guards holding flickering torches. The air buzzes with tension as they approach each other, their faces hidden beneath cloaks.

As they gather in a hidden clearing, the atmosphere grows heavy with anticipation. One figure removes his hood, revealing Ansari, Bairam Khan's formidable right hand. On the other side stands Rao Kishan Pal with an unwavering gaze, the younger brother of King Rao Todal Mal of Rewari.

Torchlight dances across their faces, casting eerie shadows. Their guards remain alert, weapons gleaming in the dim light, ready for any danger.

For a moment, silence falls, broken only by the crackling of torches and the whisper of the wind through the trees.

In the dimly lit forest, Ansari's mocked as he raised his voice in surprise. "What a surprise, esteemed chief Minister of Rewari, the brother of the current king, has agreed to take out his precious time to meet the poor fellows like us and that too, in the middle of the forest?"

Rao Kishan Pal's response was laced with disdain as he retorted, "Don't talk nonsense. I know the likes of you. Now tell me, why have you trespassed into our lands?"

Ansari's expression remained unchanged, his demeanour expectedly confident as he replied, "We are here to create chaos and need your support."

Rao Kishan Pal scoffed , "Your audacity is tenacious. You are in our kingdom, and you want me to help you in creating chaos within our own borders?"

Ansari's lips curled into a wry smile as he responded, "Isn't that the reason we are meeting here? You know what we want, and we can offer what you desire."

Rao Pal Kishan's interest was piqued by Ansari's words but he refrained from showing it.

"And what can you give me?" he inquired with poker face.

Ansari delivered his response with unwavering confidence. "More than the throne of Rewari," he declared, his words hanging heavy in the night air.

In the flickering torchlight, Ansari's voice carried an air of persuasion as he continued, "We understand the challenges you face. The emperor's oppressive reforms have left the nobles in a precarious position.

Peasants now dare to defy you nobles openly, and the hands of zamindars under you are tied when it comes to exerting authority or setting taxes. It's a mockery to the nobility.

Join us, and together we can overthrow these shackles. When we seize power, Rewari will not only remain under your control but the entire territory till Jodhpur Rajputana will bow to your authority as well."

Rao Pal Kishan's expression remained unreadable as he listened to Ansari's bold offer. "These are minor inconveniences," he retorted dismissively.

"Don't think you can deceive me with false promises. I could gain even greater rewards by revealing your location to the empire."

As the tension thickened in the forest clearing, the torchlight cast eerie shadows on the faces of the two figures.

Ansari's chuckle cut through the tension like a knife. "You think I came unprepared? You think I'm unaware of your plan to eliminate your nephew and claim the throne for yourself?

But with the empire's new inheritance laws, allowing the eldest daughter to inherit, your path to power is filled with even more obstacles."

Rao Pal Kishan's face contorted in disbelief. "Nonsense! Why would I...?"

Before he could finish his sentence, Ansari clapped his hands, signalling for a sack to be brought forward. As the bag unfurled, a gagged man emerged from within and it was none other than Sabu, Rao Pal Kishan's trusted chef and subordinate.

Rao Pal Kishan's shock was palpable as he demanded answers. "Sabu, what is the meaning of this?"

Tension gripped the clearing as both sides unsheathed their weapons, ready for confrontation. However, Ansari's calm demeanor diffused the situation as he signaled for his men to stand down.

With a measured breath, Rao Pal Kishan ordered his own guards to do the same, easing the palpable tension that hung in the air.

With a swift motion, Ansari produced a small pouch, unfurling it to reveal a vial of poison. "It appears you're familiar with this, hmm?"

Rao Pal Kishan's eyes widened in realization as the gravity of the situation dawned on him. He instructed his men to sheath their weapons.

With the threat of violence momentarily ruled out, Ansari nodded in approval. "A wise decision. Now, let us speak like civilized men."

Ansari's replied with arrogance in shrewd manner, "Consider it your bad luck or prince's good fortune that our spy happened to catch your chef in the act of mixing poison, thwarting his sinister plot before it could unfold."

Rao Pal Kishan's curiosity piqued, his brow furrowing in confusion. "But why would you save the prince? It's not like that you're allied with him."

Ansari chuckled as he replied with a sly grin," No, my dear friend. I saved the prince to make friendship with you."

The bewilderment on Rao Pal Kishan's face was evident on his face as he struggled to make sense of Ansari's words. "But why?"

Ansari's smirk widened as he leaned back, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "For us, eliminating the prince is simply child's play.

Truth be told, we have numerous spies infiltrated within your kingdom capable of counting the very farts you make in everyday.

But what we seek is your support, for only an insider like you can provide what we truly desire."

Rao Pal Kishan responded with a stoic demeanour, "What is it that you desire from me, and how is that going to help me?"

Ansari's grin turned into a smug smirk as he leaned in closer, to whisper in a tone of conspiracy. "All you need to do is throw your weight behind us, and in return, not only will the prince and princess meet their demise, but the king himself will conveniently succumb to natural causes, paving the way for your claim to the throne without any hindrance.

With our support, you'll have everything you need to claim, your rightful place as ruler."

Rao Pal Kishan's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he leaned in with eagerness. "Tell me everything."

** Some secret tunnel of Hari Parbat fort, Kashmir **

In the dimly lit cave, General Tenzin Wangchuk stood anxiously, his torch casting flickering shadows on the rugged walls. He waited in anticipation for the arrival of someone special.

Suddenly, a slender figure emerged from the other end of the tunnel, a torch illuminating her hooded form. As she drew closer, the hood fell back, revealing the radiant face of Princess Zara. Tenzin's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her beauty.

By putting the torches to their respective holders, they wasted no time to get in each other's embrace with a passionate kiss

"I can't bear to be apart from you," Zara whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Tenzin held her close, his heart overflowing with love. "Nor do I, my love. Each moment without you feels like an eternity."

"Why won't you marry me then, Tenzin?" she asked, her tone tinged with sadness.

Tenzin's gaze softened as he looked into her eyes. "It's not the right time yet, my love," he replied gently.

Zara's brow furrowed in frustration. "But why? Others marry when they're barely out of childhood, and here I am, nearly nineteen and still waiting."

Tenzin's expression was pained as he spoke. "I want nothing more than to make you mine, Zara. But we must be patient. Our marriage cannot happen until the time is right."

Zara let out a sigh with disappointment. "And when will that right time will come?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tenzin's hand brushed against her cheek, his touch comforting. "When the throne is secured, and there is no one to oppose our marriage," he replied solemnly.

A small smile tugged at Zara's lips as she nodded in understanding. "For the throne," she murmured, her eyes alight with determination.

Tenzin nodded in agreement with unwavering loyalty. "You are destined for greatness, my love. And I will do whatever it takes to ensure your sit in that throne."

Zara laughed with a hint of pity, "What a shame, my two foolish brothers don't even know what's in store for their future, and thanks to their hate for each other, I got to be regent so easily."

As they delved deeper into their scheme, Zara revealed her long-held desire to rule, her words tinged with bitterness. "For too long, I have been overlooked and underestimated, Tenzin. But now, I will show everyone the true extent of my power. Even if it means shedding the blood of my own brothers."

Tenzin's expression softened as he placed a reassuring hand on Zara's shoulder. "I stand by your side, my princess. I live for your dreams and I will do anything for you."

Zara nodded in gratitude as she replied, "Oh, my love. I wouldn't have dared to be this bold if it's not for you."

With their plan taking shape, Zara and Tenzin devised a cunning strategy to pit the brothers against each other, manipulating them into believing that the other posed a threat to their claim to the throne. With carefully planted seeds of doubt and deception, they sowed discord and distrust, setting the stage for their ultimate betrayal.

As the night wore on, their plotting gave way to passion, their love for each other burning brighter than ever before. In the quiet moments of intimacy that followed, they shared the heat of their bodies and made forbidden love as they lay in each other's embrace.