Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

Prince Chandra asked, "How many merchants refused to join us?"

Govinda Rao answered, "A few small merchants and one big trader named Nakul. He does a lot of business with the Europeans and has wealth equal to Prabhakar's."

Chandra looked curious. "Do we know why Nakul refused?"

Govinda Rao shook his head. "Not exactly. We haven't found out his reasons yet. But he's very important, and, strangely, he's staying out of this."

Raghav Reddy added, "Nakul's support would be a huge boost for us. We should find out why he's hesitating and see if there's a way to change his mind."

Govinda's face grew serious as he spoke. "Your Highness, the second prince, has brought Vikrama Rama into his ranks. And the Cochin nobles are becoming more aggressive."

"That strategist? Vikrama, I heard he was a recluse," inquired Chandra, rubbing his chin.

"Yes, Your Highness, they somehow managed to convince him to join their cause." Govinda shrugged, waving his hands.

Raghav slammed his fist on the wooden table. "Your Highness, those bastards are going too far! It looks like they want to start a fight. Why isn't the Emperor doing anything?"

Chandra sighed deeply. "Father won't get involved unless he feels it's necessary. You know how unpredictable he can be."

Raghav spoke with a grave tone. "Patwardhans have made a surprising comeback, Your Highness. This is something we didn't expect."

Chandra's eyes narrowed at Raghav's remark. "We'll address that soon. We need to hold a meeting about Bhairava's increased aggression. For now, focus on our plan to remove Panicker from the Council."

Govinda nodded, a smirk on his face. "Yes, Your Highness. We've already set everything in motion."

Govinda looked troubled, thinking to himself. 'There's something strange about this. The timing of the Nayakas meeting Prince Harsha, Bhima's visit, and the Patwardhans' rise are all so close together. Could it just be a coincidence?'

Meanwhile, at the guest house of the Second Prince in the capital, an important meeting was in progress. Ashokan Nair, the Second Prince, and Arjun gathered around a wooden table, each of them looking serious.

Bhairava, the Second Prince, leaned forward, tapping his fingers impatiently on the table. "What's the news, Ashokan?"

Asokan stood straight and handed Bhairava a document. "Your Highness, my spies have found out something about Raghav Reddy. He's been secretly selling some of the Empire's secrets to the others for a lot of money."

Bhairava's eyes widened, and he chuckled darkly. "That greedy fool is really digging his own grave. He'll get what's coming to him."

Arjun, who was standing by with a stack of papers, spoke up. "We've got everything ready for dealing with Prince Harsha and Balaji Mudaliar. The squad is prepared."

Bhairava waved his hand dismissively. "Hold off on the Balaji for now. We need to find the right moment for that."

He turned to Asokan with a thoughtful expression. "As for Harsha, we need to set him up in a place where we can easily carry out the assassination and cover our tracks."

Ashokan scratched his chin and thought for a moment. "What about near the Quṭb and Yadava borderlands, Your Highness? It's a remote area where we could carry out the job and hide our activities."

Bhairava nodded slowly, considering the suggestion. "That could work. Make sure everything is planned out perfectly. We can't afford any mistakes."

"We are quite lucky," Arjun said, glancing at the documents in his hand. "Prince Harsha is planning to travel there soon."

Bhairava's eyes lit up with a grim smile. "Oh? That's perfect. Then prepare the squad. We need to eliminate him before he becomes a bigger threat."

Asokan and Arjun both nodded firmly, exchanging determined looks. They knew the importance of the task and were ready to execute the plan without delay.

In Goa, Alfonso paced back and forth in his chamber, clearly agitated. His face was tense as he addressed Nakul, who stood with a serious expression.

"What is this talk about, Harsha?" Alfonso demanded, his voice rising.

"Why target him? He's just a meek boy. Sure, he's grown some fangs, but he's not enough of a threat to justify killing him."

Nakul's face was solemn as he replied. "Your Highness, I understand your concerns, but this is a direct order from Master. My hands are tied in this matter."

Alfonso clenched his fists, struggling to control his emotions. "This isn't right. If we must go forward with this, I need to at least find out why Master is so insistent on this.""

Nakul, understanding Alfonso's frustration, responded calmly. "Your Highness, it's because they want to test Harsha's capabilities."

Alfonso's eyes widened in shock. "WHAT?"

Nakul's expression remained grim as he said nothing. Alfonso's fury grew, his face turning red. "This isn't right. Are you serious? just to test? I will protect him."

Without warning, Nakul snapped his fingers, and several men dressed in black entered the room. They quickly seized control, and Alfonso's aide, Lekha, was also captured by the men.

Nakul stepped closer, his voice firm. "Your Highness, we cannot allow that. You will stay here until it's over."

Alfonso's face flushed with anger as he shouted, "Nakul, YOU—"

Nakul leaned in slightly, speaking quietly, "Your Highness, I have taken steps to ensure the prince's safety. Do not worry. I have to do my part here."

Alfonso, feeling the weight of his failure, thought about how he had tried to understand their plans and become a pawn in their game. Yet he felt helpless as he failed to protect his younger brother.

In his heart, Alfonso prayed silently, 'Lord Krishna, please keep Harsha safe and alive.'

Nakul, showing no sign of emotion, closed the door behind him. Alfonso's voice faded as he watched the men in black take their positions. The room grew quiet except for Alfonso's heavy breathing and the soft sounds of the men moving around, setting up their watch.