Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

It was an early morning with a cool breeze in Hampi, the grand capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The sparse light rays of the rising sun were yet to wake up the city. A carriage was heading to the large gate of the palace.

The carriage was heavily guarded by a contingent of elite soldiers yet it didn't draw much attention in the slumbering city.

Upon seeing the crest on the carriage, the royal guards quickly moved to open the gates for the carriage.

It was the carriage of the former Emperor, Krishna Deva Raya, and his wife Luisa.

"What was he even thinking? Before starting this mess?" Krishna muttered.

Luisa also had a concerned look. "Amor, please calm down."

"Luisa, I can't calm down. The civil war just ended, yet he went and invaded another kingdom."

He headed to the capital as soon as he heard the news about the invasion. Rakhtasura didn't inform him of these things going on in the shadows. The financial state of the Empire wasn't bad; still, war was a big money eater even with the massive wealth they possessed.

"He must have a plan, Amor. He isn't one to start something without a concrete plan." Luisa gripped his hand and tried to calm him down. "Amor, calm down and Let's talk to him first before jumping to conclusions

He sighed and shook his head. "You are right, I will relax."

"Thank you."

He pecked her on the cheek.

Luisa giggled. "Glad you understand."

They exited the carriage to enter the large, luxurious hallways of the palace.

"It's been a while." Luisa looked at the hallways.

"It certainly has been a while." A voice interrupted them.

It was Bhairava who returned from Cochin after hearing about the invasion of the Qutbs.

"You were here?" Krishna asked.

"Father, I just reached a while ago. I waited for you since I heard the butler say that you were also headed here."

"You are here for the same reason as us, right?"

Bhairava nodded.

They all walked along the huge hallways. The change in the palace was evident. It became much more elegant than before. The rooms were more tidy, and some unnecessary things were removed, like some stone pathways, some trees, and small rooms.

"What were you doing in the meantime? Bhairava?" asked Luisa.

"Me? I was just helping the old man Vikrama with his house and helping his daughter adjust to city life."

"Daughter?" Luisa's sense tingled. "How old is she?"

"I don't remember."

"Is she beautiful?"

Bhairava scratched the back of the neck with his prosthetic. "Yes, I guess."

"Hooo. Introduce me to her as well." Luisa said with sparkles in her eyes.

He was taken aback by the sudden enthusiasm. "Sure…." He agreed reluctantly.

"Where is Alfonso, though?" He asked.

"That brat." Krishna said with a clenched fist. "I sent him a letter to come along. You know what the brat said?"

"What?"

"He said he was busy with his lover and Harsha could handle it either way."

Bhairava sighed deeply. "He is the same as always."

They finally reached the courtyard garden. Harsha was reading a book as usual, enjoying his tea. Viswa wasn't by his side as Harsha asked for some private time since the former Emperor and others were coming to meet him.

Harsha glanced up, seeing Krishna Deva Raya, his wife, and Bhairava walking towards him.

"Father! Glad you are here! Was the journey fine?" He asked with a fake smile. "Take a seat."

Everyone took their seat. The servants were quickly called in to serve them some tea.

"Why did you invade Qutbs?" asked Krishna.

"Is that why you rushed here?"

"Yes. Why else? War is expensive; you know, the civil war just ended a few months ago and yet you go and start another war."

"Father is right, Harsha. This will affect the people." Bhairava nodded.

Harsha smiled. "Don't you worry. I have taken care of everything. There will be no financial strain and not many people will die."

"What do you mean, Harsha?" asked Luisa.

"I invaded Qutb because I wanted their lands. It was the perfect chance for us to take it. I just used it." Harsha began.

"What about the finances?" asked Krishna.

"I am not using the Empire funds for logistics; I struck a deal with the Yadavas for it. They shall bear the burden."

The former Emperor nodded thoughtfully.

"Why was it necessary to attack right now?" Bhairava asked.

"Hmm.. I guess the news hasn't reached you guys yet."

"What news?" they all asked in unison.

"The Mughals, Qutbs, and Portuguese declared war on the Marathas."

"WHAT?" They all went wide-eyed.

"So it was the best time to invade the Qutbs as they were fighting the Marathas."

"Haaa… It is still risky. What if you can't get through all the garrisons?"

"Father, you lit the small flame of rebellion in the Sultanate." Harsha chuckled. "I fanned the flames to make it rise higher to devour the Sultanate."

"You used rebels?" asked the surprised Bhairava.

Harsha explained some details of his intricate plan to annex the whole sultanate. He even explained the side of the Sultanate he was willing to let go to the Marathas to establish an alliance with them in the future.

Luisa interjected. "You should be careful, Harsha; you are the Emperor. You have the responsibility of millions in the Empire."

"I understand,"

He stopped Bhairava. "I also sowed the seeds for proper integration already. I made the soldiers distribute grains in the places they invade."

"People will reciprocate their trust later."

Krishna sighed deeply. "You really planned thoroughly before the invasion."

"I am sorry for doubting you." He apologized.

"Never mind that. I know you were just worried about the citizens." Harsha shook his head.

"You seem to have learned the ropes."

Bhairava also smiled at his answer. He wasn't wrong about Harsha after all; the talent he possessed was something special.

Luisa interrupted them again.

"Let's stop this stiff conversation."

Luisa had sparkles in her eyes.

"We are a family after all. Let's relax and talk about the different things about both Harsha and Bhairava. I am curious."