Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

Chapter 52: Gamechanger

Bhima was making his way back from a busy round of visits to various noble houses, all part of his role as the Nayakas' heir. This role was crucial for supporting the youngest prince, even if it was just a cover.

The recent events at the Shekhar mansion had marked a major change in Bhima. After intense training and constant learning, he had discovered that he had inherited his father's combat skills and strategic mind. The experience had transformed him. Where he once felt overshadowed and powerless, he now saw the value of strength and influence.

His initial resentment towards the incident at the mansion had slowly faded. He realized that if he hadn't faced those challenges, he might still be ineffective and unable to protect his family or their interests. This realization deepened his understanding of the necessity of power and influence. This helped him appreciate his role in the prince's plans.

Bhima had come to respect the prince's intelligence and effectiveness. He saw firsthand the prince's strategic brilliance and ruthless approach to handling enemies. This respect replaced his former grudge, and he now saw himself as an essential part of the prince's grand strategy.

As he journeyed back, Bhima's mind was focused on the future. He knew that every action he took was part of a complex plan to change the balance of power in the Empire.

Bhima mulled over the challenges they faced. 'Even though we've secured support for the prince, I'm worried about how he'll use it. If he makes a show of strength, it might draw too much attention and put him at risk.'

He scratched his head, clearly frustrated, and shook it in exasperation. "How will we proceed? I should consult Father about this."

During his recent visits, Bhima had also encountered a particularly intriguing individual—the prince's current butler.

To everyone except the prince, the butler presented a calculating and detached demeanour. When the prince was around, however, the butler seemed meek.

This duality intrigued Bhima, especially given that the butler's combat skills were impressive, rivaling his own. Despite Bhima's own considerable training and skill, he had found himself unable to best the butler in a direct confrontation. This fact, coupled with the butler's ability to handle veteran soldiers easily, made him a formidable figure in Bhima's eyes.

Bhima signaled his young aide, who was riding alongside the carriage on horseback. "Send a message to the Prince. The Shekhar family has pledged their support."

The aide, a young man with keen eyes, nodded in acknowledgment. "Understood, Young Master."

Bhima's brow furrowed as he added, "Wait a moment. I also noticed something unusual about the border between the Yadavas and our Empire. Inform Father that he should look into it."

The aide's curiosity was piqued. "What did you observe that's concerning? Young Master"

Bhima sighed, "The Yadavas have significantly increased their patrols near our border. It looks as though they're searching for someone. Their presence is more pronounced than usual."

Bhima's expression hardened and added. "That is concerning. Father recently learned that there were dead bodies found near the border a few months ago."

The aide said, "That is a worry now."

Bhima's gaze turned thoughtful. "Yes. It might be connected. Please ensure that Father gets this information as soon as possible."

"Of course, I'll make sure it's relayed promptly," the aide assured, making a note of the additional details.

Bhima watched as the aide rode off, his mind still troubled by the implications. "This could turn out to be important," he murmured to himself, "and who knows, it might be useful in ways we haven't yet anticipated."

Meanwhile, back at the Royal Palace, Bhairava had returned from a lengthy journey and was meeting his mother, Rani Jyothi Lakshmi Varma. Despite popular belief, Rani Jyothi Lakshmi was adept with her sharp mind and expertise in Kalaripayattu. Many underestimated her due to the historical decision to cede the kingdom of Cochin.

The decision to surrender Cochin had been driven by her foresight; she knew that if she had attempted to seize the throne, it would have led to a bloody conflict. The nobles would have resisted a female ruler, making it nearly impossible for her to maintain control.

"Mother, how are you?" Bhairava asked, sipping from his cup of tea.

"I am well, my son," she replied. "So, what have you been up to lately?"

Bhairava leaned back in his chair, "I've secured weapons for a possible conflict with Chandra. With Alfonso on my side, I believe we have a strong chance of winning."

Rani Jyothi Lakshmi raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "So that Mleccha's son has decided to ally with you in the end, has he?"

"He has no choice but to comply. People definitely won't accept a Half-blood to take the throne, let alone get noble support for his cause," Bhairava said with a wry grin plastered across his face.

Bhairava leaned forward, intrigued and adding. "So, Mother, do you have any updates on what's happening here in the palace or with Chandra?"

Rani Jyothi Lakshmi settled into her chair and took a sip of her tea. "Well, in the palace, your younger brother Harsha has made quite an interesting move. He brought in a lower-caste individual and appointed him as his butler. Monitoring Harsha has been challenging because Alfonso is often around him. Harsha spends most of his time training or reading."

Bhairava nodded, processing this information. "I see."

"As for the first prince," she continued, "he's been actively currying favors with various merchant groups. He's even managed to bring some into his faction, which has significantly bolstered his resources."

Bhairava's brow furrowed. "That's concerning."

Rani Jyothi Lakshmi's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "Don't worry, my son. I have a surprise for you that could change everything."

She reached into the pouch she carried and carefully placed an item on the wooden table between them.

"What's this," Bhairava asked, piqued with curiosity

"This," she said, gesturing to the object, "will definitely turn the tide in our favour."