Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

Dark clouds loomed over the capital city of Marathas, Karnavati. The city seemed desolate and barren. There was barely any activity going on in the once-brimming city. The Royal Palace seemed to suffer from the same fate as it stood, expecting an impending catastrophe.

The threat of invasion loomed over the Marathas as they readied themselves for another war with the Mughals.

The rapid expansions of the Mughals were hurting the Marathas a lot. They already fought many wars with the Mughals, and despite their larger numbers, they managed to keep them in check.

Meanwhile, in the royal court of the Marathas, the discussion of the impeding war was happening.

Devendra Chavan, the king of the Marathas, was in his early fifties despite his age. His physique was excellent. He had long hair streaked with grey and a thick mustache.

"The information is true. The Qutbs have joined hands with the Mughals for this endeavour."

"Damn it!!." cursed Aadarsh Chavan, The Crown Prince of the Marathas, a young man in his early twenties. He had light green eyes and very handsome features, with his long hair tied up neatly. He held an imposing nature due to his height. He was huge and was known to be stronger than his father at a young age.

"Father, can't we do anything to stop this?"

"Let's hope for the best from the delegation sent to the Vijayanagara Empire." The king muttered reluctantly.

He knew the chance of receiving help from the Empire was very low considering they went through a civil war. He knew this and still decided to send it, as he was desperate to save his kingdom.

"Father, they won't help. It would be a dumb decision to support us when the new Emperor just took charge."

"Your Majesty. I don't think the New Emperor will be of good help either way." Baldev Gaikwad, the commander of the Army of Marathas, said.

"What do you mean?" Devendra asked.

"I have heard that the new Emperor is barely an adult. How can he possibly be of any help in such a big war?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. He is just 18 years old, and he took the throne using the help of the Nayakas." Vasant Pawar, another commander, chimed in.

A servant quickly came running into the court.

"The delegation from the empire has returned." He said it with a curt bow.

"Tell them to come to the court right now," ordered the King.

The delegation was led by a man named Naveen Shinde. He was one of the best diplomats in the kingdom.

They really wanted every little help possible to fight the mughals. The Marathas were equally matched with the Mughals in terms of military strength. Qutbs coming to the fray would destabilize the situation as they didn't have enough to take a war from two sides.

Qutb sultanate wasn't weak either, but they weren't as strong as the Marathas. The problem was that the Mughals were using them as supporters to keep them at a disadvantage.

Naveen reached the court and sat down to discuss the details of his visit to the Empire.

The atmosphere was tense. Everyone gulped nervously, waiting for his response.

"First, let me begin with the deal. I have talked with the Emperor directly." He began. "So they have refused to support us in the war."

"The Emperor said that the deal wasn't favourable enough to dip his hands into the war."

The disappointment settled on the faces of everyone present.

Aadarsh inquired. "It seems that there is more to this deal you talked about."

"The Emperor did say something very interesting."

"What is it?" Devendra asked curiously.

"He said that if you could make it favorable. He would help wholeheartedly."

"What does he mean by Favorable." asked Vasant.

"He refused to elaborate on that."

"Is he playing games? Does he think politics is child's play?" said Baldev, clicking his tongue in disgust.

"I got some interesting information from his Butler, though. I saw them discussing the Port of Surat to ask us about the rights to the Port."

"What rights?" asked Devendra.

"Probably the same rights the Portuguese are eyeing for."

"I see if that saves our kingdom. We can do that. It is better to give it to the Empire than let it fall to the bastard Europeans."

"We got some information as a gift from the Emperor."

Naveen looked nervously at the report before speaking in a low trembling voice.

"Portuguese mercenaries are in the Qutb sultanate, readying for the war as well." Discover worlds on m-v le-mpyr

*THUD*

The wooden armrest of the Aadarsh's chair snapped as he slammed his fist.

"What the hell! Now we have to deal with three different bastards." He cursed.

"Calm Down," Devendra scolded him. "Think ahead for a solution."

He then turned to Naveen "What do you think of the promise by the Emperor, Naveen?"

"I am not certain, Your Majesty."

Devendra sighed with disappointment.

"Tell me about the New Emperor! How is he in your eyes?" inquired Devendra.

"Dangerous!" Naveen shuddered as the image of Harsha looking down from the throne came to his mind.

"Dangerous? He is a kid." Scoffed Baldev.

"You don't understand, Baldev. He is dangerous, Very dangerous. His gaze was just too... scary," replied Naveen.

"If you are saying it should be true. Why do you think he is dangerous?" asked Devendra.

"Everything about him, Your Majesty. His eerie calmness doesn't resemble a kid. His gaze sees through everything. There wasn't a speck of emotion in those eyes. That's not a kid." He muttered aloud, recalling the events.

"That's enough. Let's end this discussion." Devendra said as he got up from his seat and ordered, "Prepare for war."

Devendra knew Naveen's personality, as he was a very loyal person to the throne. He wouldn't lie about these things, considering his experience dealing with the Mughals and others. The New Emperor of Vijayanagara should be on another level for him to shudder at the thought of him.

'Are we seeing another Advent of Chandragupta. The subcontinent will be swallowed whole.'