Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

Harsha was travelling to Cochin as the construction of the military academy was about to finish, According to the report he received, it would be completed by the time he would reach Cochin. He was travelling as usual with his contingent of guards in a large carriage to Cochin.

He was accompanied by Viswa, his butler, and an unexpected last-minute guest, Bhairava.

Bhairava was planning to head to Cochin after staying in the royal palace for a while. He joined Harsha as they headed to the same place.

It was a very awkward trip with three of them in the carriage. Harsha was the one responsible for his severed hand. Bhairava tried to assassinate Harsha.

Viswa was a quiet one among them. Viswa glanced back and forth nervously.

"So Elder brother," Harsha broke the awkward atmosphere. "What is your plan in Cochin?"

Bhairava scratched the back of his head with his prosthetic hand. He had an awkward smile on his face. "Umm.."

"I need to help that old man."

"Old man?" Harsha looked confused. "You mean that strategist?"

"Yea."

"Didn't you do enough? I heard you have brought his daughter all the way from some hilly area."

Bhairava's awkwardness still didn't fade. "Umm… He might need more help. He isn't used to city life, and the same goes for his daughter."

He wanted to avoid the topic and swiftly tried to shift the topic to something else. "Umm...why are you coming to Cochin?"

"The military academy stuff." Harsha glanced at the open pastures behind the road. "I need to see how it was built."

"You could have sent your butler instead." Bhairava sighed. "Why would an Emperor come to Cochin to check some buildings?"

"It's related to the military. There has to be no defects. It is essential for the Empire." Harsha sighed. "You should know that, Elder Brother."

"Right! Sure." Bhairava nodded.

Bhairava witnessed the scale of the military academies. It was a huge project, and a lot of workers were recruited to finish the work as quickly as possible. It was one of the biggest projects in the Empire. The focus on the military had changed a lot during his tenure. Bhairava witnessed a huge shift in the military. They became more robust with better communication means. They also had more physical criteria to meet. The soldiers became stronger than the previous ones.

'Now with the academies. Does he plan to strengthen it further?'

He thought.

Harsha's ambitions were clear in his mind. He seemed inclined to expand the empire from the shackles and move up north to capture other kingdoms. It was evident from the annexure of the Qutb Sultanate. He took a huge step towards the expansion plan.

"I heard you were getting chummy with a lady in Cochin." Harsha asked out flatly. "Are you on the way to visit her?"

"Huh?"

"WHAT?" Bhairava screamed at the nonchant Harsha in a high-pitched voice. "Where did you hear that?"

Harsha chuckled and had an amused expression. "I have ears all over the Empire."

"So is she your lover?"

Bhairava calmed down and said, "No." He was certainly flustered by that statement

"I see…" Harsha looked out. "Don't forget to invite me for your marriage."

"HEY."

The banter went on for a while. Viswa sighed and read a book he brought along with him.

'I am stuck with these people. My ears will eventually bleed. Lord please help me.'

He silently prayed.

After a while, the city of Cochin was visible in the distance. The guards moved in neat formations towards the city. It was the evening, and the sun was dipping near the horizon. Harsha had to postpone his visit till tomorrow as they needed to take rest and the visit wasn't possible at night.

He had to inspect the buildings properly and ensure they were well built.

The gates of the city opened for Harsha, and his carriage entered the serene city. There was a crowd gathered to see the Emperor, but it was quickly dispersed by the guards for security reasons.

They didn't take any risks in the Emperor's safety, as they were heavily trained to safeguard at all costs by Viswa and Karna.

Harsha was the first one to get out of the carriage, followed by Bhairava and Viswa. His gaze shifted to a beautiful young woman standing near the carriage. He didn't know why the guards didn't send her.

As soon as Bhairava got out, the young woman ran towards him and hugged him tightly. Bhairava looked flabbergasted and Harsha had a stone-face expression. Viswa had his mouth and eyes wide open at the scene.

Bhairava lifted his arms, not knowing what to do.

"Brother, why were you lying?" Harsha sighed.

"Lord Bhairava. It is treason to lie to the Emperor." Viswa smirked. "If you were lovers, just say so."

"Haaa. No wonder. He was in a hurry." Harsha added with an amused smirk.

"Yes, Your Majesty. He was packing his stuff and was hurrying to Cochin after all."

"Um–N-No th-that's not true." He screamed at them. "She is no-not."

"Brother, have fun with your lover." Harsha smirked. "You don't have to accompany us tomorrow."

"Yes, Lord Bhairava. Treat your "lover" with respect."

"Damn you little brats." He cursed as he watched them both leave with amused expressions.

Shraddha was still hugging him tightly after they left.

"Umm…I can't move."

"Don't move then," she said, hugging him even more tightly. "You know how much I missed you during these few weeks."

"I thought you would never come back."

Bhairava sighed and pulled her off. "I still have to help your father. Of course I will be here till that old man gets himself on track."

"Really?" Shraddha asked with a teary pout.

"But before that. Can we resolve the misunderstanding with my brother?" He sighed. "He thinks we are lovers. You wouldn't want that, right?"

Bhairava still thought this was normal and didn't imagine it as anything odd. He never interacted much with females so he didn't know.

Shraddha looked up at him with a confused expression.

"Damn this bear of a man." She mumbled to herself.

"He can't even take a hint."

"Did you say something?" Bhairava asked with a confused look.

"No, I didn't."