Chapter 133: Confrontation with the king
As Aditya stepped into the king’s chamber he met King Rao Todal Mal sat on his throne, his face etched with frustration. Beside him, internal security chief Kartar Singh and Crown Prince Randip Mal were seated in the seats. The tension was palpable in air.
Aditya greeted the king and was motioned to a seat across the wide round table. As he took his place, he noticed the king’s troubled gaze which spoke volumes of frustrations he suppressed in his heart.
The king began, his voice heavy with worry, "What have you done, Your Highness? Do you have any idea of the pressure I am under?"
Aditya frowned, his replied in confusion, "Why should I be concerned with your pressure? I did what was necessary."
King Rao’s frustration deepened. "You’ve targeted over 300 houses within the capital, many belonging to influential families loyal to my lineage. You didn’t even spare my distant relatives. And this is occurring while delegates from distant lands are present in my palace."
Aditya’s gaze remained indifferent, causing the king’s irritation to flare further. The king turned to Kartar Singh, who handed him a document.
With a pointed look on it, the king continued, "Out of those targeted, 156 people, including women and children, have been killed already. Additionally, 234 personal guard soldiers were sacrificed. last morning, you abducted 120 royal craftsmen without notice and demanded an additional 200 craftsmen and 300 workers from my prime minister."
He flipped to another section of the document. "Beyond the capital, you’ve sealed seven madrasas in nearby villages, burned 23 houses belonging to scholars from the minority community, and extended your actions to 123 additional villages across the kingdom. There are also reports of a mass slaughter in a village that sheltered 300 individuals from the same minority."
His voice thundered, filled with anger and frustration, "You have around 1,350 prisoners in your custody, and I was not informed of any of this beforehand or afterwards. I expected the draft you advocated for, but look at the storm you’ve unleashed. Now tell me, Prince Aditya, how should I treat you after you’ve brought such devastation to my name and my kingdom in just one week, when you were supposed to stay for a month?"
Aditya leaned forward, he replied without backing down. "Your Majesty, I understand your anger, but you must realize that those targeted were involved in a conspiracy against me. Their actions were a direct challenge to imperial authority. Measures had to be taken. The madrasas are temporarily banned, and the arrests were necessary to maintain order."
King Rao got visibly enraged with such rude gesture. He stood up and unsheathed his sword, placing it on the table and passed it before Aditya. Both Randip and Kartar Singh exchanged glances with anxiety.
The king’s voice cracked as he shouted frantically, "Yes, it was my mistake for failing to control the situation, and I allowed this to happen. But shouldn’t you have informed me beforehand? Where is the respect of the king? As penance for my failure, I offer my head. Take it and restore your imperial authority. At least I will die with some dignity."