Chapter 183: Before returning Delhi part -2
Rewari Kingdom, fort of Bawal, night of 5th march, 1557
Aditya was unexpectedly summoned to the fort’s walls by the emperor. An eerie silence filled the night air, with only a few elite imperial guards standing watch. The sudden call felt odd to Aditya, especially since they were set to depart the next day. It was the same spot where he once interrogated Acharya Sukhdev, and somehow he couldn’t deny it was no coincidence.
Samrat Hemu was looking at the city with hands clasped behind his back. When Aditya arrived, the emperor motioned for his guards to leave them alone. Once they had departed, Hemu, still gazing out over the city, spoke.
"Aditya, tell me... what do you think it takes to be a great ruler?"
Aditya couldn’t believe his ears. It was the ’emperor’, calling him by his ’name’ for the first time. He replied cautiously, "Perhaps... someone who acts with a deep understanding of the consequences of their actions."
Deep in thought, Hemu asked again without turning. "Do you think I lack that quality?"
Aditya immediately replied, "No, Samrat. I believe you are the greatest emperor the world has yet to witness."
Hemu continued, "It has only been a month since you arrived, yet I see faces filled with happiness and hope, a sight I’ve never seen before. The subjects who once showed loyalty out of fear now show love, freely given. This level of devotion is something usually reserved for gods, not humans motivated by mere interest."
He turned to Aditya, his gaze sharp. "Tell me, Aditya, what drives you? Why do you go so far for them? You have an army that would die at your command and civilian support that sees you as their leader, regardless of their sovereign. Tell me honestly—don’t you wish for the throne?"
Aditya was taken aback. Was this another test of his loyalty? He had been hired to serve the throne, but now, gauging the emperor’s true intention was difficult. He took a deep breath before answering.