Chapter 48: Bhima's Visit [2]

"Lord Patwardhan, we've made a decision to align ourselves with the youngest prince," Bhima stated firmly, conveying resolve.

Raj looked puzzled. "Why the youngest prince? Prince Harsha is the least influential and seems the least likely to secure the throne."

Bhima leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he spoke. "I used to think the same way. But after meeting Prince Harsha, I saw that there was something different about him. He's not the gloomy kid he once was. There's a certain presence about him that sets him apart from the other princes."

He continued, his hand making a sweeping gesture as he spoke. "He's the reason for my own change in perspective. My father supports the prince wholeheartedly, and that's a big shift for us. The youngest prince is evolving in ways that make him a compelling choice."

Raj furrowed his brow, still unsure. "But supporting the youngest prince doesn't seem like the safest bet. Most of the nobles are backing either the first or second prince. It might be more beneficial to support the third prince right now."

Bhima sighed and shook his head slowly. "I understand your concern. However, there's something you might not know. The third prince has indirectly allied himself with Prince Bhairava. They've formed some kind of deal, though the details are not fully clear. The third prince is known for his strategic moves, and his support for Bhairava was always a strong possibility."

Raj's eyes widened in shock. "So the third prince is with Bhairava?"

"Yes," Bhima confirmed, his voice steady. "This leaves you with only one viable option—the youngest prince. The others will see your family as nothing more than disposable pawns, using you until you're no longer useful. I hope this information helps you make a more informed decision."

"But still, even with my support, the prince lacks political influence," Raj said, his hands clasped tightly as he leaned forward. "How will he make up for that?"

Bhima nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That's a valid concern. Honestly, only the prince knows his full plans. I can tell you he has taken steps to address this issue."

Raj shook his head, clearly unconvinced. "That doesn't sound very reassuring, Lord Bhima."

"I understand your doubts," Bhima admitted, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "I can't argue with you on that. However, the prince has assured me that if the Patwardhans accept the offer, two individuals will be sent to assist your family."

Raj raised an eyebrow. "Two individuals? And what exactly will they do?"

"From what I've been told," Bhima explained, leaning back in his chair,

"these individuals will help navigate the political landscape and enhance your family's influence. Their expertise should help bridge the gap and provide the support needed to build a stronger position, Especially the wealth you require so badly,"

Raj considered this, his fingers drumming on the armrest of his chair. "It's a lot to take in. But if this assistance could genuinely make a difference, it might be worth considering."

"But Lord Bhima," Raj said, his voice heavy with worry. "This is a matter of life or death for our family. We can't afford to make decisions based on uncertain outcomes. Unlike the Nayakas, we don't have much to fall back on."

Bhima chuckled, his laughter echoing in the room. "Don't make that face, Lord Raj. My father has sent a personal letter that might convince you to join us, if my words haven't."

He handed over an elegantly sealed letter, the seal bearing the Nayaka family crest. Raj took it with scepticism. He broke the seal and unfurled the letter, his eyes scanning the text. As he read, his face grew darker with each line, his jaw tightening and fists clenching at his sides.

"Is this true?" Raj asked, his voice cold and filled with simmering anger.

"Of course," Bhima replied with a calm nod. "We had the information, but we chose not to share it until now. There was no point in exposing it earlier."

Raj's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Lord Bhima, if this turns out to be false, I will make sure to drag the Nayakas down with me, using every resource at my disposal."

Bhima's expression remained composed, though there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Are you threatening me, Lord Raj?"

"Yes!" Raj said firmly, his voice unwavering.

Bhima laughed a hearty and genuine sound. "Have the Nayakas ever lied to you?" he asked. "Everything in that letter is true. If this doesn't convince you, I'm not sure what else will."

"Haaa! Fine," Raj said, his voice heavy with resignation. "We'll take the risk and align ourselves with the youngest prince. But in return, I want to be allowed to deal with this bastard."

"Father, we can't be so hasty!" Akash protested, stepping forward with concern. "You haven't even confirmed the information yet—"

"Silence, Akash!" Raj snapped, cutting him off. "Even though I don't fully trust Lord Bhima, I believe the old man Nayaka would never lie to me. That's what I know. I'll verify it soon enough."

With a dismissive wave of his hand, Bhima added, "I'll take my leave now. I'll be departing in two days. I need to attend to other matters soon." Bhima's chuckle faded as he exited the room.

Once Bhima was gone, Akash turned to his father, his worry palpable. "Father, what's troubling you so much?"

"It's about your uncle's death," Raj said, his expression filled with sadness.

"What do you mean?" Akash asked.

Raj's face darkened as he continued, "I guess I never told you this, but my cousin and his family passed away some time ago, supposedly from a disease. But it turns out, he was poisoned."

Akash's eyes widened in shock. "Poisoned?"

Raj's expression grew distant. "I was never meant to be the heir of this house. It was supposed to be him. I was never as talented as he was, and I knew it. I always admired him."

He paused, his gaze drifting to the floor. "Your uncle was the perfect man to lead this house—kind, hardworking, and talented, unlike me. I only got this position because he passed away."

' I will take revenge for you, Brother,' Raj silently took an oath.

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