Previous Chapter Recap:
After a tense clash in the jungle with the warriors of Aklak, Aryan proved his wisdom by stopping the fight and meeting their king, Balram. Instead of letting swords decide, the two rulers built trust, with Aryan offering one of the rare flowers to Balram. This gesture laid the foundation of a new friendship and alliance between Kaligarh and Aklak.
The ride back to the capital was long, but Aryan felt calm. The deal with King Balram had opened a new path for Kaligarh. Aklak's strength in weapons and soldiers would be a powerful shield for the future.
As soon as Aryan returned to the palace, his advisors were called to the royal hall. The golden lamps burned bright, and the great hall filled with the sound of sandals shuffling and robes dragging on the stone floor.
Aryan sat on his high seat, his sharp eyes looking over the gathered men.
Aryan: "I want a contract prepared at once. This contract will secure an alliance between Kaligarh and Aklak. Send word to King Balram and invite him for an official visit. We will sign the treaty in this very hall."
The advisors nodded, some whispering among themselves. But one minister, a man with narrow eyes and a thin beard, stood up.
Minister: "Your Majesty… forgive me, but should such promises not be discussed first with your advisors? Deciding terms and promising things on your own may weaken the council's role."
The hall went silent. Every advisor's breath seemed to stop.
Aryan rose from his throne, his voice like thunder.
Aryan: "Advisor is needed when I need them—not the other way around. Do not mistake your role. You are here to guide me when I ask for guidance, not to bind me in chains of useless debate."
He took a step forward, his gaze sharp and cold.
Aryan: "The word of the king is law. Remember that."
The minister's face turned pale. His knees shook, and he quickly sat down, eyes fixed on the floor.
The other advisors bowed deeply.
Chief Advisor: "Your Majesty, forgive the misunderstanding. We will prepare the contract exactly as you have commanded, and we will send the invitation to King Balram at once."
Aryan leaned back on his throne, his anger cooling.
Aryan: "Good. Make sure the welcome is worthy of a great ally. When King Balram arrives, Kaligarh must shine brighter than the sun."
The advisors bowed again and hurried to begin their work.
That night, as Aryan walked through the palace garden with Veer and Sena, his tiger cubs at his side, he thought of the future. With Aklak beside him, his kingdom would not only be safer but also stronger than ever.
✨ end of Chapter 69