Previous Chapter Recap:
King Balram entered Kaligarh with his wives and one thousand guards, leaving the people amazed at the tall and powerful Aklak warriors. Aryan welcomed them with his advisors, his mother, and his three close companions. A grand banquet followed with music, food, and shows from both kingdoms. At the end, Aryan called for proper discussion to begin.
The hall grew quiet after Aryan's words. Servants cleared the dishes while guards shut the tall bronze doors. Only the kings, their close companions, and the ministers remained.
Aryan: "Now we speak of matters greater than feasts. Aklak and Kaligarh must build a path together—trade, weapons, defense. This alliance will strengthen us both."
King Balram nodded firmly.
Balram: "My smiths and armorers stand ready. You will see their skill with your own eyes. And Aklak's warriors will march if ever your land is threatened."
Before Aryan could reply, one of his ministers, Minister Prakash, rose slowly.
Prakash: "Your Majesty, forgive me, but we must be cautious. These Aklak are not like us. They are taller, stronger, and carry strange weapons. Who can say if their promise is truly peace? Today they eat with us… tomorrow, perhaps they conquer us."
Another minister, Minister Devan, added quickly.
Devan: "Yes, my King. Our people whisper already. A thousand foreign soldiers walking in Kaligarh's streets—it frightens them. We should not be so eager to bind ourselves to outsiders."
Aryan leaned forward, his sharp gaze fixed on them.
Aryan: "You fear them because they are strong? Should we then make only weak friends? Tell me, what have you done to make Kaligarh safer?"
The ministers looked at each other, uneasy. Aryan stood, his voice rising.
Aryan: "You do not want peace with Balram. Not because he is dangerous, but because you do not want change. You fear losing your comfort, your old ways. But I tell you this—without strong allies, Kaligarh will remain small, divided, and weak. That is what our enemies want."
Balram sat silent, watching Aryan with a slight smile, as if testing how he handled his own court.
Aryan (continuing): "I do not seek servants for Kaligarh. I seek equals who will stand with us when war comes. And war will come. When that day arrives, will you regret turning away a powerful friend?"
The room fell silent. Ministers who had spoken against Balram lowered their eyes, knowing they had been struck down by Aryan's words.
Aryan turned back to Balram and raised his hand.
Aryan: "Forgive their doubts, King Balram. Not all men see the future as clearly as they should. But as long as I rule Kaligarh, know this—you have a true friend here."
Balram stood, placing a heavy hand on Aryan's shoulder.
Balram: "And you, Aryan, have mine. Your words are sharp as your blade. Together, none shall break us."
The chapter closed with the two kings standing side by side, while the court sat in silence, realizing that the King's vision could not be stopped.
✨ end of Chapter 72