Royal Palace, Bhairava's Chamber
The evening sun filtered through the curtains. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of freshly watered flowers from the garden, adding a serene quality to the space.
Bhairava lounged on a plush sofa, his posture relaxed. Beside him, Arjun stood vigil, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. Across from Bhairava, Alfonso sat at a small table, a wry grin on his lips.
"Big brother missed me?" Alfonso said with sparkling eyes.
"Drop your act, Alfonso. I've come to discuss something important," Bhairava said, scowling.
Alfonso's playful demeanour didn't waver. "Hmm, what does my dear older brother need from me?"
Bhairava , his expression serious. "So, Alfonso, what exactly is your plan? You've been unusually quiet about your intentions."
Alfonso leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile on his lips. "You know me, Bhairava. I like to keep things interesting. Why spoil the surprise?"
Bhairava's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "Interesting? We're on the brink of a significant upheaval. Your games might end up costing us more than you realize."
Alfonso's smile widened, but he remained relaxed. "Oh, I'm well aware of the stakes. That's why I've been cautious about what I reveal. There's a lot at play here, and I'd rather not tip my hand too early."
"But why are you here? You must need something from me again," Alfonso asked, a mischievous glint in his eye as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers lightly drumming on the armrest.
Bhairava's face hardened. "Yes, more like a task for you," he said, his voice carrying an edge of impatience.
Alfonso chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "Hahaha, you seem to have forgotten I'm not your subordinate like that dog over there," he said, casually pointing a finger at Arjun, who stood stoically beside him.
Bhairava's lips curled into a faint smirk. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Fine, fine, fine. I have a request."
Alfonso raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He tilted his head slightly and leaned in closer. "That's more like it. So, what do you need?"
"Cannons," Bhairava said firmly, his eyes locking onto Alfonso's.
Alfonso's eyes widened in surprise. He raised a hand to his chin, stroking it thoughtfully. "So in the end, a civil war is going to happen?"
Bhairava shrugged nonchalantly. "You jest, Alfonso. I don't plan to start one," he said, the corners of his mouth curling into a wry smile.
"Then why the cannons?" Alfonso asked, folding his arms and leaning back, a puzzled look crossing his face.
"A deterrent, just in case," Bhairava replied. He glanced at Alfonso, his gaze steady, as if daring him to question further.
Bhairava's eyes narrowed, a thoughtful frown forming. He tapped his fingers on the table and added, "My request is to use your Portuguese connections to get me cannons to the port in Cochin discreetly."
Alfonso sighed deeply. "And what's in it for me?" raising an eyebrow.
Bhairava leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. "What do you want?" he said, his voice carrying a note of resignation as he awaited Alfonso's response.
"Don't you know what I like the most? Big brother is so cold," Alfonso teased, his playful grin returning as he leaned back in his chair, arms spread wide.
Bhairava's irritation was evident. He let out a deep sigh, the sound carrying his frustration. "Fine. I'll have the money sent for this endeavour once I get the shipment through different means," he said, his voice firm.
Alfonso's grin widened, and he leaned forward, opening his arms for an embrace. "I love you, Big brother," he said, but Bhairava quickly pushed him away, his face set in a stern frown.
"It would be nice if you dropped your loving act before me," Bhairava said coldly, his eyes narrowing as he spoke.
"The faster you finish the request, the more money I will send you," Bhairava added.
Alfonso feigned surprise, his eyes widening exaggeratedly. "Oh, so generous," he said sarcastically, raising his hands in a gesture of mock admiration. "Of course, I will do it very quickly for my kind brother," he added with a wink.
Alfonso walked through the grand hallways of the palace, the marble floor cool beneath his feet. The walls seemed to blur around him as he mulled over Bhairava's request. His mind was focused, weighed down by the implications of the new arrangement.
When he reached the entrance to his room, he found his aide waiting. She stood upright with a respectful posture. As Alfonso approached, she gave a slight bow.
"Your Highness," she said, her voice trailing off as she waited for his instructions.
Alfonso stopped and addressed her directly. "Contact Uncle and tell him I want to meet him at the usual place," he instructed.
The aide nodded promptly. "Understood, Your Highness. May I ask why?"
"We're arranging to purchase cannons. Make sure the message goes through Nakul. We can't risk any information getting out," Alfonso replied.
"Understood," the aide said, already preparing to carry out the order.
"Also," Alfonso added, "Tell Nakul to get in touch with 'that' person. Let them know that all the necessary preparations are complete."
The aide hesitated slightly, her brow furrowing. "Is it really necessary to involve 'that' person right now, Your Highness? Perhaps we should let them intervene personally later on,"
Alfonso sighed, clearly irritated. "What choice do we have? We have everything organized,"
"If "That" person is going to intervene, Isn't it good for us, We don't have to work as hard," Alfonso said with a wry smile.
"But, Your Highness, It can also potentially cause trouble later on too," the aide said with a serious expression.
"Come on, Lekha. You know I don't take risks enough to put me in danger. Trust me on this one it's wise to include that person," Alfonso said with a gentle smile patting the head of the aide.
"Alright, Your Highness," the aide said, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.