CHAPTER 2
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In the capital...
In just five days, Dev, the Crown Prince of the enemy empire, strode through the gilded halls of the royal palace, each step echoing with the weight of conquest. His dark eyes gleamed with cold determination, and his once-golden armor was now splattered with the blood of those who had dared to resist. By his side stood Jaichand—his father-in-law and the ambitious uncle of Karn, a man as calculating as he was ruthless—along with Viraj, Jaichand’s cunning and manipulative son.
Together, they swept through the capital like a storm, effortlessly toppling the monarchs of the old regime. The helpless King Indravarma had surrendered even before Dev set foot in the city gates, but mercy was not a trait Dev intended to practice. Karn’s throne now claimed through blood and conquest, needed no traces of the old rulers.
Turning to Jaichand, Dev's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "The old regime dies today. I want every last remnant of the royal bloodline extinguished. No heirs, no sympathizers. Leave nothing standing."
Jaichand, ever the opportunist, raised an eyebrow. "Your ambition burns as fiercely as the empire’s brightest flames, son-in-law. But what of my nephew’s rebellious subordinates? Mercy can be a powerful weapon."
Resting his hand on the emperor's throne, a vicious smile curled across Dev's lips. "Mercy is for the weak," he hissed, eyes gleaming with dark intent. "Your nephew was the brain of the empire. I have severed the head, and the body crumbled. We killed him, and the empire fell to its knees. Without him, they’re nothing—just a collection of scattered limbs."
His smile darkened further. "I’ll build an empire that won’t bend to false kindness. What I seek is loyalty—loyalty forged in fear, not favors. Anyone who dares to revolt must die. Fear should be carved deep into their hearts."
He descended from the throne slowly, an imposing aura radiating from him, compelling everyone to kneel. "Viraj," his voice was cold and commanding, "you are responsible for eliminating all threats. Take the troops and kill anyone who dares to rebel, and instruct the general on the battlefield to drag Karn’s body back and hang his body at the city gates like a trophy."
Viraj bowed his head. "As you command." He exited the court, his mind already racing with plans.
As Viraj left, Dev's cunning eyes focused on Jaichand. "Understand this, father-in-law: my support comes with conditions. You will sit on the throne as emperor, but your kingdom will not wield full military power. Your generals will control the military under the watchful eye of my trusted subordinate, who will also take a position in your court."
Jaichand nodded, a mix of ambition and caution flickering in his eyes. "I remember our private conversation clearly, and I will adhere to it."
Dev's expression hardened as he added, "You must remember that any attempt to undermine my authority will be met with ruthless consequences. I expect complete loyalty, Father-in-law."
Jaichand smirked, a glint of ambition in his gaze. "You have my word, Dev. My daughter, Naina, is now your wife and her marriage to you serves as the foundation for our alliance."
Dev shot Jaichand a glance of acknowledgment, his eyes as dark as the depths of the ocean, hiding the complex thoughts swirling in his mind as he leaves the courtroom.
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