Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

Royal Palace, Vijayanagara Empire.

Chandra was sprinting to take some money and flee the Empire. The defeat was evident, and he wanted to survive. He abandoned his army and prepared to leave the Empire. He didn't want to be caught by Bhairava of all people.

The outcome wouldn't be pretty. He had assassinated Bhairava's mother. He wouldn't be spared and would most likely be subject to torture if caught by Bhairava.

He barged into his chambers and took whatever precious stones and gold he had lying. He put them into a pouch.

Chandra went to find his mother and sister, who were nowhere to be seen. His bodyguards were with him. He needed time.

He hoped that Bhairava hadn't found out that he had fled yet and came to take revenge on him.

'Those low lives teamed up!! This isn't my fault.'

'I didn't lose the battle to those low lives!'

'I am the better one!'

So many thoughts raced through his mind as he scanned the desolate Palace grounds. The guards of his sister were nowhere to be seen. The palace lay bare, and no other person other than him and his bodyguards were present.

"Where the hell is everyone?" He muttered

A bloodcurdling sound ran through the air. It was like time had frozen. Chandra could feel the ominous footsteps of someone approaching. A shudder ran through his body; his legs trembled as he turned back to look.

He saw a man with bloodied armor and a sword walking menacingly towards him.

His voice barely came out of his throat, like there was a huge lump.

"Bh -Bh-Bhairava!"

His mind went blank, and his legs moved on their own. His survival instincts kicked in as he raced away. Adrenaline coursed through his veins. The cold face of Bhairava scared him to the core.

He didn't even want to fight Bhairava. He wasn't adept in martial arts like Bhairava. The outcome of their fighting was very clear. His head would be rolling on the ground the moment they clashed.

The best chance of survival was from running away.

Multiple screams echoed through the palace as he raced through the hallways to the exit of the palace. It was probably his bodyguards getting cut down mercilessly by Bhairava.

'Those bastards should fight till death for me to survive.'

'I will survive! I want to live!'

*STAB*

"Huh," he muttered in disbelief.

A long spear was lodged in his thigh. He fell face first into the hallway.

"Spear?'

'How?'

'Who threw it?'

Blood spilled out of his thigh onto the floor, dying it a hue of red.

He crawled forward, wanting to survive. He could hear the faint footsteps behind him. He was too scared to look behind.

He tried to stand up. He barely got up, limping forward to the exit, which came into view.

The footsteps were becoming louder.

Louder.

'I want to live'

The world turned sideways in front of him as he fell to the ground again. He looked down to see his legs lying separated. It was cleanly severed from the knee joint.

"ARGHH!" he screamed.

He convulsed in pain. His veins popped out in shock.

"Where are you running to?" A deep and hoarse voice echoed through the hallway.

It was Bhairava standing and looking down at his pitiful form.

Bhairava stomped his back hard. He coughed violently.

"Where is your smirk now, huh?" Bhairava asked, chuckling.

"You damn bastard! You killed my mother!"

Chandra croaked.

"We can talk this out! Right? Bhairava,"

"Talk?"

He stomped his back once more.

"What is there to talk!"

"Please let me live!!! I am your older brother, right!!" He begged, trying to crawl away from Bhairava.

"Why should I?"

"Please!! I am your older brother."

"Older brother that assassinated my mother!" Bhairava roared.

"Wa-Wai-Wait, let's talk!!" Chandra stuttered out, "I didn't kill your mother! Believe me"

"Huh?" Bhairava looked confused.

"Lakshmi killed your mother! Not me!" Chandra crawled forward. "That's right, she killed her!"

Bhairava looked down at Chandra with pity. He didn't think he would stoop so low, throwing his sister through to survive. He had no honor left in him. Bhairava had investigated the matter and found the truth.

He knew that it was Chandra that sent the assassin and gotten it verified by his sources as well. It was known truth among the aides of Chandra as well that it wasn't Lakshmi that ordered the assassination.

"Trust your older brother, Bhairava! I didn't do it!!"

Bhairava clicked his tongue in disgust and stabbed his back.

"Why are you lying?" He had no sympathy left for Chandra.

"You scum! I thought you would be honorable and not target the woman or relatives to win the war."

Bhairava took his sword out and stabbed Chandra's shoulder.

"Guess I shouldn't have expected that from you of all people!"

Chandra convulsed in pain in the hallways, squirming violently. His vision became blurry, and his head became light as the past memories flashed before his eyes.

"I don't want to die, ple-." His pleas were cut short as Bhairava slashed the back of his neck, instantly killing him.

His head rolled in the hallway, and blood spilled uncontrollably from the marble floor.

Bhairava looked up with a detached expression.

He had finally taken his revenge for the death of his mother. Emotions of grief coursed through his mind.

Bhairava had finally closed the chapter of his life and was ready to start a new one. He could finally put everything behind and live freely.

He felt like a big burden was taken off his chest.

His mind found its closure. He was determined to let the past go and start a new life.

Before that, he had to do one more thing. He had to fulfill his end of the offer to Harsha; without him, this would have never been possible.

He also had to thank Vikrama for his undying support for him. The man had put his life on the line to help him despite knowing he could potentially never see his daughter again.

Bhairava held immense respect for him. He guided Bhairava through the problems like a father.

He wanted to thank him for everything.