Location: Antaḥpura — The Emperor's Private Chamber
A place where the Samrat holds private talks with people he considers significant.
Emperor Ashoka sat tall upon his ornate throne within the Antaḥpura, his presence sharp and still as stone.
The silence was broken by the arrival of a young man.
Skand (entering, folding hands with humility):"Victory to the Great Samrat.Today is a blessed day for me—that one as ordinary as I has been called into the Antaḥpura by the Emperor himself."
Ashoka (looking at Skand with narrowed eyes):"Ordinary…?You act simple, but you're far from it—aren't you?"
Skand (trying to maintain an innocent expression):"I... I don't understand, Samrat."
Ashoka (smirking, amused):"Enough of this act.A boy from a backward village, who somehow creates luxury products even Pataliputra hasn't seen before…A boy who wrestled a crocodile in the sea…A boy who easily got help from my own wife, whom the entire world fears...
You think someone like that is ordinary?
No, Skand. That's genius.And geniuses like you come once in a century—just like great Guru, Acharya Chanakya."
Skand (shocked):"Samrat… I don't know what to say… I'm nothing more than a boy saved and raised by my uncle…"
Skand (thinking):Samrat Ashok… he's so calm… and yet… how does he know so much about me already?
Ashoka (tilting his head, studying him curiously):"Hmmm... still pretending?
Enough.There's no place in my empire for liars and cowards."
Ashoka (shouting suddenly):"GUARDS! Execute this man—right now."
Skand (eyes wide, dropping to his knees):"Samrat! Please forgive me!I admit my defeat.I should never have believed I could hide the truth from a ruler as great as you.Please… tell me what you want from me?"
Ashoka (calm again):"I've seen your mind, Skand.You didn't just defeat Dhanpala, the sly old fox—You changed the entire business landscape of my empire... and made a fortune doing it.
I want you to work for me.Be my strategist."
Ashoka (thinking):Acharya Chanakya always said:A brilliant mind must never be left outside the empire.It should always be brought into your own camp—before someone else does.
Skand (after a long pause, nervous but honest):"Samrat...Forgive me… but I cannot accept your offer at this moment."
Ashoka (expression turning cold):"What…?"
A beat of silence.
Then—he smiled.
But it was not a kind smile.
It was sharp.Dark.Predatory.
Ashoka (leaning forward, smiling wickedly):"So… you've grown that bold?Bold enough to say 'no' to your Emperor?
Tell me, Skand…Do you not value your life?"
To Be Continued…