Chapter 33 – "Confession"

At Skand's Room

Draupadi sat beside Skand on the edge of his bed, her eyes quietly observing him. He looked distant—his gaze fixed somewhere far beyond the room, and his usually composed expression was tinged with unease.

Draupadi (softly):"You seem... tired. Is everything alright?"

Skand glanced at her and offered a half-smile, the kind that tries to hide more than it reveals.

Skand:"Yeah... It's just been a long day."

Draupadi (gently):"Skand, I know you're not just tired. Something's bothering you. And now that... I'm going to be part of your life, I want to share the burdens too—not just the joy."

The room fell silent for a moment. Outside, the soft rustling of the evening breeze whispered against the windows.

Skand (exhaling deeply):"You're right. There is something."

He stood, walked slowly across the room, then turned to face her—his voice low, serious.

Skand:"I've always tried to stay away from politics... from royal games, from the darker sides of power. But now, Emperor Ashoka has drawn me in. Today, I saw a man being carried out of the palace... lifeless. The guards said he only refused an order from the Emperor."

Draupadi (alarmed):"What...? That's... terrifying."

Skand:"And now Ashoka wants me to go to Kalinga. Convince them to form an alliance, to allow Maurya ships to use their ports. If I fail... war could break out. Or worse—he might make an example of me."

Draupadi (rising, firm):"Then why did you agree to do it?"

Skand:"Because there was no real choice. Refusing might be more dangerous than accepting."

Draupadi (stepping closer, eyes steady):"Skand... I don't care how risky it is. I know you. You've won over my father, Maharani Asandhimitra, and even this whole household—not with tricks, but with honesty and heart. You have a kind of strength that few do. Not just in intellect—but in integrity."

Skand looked at her—taken aback by her words, her conviction.

She gently took his hand in hers.

Draupadi:"You're not alone in this anymore. I'll stand with you—in palace politics, in family battles, even in war if it comes to that. But stop bearing everything by yourself."

Skand's shoulders relaxed. The tension in his brow eased for the first time in days.

Skand (smiling faintly):"I didn't think a blind date could lead to something... this real."

Draupadi (grinning):"Well, you were the one who tried to impress me first. Looks like I ended up impressed instead."

Skand (playfully defensive):"Not really."

They both laughed—soft and genuine. In that quiet room, amidst uncertainty and politics, something rare bloomed between them: trust.

Elsewhere — At the Palace Garden

Emperor Ashoka sat near the lotus pond, his eyes fixed on the rippling water. A royal messenger approached and bowed respectfully.

Ashoka didn't speak at first. He was watching a lotus slowly unfold—calm, composed, yet unreadable.

Messenger:"Samrat, Skand has accepted the Kalinga assignment."

There was a long pause.

Ashoka (finally, voice cold and thoughtful):"Let's see if this merchant boy becomes the good minister... or the next casualty."

To Be Continued...