"No. This Marriage Alliance is not happening. Forget it" King Chakravarthi stated.
"What??" Sumitra snapped at her husband.
"What do you mean Your Majesty? This is the first time our son came asking for something like this. How can you deny it?" Sumitra asked.
"I know that Sumitra. But don't expect this marriage to happen," the King Chakravarthi says firmly.
"But why father?" Rishi asked. He raised his voice at his father for the first time ever. Because this time, it's related to Ashmita. He's not willing to accept anything that could potentially bring distance between them.
"Don't you know the reason Rishi? Lotus Kingdom is going to war against the Rose Kingdom!" Chakravarthi stated loudly.
"Yes. I know that." Rishi remarked.
By scrunching his brows, King Chakravathi asked, "Aware of that already? Then why are you asking for an alliance with them? Are you even thinking straight?"
Rishi responded, "What if they are at war? What does that have to do anything with my marriage?"
"It has everything to do with your marriage. You're asking for alliance, which no less means we would have to make ties with that kingdom. What does that do? Keep the lives of our people at stake because of war! Now you understand son?" the King explained.
"But father, Rishi loves Ashmita. You'd have heard about her also right? If he doesn't help her when they are in utter need, how can she trust him and our kingdom?" Raj commented.
"She doesn't have to trust anybody. The marriage will not take place. So don't bother what she may think," the King replied.
"But father, if we combine our forces with them, Rose Kingdom can be taken down with ease, don't you agree? How many years do we have to fear that Kingdom?" Raj snapped.
"Don't think too highly of that Lotus Kingdom Raj. Even though we join our hands, we cannot stand against The Rose Kingdom,"the King said.
"You also don't think too highly of that Rose Kingdom Father" Rishi spoke coldly.
"There is no need. It is also a kingdom. The King is a human and he is a mortal. If we stab him, only blood would come. He is just like all of us" Rishi added.
"Cut the crap Rishi. Now you are teaching me? Those words are good to listen but the truth is far away from this. Do you know how the war will be? Do you know how many lives should be sacrificed?" the King roared.
"I know only one thing father. For my loved ones I will go to any lengths," Rishi answered.
Sumitra's eyes teared up and Raj looked at this brother with pride.
"Recently, because of that only, I left to hunt down that witch. Now because of that only, I will prepare for war. Yes, even if it were to be me alone." Rishi camly stated.
Pondering for a while, the King Chakravarthi asked, "Rishi if you know about the war, you also know about the reason right?"
"Yes, I know." Rishi responded.
"So you know about her parents? Because I had known King Shivraj for a long time and I knew about the potential his Kingdom had. When such a Kingdom failed against the Rose kingdom, there is no point in this war now, Rishi. It is just like sending sheeps to the slaughter house" his father stated.
"But time changes everything father. Maybe he is not invincible like he was. I believe the Lotus Kingdom is not weak. I witnessed the people there, they won't back down. I heard they already have a strategy for the war," Rishi informed.
"Maybe time changes and people change but the fear in people's hearts never changes. They will eventually break down seeing the strength of Rose kingdom. So let this discussion over. We're not making the alliance," King Chakravarthi stated.
"Your Majesty. Why are you behaving like this? I know my husband is never afraid of wars. But why refuse to take your son's side?" Queen Sumitra fumed.
"Sumitra. This is not about my son, it's about our children that is the people of our kingdom. If we are going to war we will be fighting with none but demons. It will cost the lives of many and that is for our son's marriage. Do you really want to let that happen?" King Chakravarthi snapped.
Sumitra's eyes turned icy, and she asked "Your Majesty, have you forgotten the time when you caged your own son and made him study harder for the sake of people's welfare? Did you forget the time when you made him learn martial arts even though he's suffering from fever? Did you forget how harsh you were on him whenever he made a small mistake? Did you forget the time when you made him starve for 2 to 3 days? Why did you not do all these things to others?"
"Everytime I requested you to don't make it harder on a small kid, did you listen to my words? You said it is all for his own good. I and Rishi obeyed your every word and loved you for your care for us. Is that all only to maintain your position and just to hold that throne in the family?" Sumitra fumed.
"Enough!!" King roared.
"This marriage will not happen. You may all leave." King chakravarthi said.
"Mother, calm down. Even though my father doesn't accept this marriage she is my wife.There is no change. For this I will sacrifice anything," Rishi stated.
"Are you blackmailing me? Huh?" King Chakravathi snapped.
"No Father. I am stating the truth. I asked for your blessings and if you don't approve of it, I am not going to sacrifice Ashmita for you." Rishi said firmly.
"Good. Very good. Then don't expect me to give you the throne. You are not qualified to be a king" King chakravarthi fumed.
"The throne? Why would I want it when it is the very obstacle that stands between me and Ashmita? I do not want it father." Rishi stated and left the room.
Raj also ran behind Rishi leaving the chamber to the Queen and the King.
Raj went near Rishi and dragged him to the edge of the hallway, though he knows Rishi is not in a mood to listen.
"Have you gone mad? Why did you speak with your father like that? Did you really leave the throne for my sister-in-law?" Raj asked.
"What do you think? I did leave it! I am not qualified to be a king only when I am not in a position to save Ashmitha. How good would it be to be a King if he at least can't stand up to what he actually believes?" Rishi stated.
"You mad man. Even though you're right, you should've given father some time. You know he is stressed a lot recently. Maybe that is why he spoke like that," Raj reasoned.
"No Raj. I know father very well. He wouldn't change his mind about this. Raj this is the first time I loved and now my feelings for her are getting really strong. If I do not have the throne, I sure am free to do anything." Rishi stated.
Raj sighed and informed, "Rishi, you know no decision is wise when taken at rage. And as such, maybe you've forgotten this.. To protect Ashmita, you need more power. Just wait a few days please. Believe me, if in a few days your father doesn't compromise, I am not stopping you."
"Few days Rishi, please, for Sister-in-law" Raj pleaded.
Rishi pondered for a while and nodded in approval. After that he went towards his room.