Chapter 63 - The Plan

Lotus Kingdom.

The army fleet assembled in an order at the training area. Maira, Ashmita and her team are standing in front of the soldiers.

"Attention! It's a drill. Leader of the South troop, forward!" Ashmita shouted with an air of authority. She's the youngest commander general of the army.

"Yes Commander!" The south troop leader came forward.

"Update."

"My troop is trained ready for the war commander. Awaiting the orders."

"Is your troop well equipped?"

"Yes Commander!"

"The other troops, Are you ready?"

"Aye Commander!" Everyone shouted in unison.

"Good."

Then Maira came forward and stood beside Ashmita. They both looked and nodded at each other.

Maira turned towards the fleet and started speaking, "You know, winning this war saves our people from becoming slaves to that evil King. We have to do this to keep our Kingdom's dignity and show that we're not any tiny kingdom who's afraid of fighting. The love we have for each other will give us strength to give them a fierce fight. Let's have courage and unwithered loyalty to win this. But be careful, one simple mistake can cause other big ones to roll down our way. What do you say? We live to win??"

"We live to win!!" soldiers' voices echoed as one voice.

"Good. Also Thanks. Even though we're fighting for what we believe, the decision we made and the lives we live for, we all know at the back of our hearts that saving my parents is a part of this war. Maybe we'd have avoided the war if it's not for them. But you know? This war will help our brother's and sisters who are getting trampled from the past two decades in the Jasmine kingdom. You and I have relations in that kingdom that're formed after my parents' marriage alliance. It is time to show that we still remember them. It is time we liberate them. It is time we give back to humanity. Thanks for believing in us, in the decisions we've made but not doubting to work with us not at least one moment. We thank you all."

Ashmita took over and said, "Yes we are and always will be grateful to you all. If you people didn't agree to fight then maybe this is not possible. You all know what a war against the Rose kingdom can be like, but still you risk your lives and come to fight for us. We don't have enough words to thank you. Thank you so much".

"We will remember this throughout our lives" both Maira and Ashmita bowed at a time.

Everyone's hearts melted. They have never witnessed the rulers bowing to their servants but here the Princess of two great kingdoms showing their gratitude in that way.

"Commander, please don't thank us. We are living a very comfortable and peaceful life because of you."

"Yes commander, if it's not for our Princess Aardhya, our lives wouldn't have become this evolved and happier than ever.."

"So whatever the reason is, we're always grateful to the Royal family for caring for us and treating us like children. We are happy to help. And in fact, It is our duty to protect the Princess of our Kingdom."

"Yes commander, thanks for making us a part in bringing her back from evil clutches."

"We are with you in this. So there's no need to thank us. We're just glad to take your orders in the war."

Everyone expresses their gratitude from the bottom of their hearts.

Maira and Ashmita were also touched by their sincere words and felt blessed to have them.

Devil's Team members came forward and said, "We're all with you in this."

At night a feast was held in the palace and everyone from ministers to common people attended. This is the feast before they started going to war. It will boost people for the upcoming war and can also be the last meal with their family members.

Everyone enjoyed the feast and went to their home for rest. Everyone will set their journey off at any moment, so they stopped practicing and gave rest to their bodies.

But Maira, Ashmita and the team have other things to do. They are planning the moves for the war. They need to come up with a flawless strategy.

The map of Jasmine is laid on the table. Everyone present in the room is deeply thinking about the plan, proposing their ideas and debating.

Maira stood up and informed, "We need to make sure of 3 things"

"One. We need to protect Lotus Kingdom after we went out for war. It will become vulnerable when there are no people and army strength."

"So Ashmita, I will suggest you to ask for a helping hand from Oak to protect the kingdom once we set out for war."

"Sure sister. But what if Oak doesn't help us?" Ashmita asked.

"Yes Maira. We also don't receive any help from our neighbouring kingdoms. We've already sent a message for their help," Karthik added.

"We sent a message to Iris Kingdom also?" Ashmita suddenly asked.

"Yes, we sent for every kingdom which is having good connections with us, but still we haven't received any information from them. Maybe they're afraid to fight Rose." Karthik responded.

Ashmita nodded and fell in deep thought but her thoughts were disturbed by Maira.

"No problem. Those kingdoms aren't involved with us for now. At least they will help us when we get Jasmine Kingdom. And for your question we don't have a choice to leave some people in order to protect lives" Maira stated.

Everyone nodded in approval.

"But I think Oak will surely help us. If not, Ashmita, we're counting on you to convince him." Maira informed.

"Sure sis. I will do it early in the morning" Ashmita replied.

Maira nodded and continued. "Second thing is we need to know the ins and outs of Jasmine Kingdom. So that if we face an emergency, we can back off quickly."

"That is correct but we gather everything from grandfather and Yashoda ma. Isn't it helpful?" Vijay inquired.

"Yes, that is helpful but not quite handy." Maira responded.

"Only some hidden spies or some of the queen or king's people would know about those things," Karthik stated.

"Exactly, and for this we already have someone who knows about Jasmine in and out, completely." Maira started with a smile.

"Really?"

"Yes. Raghu dada and Raji ma. These 2 people are my mother's most trusted people and they are trained to protect mother in any possible danger. They are trained and stuffed with all the secrets about the kingdom," Maira informed.

"Yeah. We almost forgot about them. Guess, the second problem is resolved. Tomorrow we will ask them to explain about Jasmine kingdom secret passages" Pratap exclaimed.

"Sure. I already informed dada they will surely help us." Maira stated.

"Then, what's the third thing sister?" Ashmita inquired.

Maira smirked and informed, "It is..."